It was 8:55 am. Reginald was startled by the vibration of his cell phone. He looked at the display. It was Craig. He rubbed his eyes as he put the phone to his ear. "Hello," Reginald said in a scratchy voice. "Reggie, is that you," asked Craig. "You sound awful," he continued. Reginald cleared his throat. "I had a long night, Mr. Martin," said Reginald.
"Listen, I just wanted to check in with you and make sure you talked with your friends last night," Craig said. "Remember, this is business. When you get a chance to move forward in your career a little, you can give them a shot," he continued. Reginald layed back on the bed. "I talked to them. They understand," Reginald replied. "Excellent," Craig said with a smile. "Okay buddy, I will see you around fifteen 'til two," Craig finished. "See you then," said Reginald hanging up the phone.
Reginald placed the phone on his night stand and rolled back over. Brandie was in bed next to him, sleeping peacefully. He rolled over on his right side and wrapped his arm around her waist. He pulled her close. She scooted in a little closer as Reginald kissed her bare shoulder. They slowly drifted back off to sleep.
Once again, Reginald was awakened. This time it was by Brandie climbing out of bed. "Baby, where you going," asked Reginald. "Boy, it's noon, we overslept," Brandie said. "Get up, you need to start getting ready," Brandie finished. Reginald removed the white sheet from his body. He rolled over and rubbed his tired eyes. Brandie turned on the CD player and put in Stevie Wonder's greatest hits as she walked to the kitchen.
Reginald climbed out of bed and decided to hop in the shower. As he showered, he thought about the opportunity in front of him. "I can't believe this is happening, finally," Reginald said to himself. A huge smile formed on his face as he let the reality of the situation sink in.
While in the kitchen, Brandie began to make a quick breakfast for Reginald and herself. "I know Reginald promised to be with me, but can he really follow up on it," she asked herself as cracking the eggs. "He means well and I know he loves me now, but things are going to change. I might lose him," she thought. Brandie found tears rolling down her cheeks. She sniffled and wiped the tears from her face.
Reginald walked into the room and saw Brandie crying. "What's wrong baby," he asked. He ran over to her and put his arms around her. "Nothing, I'm fine. I'm just so happy for you," she said. "Happy for us, we're going to make a beautiful life together," Reginald said as he kissed her forehead. "I wouldn't be here without you," Reginald continued as he manuevered around behind her and put his hands on her hips. Reginald found himself grinding into her from behind. "Stop it Reggie," Brandie laughed. "You are trying to start something that we don't have time to finish," she continued. She turned around and kissed his lips. Then she handed him his plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. "Go eat," she laughed.
Reginald watched her walk from the kitchen into the bedroom. He smiled to himself as he began eating his breakfast.
When Brandie shut the door, she fought back more tears. She took deep breaths and then went to the closet to get out clothes. Once again she found tears streaming down her cheeks. She hurried to the shower, hoping that the warm water would help her relax her mind. She argued back and forth within. "He loves me, he's not going to leave me," she said. "But he'll meet girls like Beyonce'. I can't compete with that," she debated. Brandie shook her head. "I've got to stop doubting him. He's a good man and he's my man," she said convincingly. With that, she finished her shower. When she walked out of the bathroom, Reginald was sitting on the bed, tying his shoes.
"You ready baby," asked Brandie. "Yup, just about," Reginald replied. Reginald got up and began walking towards the livingroom. He kissed Brandie on the cheek as he walked by. As he sat on his couch, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. It was Farley. "Knuckle-head, how's it going," asked Reginald with a chuckle. "I'm alright. I was just calling to wish you good luck on your meeting. Remember bro, we're on your side," Farley said. "Thanks, that means a lot," said Reginald. Just then, Brandie walked out of the bedroom. "Let's go Reggie, we're running late," she said. "Farley, I gotta step. I will hit you back after it's over," Reginald said. "Later," said Farley.
Reginald and Brandie walked outside. It was warm, but not too hot. There was a nice breeze and they decided to walk to the cab depot. When they arrived at the depot, it was around 1 pm.
The couple hopped into Reginald's cab and headed to Image. Reginald thought about what he was going to sing, as he drove. He was a little nervous, but he knew that he couldn't blow this opportunity.
When they walked into the office, Craig was down stairs waiting to greet them. "Reg, how are you," he asked. "Brandie, you look beautiful, it's nice to see you again today," Craig finished as he shook Reginald's hand. "Where's Mr. Benson," asked Reginald. "He'll be around later, if they decide to sign you," said Craig as he began walking from the lobby. "So do you know what you're going to sing," asked Craig. "Yeah, I made up something last night and this morning," Reginald said with a smile.
"Creativity, that's a big plus. I hope it's good, my friend," Craig said. They approached the conference room and Craig stopped them. "Look Reggie, I'm wishing you well in here. These guys are tough, but I know you have what it takes. Brandie, you can't go in with him, but it won't take long," Craig said as he led Reginald to the door.
