It was almost noon on Tuesday when Scott called me from his office. He and Melissa had discussed my business proposition and were set to go with it. They wanted to do the full investment, which would give them 40% of the profits. I was elated at the news of their decision but I kept calm while I talked with him. I didn’t want to appear overly excited.
“Well, what’s next?” Scott asked. “Do we need to set up another meeting or………..?”
“Yes.” I replied. “We’ve got some details that’ll need worked out and we should have some kind of written agreement between us.”
“When’s a convenient time for you?” Scott inquired. “I assume you’re still working at the club.”
“Yes, but I’ll give them my two weeks notice immediately.” I replied. “I’ll need to devote all my time to this business venture.”
Scott and I decided on setting up our next meeting for the following Sunday. It would give me time to finish and refine our business agreement to suit my terms. From the tone of his voice, I could tell he was anxious for Sunday to get here.
“Is there anything I can do till then?” He asked. “What about a location for our operation?”
Scott was in the real estate investment business so he should have access to listings of commercial buildings we might possibly lease. I told him what our minimum requirements would have to be. I suggested something near the downtown area. Lease rates should be cheaper there than in the newer commercial parks in the outlying areas. It would give him something to do and at the same time help me out considerably.
Amber and I let the apartment around 2:00pm. We were scheduled to do a shooting later that afternoon at Paramount Productions. Carl was a little vague about what we’d be shooting. Lately, Carl seemed vague about alot of things. He wasn‘t his same old self.
My old Firebird was starting to give me problems again. Time to look for something more dependable, I thought. Dependable but still used, nothing new! I wasn’t going to eat all that depreciation. We ended up taking Amber’s pickup to the studio, at least it always started.
“Hey ladies!” Carl shouted when he saw the two of us enter the studios.
Carl was standing next to a couple of middle-age men, dressed in business suits. They followed him into his office. I saw Jackie sitting in her cubicle, restocking her make-up supplies. There wasn’t anyone else around, no technicians and no camera operators.
“What’s with the suits?” I asked Jackie. “Where’s everyone else?”
“Not sure who those guys are.” Jackie replied. “But Carl’s been kissing their ass since they got here.”
“Everyone’s left for the day.” Jackie added. “They shot two scenes, one this morning and one right after lunch.”
Amber and I looked at each other. Two men and Amber and I. Carl had to be up to something. I had a pretty good idea what it might be. If it was what I thought it might be, Carl would pay dearly.
The door to Carl’s office opened and he stepped out into the studio.
Jennifer, Amber!” Carl shouted. “Come over here so I can introduce you two.”
“Let me do the talking.” I murmured to Amber. “I’ve got a feeling Carl’s trying to pull something.”
Amber nodded her head and we walked casually towards his office. Carl motioned us in. The two men, probably in their late 30’s or early 40’s, rose from their chairs.
“Jennifer, Amber.” Carl stated. “I’d like to introduce you to Matt Wheeler and Paul Graham.”
Matt was the younger of the two. He was about six foot tall with an average build. His sun-bleached hair, almost blonde, highlighted his tanned face. His clean-shaven face was quite handsome. Paul was the shorter of the two, maybe 5’8”, slender with salt and pepper hair. His soft smile highlighted his face. Paul couldn’t take his eyes off Amber.
The two men extended their hands to shake ours. Amber and I put on our sexiest smiles.
“Please sit down.” Carl said. “These two gentlemen happen to be your biggest fans.”
Carl was laying it on thicker than a used car salesman with a hard-on. We listened as he told Matt and Paul about some of the movies we’d made. The guys seemed familiar with out movies, or so they said. Carl hadn’t told us who Matt and Paul were or what kind of business they were in. He was building up to it gradually.
“Matt and Paul here are movie distributors. They just flew in from L.A. last evening.” Carl stated. “I couldn‘t talk you two ladies into keeping them company this evening, could I? Maybe dinner and a little dancing.”
I couldn’t very well ask Carl what I wanted to. I really didn’t want to speak for Amber without talking to her first but that was damn near impossible. I made up an excuse that Amber and I had agreed to work at the club this evening, even though it was our normal day off. It put Carl on the spot. He knew I was lieing and he wasn’t too happy about it.
“I need to make a phone call.” I stated. “Mind if I use the one out in the studio?”
It gave me a chance to get out of the office, hoping Carl would follow me. He took advantage of the situation and followed me to the phone by the coffee bar. Amber remained in the office chatting with Matt and Paul. She entertained them with her southern accent and down home charm.
“What the fuck do you mean coming up with a bullshit excuse like that.” Carl muttered. “I already told them Tuesdays were yours and Amber’s day off.”