Page 64 of Key Change

“Yeah, I’ll record the music with you… but I’m going to have to run it past my agent.”

“I expected that. I’m hoping we can agree on a song credit and a royalty split?”

Dahlia was pretty reasonable, and she was aware Cillian had written the song with Bevan. “Put it in an email, and I’ll send it to her.”

“You aren’t going to ask about the job?”

“I’m getting there. What is it and why do you think it would suit Anthony?”

“Remember that digitizing and filing job at the local council my sister’s friend works at, the one my sister said would be perfect for me?”

He had a vague recollection of Bevan’s family suggesting he find a proper job about three months ago. They did that every so often, trying to be helpful. “Kind of.”

“It’s the same job. The person they hired quit after six weeks. So now they’re telling me I have to take it because they can’t find anyone else, because it’s so boring. My sister described it as a perfect entry-level job for someone who enjoys working alone.”

Which did not describe Bevan at all. “And why do you think it’s suitable for Anthony?”

“Because he’s desperate for work.”

Bevan had a point, and Cillian was pretty sure Anthony would accept the job if he was offered it.

“He’d be doing me a favor because, you know, the last thing I want is to be stuck in the bowels of some local government office building sorting through old plans and documents for the next twelve months… It's a twelve-month contract with the exciting opportunity to extend. Just a moment.” There were a coupleof seconds of silence. “I’ve emailed you the previous job listing which my sister helpfully sent me so I could put together a cover letter and résumé.”

“I’m not making any promises for him, however if he wants to apply, who does he need to contact?”

“It’s in the email. He can say Bevan sent him. I swear if he quits after six weeks, I’m on the hook for this job, and I just can’t. I’m close this time. Someone’s interested in that piece…”

There was something else in Bevan’s voice. “That’s great. You’re hoping to get a deal out of it?”

“I’m not sure, but I think putting together a demo is worth it. Would you be willing to work on another couple with me?”

And there it was.

Cillian wanted to say yes, the way he would have a few years ago, but his life was more complicated now. “I can, but it’s going to have to be scheduled in.”

“Yeah, I know you’re on tour next month. Playing with rock stars.”

True, but there was the potential for more money if things worked out with Bevan. “Can you stick that request in the email to my agent as well? She has my schedule. What are you looking for? Another three to make it an EP?”

“That’s what I’m hoping if you can commit. I have some vibes and some lyrics, but they need something else, and I think it’s you.”

Which was flattering, but Bevan was talented in his own right. “You know pop music isn’t my area of expertise.”

“Yes, that’s why it works. You bring something different. Or are you politely telling me to get fucked?”

“No, that’s not it at all. There’s another big project I’ve got to work on as well.”

“Anthony is not a project.”

He totally was a project, and something Cillian wanted to dedicate time to. He laughed. “That’s not what I meant. If you want to send me over lyrics and vibes, I can play with them in my spare time.” Of which there was precious little at the moment.

“I’ll get the okay from your agent first and something on paper. How soon will you be able to listen to what I have?”

“Oh, I can listen immediately. Doing anything with it is a different question.” He needed to learn the soundtrack and finish preparing for the concerts. “I can record the one that’s already done whenever you’re ready.”

“Great. I’ll email your agent now, then maybe we can find a day to get together?”

“I’m sure I can find a day, but I can’t promise it’s going to be convenient for either of us.”

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