Chapter Ten
Mind y
For the last thirty minutes, I've been sitting in my car in the parking lot of Global Media.
I struggle to find the motivation to put the key in the ignition and start my car. Instead, I lean back and allow the tears to flow, letting out the emotions that have been weighing down on me. Breathe in, breathe out. And again. Inhale, exhale. But despite my best efforts to calm my nerves, I can feel the stress building in me, like a ticking time bomb ready to explode.
You can’t lose it now, Mindy.
You can fix this.
I heave yet another sigh. The tears that have been streaming down my face for the last thirty minutes begin to slow, and the tightness in my chest starts to ease, just a little. It's a small victory, but I'll take it.
That’s it, Mindy.
When one door closes, another one opens.
Maybe there is an opportunity on the other side of this.
Just focus on that.
With a newfound sense of clarity, I push aside the shit that's been haunting me these last few days - the nudes, Maurice’s betrayal, Mom's cancer, my sister’s accusations, and now, being fired from my job - and I turn my attention to the one thing that matters most: finding a way to make money and fast. Because right now, with my Mom's treatment hanging in the balance, I don't have the luxury of wallowing in my misery.
I turn on the ignition, pull out of the parking lot, and start driving. The city streets become a blur of lights as I drive past them, with faceless strangers filling the busy sidewalks. My mind is racing, desperately searching for a solution, a way out of the mess I've found myself in. And then, like a bolt of lightning, it hits me: New York High.
I can always go back to New York High, right?
The name brings back a flood of memories from a chapter of my life I thought I'd closed. New York High is the bar where I got my very first job as a singer, performing for the patrons a few nights a week. Sure, there were always a few guys that got a little rowdy after some drinks, but overall, it wasn't a bad gig. The money was decent, and it allowed me to hone my craft and finish my studies in accountancy.
But this was before the car accident that took Emily’s life. The thought of returning to that stage after everything I've been through doesn't sit well with me. I've been busting my ass to move on from it all, climbing the ladder in the corporate world, and shutting down my days as a bar singer.
Except now that the corporate world has turned its back on me, I can't afford to be picky. Whether I like it or not, New York High seems like my best bet to make a quick buck while I look for a new job.
It won't be easy, putting myself back out there in front of a crowd of strangers. There will undoubtedly be some men who will see me as nothing more than a pretty face with boobs, a butt, and a soothing voice. But I've dealt with that type before, and I’ve learned how to handle myself. If a few leering looks and drunken catcalls are the price I have to pay to keep a roof over my head and pay for Mom’s treatment, so be it.
Not to mention that the process of applying for corporate jobs can take an eternity – sending my resumé to places, filling out applications, going to interviews, and then waiting to hear back from potential employers. It all takes time.
Plus, I'm pretty sure Maron Korolev won’t provide a positive letter of recommendation for me. He would likely write something along the lines of: "Miss Williams has exceptional skills in accounting. However, she does have the odd tendency to send nude photos and amateur porn videos of herself to her CEO, and other prominent figures within the company."
New York High may not be my dream job, but it could be a way to make ends meet while I figure out my next move. And right now, that's all that matters.
As I drive towards the familiar neon sign, I try to focus on the positives. Kevin, the owner is a decent guy, and we always got along well. I'm hoping he'll be happy to have me return.
Fifteen minutes later, I park my car in the parking lot of the building. As I step inside the familiar, dimly lit bar, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. The smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke fills my senses, bringing back memories of late nights spent crooning into the microphone.
It's way too early now, so the bar is practically empty, but I'm lucky enough to see Kevin behind the counter. When he notices me, his face brightens up. "Well, well, look who it is! Mindy!" He comes out from behind the counter and gives me a bear hug. "Good to see you, girl! You still belting out those killer tunes, or have you gone all corporate on us now?"
I chuckle at his teasing tone. "Looks like I couldn’t stay away any longer, Kevin.”
He nods knowingly, pouring me a drink. "That’s a delight to hear. You know, we never really found a voice like yours since."
"Oh, really?" I ask, I say, trying to contain my elation.
"Yes, ma’am. The audience always loved you. Even after you left, they kept asking about you."
"Thank you, Kevin, that’s the confidence boost I need this morning," I smile and clear my throat. "I was actually hoping to talk to you about taking on some gigs."
He raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh yeah? You thinking about making a big comeback?"
I take a deep breath, realizing this is my chance. "I don’t know about ‘big comeback’ , but I’d love to do some gigs again."
It's out.
Kevin's eyes open wide. "You serious, girl?"
