“Thanks for coming.”
“Right, anyway. My father wants to meet you in his office. I like you and he listens to what I say.”
“Um… okay,” I stammer. “When?”
“Eager, that’s good. Eager talent means you’re willing to work your ass off to make a name for yourself. That’s perfect really.”
I nod eagerly. I don’t know what I’m supposed to say or do right now.
“Do you want to know about Moreno Entertainment?” she asks.
“Oh… um… yes. Can you tell me?”
“For someone who wants to succeed you should know the players. Moreno Entertainment is one of the best agencies out there. We handle everything you can think of and have our own in-house distribution. If you want a traditional record deal with Capitol Records or with us, it’s done. We don’t dick around with our clients; each one is a top priority. Our talent managers keep their client list to a minimum to afford each of the best service. We have some of the most sought after talent signed with us and we’re interested in you.”
Hearing her say that they’re interested in me sends my mind reeling. This is what I’ve been waiting for and I was about to give up. My nerves are on edge, I feel like I’m going to burst. My hands shake and as I fight to control them I try to come up with the appropriate response. Somehow “where do I sign” doesn’t seem like the right one even though that’s what I’m screaming on the inside.
I bite down on the side of my cheek, hard and likely drawing blood, but it brings me back to the now. “I’m definitely interested,” I say as calmly as possible.
“I figured. Here’s my card. I’ll see you tomorrow at nine a.m.” I take the card from her hand and examine it. Samantha Moreno, Talent Manager. I look up as she starts to walk way.
“Excuse me, Ms. Moreno. Are you only interested in me or my band?”
She stops suddenly and by her stance, I know she means business. Her long legs are barely a shoulder width apart, one foot is jutted out and her hands on her hips. “I wasn’t aware you had a band?”
I nod quickly. “A drummer,” I say, hoping that Harrison will come with me. If not, I’ll just look like a fool when I show up tomorrow.
“Bring whoever you want, Mr. Page, just show up tomorrow. I don’t have time to mess around.”
“Yes ma’am,” I mutter as she stalks away, disappearing in the blink of an eye. I look back at the business card I’m holding and finally allow myself to smile. I pump my arm in the air a few times and yell as loudly as I can. The busy street traffic blocks out my bellow so I don’t have to worry about anyone coming to see if I’m okay.
I rush back into the club and pray that Harrison isn’t on stage. Someone’s playing, but it sounds like an acoustic set so my chances are good that he’ll still be in the green room. When I walk in, I find him in the same place I left him, except this time his face looks like someone just kicked his dog.
“What are you doing tomorrow morning at nine?”
He looks up, startled. He doesn’t show any emotion when he answers. “Nothing,” he huffs.
“Great because we have a meeting with Moreno Entertainment, they want to sign us.”
Harrison shakes his head. “They want to sign you.”
I step forward and hand him the card. “Not this time, Harrison. You’re coming with me.”
Chapter 35
Moreno Entertainment isn’t anything like I thought it would be. Honestly, I was expecting some corporate America building like you see on television, where you walk in and have to stand awkwardly and wait for the receptionist to stop yapping on the phone so she can tell you where you need to go. Instead, we walk into this old warehouse that has character and charm. The ceiling is exposed with its heating ducts and beams adding to the ambiance. It’s very industrial and not stuffy at all. I thought I’d feel intimidated but I don’t. I feel very at ease sitting here waiting for Ms. Moreno to greet us.
Magazines litter the table in front of us and along the wall there’s award after award, evidence that Moreno Entertainment’s talent is top notch. This is what I’ve wanted. I may not have earned it the way I thought I would, but I’m here and I’m ready.
My leg bounces from nerves and my hand pulls at my tie. Harrison sits across from me and for the first time he’s not in a hat. His dark hair is slicked back and if my grandma had seen him, she’d be telling him to get a haircut. He’s dressed in a suit as well; neither of us are taking any risks that may indicate that we’re not serious about being here.
“Are you scared?” I ask Harrison. He shrugs and shuffles a few of the magazines around on the table.
“If you are never scared, embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take chances.”
“Who said that?” I ask.
Harrison chuckles. “I read it in a fortune cookie. It sounded good so I memorized it. I never thought I’d have a chance to use it though.”