Chapter Fourteen
Cal
"So, look, we have a five-spot open for the Sue this Friday and there is a lot of talk about Lexington Cherry, who happens to be working with Cal Dorian." Danny Vigil, the owner and promotor for Lennox records says to me as I set up the equipment in Noah's basement.
"Hold on Danny." I say, knowing he is chomping at the bit as are other promotors and labels once the word broke on social media that I am collaborating with a soulful hip hop artist. It will also be in the guitar issue of Sound Logic Magazine after it hits newsstands in three days.
Could I have set this up more perfectly?
No, no I could not have.
I look to Noah who is aligning the two pianos that were just delivered as well as the set of orchestral drums I rented for this little private gig. "Set the drums up. Shame is running late." I say to Lex and Noah who glare at me.
"Sorry Danny." I say, the right tone of boredom in my voice. This part of my life is second nature and excitement are a dead giveaway to a thirsty star. I am confident in what we created and I waited on the call from Lennox. "The Sue?"
I play like I am thinking, but the Sue is the best spot for an intimate show that will fill up fast and keep it at the seams. "I will need to ask Lex if she feels ready."
Lex looks at me like I am crazy and starts stomping her foot to get my attention and I wave her off. "Trust him Lex, he has them all eating out of the palm of his hand. This is where he owns the industry." Noah says and Chad laughs in agreement.
"So, let's talk payment. What's the price to get you in A Bar Named Sue?" He asks and I roll my eyes.
"You can’t afford my fee and Lex isn’t playing for less than five grand. Bottom line." I say and start unwinding amp cords.
"Done. Are we in agreement?" He asks and I make him wait.
"I will talk it over with Lex and get back with you in the morning." I say and he tries, he really does try to light a fire under my ass.
"Well, that leaves us less than five days to promote. You need a packed venue Cal." He says and I roll my eyes as I set up the amp.
"Like I said, tomorrow. If they book, they book. We want the Sue, but I know all the best venues for this type of show so I can get it promoted no problem." I throw my weight at him and he knows I am right. Lennox is no bullshit though and he has pride.
"Well, even if they do book, we have the same cred and I could pack any venue in a twenty-four-hour notice if I had to Cal. You know it and I know it. The Sue wants you and Lennox wants the opportunity to be the first bid if we like what we see. Work with me, cut the cocky shit."
That is what I needed. I might be arrogant, but I wasn’t stupid. I wanted Lennox too and it all is one big pissing contest until someone cracks. Lennox, not me.
"We will do the Sue, but I better see labels, promotors and reporters." I say, knowing I fed everything I wanted to gain to him by holding back.
"Sounds good. I will send the booking to Coven." That makes me pause.
"I won’t work with Coven, not on this. This isn’t TAT business and I don’t want Coven anywhere near this show." The venom in my tone has everyone quiet.
"You’re an active member of TAT, they could fight this and win easily Cal, you know that." Danny says and he is right.
"Fuck yeah... Look send the booking to Brian and he can deal with Coven." I say, mad as fuck I have to throw any bones their way.
"I will get on it." Danny says and makes small talk a few more minutes before sending the booking contract to Brian.
"What was that?" Chad asks me as we all set up and sound check.
"Fucking Coven gets a lead on this because I am part of TAT and we are under Coven until June." I toss cords toward the two amps remaining and head to mine and adjust my sound. "Sounds like shit in here." I say and set my guitar down before fucking with the sound to help the acoustics.
"Dude, calm the fuck out." Noah says and moves the amp away from me. "Lex isn’t signed and she is the lead you are collaborating. Coven can suck a dick on any signings, they just get your name. So, will Heshen, but in June we walk. Four months Cal, easy shit."
I nod and look to Raleigh who is sitting on the stairs fanning himself. "Can you get me a beer Ral?"
"Of course, snookums." He says and bounces up the stairs.
Lexington comes over and pats my back. "On the bright side...well... can I be a total bitch right now?" She asks and I nod, not really paying attention as I make my way back to my amp which Noah took.
