by Vera Quinn
Gage
Nine months later...
“Gage, we’re giving you a new client. She’s a big country star and may be high maintenance. We all know you’re best at handling those kind,” John says as he pops his head in my office.
“Yea, I heard, Luella “Lulu” Drake. She’s not high maintenance, just struggling with the loss of her voice. Put yourself in her shoes, dude. How would you feel if the life you built was destroyed in a single moment?” I respond.
“Yeah, well good luck with that. Better you than me,” he says as he walks away.
I don’t know why everyone thinks that all pop stars, movie stars, and those in the public eye are high maintenance. They’re not all that way, because they haven’t all forgotten where they’ve come from. I remember reading about Lulu’s diagnosis a few months ago and how after surgery and chemo she still hasn’t been able to sing.
I have a few of her records; she’s got an amazing voice. I’m honored that I’ll get to work with her and help her find that again. I’m in awe of the journey she’s been on and have so much respect for her as well.
Cancer is a nasty disease and no one should have to go through something like that. These doctors need to get their heads out of their asses and find a cure. For everyone, both rich and poor.
Gathering my stuff, I got ready to head out to Lulu’s house and meet with her for our initial setup of therapy. I just hope I can help her get back what she’s lost.
Lulu
“Lulu, your voice coach will be here shortly to start your therapy to help you get back in the studio. You should probably get up and get showered,” Donna announces as she comes into my room, opening all the curtains, letting in the sunshine.
Pulling the covers over my head, I moan, “I’m not ready. I don't know why you keep pushing for this. It’s over, my days of singing and performing are gone. Just cancel the fucking appointment.”
“No, absolutely not. Now stop wallowing in self-pity and get your ass up and in the shower,” Donna snaps back at me.
“Why are you pissed at me?” I question, confused.
“Look, I get it, you went through this terrible ordeal, but you survived. Now is the time to get up and appreciate the second chance you got in life. Not everyone is as lucky. Tori’s been by every day for the last three months, and you refuse to even see her. So cut out this ‘poor me’ shit and get up and fuckin’ live. Oh, and you better call Tori to apologize!” she yells at me.
“Okay, okay. Geesh, you don’t have to yell at me. You’re right, it’s just really hard for me because my voice was what made me, me. Without it, I don’t know who I am. I don’t know how to move forward. Plus, I feel like I’m letting Tori down. I’m supposed to be her mentor, how can I be, if I can’t even sing anymore?” I sob as tears flow down my cheeks, dripping onto the pillow in my lap.
Donna comes and sits down in front of me, taking my hands. “You want to know how you move forward? Get up and live. Be thankful for this chance and don’t waste it in bed wallowing. Now come on, get showered. Gage will be here in twenty minutes.”
I give her a hug. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She kisses my forehead, then gets up and leaves the room.
She’s right, I do need to call Tori, but I shoot her a text instead. I’d rather apologize in person.
Me: Hey, Sis, I was curious if you’d like to have a sleepover this weekend. I miss you.
Tori: Of course, I’d love to. I’ll see you Friday night.
Me: Okay, see you then. I love you.
Tori: Love you, too.
I toss my phone on the bed and head to take a shower. I hope this voice coach can help me.
Chapter Eight
Gage
Pulling up to the valet, I grab my bag and get out, handing my keys to the attendant. Looking up, I admire the Victorian-styled building filled with condominiums. From what I read, Lulu rented one here in Dallas to stay in during treatment and to be close to her newly adopted sister.
Walking in and up to the elevator, I hit the up button and wait. As the doors to the elevator open, an attendant emerges from inside.
“Going up?” he asks.
“Yes, Luella Drake’s floor please,” I reply.
“Name and ID please?” he asks, pulling a list from his jacket pocket.
“Gage Chambers. I’m here for her voice therapy,” I answer, handing him my company ID.
“Okay, here you are, Mr. Chambers. Sorry, can’t be too sure these days. Paparazzi are constantly trying to sneak in. I pity those who make it past me and aren’t who they say they are.” He chuckles as we board the elevator and he hits the button for us to head up to the seventh floor.
“Oh yeah, why do you pity them?”
As we arrive on Lulu’s floor, he replies, “You’ll see. Have a nice day, Mr. Chambers.”
The doors finally open to her floor. As I step off, I’m greeted by a large gentleman about six foot five and two hundred and fifty pounds, dressed casually in jeans and a black tee shirt.
“Name and ID, please?” he asks.
I hand him my company ID. “Gage Chambers, voice therapist and voice coach.”
He looks over my ID and compares it to his list. Then, handing it back to me, he reaches his hand out to shake. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jeff, Lulu’s personal security guard. Thank you for coming. I hope this helps her.”
Smiling, I return his handshake. “My pleasure, I’m a big fan. I’ll do what I can, but it’s really all up to her.”
He opens the door to the condo. “Lulu, you better be decent. Your voice therapist is here.” Then he nods for me to enter.
“I’m dressed, geesh,” she answers, coming around the corner into the hall.
“Miss Drake, I’m Gage Chambers, your voice therapist and coach. But you can call me Gage.” I reach out to shake her hand.
