Killer Cupid (The Redemption Series: Book 1) (21 page)

Doug said, “Nita, why don’t you sing a song, and Cat can take over at the piano. Paulo, take the drums or guitar, whatever you want.”

Some musicians entered the studio, and Doug invited them to take a seat as one of them began to approach Nita. Eduardo warded him off with a threatening glare. The musician backed away into a chair.

The women joined Paulo, and after some discussion they began their performance. Doug was impressed. Nita sang with a powerful and sultry voice that complemented her sensual manner. Eduardo surveyed the faces of the musicians, and confirmed his opinion. The men were awestruck.

Then it was Cat’s turn to do a song. “Almost an operatic quality,” Doug said. Finally, the three sang together. Doug was enthused.

He approached Francisco and Camellia, “Why don’t we all go have a seat in the conference room?”

He escorted everyone to a spacious room, and offered a variety of drinks. Paulo nervously sipped water and gripped Cat’s hand. Cisco stood behind them, his hands on their shoulders, giving words of encouragement.

Eduardo squeezed Nita, barely able to contain himself. “You were fantastic! Fantastic!” Exhilarated by her performance, she glowed.

Doug took a seat at the table, placing the portfolio in front of him.  He paused before speaking. “Well, it’s obvious you guys are talented, and I think you have a nice stage presence. And this music you’ve written, well these songs themselves are worth a lot of money. You’ll have a lot of artists after you for permission to do your songs. Just flipping through these pages, I can match a bunch of these with some top, top artists.”

He turned to Francisco. “My first suggestion to you is to get an agent. The best, because Paulo is really something special. You want someone that knows the ins and outs of the business, someone with connections, you know. You may end up spending some bucks, but a top agent is well worth the money. Especially, like I said, with this pile of music. If the other stuff he has at home is half as good as these – you’re really looking at a chunk of change. That said, well, when an artist can write their own music, it makes a huge difference. Those people are often the biggest stars. And I think if we add a couple of musicians to your band, with your talent, and frankly, your sex appeal, you could well be superstars. The right presentation, the right videos, marketing, you know it could really happen for you guys.”

Paulo looked like he was breathing again.

Francisco smiled. “I appreciate your advice, Doug – and taking the time with us to review all of this. We have always believed Paulo is special, and I’m glad we have had this opportunity to present him and his work to you. And, of course, Nita and Cat
—
well, we have always known they are very talented. However, my wife and I do have some concerns.”

Paulo put his head in his hands.

Surprised by this reaction, Doug rolled his chair around to look at him directly. “Sure. What are your questions?”

“As you know, Paulo is only sixteen years old. He’s still not finished his schooling. And, although music is a big part of his life, he still must devote time to his other studies. Our other concern, of course, is his health.”

Doug interrupted. “I understand, Francisco. We do have a number of kids about his age who are stars. These days it’s more common. And we do make special arrangements for them, you know, to complete their schoolwork, and so forth. And as far as his health, well a lot of parents do take an active role in their kid’s career. It does help keep them off drugs and alcohol, keeps them from partying too much. Not a problem.”

Doug was obviously not aware of Paulo’s medical condition.

Francisco nodded. “Ah I understand, Doug. But what I meant about his health – Paulo has a disease called hemophilia. It’s a genetic disease that affects his blood clotting.”

“He’s a bleeder?” Doug asked bluntly. “I – I mean…”

“Yes.” Francisco answered simply.

“Oh.” Doug recovered his composure. “I’m sorry, Francisco, I didn’t know. Well, it sure didn’t seem to affect him today in the studio.”

“It doesn’t affect me or my music,” Paulo told his parents.

Francisco gave him a sympathetic look and turned back to Doug. “It’s just that his mother and I would be concerned I suppose, that he might have some problem during a performance, or from banging those drums for hours on end. He has avoided problems with bleeding into the joints so far, but it is a common complication of the disease.”

“Well, does he have any complications?” Doug asked. He watched Paulo shaking his head.

