I've been trying to make amends for my past and start a relationship with Bernadette Owens, a young singer with talent.
I offered to introduce her to my agent and invited her to the Juno's.
She thinks I've got a hidden agenda but I honestly don't—I really want to help her in her career, and to be honest, I'm in love with the girl
So, the following Wednesday night I’m in the foyer at The Juno’s, waiting for her to show up.
“You’re going to wear out that carpet pacing back and forth, “ Gerry laughs.
“What if she doesn’t show, Ger?”
“I’d be more worried if she does—you know these things sometimes get out of hand.”
I was thinking about that too—the party scene, the drinking, the loose conversations—was this the right venue to bring Bernadette—to a place where I have almost no control?
“She’s here,” Gerry chirps.
She’s dressed in a black Terani styled evening gown. It accentuates her slim figure and spills over her hips, tapering down to a subtle flutter at her feet. And incredibly, she’s wearing her hair loose and flowing.
I take her hand as she approaches, and lean close and whisper, “You look stunning.”
Her smile lights the room and I feel blinded by her sun. Then, I remember Gerry standing behind me.
“Bernadette, I’d like you to meet Gerry Fishman, my agent.”
Gerry is all smiles. “I’ve heard so much about you, Ms. Owens, but words alone can’t convey your beauty. You look very elegant tonight.”
And so it goes all evening—Bernadette surrounded by admiring men and basking in the attention.
The music and wine flow freely and I’m mentally congratulating myself on my decision, until Allie Starr spots me from across the room.
Allie has been drinking with several producers and is obviously past the point of being tipsy—actually, her laughter tips me off to her presence, but unfortunately, I don’t have much warning before she crosses the room to confront me.
Over the span of two years, the two of us have had an off-again, on-again relationship, but it has definitely been off for the past six months. Still, that doesn’t deter Allie. She’s boisterous and unruly when drunk, and tonight is no exception.
My heart sinks. No way this is going to go well .