Thank you to those reading, reviewing, and following this story.
The week after the release of their songs and video, Elliott got signed contracts with The Williamsburg Music Hall, and Kurt arranged one at Callbacks. Then confirmed two more gigs at live music clubs in the city. Four out-of-town booking agents had seen the video, called him for open dates, including one in Olympia, Washington.
On Monday, Kurt booked the old Adam's Apple practice room. With the caveat, he is present at all rehearsals to make it look like an NYADA sponsored project.
If not, the band would need to pay a security deposit and hourly rental fees. Roderick missed Monday for his night class. Gunter scheduled both Dani and Santana to work on the Tuesday dinner shift. Then Jon missed Wednesday night for his evening class. Now another delay on Thursday. Elliott's engineer friend fine-tuned their new in-ear monitors. Devices Blaine insisted they buy.
Artie showed up every night, expecting to direct the rehearsals. At first, stupid, but he got them thinking over the banter between songs. Who introduced each song? Deliberate themes for each set. Who would do the band introductions and banter rotation, or did it matter? Artie made suggestions on when Jon would have a solo on guitar or Cam on drums. Artie's mantra to the band keep it clean. Keep it polished.
Brittany and Kurt became the unofficial librarians. Tonight they sorted through sheet music organized by emotion on the floor as they tried to find songs to fill in music gaps. The set goal being three-45-minute sets with 15-minutes breaks between each and 30 seconds of banter between each piece.
Kitty bored reading her econ chapter on fluctuations in the business cycle, helped Mel with the snacks anyone missing an evening meal. While they worked, Kitty discovered more about Mel. She moved to the city to study culinary arts. Her Mom, a Vietnamese boat refugee. Her Dad, a Minnesota farmer's son. Mel joked she grew up on fusion before it became a trend. Her goal to have successful restaurants and be a featured star on the Food Network. She'd met Dani at a lesbian-owned coffee bar they both frequented, recognizing her from her One Three Hill days.
"Dani mentioned to me about the no man left behind attitude, that's sweet. So, all of you are from Ohio?"
"We went to the same high school. Brittany was two years ahead of me. Roderick transferred in my senior year. Kurt taught our Glee club. I dated Artie for a while too."
Mel bit her lip as if to chew over the question, sweeping a few stray hairs away from her face. "You didn't go to school with Santana?"
"We had a few run-ins in my sophomore year. Santana, she, uh― she called me out on a few things. Kinda one of those growing up moments."
"Like an older sister?" inquisitive to know more about the Latina.
"Santana, Brittany, me, we were all Cheerios. I suppose you could call it a sisterhood." Mel, with a blank expression on her face, "Cheerleaders." Kitty's interest in Mel's small talk fading with each question.
Mel nodded in understanding, "So you're not friends?"
Kitty let out a disgruntled sigh, "Look, it kinda sounds to me you're only interested in one band member-the one who dated your girlfriend. So, let me put your jealousy to rest. They don't stray far from each other."
"Kitty, do you have a minute," Blaine called out as he approached the table, "Want to talk over an idea with you."
"Yeah, I do," she frowned at Mel. "Whatcha need?" walking over to Blaine, who escorted her away from the table.
"Listen, I was thinking, I'm getting a little overwhelmed with keeping track of the band and all that we have going on, I need an assistant. I thought you could help."
She folded her arms across her chest, "You want a secretary, Blaine?" Disapproval crossed the petite blonde's face. "How about I text you Becky's number."
"No. That's not what I had in mind." Blaine gave her an apologetic smile, "What I need is help on is band management, at least until the band needs a full-time manager."
She fixed her attention on Blaine, "I'm listening."
Relief washed over his face. "We've delegated assignments to everyone. Which is fine, but keeping it all organized is getting to be a problem. So, my idea is that you and I divide up common areas to track. Let's say you take on promotions. Social media accounts. Plus travel arrangements for bookings. I'll stick with booking, strategy and creative aspects."
Her face puckered in annoyance. "You want me to pick up the scut work, and you get the glory jobs? Still sounds like a secretary to me."
"Kitty, wait." Blaine held out a hand, as the short blonde turned to leave, "Aren't you majoring in Performing Arts Administration?"
