Star Maker

by J. M. Nevins

  Kit leaned forward, holding her drink in both her hands. She looked at Sully and then at Jimmy. “Ok, guys. You got me here. Time is money. What’s up? I’ve got roughly an hour left until I have to split, so make it snappy. You got something you want me to hear?”

  Sully leaned back against the sofa and spoke first in a calm, serious tone. “Musically, no. Offer wise, yes.”

  Kit had never seen Sully so composed or serious. He was the ultimate jokester and a quintessential teenager trapped in the body of a twenty-two year old. She felt like she was listening to a completely different person. She was partly amazed and intrigued all the same, feeling like she was unpeeling an onion that had more layers than she had given him credit for. She had no idea what was going on or what their motivation was for having her there. She looked at Jimmy, desperate for clarification. He continued. “We have a proposal for you, Kit.”

  She joked. “I’m flattered guys, but I don’t have any plans to get married right now. Gotta finish law school first.” They both stared at her straight-faced and she knew something was up. She nodded and pursed her lips. “Ok, bad joke. What’s up guys?”

  Jimmy sighed. “We fired Slade.”

  Kit was unable to mask the surprised expression on her face even though she tried. “When?”

  “Yesterday.”

  “Why?”

  Sully spoke up. “Because he wasn’t a fit. We want to take everything to the next level and he couldn’t cut it. We don’t have enough shows. Our demo needs work. There are lots of things that need work right now.” He shot Jimmy a look.

  Jimmy glared back at him and then looked at Kit. “Sully’s right to a certain extent, although I think he’s exaggerating a little. Kit, we want you to manage the band. Are you available? What’s your rate?”

  Kit’s head spun. She was trying to process Jimmy’s request to manage Gypsy Tango. She immediately went into the mode of trying to figure out how to juggle it all. This was an excellent opportunity that she didn’t want to miss. This was her diamond in the rough staring her in the face. Her mind was racing to examine all angles and fully contemplate her dilemma.

  “Kit?”

  She looked at Jimmy, wide eyed. “Huh?”

  He stared at her. “Did you hear what I asked?”

  She looked at Sully. Her emerald eyes pleaded for his help. He offered her a friendly grin. “Do you wanna do it?”

  She smiled. “I do, but why me?”

  He leaned forward and met her eyes again. “Because we’ve been pretty impressed with how we’ve been playing and a lot of that can be attributed to the changes you’ve suggested. And today really sealed the deal. Right, Jimmy?”

  He nodded. “Yeah, that’s exactly it. We want to go up from here and we think you can take us there. We’ve seen what you’re doing with your other bands.”

  Kit clung to her glass for dear life, like it was a life preserver in a stormy sea. A shy smile spread across her face. The words rolled off her tongue sheepishly. “Really? Me?”

  Sully moved over next to her and put his arm around her. He gave her an affectionate peck on the check. “Yes, you.” He pulled her chin gently toward him and looked deeply into her green eyes. “Listen, you can make me a superstar. I need you. Take me to the top, baby.” He paused and Jimmy gave him a disgusted look. He continued, grinning. “And them too. We need you.”

  She chuckled. “Guys, I wanna do this, don’t get me wrong, but I’m in law school. I just started in September.”

  Sully nodded. “We’re aware of that, counselor. We want you to do your thing and manage us too. You can do both, right?”

  She nodded slowly. “Yes. Yeah, I think I can.”

  Sully stroked her back. “Great. Now, how much?”

  Kit took a breath and paused. She decided to aim high to assess how badly they wanted her as their manager. She stated her first bid boldly. “I want twenty percent.”

  Jimmy stared at her like she was crazy. “How about ten percent?”

  She shook her head and offered a smug look. She wasn’t about to give up that easy. “Yeah, right! That’s an insult. Ok, I’ll give you guys a break. Eighteen percent.”

  Jimmy shook his head and folded his arms in front of his chest. “Fifteen.”

  She looked at him and then at Sully. She had them right where she wanted them. “Seventeen percent all in?” She cooed innocently.

  Jimmy groaned and Sully nodded, happily confirming it and ignoring Jimmy’s disapproval. “Seventeen percent all in.”

