Page 69 of Back Up Plan

They sat in the middle of the table, in the same seats they had when Ari met with them last month. Her life felt so wildly different since then and somehow, exactly the same. She was still at this table, struggling to keep up with her work. And even though Jess had become more of an asset to her, she was failing to do her share: the parts that really requires her help

Hopefully, when she saw Cass next, they could work out a way to spend less time together. Although, the thought of being away from her, shattered something in Ari.

The agents started to pitch their ideas, some had new clients ready to be signed and most had big plans for their catalog.

Ari looked back at her notes and studied her pick Andrew Darwin. He was a strange guy, taking bizarre roles as abrasive men but was largely regarded as a kind and gentle soul. He would do the trick.

The conversation made its way around the table, finally reaching Tommy who started her pitch.

“I’ve had a wonderful time seeing a few shows Off-Broadway starring this young guy, Andrew Darwin. He’s got something special and I think I could really bring him up,” Tommy said.

Fuck, Ari thought as Tommy kept speaking of his accomplishments.

Tara chimed in, “That sounds wonderful. With your client list, you should be able to introduce him to some mentors who made the transition from stage to screen. He’s got a very leading-man quality.”

Sydney nodded, “Well spotted, Tommy.”

Tommy nodded and made some notes on her laptop, cordially thanking the group for their time.

Ari scrambled to find something, someone else to pitch.

But, when her turn came, Ari defaulted, “I’m just working on getting Kylie’s next project. There’s a studio interested in signing her for a comic book series that we may go for.”

The partners waited for more. When Ari offered nothing else, Mark said, “Thanks, Ariel.”

Without another word, the meeting continued on. Though, Ari could feel Sydney’s eyes on her. She looked at her laptop messages, a Slack note from Tommy in their private chat:

Sorry dude, I didn’t know you had eyes on Darwin.

Ari smiled her way and wrote back:

No worries, I should’ve asked for your thoughts.

Soon enough, the meeting was adjourned and Ari packed up her things. As she stood, Sydney said, “Ms. Graves, hang back for a moment.”

Tommy looked back as she exited the room, pouting at Ari.

Once the room cleared a deafening silence filled the space.

Mark cleared his throat as he looked at Ari, “So, Ari. We’re glad Kylie is doing well.”

Sydney and Tara nodded, no one saying anything.

“I’ll jump right in,” Sydney offered, leaning forward and crossing her hands.

Ari felt a lump in her throat, one that felt like a boulder trying to slip through a drain spout.

“We are all quite disappointed in your scouting. It’s come to our attention that your assistant has been compiling lists for you and you haven’t been going to see any of them,” Sydney said.

Ari nodded, taking a breath to respond when Tara added, “What we need to reinforce is the importance of showing up for these showings. If talent sees your assistant coming to a few shows and then you not following up, they’re going to feel burned — not just by you — but the entire agency.”

Ari crossed her hands on her lap and slowed her breathing. They were right, it was unprofessional and they hadn’t seen the half of it.

Mark said, “Ariel, we promoted you because we believed in you. You stayed late every day, you were bringing John clients that make us hundreds of thousands a year. And that was as an assistant.”

“Promotions cost money,” Sydney said, “And in order to justify the expense, we need to know that said promotion and raise is going to be lucrative. Even if that investment takes some time to pay out.”

Tara nodded, “And we need to shore up our investment in you.”

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