Opportunity Knocks ( PM to join )

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"Roxie, we both know you were 'interested' before we got into the car.
"Now it's just a matter of 'how interested'. Enough to sign with Apex and do as I say or not. That's the bottom line. When the meals over and I hand you the contract will you be 'interested' enough to sign it.
"Ask any business questions that you wish and, while I may decline to answer some, the ones I do answer I'll answer honestly for you."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"Roxie, we both know you were 'interested' before we got into the car. Now it's just a matter of 'how interested'.
Enough to sign with Apex and do as I say or not.
That's the bottom line. When the meals over and I hand you the contract will you be 'interested' enough to sign it.
Ask any business questions that you wish and, while I may decline to answer some, the ones I do answer I'll answer honestly for you."

I looked at him incredulously.
He expected me to sign that night?

"Ok... we'll talk over dinner... and then...I guess I'll have to know how interested I am."

I had no choice, but to agree to those terms, but still.. it all seemed very rushed...

"So.. you mentionned.. 'bad girl image' what kind of image and music do you think would suit me?"

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"First you tell me what you think fits you Roxie. What style do you think would make you a star if not a super star in time."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"First you tell me what you think fits you Roxie.
What style do you think would make you a star if not a super star in time."

I turned to him with a look of surprise.
I hadn't expected him to ask my opinion.
I paused and gave it serious thought, considering aloud as I did so.

"Well... so far ... I've fronted bands that have a rock style, heavy rock stuff... lots of electric guitars and effects ... my bad girl image has been rebellious, almost protest type stuff ... but ..."

I hesitate about to make an admission to myself for the first time.

"I guess that was more about making a statement, about doing what I wanted to do and proving I could. I like that type of stuff but ... it's not very demanding... and maybe not the best backing for my voice. It's too ... specialised ... to be massively popular ... I always saw it as a starting point, but I'm not sure where I'd move on to next ..."

Again I pause, lost in thought. I realised I would have to totally rethink my image and the type of songs I'd be willing to try. I knew my voice was good, powerful for sure, but Damien was right, it would need work and alot of it.

It was the first time I realised that perhaps I really did need someone with a detached view, someone who knew the market.
Given that fact, the idea of passing over artistic control seemed more logical now I'd thought it out.

Turning to Damien I asked curiously.

"What do you think...? It won't sell as it is now, will it?"

And if I wouldn't sell as I was then he must already have an idea about which way to go from here.

"What do you see in what I do now that is worth taking a financial risk on Damien? What do I need to do to 'make it'?"

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"I see you beginning as a sex symbol singer using her natural looks, sexy body and sex appeal to grab all of the male listeners by the gonads as a low and sultry voice drips and oozes come and get it songs into their ears.
"Then in a year or so beginning to transform into what used to be called a torch singer of hot and steamy ballads that will grab every man and woman who hear's them and make them want to find someone to bed just as you're singing about.
"Then later yet another evolution, but choosing what will have to wait until it's closer to that time so we can see what the trends and tastes are like."

I sit back and watch you and wait. A glance outside tells me we're about 10 more minutes away.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"I see you beginning as a sex symbol singer using her natural looks, sexy body and sex appeal to grab all of the male listeners by the gonads as a low and sultry voice drips and oozes come and get it songs into their ears."

I listen as he outlines his ideas and wonder how I could transform into that "look".
Hadn't he seen my performances?
Heavily made up, masking my sex rather than exploiting it?
Could I do low and sultry?
Well I had done it, on occasions, but had then deliberately steered away from that kind of sound and look ... so far...

"Then in a year or so beginning to transform into what used to be called a torch singer of hot and steamy ballads that will grab every man and woman who hear's them and make them want to find someone to bed just as you're singing about."

Ballads? Me?

"Then later yet another evolution, but choosing what will have to wait until it's closer to that time so we can see what the trends and tastes are like."

I look at him and try not to look to shell shocked as I comment.

"Wow. That is a turn around ... "

I run over his ideas consideringly, not disliking the images he painted.
They were strong, classy and sexy. So much more ... adult.

"I can see why I need you now.
I wouldn't have a clue how to make such a transformation on my own. "

Hell, on my own, I wouldn't have even thought of those ideas.
Obviously he could see a potential in me that I couldn't.

"Are you sure my voice and looks are appropriate for that, for those type of songs?"

I questionned wondering if his expectations of me were too high.