She exhaled. "Only to keep my parents happy, so they'd let me come to New York. It's my backup plan."
"And weren't most of your electives at McKinley on the business track?"
"Easy A's."
"Still having managed a band, might be a nice bullet for your CV."
"Listen, Blaine, I'm not even part of the band."
"No, but you're a groupie, so why not be more engaged? I mean, you're involved because of Roderick's connection."
"I hope you're not suggesting what I think you're suggesting. Cause there isn't."
"No. Not in the least, but if you quit, I'm afraid Roderick will too. Kitty, you were captain of the Cheerios, a leader of New Directions. If it weren't for you helping Rachel last year, Sue would have shut down the club. Even at our wedding, you picked up to help Artie organize. And I'll cut you in on my half of the 10% the band makes."
"Ok, I'm in."
Later, as the band took down their equipment, Blaine asked all to gather around him for the announcements. "As you all may not know, I had lunch with June again today. Um… she's asked that we play at her Winter Charity she holds every year. She didn't tell me the venue, but it will be 800 of her close friends along with their significant others. Uh―,"
"Christmas carols and Big Band? Seriously, Blaine? That's not us." Dani let out a chuckle with her smile.
"Well, an old school big band piece would be an idea to add to our repertoire. But no, what June wants is more current music. It's a black-tie charity event, so she wants people to drink and dance, and, more importantly, donating."
"We don't own tuxes. We'd need to rent them." Cam spoke up. His thoughts no one would make money if all they needed to rent tuxes for the event.
Dani shook her head, "Yeah, I'm not into evening gowns."
"Me, either." The frequently quiet Lennon agreed with her bandmate.
"Have either of you ever worn an evening gown?" Santana looked over to her ex.
"No, I skipped prom. To hetero, for me."
"Yeah, my senior prom. Blew my DQ paycheck on red high tops and matching suspenders." Lennon nodded, "Didi and I won the best twin couple of the evening award at the PFLAG after party."
"San and I would have won that too, but I couldn't convince her to wear a loincloth and bra, like Raquel Welch in the movie One Million Years BC."
"Don't worry about your dress, ladies. Kurt's reaching out to Isabelle. Our understanding is she attends the event. And Kurt will help you with the details of wearing a gown." Kurt's elbow rested on his arm across his waist and rubbed his index and middle fingers across his brow in a low voice, "Lesbians in gowns, they'll be a challenge." Santana and Brittany smirked. Santana reached out to rub between Kirk's shoulders. Blaine grinned at what he thought of his new assignment, "This is a big deal. June has friends in the recording industry. High-level executives, I realize that, but the right word from any of them might help us. Remember casting a wide net?"
Elliott nodded, "Blaine's right, we need to take this gig, we can't waste any opportunity."
The Music Hall overflowed with people. Some on dates. Others looking for their future dates. Some to celebrate an important event with friends. Others out to get drunk with friends. The band opted to wear the clothing from the video, leather pants for the girls, black jeans for the guys. Dani and Santana in widow maker shirts, and the guys wearing short sleeve shirts. Elliott wore his unbuttoned with his own black widow maker shirt beneath it. Roderick, still sensitive to his body image, opted to blend in with his bandmates wearing a simple black t-shirt. Kurt hovered nearby with Brittany and Kitty at a table. Blaine and Artie, next to the house sound technician, who would help run the mixer board with the new setlist.
The house manager allotted them 90 minutes on stage. A decision which meant changing their setlist at the last minute. They skipped the break for two complete sets. Every one of the band's members expecting a total fuck up with the changes. Their previous idea of a cadence of rock n roll, followed by pop, then country and original songs became a blended mix. Elliott killed it on Bohemian Rhapsody, with Jon doing the same on the guitar solo. Santana did the same on her song, 'El Caribe.' Dani, with the song she wrote 'Between Two Loves,' and Roderick's 'Glory Days.' As duets, Dani and Roderick kicked, 'Stop Dragging my Heart Around,' in the ass. The same for Santana and Elliott on 'Smooth Criminal.' For all the bickering between Artie and the band, and missed rehearsals, the band performed like old pros.
