Stellar - January 01, 2013

[note: this was written during a writing exercise: we had 20 minutes to write something inspired by the word "stellar". This is the result, unedited, exactly as it appeared when time ran out. You can read all of them in the waves category]]

Stellar - Squiddy Geiger - January 01, 2013

So the day began on a sour note. Jeff removed the saxophone's reed and fiddled with it then put it back in. Ah, that was much better. He played his set with enthusiasm, and when it was done, he walked to the bar for a drink.

There had been many sour notes, in his career, but tonight had been good. Lots of applause at the end of the set, not just polite clapping here and there. Perhaps the best of his career. He sipped at his drink, a tap on his shoulder waking him from his reverie.

He turned to see a short pinch-faced man with graying hair. "Yes? Can I help you?"

"Jeff, have you forgotten me? I met you in Mazatlan two years ago. Walter Messing. I'm with Zlotky Records." The man presented his card. "I listened to you and told you you had potential, but that you weren't quite ready. Well, I'm still not quite sure, but tonight was spectacular, and if you drop by my office on Monday, I'm ready to make you an offer."

Jeff stared at him for a moment, mouth slightly open. He finally realized he must look like a fool, and closed it, then found his voice. "You're serious? Yes I remember you now." He did, but only vaguely - he'd been on the booze then, it was no wonder the guy had said he wasn't ready. He took the card. "Yes, I remember. Wow, I wasn't, uh, I wasn't expecting this, but wow, yes. Thank you."

"Good, be there at 11, and bring your lawyer. If you don't have one, don't worry, it's pretty straightforward." He laughed. "I'd suggest you probably want one, but for goodness sake, don't tell my boss I said so." He whispered in low tones "He thinks lawyers are the bane of the businessman, but really, you don't want to sign without one. Tonight was a great show, man. I'm looking forward to working with you." The man finished his drink and walked out.

Jeff looked around in a daze. Did that just happen? He looked at the card. It seemed legit, he'd definitely talked to the guy in Mazatlan. He drained his own drink, grabbed his stuff and went home. Milly would be thrilled! Finally, some good news. He looked up at the stars as he walked, wondering if they were finally giving him a break.

Posted by Squiddy at January 1, 2013 09:51 PM | TrackBack