Page 60 of The River in Spring
“Was that intentional on your part?” Jimmy asks.
“It’s all intentional, Jimmy.”
That is who this producer is. I think we are about to be educated in the business of music. Hopefully the reputation that precedes him is accurate. Smart, a fighter for his clients, and fair unless you fuck him.
“I know Archangel’s debut tour is coming up. So you think we are going to be offered opening act for …?” Tony gets half a question out.
“Don’t know.” The sharp response quiets us all. “He wants to see you perform. He will be discussing that with you today. Here’s a tip when dealing with him. One. He’s on his own time. Do not rely on him being punctual about anything other than his performances or recording sessions. Two. He is a man of few words when it comes to anything other than his music. That he can write a book on. He doesn’t give a rat’s ass for his personal life. And he doesn’t care about yours. So, don’t get chatty. It will work against you.”
Jimmy speaks first. “You don’t have anything to worry about, Arthur. No chatty musicians or divas here.”
“Even if we had earned the status, it’s not who we are,” I add.
“I’ve heard that a hundred times before. It doesn’t impress me. Actions do. Just be mindful of the advantage you’re being offered.”
“Okay. And we want to thank you, Arthur. For the second chance,” I say with genuine gratitude.
“Yeah. Just get your asses here and we will see how things play out. No promises.”
The call ends and the screaming starts. We are out of our seats and hugging each other before any words are spoken. I’m jumping up and down with Jimmy. Oscar heads for the refrigerator and a beer.
“Oh my God!!!” I scream. “Is this happening?”
“It’s happening. Maybe, as Arthur says,” Deborah adds.
“What time is it?”
“Almost one fifteen.”
“Oh shit. I’m going to get dressed for the wedding. I’ve got time. Come with me,” I say to Deborah.
Jimmy gives me a look which I choose to ignore and move into the bedroom. Closing the door behind me, I quickly strip out of my summer dress. Shoes get kicked off.
“That went well, huh?” I say.
“Think we have a good chance at this. God, what if we get a record deal?”
I grab the royal blue beauty and step in. “I’m so excited I can hardly stand it!” I say, stepping into my heels.
I look in Grandma’s wall mirror, and can almost hear her voice, ‘You look beautiful, honey’, she would say.
Deborah has a final comment.
“Stay calm and everything will fall into place. Michael Angelica is gonna love you, honey. Everybody does.”
Somewhere Grandma is smiling.
It’s 7:04, two minutes later than the last time I checked.
“Please quit looking,” ZZ says.
“I can’t help it. We could be here all night.”
Jimmy stands and goes to the window. “This is bullshit. He could have texted.”
Deborah answers behind closed eyes as she stretches out on the couch. “Quit thinking he is on your schedule. That doesn’t concern the man. Get used to it.”
That reminds me how late I am to the wedding. It’s already three hours past my guesstimate. At four I texted Nobel with the update. His response sounded like he was pissed. Five words.Get here when you can.Am I reading too much into that? I’m not leaving though. I will stay here if I have to sleep in this dress, sitting in this position in front of the computer.