After the last call at the Music Hall, they boarded the subway to have breakfast at the diner and continue their celebration. Elliott and Roderick staggered up the stage. They belted out 'If You've Got The Money Honey, I've Got The Time,' followed by 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It).' Santana and Dani opted to perform Heart's 'Crazy On You' and 'These Dreams.' All songs met with thundering applause by the only customers in the diner, LHA, and it's entourage.
Brittany showed off the photos she'd taken during their performance. Jon inquired why most of the shots were of Santana. Kitty tallied the number of CDs purchased by women. She nonchalantly mentioned Elliott and Roderick earned hotness factor points from both sexes. Elliott laughed at his numbers, joking the women on his side were in for a long wait. Franco pouted that he received only two votes, both from men.
Artie reviewed his list of revisions before the next performance. Dani came in a sixteenth of a second too late on a song. Something Dani flatly denied. Elliott's choreography sucked. Brittany informed Artie it was freestyle. Raised his voice at Roderick, 'You're a lead singer. Get used to it, man.' He irritated Santana, telling her she went flat when singing backup for one of Elliott's numbers. Cam needed to stop with his 'a stupid song' facial expressions. Artie chastised all the musicians for the time to switch between instruments. Though did have a few kind words to share. Santana killed the late addition of 'Love Will Never Do Without You.'
"Although I disagree with much of Artie's criticism, I think you were all… fabulous tonight. And I won't deny I was a little jealous not to be up there with you." Kurt, the long day catching up to him, elbow on the table, his head resting on his hand.
"Kurt, if LHA achieves amazing success or failure, you'll always be the founder of the band." Elliott held up his cup to toast his friend.
"Let's hope the former and not the latter. Being known as a failed band isn't the way I want people to remember me." He covered his mouth to hide a yawn with a faint "Excuse me."
"I'm interested in reading the reviews in the college papers. The Voice didn't send their critic tonight." Blaine, with an arch of his eyebrow, his bowtie hung loose. "I talked to a booking agent from Pittsburgh who said he's interested in booking the band."
"Pittsburgh? Isn't that like 10 hours away?" Santana, her tired body slumped against Brittany's.
"Six by car, eight by train," Dani, seeing the blank stares, "My hometown."
"Still, I mean it's Pittsburgh. We might as well play in Columbus while we're at it."
"You're wrong, Santana," Kurt used a napkin to wipe sweat from his water glass. More an act to stay awake than of neatness. "True Pittsburgh is the blue-collar 'Steel City.' It's also home to several colleges. And a thriving theater, opera and ballet community."
"Yeah, Kurt has a point, Santana. I'm not crazy about going back home, but the music scene there is hot. We should take advantage of it."
"And to add to that, the booking agent at the Hall will give us a recommendation to other agents he knows. Boston. Toronto. Philly. Baltimore and DC. Then depending on how far south we're willing to go, Raleigh Durham. Even Louisville, Santana." Blaine rubbed his face. He could feel a new 5 o'clock shadow beneath his palm.
"And if we're serious about this," Cam stopped by his reflex to yawn. Shook his head to stay awake. "Hit college towns during the school year is the way to go."
"My point school's in session. And I'm a college student. Except for Dani and Elliott, we're all college students." Brittany, hearing Santana's moodiness from fatigue, creep into her voice. She leaned over to her wife, cupping her hand around Santana's ear. Santana looked into Brittany's eyes, a language only they understood. "Ok, weekend gigs only, meaning Friday or Saturday, and we have to make enough to cover expenses."
Low rumbles of heavy breathing, then a nasal honk distracted everyone. Roderick's head laid on his chest, his body limp. His mouth open, a barely perceptible rivulet of drool crept from the corner of his mouth.
"Oh my god," Kitty elbowed Roderick
Startled, he awoke, "Yeah, uh reviews, can't have too many." He adjusted his glasses, then used the back of his hand to wipe his mouth.
"Come on, stud muffin, your cowboy sheets are waiting for you."
Roderick removed his glasses to rub his eyes, "I don't have cowboy sheets." He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, "You, on the other hand, sleep on skulls and roses."