"It's not the "bad girl" idea I expected.
I've never done ballads or attempted to create that type of image."

I confessed honestly.

"But ... "

I smiled, letting myself glimpss what could be within reach if I let him recreate me. If I let him have free reign and make me into the picture of the sultry singer he had painted.

"Do you think I can do it?"

I questioned forgetting not to let the innocent excitement slip into my voice as I eyed him realising fully for the first time that this man just might hold the power to make my dreams come true.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"Roxie what are your measurements?
"When was the last time you really and objectively looked at yourself in nude?
"How long has it been since you've noticed how most men look at you and a lot of women too?
"I sat in the clubs and listened to you, but mostly watched the audiences.
"Even with the crap you had on a lot of them were lusting to get into your pants.
"Now Roxie, imagine if instead of covering your sexuality and looks we exploit them instead is a tastefully slutty way, not like Madonna did. Tastefully slutty and highly erotic.
"Add that look to you singing in a low and highly sexy voice erotic based songs of several tempo and you tell me what we have."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"Roxie what are your measurements?”

I opened my mouth to respond, shocked by the question, but then realised that, for now, it was rhetorical.

"When was the last time you really and objectively looked at yourself in nude?
How long has it been since you've noticed how most men look at you and a lot of women too? “

His eyes held mine as he spoke, as he made me look at myself objectively.

"I sat in the clubs and listened to you, but mostly watched the audiences.
Even with the crap you had on a lot of them were lusting to get into your pants.”

Instead of bristling at the insult about my appearance, I knew he was right.
I listened to his comment about the audience and realised that I hadn’t even really tried to read the audience and just gauged their response by the applause we usually half played over as we rushed on to put another song across.

"Now Roxie, imagine if instead of covering your sexuality and looks we exploit them instead in a tastefully slutty way, “

I looked at him questioningly.
I didn’t want my singing to rely on me playing a slut!
As if he read my thoughts, Damien clarified:

” … not like Madonna did. Tastefully slutty and highly erotic. “

I found myself nodding in acceptance.

"Add that look to you singing in a low and highly sexy voice erotic based songs of several tempo and you tell me what we have."

It certainly sounded exciting...

”I think we have a deal… Mr Wollfe, Damien.”

I commented quietly as I imagined the image he painted,
the future he held out just beyond my grasp.

”If you think you can do all that with me, then I’m willing to do as you say, follow your advice and work as hard as is necessary.”

I looked up as the limo slowed to a halt.

”I realise now that I do need someone to take care of my interests and having heard your ideas, signing with Apex records seems like the ideal prospect …”

I looked at him unable to hold back my eager smile ...

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"Sign now or after dinner Roxie. Your choice. The contracts here in my attache case in just in case you decided you wanted to be my new hot talent."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"Sign now or after dinner Roxie. Your choice.
The contracts here in my attache case in just in case you decided you wanted to be my new hot talent."

I eyed the attache case tempted to rush in and sign.
Surely it wasn't usual to sign a contract without getting .. advice ... but .. what did I know about it?
Apex records would surely have a pretty standard contract and the documents I'd read definitely showed that it was a prestigious and respectable company.

"I can sign now ... if you'll just take me through them and tell me what it is I'm agreeing to. "

I watched as he reached into the case...
I question excitedly.

"Who will I be working with?
Will there be a team or an individual assigned to "restyling me"
Is that kind of thing included in the contract?

I see the sheath of papers pulled out and wonder which of them relate to me.
I see his quizzical expression and realise I'm out of my depth here.
Blushing I decide that I can trust this man, so I confess;

"I'm sorry Damien, I just don't know much about the legalities of the business yet.
If you could help me through this and show me where you want my signature..."

