"So, how can I help you, Dex?"
"I have a new referral for you. He's an old friend of mine... and before you say no, hear me out."
"Uh-oh. When have I ever said no to you?"
He chuckles. "You might try to this time. He's not an athlete, though he was, a few years ago. He's now a country music artist, just signed to one of the largest labels in Nashville and is going on tour with Deville this summer. He’s found himself in a bit of a debacle, teetering on the edge of scandal."
"Debacle, teetering on the edge of scandal sounds interesting, but did you forget my public relations business is for professionalathletes, not musicians and artists? We’re calledSterling Sports Public Relations, a name that you helped me come up with, for a reason."
"I said hear me out, Mae,” he says.
I sigh. "Okay." I fire up my tablet and begin to create a blank case in our software system to jot down the details of his case. "Is he already represented by a firm or a publicist?"
"No, he's only been on the music scene for about two years now, but he's a clean-cut, homegrown, small town guy. His agent tried to hook him up with a different firm when he got signed to a major label last year, but he brushed it off, insisting he didn'tneed one."
"They always do until they realize it’s better to have one on retainer," I laugh. "How do you know him?"
"I met him in college at the University of Michigan. He played on the football team and was later drafted by the Atlanta Birds, which is when we lost touch. I'm not sure what led him to switch from football to music, but it looks like it’s been working in his favor."
"Okay, so he's a country music artist, recently signed, unrepresented, and either in a scandal or on the brink of one, but you don't know the details?" I ask, tapping my pen impatiently on my desk. I know Sienna’s taking notes too but Dexter’s hardly giving us anything to work with here.
"Exactly. We ran into each other at a mutual friend's bachelor party in Las Vegas last weekend. He asked who represented me, and I told him I had the perfect person for discreet, under-the-radar work. Coincidentally, he's based in Nashville too, which fits perfectly with the country music scene, and, well, you."
“That sounds suggestive.”
He chuckles, deep and low. “When was the last time you dated, Mae? He’s a good looking guy. From a small town, too. Might be something there.”
“You know I don’t date my clients,” I stress as he laughs again. “Plus, I don’t need you playing match maker for me. I’m not that desperate.”
“She needs to get laid,” Sienna chimes in through the line as I glare back at her through the glass door. She shrugs and mouthsit’s true.Which, honestly, it is.
“Business is business. I get he’s not a professional athlete, but I think this could be a great case for you to take on,” he continues, easily flipping back to the reason he called.
I rap my nails on the wood desktop, deep in thought becauseI’m sure he’s right. Yes, I’m five years into managing my own company, and our business has grown ten-fold, but I’m still not in a position to turn down new clients and work. Especially in Nashville where there are thousands of country music artists looking for representation.
"This doesn't fit within our scope and brand. Are you sure there isn’t another firm that you can refer him to that might be better suited to serve artists and musicians? I don’t want to let you or him down. Even my newer agents aren’t equipped with this type of experience,"
"You promised that if I had someone, you'd at least consider them. And I recall you saying something about being willing to learn about whatever I bring to you."
I sigh, remembering the promise that I'd made to Dexter five years ago. Dexter had stayed true to his word, constantly referring his friends who needed publicists to my firm. Business is booming, and I’ve been able to hire two more full-time publicists within the past year due to his support. If this is just one more favor that he wants me to do, I can’t tell him no.
"Yes, I said whatever sport you bring to me I would learn about, but I know nothing about the music scene."
"You literally live in the heart of it. It might be a good way to venture into PR outside of sports. Give him a chance. He's a great guy. Like I said, clean-cut, with a solid upbringing, honest, and hardworking. I can't imagine he's done anything wrong. I don't even think he hangs around with the typical groupies in Nashville. It'll be an easy ten grand for you to resolve whatever minor issue he has and safeguard his image and reputation."
Maybe he’s right and I can tell this matters to him. "Okay. Put him in touch with Sienna to get on my calendar for a consultation this week. We'll see what his issue is then go from there."
"Have I told you how much I love you?"
I laugh and roll my eyes. “I love you too, Dex.”
"Hey, I’ll be in Nashville this week for a game. I think I'll come with him. I miss you," he says, lowering his voice a few octaves though the playfulness is still there.
I laugh. "According to the article I saw inLas Vegas Star Sports Todaythat featured you and a certain blonde, busty model, no you don’t miss me, Dexter, but I’d love to see you and show you what we're doing with the expansion at the offices. Stop by anytime."
"That sounds nice. Can't wait. See you soon. And you-Sienna!” he bellows at the end. “Dinner is on me, ladies.”
“Goodbye, Dexter,” Sienna sing songs and I can’t help but smile. Because this little trio of mine that I never knew I needed five years ago has somehow become my everything.