As they were leaving, Santana's senses shifted to high alert as they parted ways at the subway station. "Are you gonna be alright, Dani? Brittany and I can walk you home, or the guys can."
"Nah, you know I don't live that far. Thanks for asking. See ya later at work."
As Kurt performed his before bed moisturizing ritual, Blaine sat on their bed with his iPad, catching up on Broadway,com. Kurt peeked around from the bathroom door, "I don't get why Santana is so worried about college. I mean, she would've killed to get the opportunities and recognition the band is giving her now. I mean, she almost killed Rachel over Fanny."
"Yeah, I don't understand it either. She's done more professional work than any of us."
"I mean outside of you, Rachel, and Mercedes, she was the most talented of anyone in Glee club. Plus, she flat out stated she wanted to be rich and famous. Remember, her line about a quiz and that she'll be famous while the rest of us theater nerds starve, and the last thing she does."
"Yes, that college was a waste of time." Blaine let out a quiet snort at Santana, quoting his brother. "But she walked away from a full ride at Louisville."
"And she walked away from Fanny to spend what nine or ten months hiking around Europe. Not like she couldn't have done that later, Fanny was a once in a lifetime deal, all she had to do was to make peace with Rachel, take her offer."
Blaine, not seeing much on the web page, set his iPad on the bedstand. "I can understand her reasoning for quitting Fanny. To be honest, I envied their Bohemian tour of European capitals. The Greek Islands. Though I couldn't figure out how they afforded it."
"Oh, her parents footed the bill, what I heard from Mercedes. Her Mom deposited her paycheck into Santana's account. Her Dad covered her credit card." Kurt's hand twirled in the air, "Must be nice to be the only child of an orthopedic surgeon." Kurt joined him on the bed.
"Well, I don't know what Brittany said to Santana to change her mind. I'm just glad she did." He rolled over toward Kurt. "If Santana leaves the band, we could replace her vocally. Just the same, the chemistry between the four would be impossible to replace."
"Eight, the band has seven members. You need to add Cam, Jon, Lennon and Franco."
"Ok, eight." Blaine gazed up for a minute to ponder the band, "There is something about them on stage together, that's perfect. A charisma or star quality. And maybe I'm biased out of friendship, but they'll be a success. More so than you, me or Rachel."
"But not Mercedes?"
Blaine rolled his eyes upward to mull it over, "No, Mercedes is a class unto herself. And never tell Rachel I told her star won't shine as bright as Santana's. I want to live to make my debut on Broadway."
"As long as you don't tell either that Mercedes would shine brighter."
The next video to go up on YouTube was Dani's song, which featured Jorge's car. Viewers' comments focused on the sexy girl singers. Dani and Santana laughed off the remarks, while inside, they soaked up the compliments. The same on their other social media accounts after Brittany posted her behind the scenes photos. Their hits increased by a third from their first video. The college papers were flattering, commenting on the vocal style and chemistry of the group. After their Callback's gig, they received comparable reviews. This time the Village Voice sent their critic, who called them one of the best bands in the city.
Dani lived in a studio apartment in Lower East Side. The apartment comprised a large bedroom with an en suite and kitchen, a shoebox. She was close enough to the subway to get to work, and within walking distance for live music. The rent was low enough. She didn't need a roommate. And the apartment so small a girlfriend wouldn't get the idea to rent a U-Haul. The apartment's one downfall, a shared laundry area. One convenience she missed from her parent's home.
No, that wasn't true. Dani missed her older brother standing in the kitchen when she got home from school. He'd be in front of the fridge, door open, sorting through leftovers to find something to eat—the squeals of her sister and her friends in the basement during sleepovers. Her mother screaming at her younger brother to clean his room. The false threat to go in with a garbage can and clean it for him. Her Dad rushing around in his bowling shirt to get to winter league on time. The Grandfather, who taught her guitar. The aroma of her grandmother's homes during the holidays. Even the nagging of her older sister to 'be a girl for once.' Now, they were a memory: an evening gown, her future.
Kurt dropped off the designer gowns from the vogue,com vault at Dani's home. Mel, Brittany and Kitty joined to give their opinions. Eager to watch the fashion show and see the dresses Kurt selected.
