Reginald and Brandie walked down the hallway hand in hand as they left the conference room lobby. "Baby, I knew you could do it," Brandie said gleefully. "I never had any doubt about your talent, you just needed your chance," she continued. "Yeah, I guess I just needed to reach out and take the opportunity," Reginald replied.
Their conversation was interrupted by someone calling Reginald's name. "Reggie, hold up," yelled Craig. "Hey, did I forget something," asked Reginald. "No, but I forgot to tell you something about your demo," Craig said. "You've got to front the money for the session," said Craig. "These guys don't want to reserve studio time for you and you not show up," Craig said. "It's not that I don't believe in you, but these guys take every precaution," Craig continued.
"Okay, so how much cash are we talking," asked Reginald. "I've got a little money stored away for a emergencies," he continued. "It's $3000 per session, here," Craig said. "Shit, that's steep," Reginald remarked. "Baby, I can put in some to help you," Brandie said. "No, that shouldn't be necessary," Reginald replied. "How long is a session," asked Reginald. "It's four hours, that's enough time for probably two songs," Craig replied. "Damn, I need enough time for five songs," exclaimed Reginald. "That's $7500 for five songs then right," asked Reginald. "Roughly, yes," Craig responded. "I'll come up with the money," Reginald said. He shook Craig's hand. "Thanks for everything. I'll be in touch," Reginald said.
As they walked away from Craig, Reginald began thinking of ways to pay for his studio time. "Reggie, you know I can help you through this," said Brandie, looking up into Reginald's troubled face. Reginald smiled at Brandie. "You are wonderful Brandie," said Reginald. "I'll work it out, don't worry about me," he said.
Reginald dropped Brandie off at work. And turned on his "on duty" sign. As he drove through the streets, he continued his brain-storming. After a while, he felt a vibration on his hip. It was Duane. "What's up man," Reginald said, answering his phone. "How'd it go, negro," asked Duane. "I blew that shit off the henges, but I gotta come up with some money for studio time," said Reginald. "I have to record five demo songs, and basically it works out to $7500," Reginald continued. "No problem bruh," said Duane. "I can spare the cash for a good friend," Duane continued.
"I can't take that from you, man," Reginald replied. "You've already given me so much, I need to do this on my own," Reginald finished. "Please," Duane said with a laugh. "Consider it a favor between old friends," he continued. "We've been friends for a long time and when you and the guys exclusively play my club, you're putting money in my pocket," Duane said. "So, you don't owe me a damn thing," Duane finished. "You want cash, check or money order," laughed Duane.
After quite a bit of prodding, Reginald finally agreed to take Duane's money. But in the end, he made Duane agree to taking the money back, when he could pay him back.
Reginald deposited Duane's check into his account and made his way to Image with a check of his own to pay for his studio time. Reginald scheduled five hours on Friday and five more on Monday.
Amazingly, Arnold decided to handle Reginald's demo project personally. No underlings, no new guys who're just learning the equipment. One of the best producers in the land, chose to involve himself in Reginald's demo. Reginald felt very fortunate to have a real professional like Arnold helping him through his first real recording session.
When the time came for Reginald to record, he and Arnold made a great team. Arnold had a wonderful ear for music. Although in his late forties, he produced acts for numerous age groups. From the 12 year old prodigy all the way to the seasoned 60 year old performers. During his 20 years in the music industry, he had been involved with 50 top five records, including 17 platinum records that he solely produced. Arnold had seen it all and if you were going to impress him, you had to work hard.
Monday, during the middle of the session, Arnold received what seemed to be a very important phone call. He completely stopped recording and walked out into the hallway. Normally if he had to step out, he'd let one of his production assistants handle things for a moment. But he completely closed up shop this time.
Ten minutes later, he re-entered the room. "Reggie, I need to speak with you," he said with a very serious tone. Everybody else in the room left. Only Arnold and Reginald remained. Arnold sat down in his cushy, leather chair. "Have a seat," he said, pointing at the chair directly in front of him. "That was Mr. Milner on the phone," said Arnold. "They listened to your whole demo session from Friday," said Arnold. "It forced them to come to a decision," he continued. Reginald tensed up, and swallowed hard. "They want you to keep on recording through the week," Arnold said with a smile. "Trash those remakes, and we're going to record your record, starting with My Vow," he continued. Reginald's nervousness became excitement. "What, so I'm in," he said as he jumped up. "You've got it son," said Arnold. "You just need to get a manager, someone to negotiate a contract for you and you are getting paid," Arnold said.
Reginald shook hands with Arnold and the handshake became an embrace. "Mr. Chapman, I can't begin to thank you for your help," Reginald said. "Son, you just keep working hard, that's thanks enough for me," Arnold replied. Just then, Craig walked in. He saw the grins on the faces of the two men. "Oh, so you've heard," Craig said with a big smile. "Yeah man, we did it," Reginald said as shook Craig's hand. "Listen, Sonny's down stairs, in my office," Craig said. "He wants to talk to you about signing with him, so he can work on your deal with the guys upstairs," Craig continued.
"That sounds good Craig, but I need to do something first, before I sign anything with Sonny," Reginald replied. Craig looked puzzled. "Reggie, you can't let this pass you by. Rumor has it, they are offering you a three record deal with an option for a fourth," Craig said. "Surely you aren't thinking of backing out," he continued. "No, not at all," said Reginald. "I just need to take care of something before I sign the record deal," he continued. "I'll be back," said Reginald as he walked out of the recording room. Arnold and Craig each looked at each other with a look of bewilderment.
Reginald called Brandie to tell her the big news, but she didn't answer the phone. Instead, he got her voice mail. "Baby, it's on," he yelled into the phone. "I'll be there to get you after work tonight. I love you," he said as he hung up. Reginald walked hastily towards his cab.
"It's only right, I owe him," said Reginald to himself as he pulled out of the parking deck. Ten minutes into his drive, he found himself in front of The Hill. He noticed three black Escalades parked on the side of the building. They had out of state tags. "I wonder what that's all about," Reginald thought.
Reginald walked in, it was only 2 pm, but there were already several people at the bar. Reginald saw Hank standing next to the stage, flirting with a waitress. "Hank, is Duane 'round," asked Reginald. "Yeah, he's out back, conducting business. Give him about 10 minutes," Hank said. Reginald walked back over to the bar and got a bottle of water. He said and watch several people as they walked by. Many of them recognized him and spoke. Reginald always spoke back and gave them a smile.
After a few minutes of people watching, he saw Duane and three of his bouncers walk in from the back. Duane had a briefcase in his hand and he looked a little flustered. Reginald got up and began walking towards Duane. He saw Hank whisper into Duane's ear and look over at him. Duane handed the briefcase to Hank. Reginald looked down at the black briefcase, he noticed a large dent in the side and their was a red smudge on the silver plating. Hank walked by Reginald as Duane greeted him.
"Reg, what are you doing here," asked Duane. Reginald was curious about what he just witnessed, but he shook it off. "I have a business proposition for you," Reginald said.
To Be Continued...
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