The Hill (Ch 4)

Reginald was elated with his new-found opportunity to launch his career. He was so excited, in fact, that he had completely forgotten to tell Duane and his band mates about Craig.

He dialed Duane. "Duane's gonna shit," laughed Reginald as he listened to the phone ring.

"What up Reg," Duane answered. "Duane, you'll never guess what happened when I was waiting for you," Reginald said excitedly. "I met this guy from Image Records. He came out of Italiano's and needed a ride back to his office," Reginald explained. Duane just sat in his chair and listened with a smile. "He took the bait and he's completely clueless," Duane thought. "I sang for him and he's coming by on Tuesday night to listen to me and the guys," Reginald said.

Duane laughed. "Reg, that's good news. You should get the guys together and practice," Duane said through a toothy grin. "Most definitely. I'll call them and get back to you about coming by," Reginald said. "Do that. Just hit my cell," Duane said before hanging up the phone.

The next couple of days were a blur. Reginald balanced his cab driving with numerous practice sessions. The Crew had no problems practicing at any time Duane would let them come in. They didn't have jobs aside from the club and the three of them lived together, so they split the bills. The three of them shared the responsibility of one person.

Reginald was the more responsible of the four. He worked his day job driving the cab eight or more hours a day, balanced a relationship with Brandie and worked at the club three nights a week. He did all of these things well, because he put his heart into it. Effort wasn't the strong point of his band mates, under most circumstances. But this time, they put out maximum effort.

When Tuesday night finally came about, the guys were prepared,

"What's the play list tonight gentlemen," asked Farley. "We're singing 'You Send Me Swinging' by Mint Condition, 'Spread My Wings' by Troop and we'll do 'Love' by Musiq," said Reginald. "Any other suggestions," continued Reginald. "Sounds good, let's do it," said Tommy. "Hands in fellas," Vance said. The guys put their fists together. "We crew," they yelled in unison.

As they walked out of the dressing room, each of them felt their own kind of pressure building deep down. For The Crew, this was an opportunity to prove the previous scout wrong. They had a chance to show that they were professionals and that they could play anything for anybody. Reginald knew that this could be the last chance he has to keep his dream alive. An average performance wasn't good enough. Even a good performance wasn't enough. Reginald knew that they would have to blow Mr. Martin away.

The place was packed from the front door to the back door. The crowd was on fire tonight. Excitement filled the room like the smoke from the numerous people smoking cigarettes, cigars and weed. There were more waitresses than normal tonight, for a Tuesday. The bartenders couldn't keep up with the demand of drinks. The Hill was truly a mad house tonight.

As they stepped on stage for their introductions, Reginald peered off to his left. He noticed a familiar face. It was Craig Martin. He was there with a well dressed, bald, black guy in shades. "Who's that," Reginald. asked himself. Craig waved to Reginald and Reginald returned the wave. Duane noticed the two gentlemen and walked over to them as the show started.

In the standing room only crown, Duane had a hard time making his way over to Craig, but he felt it was worth it to help make a good impression for Reginald. As he reached Craig and his friend, he reached out to shake hands with Craig.

"You must be Mr. Martin," said Duane. "Yes, I'm Craig Martin," said Craig as they shook hands. "This is a friend of mine, Sonny Benson," Craig continued. Duane reached out to shake Sonny's hand. Sonny looked down at Duane's hand through his expensive shades and then returned his attention to the show. "It's okay brother," Duane said with a slightly embarrassed laugh. "I'm Duane Clemons. This is my club," Duane said. "Let me find you boys a suitable seat for the show," Duane continued. Duane cleared a path to a booth closer to the stage where they had a better view. As they walked by, Duane noticed Brandie standing by the bar with a small group of women.

"Brandie," Duane yelled. It was almost inaudible as Reginald sang a verse of 'You Send Me Swinging'. As he waved to her and finally got her attention, he called her over. "Brandie, this is Mr. Craig Martin and Mr. Sonny Collins. These are the gentlemen here to listen to Reg," said Duane. Brandie stared at Duane for a moment. "Why is this negro being so hospitable to strangers," she thought. "It's nice to meet you both, I'm Brandie Lloyd, Reginald's girlfriend," she said as she smiled at the two men. Craig reached out and shook her hand. "It's good to meet you Miss Lloyd," said Craig. Sonny only nodded his head and turned his attention back to the show. "Well, I gotta get back to my friends. I hope you all enjoy the music," said Brandie as she walked away.

"So Mr. Martin, what's your vice," Duane asked. "What you sippin on," he asked. "Could I just get a Sprite," asked Craig. "You've got it, and what about you Mr. Benson," asked Duane. Sonny didn't respond. Irritated, Duane got up. "Okay, that's one Sprite," Duane said. He walked over to a passing waitress and put in his request. As she walked away from him, Duane smacked her on the butt.