Reginald and Brandie shared one last kiss before Reginald disappeared through the big double doors of the conference room. Brandie looked around at her surroundings and sat on the big cushiony couch. "Good luck baby," she whispered to herself.
As Reginald and Craig entered the conference room, the chatter stopped. There were about 15 people around a long dark wooden table. "Everyone, this is Reginald Morgan," Craig said to his colleagues. Craig took a moment to introduce several of them to Reginald. There were a couple who really stood out in Reginald's mind.
"This is Arnold Chapman. He's our top producer and also the head of scouting here at Image," said Craig. Arnold was a short, older black guy with a serious receding hairline. He wore a chocolate brown suit, matching tie, and a black shirt. "That brother is dressed," Reginald thought.
"Reggie, this is Deane Milner. He's president and C.E.O. of Image," said Craig. "He's got the final say in all new acts, and he signs that nice paycheck that we all get here," laughed Craig. Everyone around the long table laughed. Deane was a fairly young man for his position. No older than about 45, very few wrinkles, but he was bald and not by choice.
"It's nice to meet you all," Reginald said with a nervous smile. "Reggie, go ahead and show us what you've got," said Deane. Arnold stood up and handed Reginald the microphone.
Reginald cleared his throat and focused. He closed his eyes and the words began to pour out.
I didn’t make it this far
With it just being all about me
I didn’t make it this far
By just being lucky
I didn’t make it here
By being by myself
I didn’t succeed
Without the help of someone else
That someone is you…
As he sang his song, the feeling in the room with from very business like to something fascinating. Normally tight lipped, straight faced people smiled uncontrollably. They were all nodding their heads as if music were playing with Reginald's lyrics.
If January happened in June
While people relocated to the moon
The Earth could rotate off its axis
And no one ever had to pay taxes
While roses stayed red
And violets stayed blue
I’d still be yours forever
This is my vow to you
As Brandie sat outside the room, she heard Reginald's powerful voice through the door. "He's singing about me," she said to herself with a smile.
When I needed a friend
You were always right there
And when I constantly complained
You never even cared
When I got lonely
And needed company
You’d stop everything you were doing
And made your way to me
That’s why I love you
If January happened in June
While people relocated to the moon
The Earth could rotate off its axis
And no one ever had to pay taxes
While roses stayed red
And violets stayed blue
I’d still be yours forever
This is my vow to you
Reginald's eyes remained closed as he finished the chorus of the song. While he focused on his words, the emotion and the feeling of the song was drawn out by his love for Brandie. The song was definitely for her and about her.
If something ever went wrong in your life
You can call me and I’d make it alright
I couldn’t imagine going on without you by my side
I can’t wait for the day, that you’ll be my bride
If January happened in June
While people relocated to the moon
The Earth could rotate off its axis
And no one ever had to pay taxes
While roses stayed red
And violets stayed blue
I’d still be yours forever
This is my vow to you
The boardroom erupted into applause. All the executives talked among themselves for a moment. Craig approached Reginald. "Reggie, you blew them away," he said. "I've never seen them this giddy before," Craig continued. "Man, I just focused and released. I hope that's enough," Reginald said as he reached out and shook Craig's hand.
"Mr. Morgan," started Mr. Milner in his deep voice. "I am not easily impressed. I've seen a lot of stars and wannabe stars come through here. I know the difference between the two," said Mr. Morgan. "You sir, are a star in the making," he finished.
Craig began to clap and the rest of the group joined in. Reginald was so happy, he couldn't stop smiling. "Thank you sir, you don't know what this means to me," said Reginald. "Son, what we need from you is a demo tape to get to our producers and song writers. We want to get you started by the end of next week. Do you have a demo," asked Arnold.
"No sir, I don't have one right now," said Reginald. "You need to get one by Friday. Can you handle that," asked Arnold. "Yes sir, absolutely," Reginald said.
"I need five songs, they can be originals, or whatever. Mix and match. Just get me the tape as soon as possible," said Arnold. "The song you just sang, put it on there. That's your first single," Arnold said with a smile. "I will sir, thank you," Reginald said as he shook Arnold's hand. Reginald couldn't stop thanking everyone for his chance. As he exited the conference room, he saw Brandie. She was grinning from ear to ear. "You did it baby," she screamed as she jumped into his arms. "I couldn't have done it without you babe," Reginald said and he hugged her tightly.
"Reggie, I don't mean to interrupt, but we need to schedule a meeting with you and Sonny, so you can discuss contract terms; things of that nature," Craig said. "We'll do that once your demo's in," Craig finished. "Thank you Craig, thanks for everything. I'm not going to let you down man," said Reginald. Reginald and Brandie started off down the hall.
"Well done, Craig," said Arnold. "Looks like you'll be sticking around for a little longer," he continued as he pat Craig on the back. As Arnold walked away, Craig dialed a number on his cell. "Sonny, it's Craig. Things are working out quite nicely. I will keep you informed." Craig said.
To Be Continued...
(D. Donley contributed the original song for this chapter, many thanks!)
No comments:
Post a Comment