~*~
The day of the talent event finally came. Of the ten scouts expecting to bring in talent, three had already quit, and with Jim’s sudden departure, that left six talent scouts competing. Jim was surprised when he went to the stage area to find network cameras setting up. Looking around for a familiar face in all of the madness, his eyes panned the stage where he saw Fred talking to what Jim assumed was the producer. Right next to him was Allen, who seemed to be directing traffic. Jim made his way down to the front. Fred saw him approaching and appeared to excuse himself from the director.
“Hey Jimmy, good to see you man,” said Fred.
“Hey buddy, looks like we got a lot going on today,” said Jim.
“Yeah, man, we do. But before we get to that, I want to apologize for the other day.”
“No need for that Fred. You are my employer and I underperformed. Friendship aside you did what was right,” said Jim.
“Maybe, maybe not. It still was done out of emotion, and our friendship is the reason I should have handled it better.”
“So are you going to kiss me, or are you going to tell me what’s going on,” said Jim with a big grin on his face. Allen came running over to them and shook Jim’s hand.
“Hey Jim, I didn’t think you would make it.”
“I never miss a free talent show,” said Jim. “Now, will someone tell me why network cameras are everywhere?”
Fred and Allen looked at each other and smiled, “Tell him what you did son,” said Fred.
“Well, I knew that there was no way I could find anyone in two weeks, so I figured I better find another way to add to the bottom line. I came up with the concept of a reality show on the whole situation and pitched the idea to Fred. At first he told me to stick my idea where the sun don’t shine, but I further explained the revenue we could generate. I had contacts with a couple of networks from my internships in college and they loved it. So, here we are,” said Allen grinning.
“Yeah, the kid threw a Hail Mary, Jim, and it seems like it might work,” said Fred. “With the money we will make from this, we just barely get into the black. We still need some new talent though. We have five good contestants so we are going to see what we get.”
Jim couldn’t believe it. The company just might make it through this dark time. He couldn’t be any happier for Fred.
“That’s great news fellas. I am going to take a front row seat for this one,” said Jim.
“Well, look whose here,” a familiar voice came from behind him. Jim turned around to see Jeremy Sax standing in a tuxedo with a Long Island drink in hand.
“You didn’t want me, you old fart, but Melissa can see my talent.”
“That would be Megan, for the fifth time,” said Megan as she joined the group.
“Yeah, whatever,” said Jeremy. “Where’s the freakin’ bar at? This is the weakest drink I ever had.”
Jim could tell Jeremy was intoxicated. He also could tell that Megan was aggravated by Jeremy’s antics. As Jeremy and Megan walked away to feed his thirst, she glared at Jim, as if it was his fault. Jim just smiled back at her and waved bye bye.
The live competition got underway and it didn’t disappoint. The first three acts were tremendous. They would surely be an asset to the company. As they broke for commercial, Jim noticed a lot of commotion behind the curtain. He made his way to the back to see what was going on. When he arrived, he saw Jeremy laying on the floor with Fred rubbing his right knuckle. Jim rushed over to help Jeremy up.
“What happened?”
“This asshole pushed Megan down after she tried to reason with him. He didn’t want to go next,” said Fred. “So he got a little surprise from yours truly.”
Jim kept trying to help Jeremy stand, but he couldn’t. Jim wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the punch, but he clearly was done. His agent came and put Jeremy’s arm over his shoulder and began dragging him out.
“Fred I am sorry for this, he is usually better than this. I hope we can still work together,” he said.
“It will be well after he is a sober artist my friend, if then,” responded Fred.
Jim looked over at Megan who had been quiet the entire time.
“Are you okay,” he asked.
“Screw you Jim. Screw you and this stupid little company,” she yelled and stormed out. They watched as she made her way to the door. Jim gave chase meeting her right as she reached the front of the building. He grabbed her hand and she turned to face him.
“Megan look, I know we have had our differences, but you are a talented scout. Fred will need you to help keep this thing going. Yeah, Jeremy is a douche bag, but I knew that weeks ago. I should have warned you, but in anger I allowed you to operate in ignorance and I am sorry. Don’t leave, because of this,” pleaded Jim.
“You didn’t allow anything Jim. I can handle the Jeremy’s of this world. I was just looking for confirmation to leave. I got another job lined up. So, thanks but no thanks,” she snarled as she snatched her hand away and kept walking.
Jim was disappointed in her response, but in his heart he knew that she was bad for the organization and was glad to see her leave. As he was making his way back to the entrance, he heard his name called. When he looked around, he saw Kerri standing there with John by her side. His heart leapt so hard he thought he might have a heart attack.
“Hey! What are you guys doing here?” He asked running toward them, “I thought you couldn’t make it
“She came to work like it was all good, but she was moping around every shift. I almost had to beat it out of her,” said John. “When she came clean, me and a few locals made her get her butt in the car and get on up here. We thought we was too late.”
“What about your mom and her appointments?” asked Jim.
“John and his friends took care of it,” said Kerri, her voice cracking with emotion. “My mom was touched by your words, and she said she would never forgive herself for keeping me from doing this, so here we are.
Jim was so excited. He felt he might explode. Grabbing her hand, he led them both into the building all the way back to the back dressing room. When they walked up, Fred, Allen, and the producer were arguing.
“You guys promised me five acts. If I had known we had four, I could have done something, but now we have dead space for the last ten minutes. Dead time is bad, real bad,” exclaimed the producer.
“Don’t worry sir, we got someone,” said Jim. They all turned to look at him.
“Jim what are you talking about?” asked Fred.
“Fred, this is Kerri, and she will be your fifth and final act. I have scouted her and she is good to go.”
Fred looked at Kerri and then looked at Jim, “Good to go?” He asked.
“Good to go,” replied Jim.
“Okay, on in five,” said the director as he made his way back to his staff.
Jim stood with Kerri and couldn’t help but grin. “This is my favorite part of my job, honey,” he said.
“What is that Jim?” She asked.
“That moment before a shooting star takes off. You are a star, do you believe that?” Jim asked.
“I think so,” said Kerri. “I’m nervous. I hope I can hit my notes.”
“Remember why you sing, Kerri, remember your mom, remember your struggle, remember the fun of it, but most of all remember that this is for you. I believe in you, John does, your mom, and your entire community,” said Jim. “Do you know what you’re going to sing?”
“Yep. I do. I hope you enjoy,” said Kerri with a devilish grin. As Jim was smiling back at her she turned to hit the stage. Right before she took the last step, she ran back and hugged him fiercely. “Thanks for believing in me.”
She then went and joined the MC on the stage and took the microphone.
“I am very humbled to be here everyone. I want to thank Jim Grayson for believing in me when I was just a small town girl who didn’t even believe in myself. Jim this is for you.”
The melody bega
n to play and the crowd began to clap furiously. The song she selected was one of Mariah Carey’s most successful songs “Hero” and as she started her vocals, Jim could hear a passion and fullness unmatched from his previous experiences listening to her. Her voice bellowed throughout the auditorium with beautiful sounds only matched by the original artist. She walked to and fro giving everything she had, emphasizing every lyric clearly as if she had been on stage all her life. The passion with which she sung had the entire crowd mesmerized, including Jim. He stood in awe of this wonderful person he found. She clearly blew away all previous acts. Jim felt an arm placed around his shoulders. He looked to his right to see Fred wiping his eyes with his handkerchief.
“Truly remarkable my friend, truly,” said Fred.
“Yep, she is,” replied Jim. Then he bowed his head and said, “thank you Lord for ordering my steps.”
Write On Press Presents: The Ultimate Collection of Original Short Fiction, Volume II Page 6
