“Yes ma’am. I’m aware.” She’d helped them land a huge contract with Grand Central Records. Well, their talent caught the recording label’s notice. But she’d negotiated the contract. At least that was my memory of what I’d heard through the grapevine. “May I ask why you’re calling me?”
Creed rolled his eyes.
Spencer gripped my arm. Thankfully the onenotholding the phone.
“I saw your concert last month.”
I wracked my mind. We’d done two. One at a dive bar just off Commercial Drive and one at The Pearl. “Oh?”
“You were the opening act. Way better than the headlining band.”
I’d thought the same thing, but never would’ve said it. I had just been grateful for the opportunity to play at a real venue.
Mama Murthi and Spencer had worked our merch table, and we’d sold out of CDs and most of our T-shirts. Not bad for being the opening act.
I cleared my throat. “Well, at least you saw one of our better performances.”
Creed groaned.
I shot him a look.
Spencer tightened his grip on my arm.
“Yes, well.” A moment passed. “I’ve heard you’re hit and miss. More hits than misses, but you need work. Refinement. Control.”
She wasn’t saying anything I didn’t already know. We were good. We could be better. We needed to be at the top of our game to get to Rocktoberfest.
“I want to rep you.”
Creed pumped his fist in the air.
“What’s the catch?” Because there was always a catch. Top-notch agents didn’t just call out of the blue and offer to rep.At least she’s heard you play.
“You know I plucked Grindstone out of obscurity and made them stars.”
“Sure.”Where is she going with this?
“That took years. Raw talent but no discipline. Axel and Ed also needed to find the right keyboardist, drummer, and bassist.”
“My band is my family. I’m not doing any of this without—”
“Relax.” She chuckled. “You’ve got a good band together already. But you need…more.”
“So you said. What do you suggest?”
“I’d like to meet with you in person before giving you the pitch.”
That sounds ominous.“Look, Ms. Magnum. You’re busy. We’re busy. Why don’t you say what you have to say, and then we can decide whether or not to meet.”
Again, she chuckled. “Persistent. I like that. I have someone willing to work with you. An award-winning producer. But…it’s complicated.”
Creed and I exchanged glances.
I checked the time on my phone. “Creed’s already here. Reese and Freddie are due in an hour. Our lawyer’s here as well.”
Spencer coughed.
“That’s an interesting turn.” Pauletta’s voice came across as amused.