Sonny leaned over and whispered into Craig's ear. Duane sat back down just as Sonny finished. "Mr. Martin, Craig, you've heard Reggie sing before," said Duane. "With the Crew, he's unbelievable. Their chemistry and the way they handle the crowd, they are unstoppable," Duane said as he lit a cigar. The waitress returned with a Sprite and a shot of cognac for Duane. "These people love them. Don't you believe they deserve a shot," asked Duane. Craig took a sip of his Sprite. "Duane, I think the band is solid, but nothing special," Craig said. "I'm here specifically for Reginald," Craig continued. "There are infinite numbers of people who have voices, but the great ones have stage presence," Craig said as he pointed up to Reginald. Duane looked up at the stage as an over-eager fan tried to climb on stage with Reginald.

Duane chuckled. "It's a wonder that he stays faithful to Brandie with all this scattered ass around here," Duane said. "Mr. Clemons, Reggie has something special. I want to give him a chance to show it. I'm not taking the band at this time," said Craig. "And even if I can't sign him because of some red tape from my bosses, my friend Mr. Benson will take him on as a client and find him a label," Craig said. Duane shook his head and threw back the shot of cognac. "Shit, here we go again," said Duane. "Craig, with all due respect, these guys are a team," Duane said. "Reginald will never leave his friends," Duane said. "He will have to eventually, if he wants to make it," Craig said. Sonny took off his shades and put them in the inside pocket of his jacket. "We want Reginald," Sonny said with his eyes piercing Duane.

As Reginald finished his last song, he decided to speak to the audience.

"Thank you, thank you all," said Reginald over the cheers and claps. "I just want to thank you all for coming out tonight. I especially want to thank Mr. Craig Martin, from Image Records for taking time out of his busy schedule to hear us," said Reginald with a big grin. "God bless you all," he said before taking a bow and exiting the stage.

When the guys made it back to the dressing room, they saw Brandie standing at the door. She greeted Reginald with a long passionate kiss. "Baby, you were wonderful tonight," said Brandie with a smile. She pulled Reginald off to the side. "If this guy offers you and only you a shot, you've got to take it," said Brandie. Reginald scoffed and looked away. "Baby, I'm serious, you have to look out for yourself," she said. "I'm not saying this for me or for anybody," she continued. "I just want to see you succeed in reaching your goal. Sometimes you have to make hard choices to get to your goal," she said as touched his face. Reginald smiled at her. "I know you want what's best for me. I'm going to make the best decision I can," said Reginald. He kissed her soft lips. Their kiss was interupted by Duane's heavy footsteps on the floor. "Reg, go see your boy out there," yelled Duane as he stomped up the hall.

Reginald felt a sense of deja vu as he walked through the hallway to numerous handshakes, daps and congratulations. He saw Craig and his companion sitting in the booth. He thought back to the meeting with Mr. Donaldson. "Man, I hope this isn't a repeat," he thought.

"Reggie, it's good to see you again my friend," said Craig as he shook Reginald's hand. "This is my associate, Sonny Benson," he continued. "It's good to meet you Reginald," said Sonny. Reginald shook Sonny's hand. "Nice to meet you Mr. Benson," said Reginald. "Call me Sonny," he responded with a smile. "Listen, I loved the show," said Craig. "I was really impressed with your act," he continued. "It's unfortunate that I can't offer you a contract today, however I can offer you a chance to sing for the big wigs up at Image tomorrow," said Craig. "If you do what you did tonight, you'll blow them away," he said. Reginald looked perplexed. "So I have to audition again," asked Reginald. "Yes, but it'll only be one song," said Craig. "I've also got a contingency plan in place for you. Sonny's an agent, he'll work for you for free over the next year until you get a contract. Then you can pay him later," said Craig. "Reggie, the only stipulation is you have to lose the band, buddy," said Craig.

Reginald felt his heart sink. It was like somebody just punched him in the chest.

"Why is it that they can never get a shot," asked Reginald. "Look Reggie, you have to lose them. They aren't on your level, and frankly, they're holding you back," Sonny said. Reggie looked down for a minute. He rubbed his temples. When he looked up, he saw Brandie standing at the bar. She gave him a sweet smile. "Okay Craig, okay," said Reginald. "I'll do it," he finished. The three men stood up. Sonny put his shades back on. He looked at Reginald. "You won't be sorry," he said. "Be up there at two sharp Reggie," said Craig. Reginald shook their hands. As they left. Brandie ran over to the table as Reginald sat back down.

"So what happened baby," she asked excitedly. "I've got an offer to come audition for Image Executives tomorrow afternoon at two, but the band isn't invited," Reginald said. "I don't know how to tell them that I'm getting my chance, but they have to keep on waiting," said Reginald with a frown. "Reggie, you know if you make it, you can give them a chance too," said Brandie. "A victory for you is a victory for them," she said as she hugged Reginald closely. "Yeah, I hope they see it that way too," said Reginald.

To Be Continued....