“Hi, Gage, call me Lulu. Follow me, we’ll work back here in the den.” She walks off, waving for me to follow.
Following her into the den, I take in her beauty. She’s a beautiful natural redhead; there’s no denying that. You can tell by the milky white complexion, adorable freckles, and the deep tone of auburn red hair she has. She has an exquisite hourglass shape that gives her curves in all the right places.
I take a seat on the couch she gestures to as we enter the den. “So, I just want to start off by saying, I’m a huge fan. I have a few of your records and have seen you in concert like a thousand times. I’m honored to be able to work with you.”
“Thank you, but I’m afraid I’m not that girl anymore. I’m not sure I’ll ever be her again. But that’s what you’re here for isn’t it?” She smiles, taking a seat across from me.
“Yep, exactly. Today I’m just here to chat with you and get an idea of your goals for our sessions.”
“Well, I’m hoping to regain my voice, but I’m not getting my hopes up. I know my chances are slim.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, ask away.”
“Why not make a new dream and shoot for it instead?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you say you don’t think you’ll ever be that girl again, why not give her a new dream and make new goals?”
“I won’t lie to you; I haven’t been in the best mental state since my diagnosis and treatment so I haven’t given it much thought.”
“That’s to be expected. No one should have to endure what you have. Cancer sucks and no one deserves that type of suffering.”
“Donna, my manager, basically gave me a reality check today, reminding me that not everyone is as lucky as I am and not all get this second chance in life. I’ve been wallowing in self-pity, but she’s right, I need to snap out of it.”
“Well, good. So, to get us started, I’m going to leave you some voice exercises to work on in between sessions.”
“Okay, I can do that. I just ask you to be patient with me.”
“We’ll move at your pac
e.” I pull some papers from my bag of different exercises, handing them to her.
We sit and chat a few more minutes before I get ready to leave. She thanks me for coming and even gives me a hug. Damn, she feels perfect in my arms.
Okay, I’ve got to stop this, she’s my client. This thinking is so inappropriate and if she knew, she’d probably slap me with a sexual harassment lawsuit. I need to be better at controlling my thoughts.
Over the course of the next few weeks, we work slowly at building on some small vocal notes. There’s not a whole lot of progress because Lulu gets easily frustrated and quits because of it.
Then one day, she takes me by surprise.
“Gage, can I confide in you?” she asks.
“Absolutely. What’s said between us, stays between us.” I smile.
“I’ve given what you said that first session a lot of thought. And I think I may step back from the spotlight as a vocalist and officially retire.”
“You’re gonna give it all up, just like that?”
“Well not entirely. I was thinking of going a different direction in the industry. Like maybe become a music producer.”
“That’s a great idea, but why stop there? Why not start your own label? Then you could do exactly what you said you wanted to do. You mentioned wanting to make your goddaughter's dreams come true. What better way than to not only sign her as your client but to your own label as your debut artist.”
“That’s an amazing idea. I never thought of it that way. Wow, my own label, that has a nice ring to it. I could call it Lulu Drake Records. Oh my God, this is going to be freakin’ epic.”
“That’s great, but you have to promise not to give up on your voice. Maybe now that you don’t have the pressure of getting back in the studio, you can relax enough to get your voice back to what I know you’re capable of doing.”
“I love your confidence in me. You’re a great coach and therapist, but at this point, I don’t think I’ll really be needing a voice coach anymore.”
“I guess you’re right. The label won’t continue to send me if you retire.”
“Sucks, because I really enjoy hanging out with you.”
“Well then let me take you to dinner? You’re no longer my client once you officially retire, so it’s no longer against the rules.”
“Wait, what? You want to take me on a date?”
“Yes, since the day I met you. I knew it was inappropriate, so I refrained from asking, but now, now things are different.”
“Yes. Let’s go on a date. I’d like that.”
“Really? Okay. I’ll pick you up Saturday night.”
“Okay, I’ll be ready. I’m gonna go call my manager and break the news to her. Then get my lawyer to draw up all the paperwork for the new label.”
“I’ll get going. I’ll see you Saturday at seven-thirty.” I gather my stuff and start to head toward the door.
“Oh, and Gage?”
Turning toward her to answer, she catches me off guard as she runs up and kisses me. It’s a slow, soft, romantic toe-curling kiss.
“Thank you,” she whispers as she slowly pulls away.
Shocked, I just stare for a moment before replying, “For what?”
“Your honesty and support. Plus, I’ve wanted to kiss you since I first met you and knowing you like me too gave me the courage to do that.” She blushes.
“Well, I’m happy to be of service. I’ll always be honest with you.”
“That’s all I ask for—one hundred percent honesty.”
I kiss her cheek. “Guaranteed. I’m gonna get going. I’ll see you Saturday, wear something casual and comfortable.”
“You got it,” she says as she walks me to the door.
I head out, filled with excitement over the idea that I have a date with Miss Lulu Drake.
Chapter Nine
Lulu
“Donna, can you come by tonight? I want to talk to you and Jeff about something,” I ask when she answers the phone.