“He does bleed into his stomach, if he’s under stress. And certainly there must be stress in a music career.”

Paulo appeared to be losing hope of having his heart’s desire. Francisco cast another sympathetic glance at him.

He turned to face Doug. “But I know that Paulo was born to give his gift of music to the world. And it would kill him
not
to play. So, I guess what I am saying, in this roundabout way is – is there any way to allow him to have this career without ruining his health?”

“Well.” Doug thought for a moment. “The biggest stressor on a musician is the touring. It’s a lot of travel, and night after night of playing. It
is
tough on anyone, never mind somebody with this problem. So my thought would be to minimize the live concerts, maximize the work in the studio, the videos, TV and radio exposure, probably some guest appearances. And pick and choose the concert opportunities. Also, I’d say, consider having some other artists do some of the songs. It’ll put money in your pocket without having to go out and perform. And I’ll go back to my advice about the agent – you’ll really need a good strategy and someone capable of carrying it off. I don’t want to sound like a used car salesman, but I do know the best man for the job, if you’re interested.”

“Of course, we are interested.” Francisco smiled.

“His name’s Joe Harris. He’s the best. He can be tough when he needs to be. He gets things done. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. But he doesn’t mess around. If he’s interested in representing an artist, he pretty much gives them the deal, and that’s it. And he’s that good. He’s worth it. If you want, I’ll call him. See if we can get him over here.”

“You’ve worked together quite a bit, I take it?” Francisco asked.

“Yes, all the time. You’ve probably heard of Aubrey Rose?”

Francisco and Camellia had no idea who Doug was talking about. The younger generation all nodded in the affirmative.

“He represents her, and she’s a mega star, even though your parents haven’t heard of her.” Doug laughed. “But seriously, he’s the one that got her to where she is. Nice girl and everything, I mean I’ve produced her records. But she hasn’t got as much of a voice as Nita or Cat. And she doesn’t write her own material either. Beautiful body, great smile, good voice, personality, incredible marketing. That’s about it.”

Francisco considered and winked at Paulo. “I suppose there would be no harm in speaking with Mr. Harris. But I wouldn’t want to waste his time.”

Doug said, “Francisco, I wouldn’t have offered to call him if I thought it would waste anybody’s time. Even if Paulo decides not to pursue a recording deal, I think it would be worthwhile for you both to talk about all this music he’s written. And Cat too, of course.”

“Very well, we’ll be happy to meet him.” Francisco nodded.

“Great!”

Doug left the conference room to make the phone call from his office. Everyone looked to Paulo as they heard him heave a loud sigh, and bury his head in his arms on the table. Laughter broke out. There were hugs all around. Looked like things would be changing.

Glori

Paulo, Nita and Cat blew me away. And I knew Doug couldn’t sign them fast enough. He was right. Joe Harris would be the perfect agent for them. With Cin and Raphael snuggling in the corner of the conference room, I felt like kind of a third wheel, so I followed Douggy to his office.

“Hey Joe!” Doug pressed the speaker phone button and danced around. I joined him, and he twirled me around till I was dizzy and laughing. “Where are you?”

“Stuck in traffic, where else?” We heard a voice muffled by the sound of chewing. “I’m on my way over to see you. Gotta talk to you about Aubrey, need to get her back in the studio. I’m only two blocks away, should make it there within the hour! Hey, you seen Robby around? I need to talk to him.”

“Yeah. Yeah Joe, I need you to meet some people. They’re here now in the conference room.”

“Yeah, sure, Doug, but I’m kinda busy today.”

“This is important. I promise you it’ll be worth your while.”

I yelled at the phone. “Yeah, Joe! This is way worth your while!”

“Glori? That you? Well don’t you sound all excited. What’s goin’ on now?”

Doug leaned over the phone. “I got a kid here that writes music like you wouldn’t believe. He’s got two friends with him
—
well, all three of them
—
great, great voices. And they are hot! This girl, Nita, every guy that walks by does a double take – triple take. She’s gorgeous! I mean, she’s stacked, and this shiny black hair all the way to her waist. It’s so shiny, it sparkles. I mean she should be a model. She’s tall, probably five nine or five ten. Dazzling smile. Except she’s got this jealous military commando boyfriend that kinda puts the damper on things.”