I look up at him trustingly hoping it would be straightforward and standard, prefering to spend lunch celebrating rather than sifting through the contractual fine print.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"I see. Well Roxie, it's pretty much a "boiler plate" or standard industry contract," I say as I begin flipping through it section by section.
"The first section, as you can see here, spells out my percentage as your agent at 15% of your annual gross income derived from my efforts or those of Apex Records.
"Here at the bottom it says I'll foot all of your bills and expenses as your learning and being groomed which you will repay at in installments at an intrest rate of 1.5% above the national average intererst rate, today that would be a 6.0% for this year so far. The rates go up and down so it will vary year to year like an Adjustable Rate Mortgage on a house does.
"This part gives myself and Apex Records total and exclusive rights to you and any product you produce for the duration of the contract, which, as you see, is to be renegotiated five years after you've begun to earn Apex and I money instead of costing us money.
"This final part of the contract spells out our mutual responsibilites to each other as trainer and manager as well as setting the penalties for breach of contract.
"All pretty standard as far as a contract goes as you can see.
"The biggies for you are my 15% and the interest rate you'll have in repaying the investment loan as those directly impact your income.
"If all of this is agreeable then here's where you sign and also below your signature is a line for your Social Security number and Driver's License state and number.
"There's so Apex and file you as an employee with I.R.S. and you'll have to fill out a W-4 later and Apex will get your W-2 to you when it's time to file your taxes.
"Our friendly driver is also one of the company's Notary Publics and will witness and attest to our conversation and our signing of the contracts to make them legal and binding documents on each of us."

Two copies of the contract are opened to the last page with the signature lines.

I sign mine spot on both the move the attache case to your lap to use as a desk and hand you my pen.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"I see. Well Roxie, it's pretty much a "boiler plate" or standard industry contract,"

I let him lead me through the contract and smile as he assures me that it's pretty standard. The only thing that is unexpected is the fact that the bills and expenses have to be repayed. I wonder if that is usual, but do not question. I'm reassured by the fact he doesn't hide the fact and even makes it clear at the end.

"If all of this is agreeable then here's where you sign and also below your signature is a line for your Social Security number and Driver's License state and number."

I glance at the driver as he turns preparing to witness the signatures and watch as Damien signs the contracts in front of me. I watch as he hands me the pen and places the attache case on my lap with the contracts balanced ontop of them. With only the slightest hesitation as I look at him, I hold the pen ready and look for the line where I am to sign. I still the fleeting doubt with the thought that it is standard to have a "cooling off period" during which a client could change there mind. It never occured to me that it might not apply to this situation.

I move the pen across the page and sign the paper.

"Rachael Myers"

I hand it back, smiling self conciously as he reads my real name.
He takes the pen from my shaking hand and I watch as the driver witnesses the signatures. I see him take the documents and turn back to me with a smile.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"Well Roxie you're now a property. You belong in part to me and also to Apex Records.
"I hope you're ready for the big time for that's where you're headed unless I sorely mistaken.
"Now. Business is finished so lets enjoy a pleasent meal shall we?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Well Roxie you're now a property.
You belong in part to me and also to Apex Records. "

I thought his choice of words strange, but I guessed that in business he viewed everything as a commodity.
His next words put my mind at ease and sent a thrill through me.

"I hope you're ready for the big time for that's where you're headed unless I sorely mistaken."

I nodded, speechless with excitement and the shock of making such an impulsive, yet momentous decision.

"Now. Business is finished so lets enjoy a pleasent meal shall we?"

I returned his smile.

"Yes... let's..."

I watched him put the briefcase carefully away and allowed myself to be escorted out of the limo.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"I think in private I'll call you Rachel. Roxie can be your stage name, unless we come up with a better one of course, but in private it'll be Rachel until and unless I come up with a pet name for you, as I sometimes do after getting to know someone better.
"So, Rachel, tell me about your living accomodations and where you live. Access will be important and time commuting here and there is wasted time."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"I think in private I'll call you Rachel. Roxie can be your stage name, unless we come up with a better one of course, but in private it'll be Rachel until and unless I come up with a pet name for you, as I sometimes do after getting to know someone better."

I smiled up at him.

"Ohhh .. OK... I haven't been called Rachael in a while... but I don't mind, I guess..."

No one called me by my given name any more.
It wasn't that I particularly disliked it, nor did I particularly like it.

"So, Rachel, tell me about your living accomodations and where you live. Access will be important and time commuting here and there is wasted time."

I walked beside him as we approached the restaurant.

"I live with a group of friends, house share ... it's a pretty casual deal ... we all chip in with rent, bills and so forth... there'll be no trouble contacting me there, I have a mobile anyways ... The place is pretty central to town and I can get most places easy enough... "

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"I see," I say thoughtfully and continue walking with your hand around my arm where I'd placed it.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"I see,"

Damien listens as I explain and steers me into the building.
I look round impressed.

"It looks lovely in here, do you like Italian too?"

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"Oh hell..." I begin to answer you when a big man virtually yells out grinning hugely as he cross the restaurant toward us under a full head of steam.

"Damien! Goomba! Where the hell ya been for tooo damned long."

