Page 76 of The Last Love Song
‘Okay.’
Helen went downstairs and sat behind the reception desk. Her adrenalin was pumping, her concentration wandering as she answered the telephone.
‘Hello, Metropolitan Records. Can I help you?’
‘Yeah, Brad, please. It’s Freddy Martin.’
‘I’m afraid he’s in a meeting. Can I take a message?’
‘Tell him not to forget about the gig at the Civic tonight. I’ll see him there around half seven.’
‘I’ll tell him, Freddy.’
‘Good girl. Wanna come along to the gig tonight and see the hottest band around?’
‘I’m afraid I’m busy. Another time maybe.’
‘Sure. Mind you tell him to be there tonight.’
‘I will. Goodbye, Freddy.’
‘Bye, love.’
An hour later, Helen and Brad were eating sandwiches in the pub.
‘So, what you’re saying, simplified, is that you’d be prepared to pay off Metropolitan’s debts, and also inject enough money to keep us going for the next twelve months?’
‘Yes.’
‘And what you want for that in return is fifty per cent of the company?’
‘That’s correct.’
Brad sighed and shook his head. ‘I dunno, love. I’m so usedto being autonomous. Would I have to run to you every time I had to make a decision?’
‘A financial decision, yes. As far as the music side of the business goes, I’ll be completely guided by you. I’m well aware I know nothing about bands and what sells. If you spot a group with potential, as long as the figures work, then that’s fine by me.’
‘Okay, okay, so, let’s put a test case.’ Brad took a bite out of his sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. ‘I’m going to see a group tonight. I’ve heard their demo and if they’re as good live, I’d be keen to sign them. Would I have the autonomy to do that?’
‘Well, I presume what would happen is that we’d sit down and work out a suitable and sensible financial package. But yes, if you thought they had what it takes, I’d be happy to go along with you.’
‘So you really would leave that side of things to me?’
‘Absolutely.’
Brad nodded. ‘Okay. Now, I have to say this, love, you are only a temporary assistant with an inheritance and a year’s business course behind you. Do you think you could cope with running the financial side of Metropolitan?’
‘No, not immediately. I thought maybe we could employ an accountant for a while, someone who has had experience in the music business. They could put some order into the company and at the same time train me to keep the financial side of things on track. Only when I’m completely confident I can do the job myself would I look to take over the reins. Remember, it’ll be my money keeping the company going and I don’t want to jeopardise things by running before I can walk.’
‘That sounds sensible. I know a good accountant chap who left Parlophone a while back. He won’t be cheap, though.’
‘Then I’ll have to learn quickly, won’t I?’ she smiled.
Brad rubbed his face with the palms of his hands, then yawned. ‘I’m wrecked, Helen, absolutely wrecked.’
‘I’m sure you are. Look, Brad, why don’t you sleep on it? But make a decision by the end of the week. The sooner you make your mind up, the sooner we can deal with the Inland Revenue and start clearing some of these debts. Otherwise there might be no Metropolitan Records at all.’
‘Yeah, you’re right. Blimey, Helen, it must have been fate you coming to work for us. At least now I’ve got an option. And whatever I decide, I’m grateful for all your help.’ Brad stood up. ‘I’m going home for the afternoon. I’ve got to get my head straight about all this and I can’t do that until I’ve had some sleep.’