I nod. "Yep. I know it's been a while, Kevin. But I'd be happy to be back."
He looks at me, surprised. "The corporate world didn't treat you well?"
I don't even know what answer I should give to this, so I just say, "It did for a while. Until it didn't."
"Right," Kevin says. "I hear you." His eyes roam my body. "You will always have a place in New York High, Mindy. You're still beautiful. You haven't changed a bit."
I smile. "If you were straight, I would think you’re making a move, Kevin."
"That ship has sailed, Mindy," he winks. "I've got a stable boyfriend and we are in love."
"Oh, really?" I ask, smiling. "Congratulations, I’m happy for you! You so deserve it!" I take a deep breath. "So can we talk business?"
"I was about to suggest the same,” he says. “I've got a slot open for you if you're interested. The singer that was penciled in for tonight is pregnant and she keeps calling in sick all the time. I need someone more reliable. I was about to look for someone to replace her, but then, you showed up out of nowhere… do you want it?"
“Seriously? When is it?"
"Tonight, Mindy. We start at ten, and finish when the guests are drunk enough to be kicked out."
Tonight??
I almost can’t believe my luck. Maybe the Universe is on my side, just for once.
"Sounds good, Kev." I smile. “I’m in!”
He smirks. "This is why I loved having you here, Mindy. I could always count on you. But I have to tell you, this gig is different from the others. It’s a private event, taking place in our other venue, in SoHo. And it pays… well, better than a regular gig would."
My heart leaps. "I better dust off the old songbook, then. What does ‘ pays better’ mean exactly?"
Kevin glances around the room before leaning in close to me. "Better than you might think. This is no ordinary gig, Mindy,” he says, keeping his voice low. “We have some exclusive regulars and they’ve been bringing in very serious cash lately. Your cut for tonight would be,” he looks around as if making sure nobody hears us. “Fifty grand. Plus tips, if you do well. Which I’m sure you will."
I almost jump.
Did he just say fifty grand?
Plus tips?
Luckily, Kevin has gone silent, giving me a moment to process this.
“Is it me, or did you just say fifty?” I blurt.
“You heard me,” Kevin replies, not taking his eyes off me.
“Like fifty thousand US Dollars?”
“That’s right.”
Holy freaking shit!
I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Fifty grand is more than what most people make in a whole year, even in New York City. Which is why a sense of doubt creeps in.
This is too good to be true.
There has to be a catch.
I lean in closer, lowering my voice. "Kevin, that's... way too much money for one night. What's the catch?"
Kevin glances around the empty bar and fixes me with a stare. "Look, Mindy, I'll level with you. This isn't your typical gig. The client is... let's say, very well-connected. Russian businessman, if you catch my drift."
My stomach tightens. Yeah, I catch his drift. I've heard rumors about the Russian community in New York, whispers of organized crime, and shady dealings I don’t want to get involved in. "Is it... legal?" I ask.
Kevin holds up his hands. "Hey, as far as I’m concerned, you'll be there to sing. What these guys do for a living is none of our concern. But they have money and they like to throw it around. All you need to do is give them a good show and they will show you their appreciation."
“Give them a good show , huh?” I bite my lip, conflicted. I can’t help but wonder what that could mean.
Kevin senses my hesitation. "Listen, Mindy. We've known each other for how long?"
I scratch my head. "Five years? Or more?"
"That’s right. And you know, I would never put you in danger. You'll have our security guys watching you, and I'll be there too. You’ll sing, pocket your share of the cash, and we’re both happy. What do you say?"
I take a deep breath, weighing my options. The responsible part of me screams caution. The desperate part - the part thinking about my mom - is already reaching for this lifeline.
Fifty thousand dollars. For one single night. Maybe those esoteric woo-woo people are right, after all. The Universe has a way of helping when it’s needed the most. With fifty grand, I’m just about five thousand short to pay for my mom's cancer treatment. And the rest can come out of my savings.
"I'll do it," I say before I could change my mind. "I trust you, Kevin."
Kevin leans against the counter, smiling. "Then, you’ve got yourself a deal, young lady."
I’m lost for words.
“Thank you, Kevin,” is all I say. A wave of relief washes over me. “I won’t let you down. You have no idea how much this means to me right now."
He grins widely and we shake hands. "There’s my girl. I'll text you the coordinates later." He pats me on the back enthusiastically. "Happy to have you back, hun. Just like old times, huh?"
I smile, nodding in agreement. "Exactly like old times, Kev." I glance at the time. "I better go and get ready for tonight."