“Anyway, I normally don’t use the term to disparage women, but this woman was the biggest bitch I have ever met. Conniving, ruthless. I dreaded going to work for her every day. But she had the biggest recording acts at the time, so I stuck around as long as I could.”

“When did you finally decide to leave?”

“Her contract was up for this one client, and she had been negotiating some reality show for her. Anyway, the deal was secured after the expiration of the agency contract, so when the client didn’t want to pay her shit, my boss wigged out! Startin’ yelling about the client’s new husband being a goldigging wannabe and that the client and her mom were crazy to trust him. It was nuts.”

Bette was listening intently as her lunch date discussed his former boss and her questionable ethics. Shortly after the contract on that particular client was up, she contracted with some lowlife druggie and swindled a young label rep out of millions in signing bonuses. The brunette was stunned at the stories she was hearing, making her weary of talent agents even more than she was before.

James explained how he moved back to San Diego and started representing lots of musician friends, getting them booked at local shows. He was quite an accomplished young man for only being 25.

The discussion then progressed to Kit and the Stouts and before she knew it, James had agreed to attend the show at Belly Up on Saturday night and discuss possible representation for the band.

——-

Ocean Beach Pier

Bette leaned against the railing enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the ocean below. Sounds of kids chasing the nearby pelicans filled the air and made her smile as she watched the surfers drifting in the water, waiting patiently for that perfect wave. Taking in a huge breath, the salty seaweed smell tickled her nostrils and filled her lungs.

She could still feel a slight buzz from her lunch with James, but Bette was certainly in a very tranquil place that allowed her to reflect on what she wanted with a certain blonde music executive. Making up her mind to accompany Tina in Austin next Wednesday, she was ready to put the misunderstandings behind them and move forward.

Just as she was in the midst of strategizing how to get back in contact with Tina, she heard her cell phone signal an incoming message. She dug in her purse and pulled out the device.

Tina Hot Kennard (Mobile)
Sep. 24, 2009 3:14:32 PM
Held out as long as I could
but had to let you know how
much I am missing u

Feeling the tears begin to gather in her eyes despite the smile the message generated, Bette text back a brief reply.

I miss you too.