"Why is Lennon not here?" Brittany looked around, not seeing the eighth member.
"She convinced Kurt to let her wear a tux to blend in with the band," Dani replied, somewhat irked at Lennon's crafty scheme to avoid evening wear.
Kitty's phone vibrated, "God, what now, Blaine," looking at the text, she typed a furious response. She grumbled, "He's only sent twenty-seven texts today, and it's a slow day."
"Where are the Broadway queens, anyway? Not like Kurt to miss a fashion show." Santana asked as she sorted through the dresses, hung on a rod across a doorway.
"Um, having dinner with the other queen, Rachel," Kitty not bothering to look up from her phone as she waited for his next reply.
Santana laughed, "You mean queens. Jesse's high on himself, now that he's in a show." She removed a dress off the rod, handing it to Dani beside her, "Try this one." Turning back to the dresses. "So what does Blaine want?" as she pulled a gown, holding it in front of her for Brittany's nod of approval, hanging it off to the side.
"Let's see more song suggestions for June's party. Lapel width on the guys' tuxes. Cummerbund colors. We need to discuss the out-of-town gigs―"
Dani strode back into the room in a low cut red gown. "Well?" she asked, slapping her thighs with her hands.
"Turn around," Dani twirled in front of Santana. "Now, come towards me."
"You walk like a lumberjack out in the woods." Brittany deadpanned.
"Babe, that's not helping," Santana replied. "Stand up straight, shoulders back. Don't worry about your twins, show 'em off."
Santana heard Mel clear her throat. "They're nice twins." Santana shrugged, a subtle reminder she'd seen them too. "Walk over to Britt."
"It'd help if you showed her, San."
"Yeah, that and Dani wearing the shoes for the show," Kitty said, getting up to sort through the shoe boxes on the floor. Santana grabbed her dress to try on, leaving the women to help Dani.
"You look beautiful," Mel said as she got up to help steady Dani while she put her shoes on, "And keep your hair down too."
"And keep it, your natural color. Otherwise, you're distracting from the designer's creation." Kitty giving Brittany a double-take on her comment, "I listen to Kurt, and I married a lipstick lesbian, not the Chapstick lesbian I faked married."
Kitty snickered. "Oh, I wish Sam were here right now." Kitty putting her palms up, "Don't ask. It's an insane story." Interrupted by Santana's return to the room.
"Holy shit," Mel exclaimed as she saw Santana in a gown of light gold, which shimmered with each movement. Her hair off to the side down her shoulder. Her twins just covered. Brittany adding for Mel's benefit, "They're tremendous twins."
After another hour of practice, Santana reminding Dani to stand up, look forward, keep her head up, to own the dress. Within an hour, she walked in the gown without tripping and with a more natural gait. They tried on the remaining gowns. Brittany took photos of each, texting them to the guys for their opinions. Kurt and Elliott both replying with their views. Roderick always responded with 'yeah, that looks nice.' Dani adding a test with her guitar hanging from her shoulders. The women narrowed it to Dani in a silver-colored gown and Santana in the one she tried on first. Or both in black.
The guitar, led to a lengthy discussion on Dani or Lennon on guitar, and she plays keyboards. After a long stream of text messages to Blaine, who went all spur-of-the-moment conference call with Kurt. Roderick and Lennon would play guitar with her on keyboards. Dani would wear the silver gown and go back to her natural hair color with highlights, as Brittany suggested. Santana in the gold.
Being in the Right Place
June's Winter Holiday party was more significant than anyone expected. It included the who's who of New York society. Men and women from the financial district. Publishing houses. Entertainment. Fashion and retail. Along with the IT industry. City, state and federal governments. The UN. Plus, descendants from some of New York's oldest families attended. June expected Blaine would accompany the band. With reluctance, she'd allowed Brittany, Kitty and Kurt to join. The catering company hired Mel, who wanted to pick up extra cash before Christmas, to help work the event.
