Chapter 9 #2
It’s not just the recording contract now, it’s a life choice. Tommy and I agree, we have to bring Bernie in on this, which is why, as soon as Dani leaves our house, we get on the phone to him.
“Ash, my boy. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Hey Bernie, how are you?”
“I’m pretty good, and I hope I still will be after this call.”
“Me and Tommy, we had a visit from Dani.”
“Are we any closer to getting this thing wrapped up?”
“Not quite. Did you know about this girlfriend thing she’s sprung on us?”
“Girlfriend thing? What exactly did she say?” His tone suggests this isn’t a surprise.
“In short, no girlfriends—not serious ones, anyway. Is this right?”
I hear his sigh. “It’s not unusual for us to ask this of our artists—just until their careers take off.”
“What if we say no?”
“It’s your call, but it will be hard on anyone who chooses to be with you.
Look, Ash, we’re advising you for your own good.
You’ll have no time together, and any spare hours you get, you’ll find you’re too knackered to do anything else but sleep.
Then there’s the attention, especially at the start of your career?
You’re a good-looking bunch of boys. Female attention of any kind can lead to jealousy and mistrust. It can be a toxic environment for a partner to be in and to be honest, we need you at the top of your game, not worry about any significant others. ”
I sigh loudly down the line. I still can’t believe what I’m hearing. After a beat, Bernie says, “Look, I haven’t got a single doubt in my head that you can achieve anything you want, even if you decide to keep seeing Calla, but she has to understand the difficulties and where your priorities lie.”
“So, you know I’m seeing Calla. How did you find out?”
“I didn’t Ash. You just confirmed it, but it was obvious something was happening between you two the night we were introduced at the Black Pearl. She’s a lovely girl, and I wouldn’t blame you for putting your foot down, but I wouldn’t be any kind of manager if I didn’t warn you.”
He’s warning me, not laying the down the law. “And you’re willing to take us on, regardless.”
He laughs, “Yes, Son. Why the hell would you think otherwise.”
“Just something Dani said.”
“Listen, Ash, you’re a grown man with his own mind, but we have to put you in the picture, so you understand what we expect from our artists from the off. No one gets anywhere without hard work, especially in this business.”
“I understand,” I reassure him.
“Good, and as for Dani… well, I’m glad you called me today.
Going forward, if you or any of the boys come across something which doesn’t sit right with you, call me.
Dani’s good at her job, but she’s young and still learning the business herself.
I love my daughter, but she doesn’t always get it right. ”
“Thanks, Bernie.”
The phone call ends, and I know there’s a conversation I have to have with Cal. I’ve only just found her again, so I won’t give her up, but I hope she’s prepared for what might be ahead. Overall, I feel better about what’s happening, especially as we have Bernie on our side.
Brett and Max couldn’t stop laughing when we first told them about our visit from Dani. So much so, they thought we were joking. To them, it didn’t matter, anyway. I’ve never seen either of them with anyone permanent.
Tommy is still thinking, although the more he talks about it, the more I’m sure his mind is made up to go ahead. I don’t know what he’ll do about Angie.
We sit on the step at the back door, sharing a cheeky smoke. It’s not something I do often, but sometimes, I need that hit.
“What do you think, man?” Tommy asks.
I sigh. “For me, the biggest driving force is a belief we can do this, Tom. Just the thought of playing music every day and getting paid for it? It’s the stuff dreams are made of.” I leave out the part where I have to consider, not only my family’s future but also the boys in the band.
“Yeah, I’m with you, man. To be honest, I’m mentally done with uni, you know? And you've got to think about Mrs C now. If you don’t sign, you’ll probably have to drop out of uni anyway and get a job. You’ve got to support your ma.”
“Yeah, I know.” Tommy’s right. Getting another job on top of the shifts I get at the Daisy Bar, had crossed my mind already. Although busking is great, I only make beer money; it doesn’t pay the bills.
Then Tommy adds, “What about Dani. You think we can trust her?”
“Let’s put it this way. Dani might think she wears the trousers, but her dad chooses which pair.” Tommy smiles with me, then I reassure him, “Bernie’s a good guy. I know we can trust him.”
“Yeah, from what you said, he’s solid.” There’s silence for a beat, then he says, “And Calla? Have you thought any more on where you two stand?”
Every time I consider leaving Cal behind, I could choke. It’s stupid considering the short time we’ve had together, but I’ve been waiting years for her without realising. Why should I give up the one person I’ve been waiting for?
“You’re thinking about her, right?”
“Yeah. Can’t help it,” I puff out my lung full of smoke. “I’ll talk to her. What about you? Decided what to do about Angie?”
He shakes his head while I pass him the roll-up from my fingers.
“This might be our only chance at the big time, man. It hurts, I’m not denying, but maybe I know what I want more.
This could be a sign to deal with how I feel about Angie and move on.
” I nod and agree, but my stomach sinks.
If Tommy is giving in, that just leaves me to decide.
Dani made it sound like the whole deal depends on me, despite what Bernie said. Somehow, I’ve got to prove Dani wrong.
We sit silently for a while; both of us probably mulling over what’s ahead.
I know I am. I feel so fucking mad with Dani for making this a thing, but it looks as if we have no choice or rather, I have no choice.
All I can do is talk to Calla and explain exactly how things are.
They can’t stop me seeing her, especially while we’re still at home.
So, I have some time. I know exactly where I have to go and who I should be with.
As a band, I just hope we’re making the right move and not selling our souls to the devil.