  Kit nodded and dropped the act. She reached out to shake Sully’s and Jimmy’s hands while she spoke confidently. “Deal.”

  Jimmy and Sully smiled. Jimmy spoke up. “Done. Let’s get started.”

  Kit remained at the apartment the rest of the hour making plans with Jimmy and Sully for the rest of the band. She was a bit nervous about this new venture, but her excitement and enthusiasm were so much greater they served to push her forward past her fear. In her gut she knew this could put her on the map.

  She walked through the door eager to share the news, but no one was home. Taking advantage of the silence, she dove into her studying. By the time Alexa walked through the door, three hours had passed. “Lex! Where have you been?” She stared at the plethora of bags in Alexa’s hands. “Shopping much?”

  Alexa giggled. “I needed some retail therapy. Spent some quality time with the lovely merchants of Rodeo Drive.”

  “Nice way to put a dent in that trust fund, Lex.”

  She laughed. “I’m a pro, what can I say? You studying?”

  “Yep. All night study party. Not fun. I have got to tell you my news.”

  Alexa looked at her. “You have news?”

  Her eyes lit up. “Yes. You are looking at the new manager of Gypsy Tango.” She launched into the story of how it all transpired, making sure to include every detail.

  Alexa screamed excitedly and hugged Kit. “Congratulations, sweetie! That’s fantastic news! How in the heck are you going to manage your crazy schedule and them?”

  “I’m not sure yet. I’m going to have to quit one of the jobs. Haven’t figured that part out. Quitting school is not an option.”

  “Of course not. That’s what you came here to do. I’d be happy to help you out.”

  Kit tilted her head and looked at her. “How so?”

  She smiled. “Need a publicist and a booking agent? I’ll do both pro-bono until they start making money.”

  Maxine interjected. “And I’ll do their pics and see if I can get them some write ups in the local pubs. I can work an ad or two for them at no cost.”

  Alexa and Kit both stared at Maxine and frowned. Alexa chuckled. “When did you get here? We didn’t hear you come in.”

  Maxine laughed. “I’m stealthy that way, ladies. I walked in and went straight into the kitchen to grab a wine cooler. You two were so occupied you didn’t see me. I overheard the conversation. Congrats, Kit. That’s super cool. That band is gonna go to the top, I just know it!”

  Kit smiled. “So, you’ll both help me out with that stuff for free?”

  They nodded their heads. Alexa spoke up. “I believe in you, Kit, and I want to help propel you and this band forward as much as possible. Max is right—these guys are different. They’re light years better than the other bands you manage. Plus, it helps me get out there and work the circuit. I can make a name for myself too.”

  Maxine took a swig of her wine cooler and nodded. “Ditto.”

  Kit screamed with delight and got up to hug them both. “You two are so great. Thank you! We’ll crush it. The Hollywood music scene won’t know what hit it with Gypsy Tango. First Hollywood, then a household name. Mark my words, ladies, I’m going to make them and us stars.”

  CHAPTER 7

  The phone rang and Kit contemplated not answering the call at all, but curiosity got the best of her. She answered the phone cautiously, hoping it wasn’t a solicitor about to talk her ear off before she could get a word in. She smiled
when she heard his familiar voice. “Is that the beautiful and lovely Kit-Kat I’m speaking to? My favorite manager on the entire planet?”

  Her face instantly lit up. “Sully! Finally you call. Where have you been for the last few weeks, you fool?”

  He snickered. “In the company of a lovely lady that wanted to take me to Vegas for some fun on her dime. So, I managed to find our demo as you requested. I was wondering if I could bring it by for you to take a listen.”

  “Yep. You have to come see our place anyway.” She twirled her pencil in her hand.

  “Remind me. Where are you living?”

  “On Laurel Canyon near Hollywood Boulevard.”

  He chuckled. “Ah, yes. Tip of the Hollywood iceberg. Good choice. How do you like it so far?”

  Kit grinned. “I love it. That is, when I’m actually around.”

  “Aww, my little overachiever. How’s law school been treating you lately? How did you do on your midterms?”

