Page 78 of Private Tutoring
I opened the door and stepped through. My foot barely made contact with the concrete floor before I froze. Recognition struck, rendering me speechless.
Travis Straplin stood beside Matthew’s desk. He looked like he’d stepped out of the box office on Broadway, his three-piece suit immaculate and his hair slicked back.
“Harmony, you know Mr. Straplin.” Matthew gestured toward me.
Mr. Straplin stepped forward. “Please, call me Travis.”
“Um, no way.” I shook his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Straplin.” I raised my eyebrows at Matthew in awhat the hell?kind of way.
He grinned and coughed into his fist. “Travis wanted to check out our talent on opening night.”
Travis. He called the talent agent notorious for getting Broadway stars their big break by his first name. Holy shit. I lost the ability to speak.
“Yes, well. I’d emailed Matthew a few times throughout the semester, asking about any talent he might have. He offered to let me come and see for myself, and I have to say, I was not disappointed.” He rounded Matthew’s desk and picked up a stack of papers that he extended toward me. “I’m prepared to offer you a contract, Miss Vogel.”
My mouth hung open, and I snapped it shut. “Do you just so happen to walk around with contracts in your pocket?”
“No.” He grinned and reached down, pulling a briefcase off the floor. “I carry them in this.”
“Oh, well, in that case.” I took a step closer. “Sorry. I’m not usually sarcastic. It’s just…this can’t be real.”
“It’s very real.” He set the papers on the side closest to me. “You can take that with you. Look it over, show it to a lawyer, and call me if you have any questions.”
I looked to Matthew, who stood with his hands in his pockets and a giant grin showing all his teeth. He shrugged when I kept staring. “This is your future. Your decision.”
“What’s your opinion?” I needed a secondary opinion before I ripped the papers off the desk and signed without even reading the first line.
“I’ve never known Travis to steer anyone wrong. He recognizes talent. We both believe you can have a future in the business.” He brought one hand out and tapped the papers. “You can read the papers. He’s not going to rescind the offer because you wanted to verify the fine print.”
“Definitely. You might even want to ask for a few things to be changed. You have the power to do that, Miss Vogel. Remember that. Broadway needs you and your talent, that gives you leverage.” He said it with a straight face, and it made me want to believe him.
I’d never had leverage before. “How long can I take to make a decision?” I already knew I wanted to sign, but I didn’t want to look desperate. If he really meant it, I could have Mom look at the contract with me and help me negotiate. She worked as a paralegal for a fancy lawyer. He might even look it over for me.
“Two weeks?” Mr. Straplin grasped the briefcase and pulled it to his side. “If you need more time, call and let me know.” He held out a hand. “I look forward to the chance to work for you, Miss Vogel.”
I shook his hand. “Thank you.”
He walked out, leaving me alone with Matthew. “Is this real life?”
“It damn well better be.” He laughed while sweeping me into his arms. “Stephen and Roberto are waiting for us outside.”
“Okay. I need a minute to change.” I kissed his cheek and bounced out of his office, going straight for the changing room with my name scribbled on the nameplate in white chalk. I scrubbed my face and changed into comfortable clothes, called out goodbye to my friends standing around chatting, and made my way to the door that opened into the rear parking lot.
We’d ridden over in Stephen’s SUV, and the three of them stood in front of it, waiting for me. I paused to take in the sight. Three gloriously handsome men who loved me unconditionally.
My stomach did a little flip. They loved me. I’d thought that was too good to be true, but I saw it in the way they looked at me, how they treated me. I didn’t know this kind of happiness was possible until I met them.
I whistled on my way across the parking lot. “Looking good, gentlemen.” Stephen and Roberto had watched my performance too. They’d been in the middle of the auditorium, and I’d sang Cosette’s songs directly to them throughout the night.
We met halfway between the door and Stephen’s SUV, the night air warm and fragrant.
“You were amazing.” Stephen brought a hand out from behind his back, revealing a dozen red roses.
“I cheered so hard I lost my voice.” Roberto croaked and held out a box of fancy chocolates. “I knew you had range, but damn.” He shook his head. “Incredible. You’re going to knock Broadway on its ass.”
“He told you about the offer?” I glared at Matthew, who raised his hands.
“Offer?” Roberto and Stephen echoed. “What offer?”
