Fan Fiction
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Playing By Heart
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“Holy shit.” Dana whispered. She wasn’t too involved with contractual negotiations, but knew that this counteroffer was nothing like a standard recording deal for any artist.
“Bette, is it?” Tina inquired, a small smile upon her lips.
“Yes, T. Uh, Ti-Tina.” Bette responded in the familiar before correcting herself.
“As you know, Alphaville is a very established label with a proven track record of success where its talent is concerned, however, the counteroffer you just recited is somewhat unorthodox in this business. I’m quite certain that no respectable record company could possibly agree to such an unconscionable agreement.”
“Oh, Tina, my friend, that’s where you are wrong.” Joyce replied for Bette. “You see, we have two other labels expecting our call once this one ends.”
Aaron shot Tina another look, shaking his head.
“What labels are those, Joyce?”
“Not important right now. What I need to know is whether Alphaville would at least be willing to entertain the counteroffer, invite it over to dinner, swallow it, digest it, then get back to us with an answer, or perhaps further negotiations ‘til we can get it right.”
“Joyce, production is non-negotiable. You know we here at Alphaville have our own studios, producers, and any additional backup artists and musicians should they be required. I’m not sure if that is a term we can negotiate away.” Tina explained as Aaron again became red-faced.
“Noted. Tell you what. I’ll fax you the counter so you have something in writing, and you can call me next week and we can try again, if it’s not too late.”
“Joyce?” Aaron was bubbling over with anxiety and needed more information. “I’m sorry, I’d really like to know who else your clients may be negotiating with. Perhaps we can meet or beat any offer that could come their way.”
Tina glared at Aaron and put her forehead in her hands as she fought not to jump over her desk and strangle her boss.
“We have a 12 o’clock conference call with Nadia Karella of Thrill City Records.” Joyce answered. “So if you don’t mind, we need to wrap this up so we aren’t late for that call.”
“And the other label?”
“Fierce Kitty Records.” Bette re-joined the conversation.
Dana, Tina, and Aaron looked at each other dumbfounded.
“Never heard of ‘em.” Aaron said. “They couldn’t possibly have the long-standing name recognition and industry pull that Alphaville has.”
“Perhaps. But they are confident that they can give the Stouts what they want.” Bette assured.
“You’ll be gettin’ our fax soon, folks. A pleasure talking to you as always.” Joyce said. “Say goodbye guys.”
“Thanks again, Tina. Great meeting the rest of ya’ll.” Kit said as the band murmured their goodbyes in the background.
“Take care, guys.” Tina responded.
“Alright baby, I’ll call you later. I love you.” Bette said into the phone not realizing the gravity of her statements until she looked around the room at the gaping mouths.
Joyce raised her eyebrows and was quick to end the call. The brown-eyed band manager felt her heartbeat kick into overdrive as her cheeks flushed and she began to sweat.
——-
The moment the word echoed into Tina’s office, Dana looked up at her blonde colleague. The PR executive’s mouth was in an ooooh shape and Aaron absorbed the statements he just heard as he stared with great curiosity at his hazel-eyed employee who looked as pale as a ghost.
All Tina could do was stare at the phone. Even when the dial tone was audible once Joyce hung up, she was frozen in her spot.
Aaron finally clicked the speakerphone button and was the only one in the room who had regained the ability to speak again. “What the fuck was that?”
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Would “oops” be the right word?
Ouch.Poor Tina,Aaron will get nuts.Great update as always,thank you.PPS
Oh Boy, that was not not the drama I was expecting. How could Bette let that happen, she is usually a constant professional. I hope she has a job for Tina because she just lost her’s, if the band does not sign with Aron. And yes your story truly does entertain me, and I hope that your Tuesday will be better than your Monday. Waiting for the next chapter.PPS-ASAP!!!
Oh my, what a horrendous faux pas. Tina can and should disavow any knowledge of what the hell Bette said and never admit any involvement with Bette in any way whatsoever. They can always say that Bette must have been talking with someone in the room with her. Aaron can not prove anything. Hope she gets away with it. Thanks for the post.
Hey, Mel! I’m a bad person because I haven’t left a comment in ages; forgive me? Sorry to hear about your Monday, but please, don’t punch it in the face! On to the story, I’ll just say one word: AWKWARD!!! Do try to post as soon as possible. Please and thank you!
Uh Oh Houston…we have a problem! Maybe problem is the wrong word…big ass disaster is more like it. Great post as always and glad you’re back and writing.
oh shit poor Tina ahhaha!
omg,omg no she didn’t???? what a great treat by the way!!! god how I wish you’d post daily!!!!!
Oh Meloveslu! How wonderful is this story and the tease you are you should have posted another chpater – I know I’m greedy what can i say :) Hope your Tuesday will be much better then your Monday. Thank you for this excellent story.
ohhhh nooo please another one that was very good biggg drama)thank you for your post amazing…
Oh wow, that was so good.
That was the biggest whoops I’ve ever read OMG you had me dying. If we shared the winnings then you’d still have to work and there won’t be FF. Which would defeat the purpose, so I’ll take the FF. Money can’t buy the talent for writing that you have (and the other amazing writers on this site). Or maybe it can in CA thanks for the awesome update.
Awwwww poor chicken… Sorry about your bad …. Looks like Tina is headed in the same direction… Aaron is about to unleash a full scale Spanish inquisition and it ain’t going to be any more pleasant for Tina as it was for the.poor unsuspecting critters back then… Amazing chapter as usual, hoping that bad days aren’t what makes you post quicker as I would hate to wish more of those for you! and b/day dates and anniversaries aren’t cliché! :-(
LOL! Oh MeLL! It’s really a great surprise to see your posting so soon!! looks like there’s always a first time in everything! :-D … Keen to make it THRICE?!? :-D …. ;-) LMAO.. :-p Anyway, good luck for the better day tomorrow!! :-) life always has the ups and downs, hope it will be ups soon for you :-)