"A business proposition," Duane said curiously. "What you need," he asked. "I'd like you to be my manager," Reginald said. Duane's mouth parted into a smile and he slowly began to laugh. "C'mere man," Duane said as he walked towards his office. "Let's talk in private," he continued.
They entered the office and Duane closed the door behind them. "Now why the hell do you want me to manage you," Duane asked with a laugh. "You're good with business and money," Reginald said. Duane walked over to the mini-bar and began to pour a drink as he listened to Reginald. "Besides, I trust you and I owe it to you," Reginald continued as he sat on the couch.
Duane joined Reginald on the couch. "Brother, you don't owe me shit," he said. "I told you that before. I'm not going to manage you unless it's really what you want. You know that I'm not completely qualified for this," Duane said. "But I will do what I can," Duane finished. "I've managed some local people and of course I handle all the legal business here at the club, but this is another level," Duane continued.
"I really do want you to do this," Reginald said. "I don't know Sonny and I know you," Reginald said. At that moment, Reginald thought about all the things he'd seen go on at the club. He thought about the beat up briefcase. "I'm just overreacting," he thought to himself. "I trust that you wouldn't do me wrong and that you'd handle my business not only in a professional manner, but as a friend," Reginald said.
"Alright - alright, I will do it," Duane agreed. "D, first I need you to come to image with me, because they've decided to sign me, but we've got to come to an agreement on contract terms," Reginald said.
Duane's eyes got big. "Seriously," asked Duane. "You big timing now," Duane laughed. Reginald smiled and hugged Duane. "Yeah man, things are looking good," Reginald said.
"Are you busy now, because I'm sure we can go and look over their offer," Reginald said. "Hell no, let's go nigga," Duane said as he swiftly leaped up from his seat. The two friends headed over to Image.
As they entered the office, Duane began to receive odd looks from Image employees. Reginald and Duane reached Craig's door and knocked softly. "Hey Craig," Reginald said as he slowly pushed open the door. He saw Craig sitting across from Sonny at his desk. Sonny began to frown as he saw Duane. "Sonny, listen, no offense, but Duane has been a good friend to me for years, and I want him to be my manager," Reginald said.
"Reginald, are you sure of this," said Craig with a scowl. "No offense, but we're talking six figures. Duane may not be equipped to handle that kind of money," Craig said. Sonny sat quietly, still frowning. "No offense to you Craigy, but I handle six figure deals regularly," Duane said sharply. "If my man here wants me to run the show, I'm runnin' this bitch," Duane said as he looked at Craig and Sonny. Sonny stood up, and looked down at Duane. Sonny stood at about six-foot-five. "Son, you ain't shit and you won't be running anything for long," Sonny said. He put on his shades and walked out of the office.
"Reg, I highly advise against this, but it's your career," Craig said as he stood up. "Let's go look at this contract," he said as he walked towards the door. Duane frowned up and whispered into Reginald's ear, "I don't like these motherfuckas." "Calm down D, just do your thing, show them that you can handle yours," Reginald replied. They followed Craig down the hall to see one of the company lawyers and financial representatives. Mr. Milner was also present.
When Duane entered the room, you could feel the tension in the air. "Reginald, it's good to see you," said Mr. Milner. "Likewise, sir," Reginald said as he shook Mr. Milner's hand. "Everyone, this is Duane Clemons, my manager. He will be handling my contract," Reginald said. The room was silent. "Fine," said Mr. Milner. It was obvious that Mr. Milner wasn't pleased with Duane managing Reginald. But in the end, it was Reginald's choice. The financial representative gave Duane the contract. He and Reginald went to a desk at the opposite side of the office to look over it.
As they reviewed the terms, they found that rumors were correct. The agreement was for three records over the next two years. If the first went Platinum, the fourth record was automatic and he would be able to renegotiate for more money. If the first two went Gold, then the third went Platinum, the company had the option to match any offers that he received from other companies at the end of his contract. If he never went platinum, the company could re-sign him or he could go elsewhere.
There were numerous financial bonuses attached if he was successful, including: tours, guest appearances on other artists albums, as well as talk show appearances from coast-to-coast.
When Duane explained to Reginald roughly what he was looking at. "Reggie, if you complete four albums and all the other incentives, you are looking at close to a million dollars over the next three years," Duane whispered. "The absolute worst you can do is four hundred fifty large," Duane finished. Reginald couldn't stop smiling. "That is great man, any fine print," asked Reginald.
"Yeah, but nothing you'll have to worry about," Duane said. "Just some clause about you staying out of trouble. That's not a problem for you, though. You're squeaky clean," Duane laughed. "Oh and you can't do anything stupid that would endanger your life, such as ride motorcycles and scuba-dive, shit like that," laughed Duane. "Not a problem," Reginald said with a smile. "Okay, let's go with it," he continued.
Mr. Milner and Craig were both pleased with Reginald signing the contract. They had the utmost faith in him and his abilities. Their worries, however, were that he would wind up in trouble because of his ties to Duane. When things got rolling, surprisingly, there were virtually no problems. Reginald went back into the studio with Arnold and recorded the rest of his debut album. Reginald was working harder than ever. He put in numerous 15 hour days in the studio with Arnold. Finally after a month, they completed at 12 track CD.