“Sure, love, what time?” she replies.
“Whatever time works for you. Bring wine.”
“That serious?”
“Kinda, not bad though. It’s good news.”
“Okay sounds good, I’ll be over around six-thirty.”
“Sweet, that gives Jeff time to join us before he goes over to Jaci’s for movie night. See you then.” I hang up.
Jeff and Jaci started to date a few weeks after my surgery, just as I predicted. Then at Christmas, he proposed. They’re to be married next year. I’m so excited for them. And with me retiring, he won’t have to be here so much so they can really start their lives together.
I think Donna’s a perfect match, manager wise, for Tori so I’ll still get to continue working with her. They’ll both get a nice severance pay of course, but this is the best choice for me. Gage made a valid point, why not use my knowledge to work and help others achieve their dreams of performing.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
As I open the door, I begin to say, “What the hell—” only to find Donna with her hands full of food and wine. “Oh shit. Here let me help you. What are you feeding, an army?” I take the food from her arms and walk into the living room.
“I was gonna call and have you meet me by the elevator to help but then realized on the ride up that my hands were too full to reach my phone,” Donna says as she takes the wine into the kitchen.
“You should’ve had Carl, the elevator attendant call me, ya goof.” I chuckle, walking into the kitchen behind her to grab plates and forks.
“Nah, it’s okay. I got a little bit of everything ‘cause I wasn’t sure what you’re in the mood for.”
“I’ve finally started getting my appetite back, thanks to the edibles the doctor’s been suggesting. I finally tried some, and they’ve helped immensely, so I’ll have a little of everything.”
“You’re in a good mood. Does this mean things are going good with voice therapy?”
“Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” I turn and yell, “Jeff, Donna’s here, let’s eat.”
Donna pours the wine and follows me into the living room where Jeff joins us.
“Okay, what’s going on Lulu? You sounded excited on the phone.” Donna speaks up as she makes a plate and sits on the floor in front of the coffee table.
I take a deep breath. “Well, that’s because I’m actually excited about the next step and couldn’t wait to tell you both.”
“You got your voice back?” Jeff asks.
“No, but it’s okay. I’ve come up with a new plan or dream, with the help of my voice coach, Gage.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?” Donna looks surprised.
“I’m going to retire from the spotlight as a vocalist.” I put it bluntly.
“Wait, what?” This time it’s Jeff who’s surprised.
“I’m going to start my own label and become a music producer. I love performing, but my voice will never be what it was. So, I think it’s time I take a new route in the business. I can help others achieve their dreams of performing just like mine were. It’ll be called Lulu Drake Records, and Tori will be my debut artist.”
“Wow, I’m impressed Lulu. That sounds like a great idea. So, you’ve given this a lot of thought, huh?” Jeff comments.
“Yea, Gage mentioned something when we first started therapy a few weeks ago and it’s been brewing ever since. But now that I’m retiring, I won’t be needing a manager or full-time bodyguard anymore.”
“Oh,” Donna comments.
“Now, Tori on the other hand will be needing a manager and I think you, Donna, are the best fit. That’s if you would like the job. And Jeff, we’ll always be family and still see each other all the time, but with your getting married, I think it’s time you lived your own life without needing to babysit me all the time.”
“Lulu, I’m not your babysitter, I love my job. Jaci knew what she signed up for when she said yes,” Jeff explains.
“I know th
at, but you know what I mean.” I smile.
“Lulu, I’ve been blessed to be by your side from the very beginning of your career and will gladly be there for the next chapter, as your friend. If this is what you want, I stand behind you,” Jeff exclaims with a smile on his face.
“Donna? What about you?” I ask.
“Lulu, you’ve grown into such an amazing young woman and I’m so proud of you. If this is really what you want, I’m on board and would be honored to be Tori’s manager.” She crawls over to me and wraps me in one of her motherly hugs.
“Great, let’s call the label then hold a press conference tomorrow and announce it. There should be no issues with the label since my contract ended due to the cancer. This way they know I won’t be returning as a performer. I already filed the paperwork for the label so that’s all set. Now to find a building and get Tori in the studio,” I exclaim.
“Damn, girl, you’ve got this all mapped out. That’s awesome, does Tori even know?” Jeff asks.
“No, not yet. I’m going to tell her tonight during our sleepover,” I reply.
Jeff looks at me. “Can I tell Jaci?”
“Absolutely. Tori should be here in about an hour so I can tell her and prepare her for the press conference.”
Donna smiles. “So, now that that’s all out, tell us about Gage.”
“He asked me out. I mean now that I’m retired, I won’t be needing him as my coach or therapist anymore, so I said yes.” I blush.
“You go, girl, now you’re living,” Donna exclaims.
“Listen, I know I was a lot to handle through the last year, and I love that you were both here by my side, loving me unconditionally. Donna, I’m sorry I was wallowing for so long, but thank you for the kick in the ass. You were right, everything you said was completely accurate.”
“I said it all out of love. You’re the daughter I never had. I couldn’t stand seeing you like that, squandering away the second chance you were given.” She hugs me again as tears fall silently down her cheeks.