Page 78 of The Last Love Song
‘Look, Helen, I just came to say that if your offer’s still on the table, I’ll take it. I’ve put so much work into Metropolitan that I couldn’t bear to lose it. This way, at least, I’m only losing half.’
Helen nodded, pleased. ‘Wonderful news! We need to finalise some details then and obviously get some documents drawn up by a solicitor.’
‘As soon as possible,’ Brad agreed. ‘I presume you’ll be cutting short your business studies course?’
‘Well, it does seem rather pointless now I have the real thing to keep me busy.’ She smiled.
‘I’m not casting aspersions on your obvious head for figures, but you will have an awful lot to learn.’
‘I know. And that’s why we’ll employ an accountant as soon as possible.’
‘Fine. As long as you are happy to do that, and you really will be prepared to let me get on with the creative side of the business without interfering, then let’s run with it.’ Brad smiled at her and held out his hand. ‘Shake on it.’ Helen grasped it firmly. ‘Howdee, partner,’ he laughed. ‘Welcome to Metropolitan Records.’
‘Thank you, partner.’
‘Look, I’ll leave you to get your beauty sleep now. We can talk tomorrow morning.’
‘Sure.’
‘Oh, just one more thing.’
‘Yes?’
‘I’ve seen a band who I really think might have something. I know the timing isn’t good but if I don’t snatch them up, then someone else is bound to. I want to call their manager and make them an offer tomorrow. It would mean putting up some kind of initial advance, but I really think they’re worth it.’
Helen wondered if Brad was testing her. She shrugged casually.
‘If you think Metropolitan Records needs this group, then I won’t argue against it. I’ve no idea how much a band is worth.’
‘Depends how desperate they are,’ he laughed. ‘I reckon we can get this particular group for a relatively small amount of money.’
‘That sounds like a good start.’
‘Yes, well. Anyway, I’ll leave you be.’ Brad stood up and headed for the door. ‘Night, Helen, and thanks for saving my bacon.’
‘That’s okay. There’s just one other thing that needs addressing.’
‘What’s that?’ Brad turned.
Helen’s eyes twinkled. ‘I think we should find ourselves a new temporary receptionist, don’t you?’
23
‘Well, did he turn up?’
Six pairs of expectant eyes gazed at Freddy.
Freddy shrugged. ‘I don’t know, Todd, I really don’t. If he did, he didn’t make himself known to me, but they do that sometimes. I’ll give him a ring tomorrow morning.’
A chorus of cursing rang out from the band members.
Lulu and Sorcha squeezed their respective men’s hands in a show of support.
‘Don’t get downhearted, lads. Even if he didn’t show, there’s no reason why he wouldn’t turn up at a gig next week. Come on, what can I get you to drink?’
‘Beers all round, I think,’ Todd answered.
‘And gins for the girls, Freddy,’ said Lulu.