  She sat back in her chair. “Law school is great, Sull. My midterms were about a month ago, so you’re a little late on that one. Thanks for asking. They were a breeze.”

  Sully laughed. “That’s because you’re gifted, babe. I bet you have straight A’s already, and I’m sure all of your classmates hate you because of it.”

  Kit paused. “Uh … no comment.”

  Sully laughed again. “I knew it. If you’re as aggressive with law school as you are with making sure our band is successful I have no doubt you’re a force to be reckoned with. So, are you inviting me over?”

  She chuckled. “You have an open ended invitation, but I’m here now and you know how my schedule can get. I suggest you get your hot, tight, little ass over here now. I was going to study for awhile and then party later tonight.”

  He paused for a moment. “Ok, wait. Let’s back up for a sec. First of all, you think my ass is hot and tight? And party later tonight? Do you want me to escort you? I’d be happy to, you know.”

  She giggled and enjoyed flirting with him. “No comment regarding your ass because I refuse to incriminate myself. And about the party, it’s ladies’ night, babe, so Lex and Max are my escorts tonight. No boys allowed.”

  “I know Lex, she’s our new publicity and booking gal. Yeah, sexy Lexy. She’s a hottie. Max? Who’s Max?”

  She frowned. “You haven’t met Maxine yet? I thought you had. She’s the one that’s doing your photo shoot next week. If you get your ass over here in time, meaning in the next five minutes, you may be able to meet her. And please Sull, no rock star time tonight.”

  “Are you implying that I’m frequently tardy?”

  Kit laughed loudly. “Sully, you slay me, you know that? Here’s what I’ve realized working with you guys and dabbling in the music industry out here so far. There’s normal time and there’s rock star time, which is usually a half hour to an hour later than normal time. And you, my dear, fully operate on rock star time.”

  She could hear Sully laughing on the line although he tried to muffle it. When he spoke, his voice was clear and serious. “I resent that, Kathryn. I really do. In fact, my feelings are officially hurt now.” He couldn’t keep up the charade any longer and burst out laughing.

  She laughed along with him. “Nice. Now, get your ass over here!”

  As Kit hung up the phone, Alexa ran through the door with her arms raised high in the air, looking joyful and excited. “I got a job!”

  Kit stared at her, shocked by the news, and then hugged her tightly. “That’s great, Lex! Did you just find out?”

  She headed into the kitchen to open up the bottle of champagne she had purchased on her way home. “Yeah, they called me in for a meeting today and offered me the job. Isn’t that awesome?” The cork sprung free from the champagne bottle with a loud pop and Alexa appeared seconds later with two flutes of the decadent drink. She handed one to Kit and held her own glass up to toast. “To a new city and bigger and better things.”

  Kit smiled and took a sip of her champagne. “I’ll drink to that!”

  Alexa nodded and took a sip. She glanced over and noticed the table cluttered with Kit’s schoolwork. “I interrupted your studying, didn’t I? Oh jeez, Kit, I’m sorry.”

  She waved her hand in the air dismissing its importance. “Don’t worry about it. Actually, a call from Sully was what really interrupted me.”

  Alexa’s eyes widened. “Sully finally called? Where has that joker been for the last three weeks?”

  Kit shrugged her shoulders. “Apparently in Vegas with one of his stripper friends. Oh wait, excuse me, exotic dancer is the term he prefers we use.”

  Alexa nodded and chuckled. “Sully’s with a stripper now? I see. I’m sure that’s a decent bankroll for him. How’s he doing?”

  “He sounds good—happy. You can ask him yourself. He’s on his way over.”

  She frowned and eyed Kit cautiously. “What for? I thought we were having girls’ night.”

  Kit nodded and held up her hand. “Now, now, don’t go getting your panties in a bunch. He’s bringing me their demo. They recorded it with Slade about three months before I took over. They hadn’t received any bites on it and I told them I wouldn’t push it out there again until I heard it. I’ve been asking for it for the last two months. I told him about tonight and that he wasn’t invited.”

  Alexa smiled. “That’s for sure. I’m going to confirm the reservations for us at Spago. I made ‘em like two months ago. I hear it’s fantastic.”