Then I'm wrapped up in a big bear hug and my back's pounded.

Laughing, "Guido. Sooo good to see you again. You still serving dog cutlets and calling it veal you old crook."

"Mama mia," he says looking around at all of the patrons, "see the lack of respect for my fine cooking and cuisine... BUT notice he's here to eat isn't he so he must love my dog cutlets." and he doubles over laughing as he grabs my arm and literally drags me, and you too, to a table in a back corner a bit away from the others.

Then Guido continues in a whisper that could be heard at a ball game as a touchdown was scored by the home team, "A private place for you and your lady my dear, good friend. Giovianni will put up the privacy screen when he comes to take your order."

Then be bows to you and pulls out a chair for you, "Sit. Sit My lovely young woman. Eat and enjoy for that's why we're here. My home is your home."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

"Damien! Goomba! Where the hell ya been for tooo damned long."

I watch amused as the big man welcome Damien and stand slightly apart as I see him being grabbed and welcomed.
Both men obviously know each other well judging by the teasing insults traded between them.

Then, noticing me for the first time, he grabs my arm Damien's and all but drags us across the restaurant and into a quiet corner.

"A private place for you and your lady my dear, good friend. Giovianni will put up the privacy screen when he comes to take your order."

Blushing slightly, I smile at the man as he gallantly pulls out a chair and eases it forward as I sit down. Belatedly I wish I were dressed somewhat more appropriately. I look over at Damien and wait for him to tell the man that "privacy screen" is hardly necessary, after all contracts are signed and the pressure is off, for a short time. But Damien makes no comment to correct the man's impression that this is not a dinner for pleasure, but rather as an introduction to a business relationship.

"Eat and enjoy for that's why we're here.
My home is your home."

Again the effusive welcome, which is impossible not to warm to.
I watch our host move away across the restaurant and look at Damien somewhat dazed.

"A friend of yours, I take it... "

I comment amused and somewhat overwhelmed by the effusive welcome.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"Yeah, you can say that and for a lot of years too. When I was the new kid in school he kicked my ass, but I refused to stay down.
"He'd knock me down and I'd get up swinging again, as soon as the lights stopped flashing that is.
"Finally he decided it was like me or kill me. Glad he chose the first option.
"We've been best buddies since then. I even helped him get financing to start this place when he wouldn't let me loan him the money.
"He said, "Money and debts ruin friendships. I'll work for someone else first."
"A wise man and good friend."

A pause as I smile to myself at the memories then, "Rach, mind if I take off my jacket and get comfortable?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

I listen fascinated as Damien tells me about how long his friendship has been with our host.
The idea of Damien being a kid in school amused her and she leaned forward with an amused quirk of the mouth as he related the tale.

"Finally he decided it was like me or kill me. Glad he chose the first option.
We've been best buddies since then. I even helped him get financing to start this place when he wouldn't let me loan him the money.
He said, "Money and debts ruin friendships.
I'll work for someone else first."
A wise man and good friend."

I nod. Both seemed very shrewd men.

"He sounds very special..."

I comment softly, impressed by such deep and long-term friendship.

Damien nods and smiles across the table at me.
He seemed at home in this restaurant, this home from home.

"Rach, mind if I take off my jacket and get comfortable?"

The shortening of my name hangs like an endearment in the air.
I blush faintly and respond softly.

"Of course not, Damien. Please... this is supposed to be ... casual ... isn't it, now the main business is over with?"

I watch admiringly as he shrugs out of his jacket.
The man had a magnetic aura about him.
He seemed very self-assured and yet ... the way he spoke of his friend and his increasingly approachable manner as he relaxed were very ... attractive ...

As he straightens his now discarded jacket I see him catch my eye and realise that he knows I've been watching him and assessing him. I grin, caught out, but do not pull my eyes away.

"If I'd known we were dining out at a place like this, I would have worn something more suitable..."

I comment, wondering if I in fact have anything "suitable" for this type of venue.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

As I also remove my tie, knowing what's coming and getting ready for it, "The only thing Guido and I would have considered 'more suitable' would have been less or nothing at all," I remark with a laugh as the tie joins my jack on the back of an empty chair.

"Ahhhhh, Giovianni," I say, grinning, to the short, older waiter coming our way with two glasses and a bottle of wine in an ice bucket. "How's your lovely wife and that brood of children? All very well I hope."