I recovered from my twirling and watched Doug go on with gusto. Joe’s cackling laughter cracked me up.

“Well, the voice that comes outta’ her! I mean it Joe, she’s hot. They already have CD’s the kid did himself. I’m tellin’ you they’re golden, and I don’t think they should leave here without a contract.”

There was silence on the phone for a minute before Joe spoke. We could hear him puffing on his cigar. “So why don’t you ask her for a date?”

I busted up laughing.

“Joe! Crrr
—
iminy! Aren’t you listening?”

“Yeah, you said she’s got a commando boyfriend. Why don’t you tell him you guys need privacy in the studio?” Joe amused himself and me, and broke into more cackles.

“Look, just get over here as soon as you can.”

“No problem, I just pulled up. See you in a minute.”

After meeting in Doug’s office, we proceeded to the conference room. There had to be a dozen or so musicians and studio executives ingratiating themselves to the family. Joe waved his briefcase and cigar at them, dismissing the group.

The family stood politely as Doug introduced Joe Harris. They seemed impressed with Joe’s confident manner, less impressed with his half-eaten cigar. Paulo’s mom, Camellia, stifled a cough after shaking his smoky old hand.

“So! Three guesses who the military commando is. Looks like you just got back from the war,” Joe blurted out.

Doug sank into his chair with his head in his hand. Eduardo silently stared back at him with his secret agent sarcastic grin.

Nita broke the awkward pause. “You mustn’t worry, Mr. Harris, he’s harmless.” She put her arm around Eduardo’s and smiled at Joe. It was a smile that stunned him, and he chewed on the raggedy cigar as he lowered himself into a chair across the table. Unabashed, Joe gawked at Nita. “I gotta tell you honey, I’ve seen some beautiful women, but you’re the ultimate. How did you manage to avoid Hollywood till now?”

Refusing to blush, she stared him down. “I’ve been keeping pretty busy, Mr. Harris.”

Eduardo looked annoyed, and I saw Nita tighten her grip on his arm.
Go, Nita
!

At last, Joe came to his senses. “I spoke with Doug. I heard some of the CD you brought. Loved it, by the way! Great sound. And I understand you’ve written a lot of music. I imagine Doug told you about my reputation.” His whole demeanor changed, and he took a document from his briefcase and placed it in front of Paulo’s dad, Francisco.

“Now I know we haven’t had any time to chat, get to know each other – we need to do that. But unfortunately, I don’t have any time today. And I’m sure all of you have had enough for one day, anyway. Suffice it to say you people have some great talent, incredible potential. Doug told me about the bleeding thing.”

Joe put up his hand to stop Francisco as he opened his mouth. “Believe me, Mr. Clemente, we can work around it. He’s got real talent. I don’t have to tell you that. And he’s handsome as can be. The girls are gonna go crazy for him. Great big puppy dog
blue
eyes! We’ll need to sit down and work out a plan and go to it. And frankly, I think you people will be an international sensation. But I need to get going, and you need to take a look at that contract. Have your lawyer look at it if you want, and I’ll plan on meeting with you here tomorrow, if you can make it. I have time at eleven in the morning.” He prepared to mark the appointment in a dog-eared notebook.

Francisco nodded to him. “We are happy to meet with you then, Mr. Harris. However, I’m not certain that we can have this completely reviewed by then.” He lifted the document as he spoke.

“Well, let’s see how it goes. At least we can get into the specifics a bit more.” Joe stood and offered his hand to Francisco and the others. “Oh Doug,” Joe returned to the table. “Would you do me a favor, and give Mr. Clemente the names and numbers I’m sure he’d like to have, to get some references on me. I know Aubrey’s in town. As a matter of fact, I thought she’d be stopping by here today. And Joe, Phil, Robby, you know all those guys are here in town.”