"Do you know her?" Scooter suddenly realized something.
"Yes." Ryan answered casually.
"Are you her boyfriend? You never told me that before." This was probably the umpteenth time Scooter had been surprised during this phone call.
"Something like that," Ryan said.
"Have you told Scott about this?" Scooter asked.
"Not yet. I just got an idea."
"How long will it take to make a demo?"
"Two days, maybe three. It won't take long."
"Let me know as soon as you finish the demo."
"What for?"
"To help you negotiate a deal. Ryan, I know you might be close with Taylor, and she's a hot new artist, but remember: don't let love cloud your judgment. This is a business negotiation. The song could keep generating revenue for years. How long could the two of you even stay together? Maybe only a few months," Scooter analyzed.
He didn't ask about the new song, assuming it was just a love song Ryan had written for Taylor Swift. That was very common.
"I'll let you know ahead of time."
"Remember, don't tell Taylor anything about the new song," Scooter reminded him one last time.
Ryan let the advice go in one ear and out the other. If Taylor hadn't helped him find a lawyer, Scooter's contract probably would have ripped him off. Ryan knew exactly who he could really trust.
So Ryan turned around and called Taylor.
"Aren't you supposed to be training? You need to focus," Taylor said with a laugh.
"Abigail's not around, so I figured I'd make do with you instead," Ryan said offhandedly.
"Get lost."
"Joking aside, I've got something important to tell you. I've got a new song. I think it's pretty good—or, to be precise, really good," Ryan said.
"You've got a new song? Wait, already?!" Taylor was