LHA peeked through the curtains into the ballroom. Each time heightening their nervous excitement. Brittany was sure she saw the Clinton's, Bill, and Hillary. Jon swore he spotted Billy Joel. Kurt glimpsed Lin Manuel Miranda. Dani, Natasha Lyonne. Elliott muffled his shock at seeing Sean Combs. Franco pointed out the president of Brooklyn College while Cam pointed out the mayor. Off to the side, Kitty did her best to get Roderick to blow into a paper bag after a panic at seeing Alex Rodriguez with Jennifer Lopez. Frustrated by the awestruck foolishness, Santana forbade the spying. Followed by a brief rant that calmed her own nerves.
Blaine returned from the ballroom, having checked in with June. "Ok, we have five minutes, let's get into a show circle," nervous now after his walk through the crowd. He saw confused expressions on Elliott and Dani's faces. "It's a tradition before we competed. Just go with it." Kurt took one hand, Elliott the other, "I seem to recall Joe giving us a little encouragement one time from the Bible."
Brittany started, "Dear Lord, as femmes, please let us show you that being fiercely famous and phenomenally rich won't change us. And―"
Kitty squeezed the taller blonde's hand to stop, then spoke with a quiet reverence. "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you." Kitty took a breath, "I think that's what Joe quoted from Isaiah."
Blaine cleared his throat, "Thank you, Kitty. Now, remember the crowd is here for a lovely evening. It's not a competition. We've spent countless hours practicing over the last few months, and with practice comes success."
"If I may, Blaine. If you guys have always wished to be chosen, dreamed of being something special, well tonight, let that wish go. Tonight, you are special."
"Thank you, Kurt. Everyone take a deep breath, let it go. Now go out and have fun. Hands in," Blaine extended a hand toward the center. All followed, then raised them in unison, shouting, "Amazing."
Dani grabbed Elliott, pulling him down as she stepped up on her toes. "This is a weird bunch." She whispered.
"Yeah, but I don't feel as nervous as I did earlier."
"Yeah, me too."
"Have I mentioned you're one hot lipstick lesbian tonight?"
Dani shoving him, "Get out of here."
After their third set, Dani and Elliott watched as two older gentlemen in tuxes came up to Santana, taking her off to the side. They watched as the older of the two hugged her, and the younger man pulling out a business card, jotting something on the back.
"Whatcha guys looking at?" Kitty asked as she came back from the bathroom with Brittany and Roderick.
"Who's that Santana is talking to, any clue," Dani said.
Everyone shook their heads with mumbled comments of 'no, no clue or no idea.'
"Hey Kurt, Blaine, do you know who's talking with Santana?" called the two over after they'd returned with refreshments.
Kurt turned, "Oh my god. That's… That's Sidney Greene." He shouted, covering his mouth.
"You're right, Kurt, but who's that other guy?" Blaine replied.
"Oh god, did she just do what I think she did?" It horrified Kurt as he watched his Latina friend.
"If you saw her slip the business card next to her right boob, then yes, your vision is fine." Brittany replied, "Evening gowns don't have pockets, Kurt."
"Like she couldn't keep it in her hand?"
"Don't worry about where she put the card, I'm more concerned about who gave her the card," Blaine said.
"And what he wrote on it," Elliott added.
"Uh?"
"Yeah, the good-looking guy wrote something the back. And I hope it was his phone number."
"Nah, she showed off her wedding ring to Sydney," Dani replied. "She's not into guys, trust me." Brittany frowning at her, "Uh, we had the 'men are idiots why are they running the world' conversation. Normal lesbian shit."
"You don't have to be a lesbian to know that, Dani," Kitty snorted, giving Dani a high-five.
"Guys, shh, here she comes." Kurt shushing the surrounding conversation, waiting for her to get close, raising his voice into a higher octave, "So Santana, what did Sydney want?"
She sat her glass down, raising her palm to Kurt, "It's gotta wait, I need to go to the bathroom."
"Oh, come on, Santana. Tell us," he begged with a puppy dog voice.
"Kurt, I need to pee." Taking Brittany along with her.
"Why do women go to the bathroom in pairs?" Roderick asked
"Oh, god." Kurt mumbled, he cupped his hands around his mouth his hands, shouting, "Santana, you don't have time for that." Santana raised her arm, flipping the bird at Kurt as she sped away.