"Signori Nick, sooo good to see you again. It's been too long, much too long. My Maria said if I saw you I should tell you her foods better that Guido's and you haven't had any in too long. She says to tell you, "Come to our house and eat, drink and visit. The kids, they miss you do Mr. Nick."

"I've been telling you for two years it's not Mr. Nick, just plain Nick. When are you going to stop with the Mister."

"You hear how he talks to me Miss.
"Like I should be less than respectful to the man who saved my lil Angelina's life," he begins and waves and shushes me when I try to get him to stop and goes right ahead.

"My Angelina needed an operation. I had no money, but Guido mentioned to Mister Nick.
"By all the Saints, all of a sudden my Angel had more doctors looking at her then I knew were in the hospital.
"She had her operation and is fine now all thanks to this man.
"Now he denies it. He won't let me pay him what I can each week, but I know it was him. No one else could have done this thing for my Angel."

Turning to me again, "By the way. Angel says if you don't come by she'll come to your office and," crossing himself, "strip to nothing and sit and wait until you see her in person.
"Mister Nick, she'll do it. Please promise me you'll come by the house. Call and set a date too.
"Otherwise the 19 year old apple of her Daddy's eye will be seen naked by everyone.
"You I don't care, but strangers?
"So ya gotta promise me you'll call."

Laughing, "I'll call. I'll call. Tomorrow I promise. How's that?"

"Wonderful and now taste this and I'll begin to serve and thank you so much for agreeing to call Mister Nick."

He pours the wine, sets a screen the blocks us from the other diners and walks off toward the kitchen with a purpose in his stride and a bounce of apparent happiness.

I sit watching him go and shaking my head with a grin and chuckling.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Roxie

I watch Damien remove his tie and get comfortable.
I decide that I like him in relaxed mode, even though he had impressed me as a businessman. I see him grin over at me as he starts to speak.

"The only thing Guido and I would have considered 'more suitable' would have been less or nothing at all,"

I blush despite myself and join in his good natured laughter.

"Ahhhhh, Giovianni, How's your lovely wife and that brood of children? All very well I hope."

I watched fascinated as the waiter addressed him as Mr Nick and spoke as if he was one of the family.

"Come to our house and eat, drink and visit. The kids, they miss you do Mr. Nick."

Belatedly I realised that I had been drawn into the conversation.

"You hear how he talks to me Miss.
Like I should be less than respectful to the man who saved my lil Angelina's life,"

I look over to Damien for explanation, but he tries to stop the man continuing.
I listen as he informs me of Damien paying for his daughter’s hospital treatment.
I look over at Damien and see that he is evidently embarrassed so make no comment.

"By the way. Angel says if you don't come by she'll come to your office and strip to nothing and sit and wait until you see her in person.
Mister Nick, she'll do it. Please promise me you'll come by the house.
Call and set a date too. Otherwise the 19 year old apple of her Daddy's eye will be seen naked by everyone.”

I glanced at the two men finding his “Angel’s” threat a … strange one, but …

”You I don't care, but strangers?
So ya gotta promise me you'll call."

Damien was like some kind of benevolent uncle to this family, obviously!
I watch Damien agree to visit and despite the lack of necessity, Giovannia sets up the screen after pouring the wine.
I watch him go and glance at Damien who is still chuckling in amusement.

”It seems like everyone here is practically family, Damien..?”

I enquire tentatively and sip at my wine, smiling appreciatively.
I didn’t know much about good wine, but I knew that this was no vin de table!

”Do you always make such an impression when you go out to dine?”

I tease softly and eye him with renewed curiosity.
I wonder just how closely I’m going to be working with this man.
If I could pick up half of his skill in charisma and confidence, I would be able to carry off my new image without any problems at all!

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Damien Wolff:

"I'll let you in on a secret, but you can't tell anyone, especially here.
"It was Guido who paid the lion's share of her hospital bills I just made up the short fall.
"His family and Giovanni's were friends in the old country and he knew what a strain it would put on their relationship if Giovanni knew so let it 'slip' that he'd told me about Angelina's problem.
"She had an aneurisim, a bluge in an artery, that need to be removed. If it has burst she would have bled to death in minutes or less.
"The family is great and all work hard, but I only accept all of this to keep them from figuring out that it was Guido who was their major benefactor."

A sip of wine and I continue, "Yes most of the orginal customers and regulars here are treated just like that and react the same way in return. It's almost like a big, extended family here once you're accepted.
"Now that you've come here with me that will extend to you too Rach. Welcome to the family."