  Kit raised her eyebrows. “You’re taking us to dinner at Spago?”

  She smiled. “But of course, dahling! I’ll be right back.”

  Alexa returned to the living room sipping her glass of champagne. She smiled and sat down on the sofa in the corner opposite Kit. “We’re on for eight.”

  She nodded. “So, tell me about this job.”

  Alexa tried to hold back her enthusiasm. She still felt like she was going to burst. “I got in touch with this guy, Malcolm, who I met at a party in Beverly Hills one night a few weeks ago. He is super dreamy—a total tall, dark, and handsome. Absolutely my type. Half African American, half Italian. Very delicious. He works for a company called Diamond Records. He’s in the artists and something department. Artists and re…” She looked up and tried her best to recall the information.

  Kit’s eyes widened. “Artists & Repertoire?”

  She bobbed her head and smiled at Kit. “Yeah, yeah, that’s it! And then he called it something else that I can’t remember, like some kind of abbreviation. He said they work closely with PR.”

  Kit chuckled. “A&R, honey. He works for thee Diamond Records in A&R? This guy must be quite a hot shot to have landed a job like that. Amazing! They’re a major label that also has a film division, Diamond Pictures. They’re one of the best record companies out there right now. They have an incredible reputation, legendary really.”

  She nodded. “So I hear. Anyway, Malcolm told me he knew of a position in their PR department that just opened up and he gave me all the info, who to call, et cetera. I had my last of three interviews yesterday. The VP and the director of publicity both totally loved me. And that was that.”

  Kit stared at Alexa in disbelief. She had landed the job of a lifetime. “Lex, do you have any idea how lucky you are? People would kill to have a job in PR at a record company, especially in L.A. Good for you. What’s your title?”

  She sipped her champagne and smiled like a Cheshire cat. “Promotions publicity manager. The salary is just ok. Definitely nothing to write home about. It’s subpar for sure, but I have the potential to be a regional promotions manager within a year or two if I work my ass off, and that’s a pretty significant salary increase. It’s not like I need the money anyway. It’s a great resume builder. I’m sure it’s great for connections in entertainment and media. I’m pretty happy about it. I’ll be doing exactly what I wanted. Can you believe it?”

  Kit nodded. “Actually, Lex, I can. With your previous internships? Any company would be
stupid not to have you on staff.”

  She smiled. “Thanks. That’s really nice of you to say. I thought it would be great to land something in the entertainment industry, but I figured my chances were slim. I did get damn lucky.”

  “When do you start?”

  “Monday.

  “That’s so great, Lex.”

  She laughed. “I know. I can’t believe it. Who knows? Maybe if I stay there, I can get you in on their legal team once you graduate.”

  Kit shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe. That’s a nice thought. Majors the caliber of Diamond usually only take very experienced attorneys, but you never know. We’ll see what happens once I graduate and pass the bar.”

  Alexa grinned and raised her eyebrows. “We’ll see.”

  Sully tried the doorknob and found that it was open. He proceeded to stroll into the living room confidently like he owned the place, catching both Kit and Alexa off guard. “Party? Champagne? Special occasion? Where’s my glass, ladies?”

  Kit and Alexa both stared at him, stunned that he was standing there. Kit started laughing. “Just stroll right in without knocking, Sull. Make yourself right at home why don’t you?”

  Sully shrugged his shoulders and flashed his charming grin. “Don’t mind if I do.” He plopped into the chair next to her.

  Kit shook her head and smiled, giggling. “No wonder Joe liked you so much. You two are cut from the same cloth. When he’s in town he strolls in here like he owns the place too.”

  He chuckled. “Speaking of Joe, have you talked to him lately? And why didn’t you tell me your girl party was here? I thought you ladies were going out to a party tonight, not having one here without me.” He looked over at Alexa and smiled. “Hi, Lexy. Looking mighty sexy, like usual.” He grinned.

  She couldn’t help but smile back at Sully. He was always charming, entertaining, and surprisingly appropriate and respectful with both she and Kit. “We’re having a little pre-party celebration, Sull. I got a job.”

  “Awesome! Where?”

  She grinned and raised her eyebrows. “Are you ready for this?”