“For what?”

“You haven’t seen the trades? ‘Wonder Woman’ hit number one this weekend!” Dana exclaimed.

“No shit?” Tina was floored. She had never expected Third Wheel’s first single to top the charts as quickly as it did. “Aaron didn’t even tell me yesterday.”

“You talked to Aaron yesterday?”

“Yeah, I came into the office when I got back from San Diego yesterday and he was here. Wants me to finalize the Stout deal, so he took it upon himself to change my flight out to Austin this week.”

“I was wondering why reception said you were in your office today since you were supposed to leave this morning. What’s his problem?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Like every other man, he’s only thinking with his…”

Knock, knock, the sound of a sharp rapping on the frame of Tina’s office doorway interrupted her from finishing her statement. Dana turned to see Aaron standing behind her.

“Hey boss!” Dana greeted innocently, while Tina slightly rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Hi, Fairbanks. Tina, what’s your status on Porter?”

Tina looked at her watch before answering. “I’m expecting a call sometime this morning from Joyce. Once the call comes through, you will be the first to know.” A fake smile found its way to Tina’s lips.

“Great. See you later.” And with that, Aaron retreated into the hallway.

Confident he was no longer within earshot, Tina whispered her exasperation. “See what I’m putting up with? He won’t let this one go. It’s like an obsession!”

“Good luck with that.” Dana said with both brows raised.

“Thanks. Hey, how are you anyway? Is Tonya like, super excited for Third Wheel?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t really talked to her.” Dana replied. “We decided to cool it for a while. You know, she’s going on tour with them soon, and it’s not like we were super exclusive or anything, so, it’s cool.” The brunette shrugged her shoulders.

“I’m sorry, Dana. I know I’ve been a really bad friend lately.” Tina said, suddenly feeling bad having been spending all of her free time with Bette and neglecting Dana.

“No, it’s fine, T. I’m just happy you’re finally into someone. Like, really into someone. I knew you were just biding your time with Eric.” Dana smiled. “Have you guys said the ‘L’ word yet?”

“No. Not exactly.” Tina said, a bit hesitantly.

“What does that mean?” Dana asked slightly confused.

“Well, I did tell her that I thought I was falling for her like you told me to the other day.”

“Tina! Thinking you could fall for someone is not very reassuring to them. What did she say?”

“Nothing, it was when she told me to leave her house.”

“Oh. That sucks.” Dana frowned. “And she hasn’t told you?”

“That she loves me? No.” Tina shook her head. “I have a feeling it may be a while before we reach that level.”

—

Law Offices of Joyce L. Wischnia

“Okay, here’s the second offer. Nadia Karella of Thrill City Records emailed me this weekend with this proposal.” The short-haired lawyer passed out copies to everyone.

Each one took a few minutes to review the contract, some of the language a little too complicated for them to fully comprehend.

“$100,000 for a single album?” Bette read aloud as a question. “But they retain all master recordings and publishing, re-production, and performance rights?”

Joyce nodded. “Highway robbery, isn’t it?”

“I’d say so.” Angus replied.

“Fuck that, pass!” Bette said.

“Bette, my dear, this opens up negotiations all the way around. This is merely a first draft.”

“Then someone better get to revising because this is bullshit.” Alice said. The band murmured their agreement. “Besides, I think the contingency plan is better than both deals put together.”

“I tend to agree with Alice,” Bette said. “And I never agree with Alice.” She said poignantly.

“It’s true.” Alice concurred.

“Yep.”
“Sure is.”
“No doubt.”

Piped up some of the other bandmates.

“Alrighty. Well, let’s just call these guys with our list of demands and see what they have to say for themselves.” Joyce responded as she leaned over and punched the speakerphone button to dial Alphaville’s number.