All the hard work had finally paid off for Reginald professionally. He was on his way. Personally, however, Reginald was struggling. He knew once his first single hit the airwaves, he'd be going on tour. Brandie knew this as well. They had spent almost a month seeing each other only sparingly. It put a major strain on their relationship. He knew a tour would only put added pressure on them.
And as expected, My Vow got major airplay. The single CD sold 150,000 units the first week. Reginald was immediately booked into a tour featuring Platinum hip hop star, Big Mic. There were 24 stops on the tour from which stretched as far as Miami all the way to Portland. While in New York, the tour would take a two day hiatus. There he would film the video.
When Reginald received the news of the tour, he was excited and saddened. He looked over at Brandie and sighed. "Baby, I'm leaving on a month long tour as of tomorrow," he said. Brandie sat quietly. Reginald stood up and walked over to her. He kneeled beside her chair and grabbed her hand. "I know that we haven't spent a lot of time together lately, but this is me getting things started for us. Baby, you don't have to worry about anything," Reginald said.
"Reggie, you are going to be gone for a month," Brandie said. "I have to live off of phone calls between now and then," she asked. "Do you really believe that our relationship can handle being apart for a month," Brandie asked. "Yes, definitely. I love you, and you will always be on my mind," Reginald said. "Who are you touring with," Brandie asked. "Big Mic, Yvonne Summers, David Withers, some other new people like me. Why do you ask," Reginald wondered.
"Big Mic is a notorious man-whore," Brandie responded. "You know that there will be a thousand groupies at each venue," she continued. "I don't like it, not one bit. You are a good man, and you will have these skanky little hos all around you. If I was there, I wouldn't worry, but a moment of weakness can lead you to a lifetime of regret," Brandie finished. Brandie got up and walked out of the apartment. Reginald just stood there, speechless. "I'm not going to give in to temptation Brandie," he said to himself. Reginald sat in his recliner and drifted off to sleep.
The following morning, Reginald flew into Atlanta for their first stop on the tour. From there, he would fly on the Image corporate jet with the rest of the musicians. As he walked through the terminal, he saw a chauffeur in a dark blue suit holding a sign with his name on it. "Hey buddy, you looking for me," he asked. "I'm Reggie Morgan," he continued. "Identification please," asked the chauffeur. When he was satisfied that Reginald was who he said he was he led him to a limo that was parked out front.
Inside the limo, there was a bottle of Cristal on ice, a television, a mini fridge filled with snacks, and a phone. The phone reminded Reginald to call Brandie. "Hope she picks up," Reginald said to himself. After a couple of rings, he got her voicemail. "Hey baby, I'm in the A-T-L. I'm headed to the hotel for the next three hours and then I'm going to the dome for the show," Reginald said. "Please call me, I love you," Reginald said as he hung up the phone.
When Reginald finally got checked into his room, he found a tray of fresh fruit, several ice cold bottles of water and more Cristal. "I'm going to have a sip of that later," Reginald laughed to himself. He walked over to the super king sized bed and fell face forward. While laying on the bed, he looked to his right and noticed the bathroom. He quickly climbed off the bed and ran into the bathroom. "A jaccuzzi, are you shittin me," he laughed. Reginald decided to explore the large hotel, so he took his card-key and walked out the door.
While walking up the hall, he noticed a commotion ahead. As he got closer, he realized that it was Big Mic and a large group of fans around him. He was signing autographs and talking to each of them, mostly young women. Big Mic noticed Reginald coming in his direction.
"You're the new guy right," he said in his deep voice. "Yeah, I'm Reggie Morgan," Reginald said reaching out to shake Big Mic's hand. "I'm Big Mic, as if you didn't know," Big Mic laughed. "Okay, no more autographs, I have to go everyone, but be sure to come to the show tonight," he said. He put his arm around Reginald's shoulder. "You are gonna love this tour home boy," Big Mic laughed. "This is my room, come on in," he said. He swiped his card key and opened the door. Reginald could hear the music blasting from outside.
Smoke filled the room. There were probably ten young semi-naked women in the room. There were two large men standing guard with live firearms. "They must be bodyguards," Reginald thought to himself as he coughed. There were two other guys sitting on the couch. They were smoking stogies that were gutted out and refilled with marijuana. "You want a hit young buck," asked one of the men. "No thanks, I'm good man," Reginald said. "Hey Big Mic," Reginald yelled over the music. "Call me Mike," Big Mic said. "Mike, look, I gotta go," said Reginald. "Why, you don't like women," Mike laughed.
"It's not that, I've got a girlfriend back home, I am not feeling too comfortable being in here," Reginald replied. "Come here boy," Mike said. "At least burn a little with me," said Mike. "I don't smoke man," said Reginald defensively. Mike took a long hit from the stogie. "What do you do," Mike asked. "Your lady is in another city, she'll never be the wiser," Mike laughed. Reginald shook his head and walked towards the door. When he got out into the hallway, he coughed a little. His eyes burned from the smoke.
"Reggie, what's the problem man," Mike asked as he came out into the hallway. "Listen man, I'm trying to be faithful to my lady, and I don't smoke," Reginald said. "I need you to respect me and I'll respect you," Reginald said, looking Mike in the eye. "Okay, kid. But if you're ever needing a piece or you wanna get lifted, you know who to call," Mike said as he turned to walk back to his room.
"Damn, I need somebody I know around here," Reginald thought. "Maybe I can fly Brandie in," he said to himself.
To Be Continued...
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