My Life Would Suck Without You

by Krystal George

  ~*~

  The play was scheduled for late June. Even though Jillian graduated summa cum laude in May, Doctor Stevens, true to his word, organized the trip to the City. Three professors and six students packed in a University van for the three-day/two-night trip. Stevens arranged it so her expenses were covered and the other students’ costs were minimal.

  While the others had plenty of free time, Jillian’s schedule left little for her. She had meetings with board members of The City Theater and sit-ins with the cast’s final rehearsals. And, in an unprecedented move, she was not only meeting with Jay Morrissey, a renowned Broadway agent who was anxious to represent her, but several Broadway representatives including producer, Irving Birchwood.

  They sat around a table in a small conference room in Birchwood’s office suite.

  “I plan to produce your play off-Broadway,” Irving proclaimed to Jillian and Doctor Stevens.

  “Without seeing it performed?” Stevens questioned. “I thought that prize went to the winning play of the season.”

  He looked at Jillian. “The committee read the plays. In my opinion, Ms. DeRosa, you wrote the winning play. You have a way with words. A rare gift that makes them sing!” He gestured. “I know quality writing when I read it. Besides,” He shrugged, “why should I wait and let others sniff at the bone. I’ll be in front and they can sniff at my ass.”” Chuckling, he rubbed his hands together. “They’ll be soooo jealous.”

  She squinted. “We are talking about my play, Love’s Deadly Sin, right?”

  “Of course.” He set his leather briefcase on the table and removed a contract. Paper-clipped to it was a fully filled in, hand written check. “And to show how serious I am, this should prove it!” He handed it across the table to Jay. “This isn’t the way we usually do business, but I know you only have a few days in the city.”

  Jay took the proffered contract but didn’t open it. He looked at Jillian. “Before I look this over, I want you to know I’m here on Irving’s recommendation. He knows winning plays and if he’s endorsing you this strongly, I’d be a fool not to jump on the bandwagon. I want to sign you and represent you as your agent, at the standard commission rate, of course.”

  Throwing up her hands, Jillian looked at Doctor Stevens. “I don’t know what to do. I--”

  He held up a hand to stop her. “Do you have a contract for Ms. DeRosa, Mr. Morrissey?”

  “I do.” He handed the folded papers to Stevens.

  Her professor looked through the contract. “My advice, Jillian, would be to sign.”

  “Thank you, Doctor Stevens. Anyone have a pen?”

  Once Jillian signed Jay as her agent, he looked over the contract from Irving.

  “Well?” Irving asked, impatiently.

  “More than satisfactory,” Jay answered.

  Doctor Stevens reached out. “May I?” he took the contract.

  Jillian looked back and forth at the men. “What exactly am I being contracted for?”

  “Two more plays within two years,” Stevens explained to her, “along with progress meetings once a month.”

  “But I have Grad School. And I don’t have money to bus to and from New York City that often.”

  “Bus?” Irving was taken aback. “Bus?” he repeated.

  “Yes, bus. Flying costs too much.”

  “Then you simply move to the City!” Irving proclaimed as a solution.

  She snorted, “On what? Work study wages?” Shaking her head, “Maybe this was wrong.” She stood up.

  “Jillian, would you mind waiting outside?” Doctor Stevens pointed with his chin at the door.

  She nodded and left. Through the closed door, she could hear muffled arguing.

  Holy mackerel, I never expected this. She shrugged. Those guys are actually fighting over my play. My play on Broadway… well off-Broadway, but in New York. I never imagined. I—

  The door opened. “Jillian?”

  When she sat, Stevens addressed her. “I believe we have come to a satisfactory conclusion in your best interest.”

  Jay nodded. “Irving has agreed to make the following changes in the contract.” He slid the check across the table to her.

  Her eyes opened wide at the amount.

  “That retainer will remain the same, but added to the compensation will be: admission to New York University for Grad School and a stipend to cover living expenses, including rent.”

  “But I’ll need a job. How will I find an apartment? When will I--”

  Irving waved his hand, brushing her concerns away. “Pshaw, Ms. DeRosa. I already have my people working on it as we speak.”

  Jillian turned to her mentor. “Doctor Stevens, what do you think?”

  He took a deep breath. “My dear, you should take this offer. You belong here. You are destined for success as a playwright. You have outgrown our humble university. The universe is now yours for the taking.”

  She turned to Jay. “Your opinion?”

  “I agree with your professor one-hundred percent. This is a sweet deal.”

  “I am overwhelmed by all of this. You have no idea.”

  “My dear. You just keep writing plays like this and I foresee a profitable partnership.”

  Jillian nodded. “Jay, can I borrow your pen again?”