Blaine patting Kurt's arm down, "Come on, guys, let's get ready for the last set." He said to the group.
After the show, Jon, Cam and Franco loaded the rental van with the instruments, declining the offer to go to Klaine's home. Instead, they departed for Cashmere's hoping to catch Olivia's last show of the night. Blaine thanked his friends as he paid them for the evening's work.
Once back at the Klaine home, the girls changed into more comfortable sweats. Kitty, Santana and Brittany each wore a Cheerio's hoodie. Santana and Kitty, in their red alumnus hoodies. Brittany in the standard gray. Mel brought over leftovers from the party, unserved canapes. Blaine uncorked a bottle of white wine.
"June is exhausting." Blaine sighed as he leaned back into the couch, snuggling next to Kurt, "I hope I have as much energy as she does when I'm her age."
"How old is she, anyway?" Santana asked as she leaned into toward her wife. Brittany wrapping her arm around her wife's shoulders. "90?"
"80 something she a little evasive with her age."
"So, Santana, are you going to tell us what's on that card you stuffed down your bra." Kurt curious to know the card.
"I don't have it, I―"
Kurt sitting up on the edge of the couch while Blaine, not expecting Kurt to move, slumped over behind, "What? What do you mean you don't have it?"
"Chill Lady Hummel, I gave it to Britt in the bathroom."
"Brittany, you've had that card, and you didn't show it to us," Kurt screamed as he watched Brittany retrieve the card from the pocket of her hoodie.
"Like you didn't ask for it," flipping the card she read, "Jeffrey Tibbett, Vice President of New Talent Sony Entertainment." Flipping the card over to read the back "demo Attn: JT, email links."
"My God, Brittany. Santana." Kurt screeched.
"Inside voice, Kurt," Blaine said as he sat upright. "Isn't that Mercedes label?"
"No, she's under contract to Columbia, which Sony owns along with RCA and Epic. And I told him we'd spoken to Columbia, but nothing had come from it, which is the truth." She sipped wine from her glass, "I also told him my contract with Columbia expired at the end of May. We created a publishing agreement. And our indie label." She brushed a strand of hair from her cheek, "Sydney put in a word for me too."
"Oh My God, Santana, I can't believe you kept this to yourself. This is a crazy, insane, unexpected early Christmas present." Kurt took the card from Brittany to read it, "Do you realize what this means?"
"Relax, Porcelain. All it means is that he wants to hear the demo. It's not a guaranteed contract. For all we know, he was drunk and will forget why he has an email from Santana Lopez in two weeks. Or he'll pass it off to one of his trolls, who'll ignore it like Mercedes contact."
"Wait, did he want anything else? Did you mention the videos?" Dani leaned in closer to hear Santana.
"He wants bios on each of us, the video links added to an email, our social media accounts, and links to our songs. He also asked if the songs were under copyright. And if we had more."
"That's all he wanted?" Elliott speaking up, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
She shrugged, "The guy said if he likes what he hears and sees, he'll get back to us." The sense of air as it escapes a balloon while it flew and flutters around in space only to land wrinkled and deflated on the table permeate the room.
"Don't call us, we'll call you." Roderick nodded as he spoke.
"Maybe we need to investigate those out-of-town dates? I know the Pittsburgh guy is still interested. A woman from Boston called, left a voice mail." Kitty said.
"No." Blaine spat out, "I mean, yes, we need to consider out-of-town dates. But no, we can't off write of this, Mr. Tibbett's yet. Look, I don't think Sydney would have brought him back to meet you, Santana, if the guy just wanted to check on the twins. That's not Sydney. The guy has a straight-up reputation on Broadway. No negative gossip or hints of scandal. Not a shred in his fifty-year career." With a shrug of his shoulders, "Business is about trust. We have to trust, he's honest. If he returns your email within a few minutes, even an hour, then yeah. And it's possible that I'm reading this wrong, and he's fucking with us."
"Blaine." shocked at Blaine's use of an expletive beyond, damn it.
"Sorry, Kurt. But if he's not, then we've caught a bigger fish sooner than we expected. And we'd be fools to let it escape."
