A few days later, Roger was alone in the apartment when the phone rang. He grabbed it. "Hello?"

Benny's voice greeted him. "Roger, hey man."

Roger sighed. "We'll get you the rent, okay?"

"No that's not why I called. Allison is upset with me. Some chick thing, I'm sure. I was wondering if I could borrow your couch."

"Well…" Roger was hesitant. He heard Benny chuckle. "Think of it as payback for that time I saved your life. I'll bring food."

"Deal!" Roger laughed.

"See you soon." Benny hung up.

No sooner had Roger set the phone down than it rang again. He answered it. "You've reached Mark, Roger, and Mimi's place, Roger speaking."

"Roger darling, how are you?" A bubbly female voice greeted him.

Roger was stunned. "Jolene? But you haven't spoken to me since sophomore year!"

Jolene giggled. "I've missed you baby! But that's not why I called. I'm working as a talent scout for the Kit Kat Club. Next week is open mic night. We have a slot to fill, and your name was at the top of all the lists. You still with the Well Hungarians?"

Roger felt himself blush. "Actually, I broke them up awhile back. I'm…um, I'm working solo now."

"Even better!" Jolene's bubbly voice sounded excited. "Nest Thursday. Ten pm. You're in. And bring some of your solo stuff." The line went dead. Roger grinned.

He was still grinning when Mimi walked in. She smiled back. "What?"

"I got a gig!" Roger scooped Mimi into his arms. "I've got a job!"

Mimi giggled. "I'm so happy for you. What are you going to play?"

"I…" Roger frowned. "Damn!"

Mimi smiled. "There's always 'Your Eyes.'"

Roger shook his head. "No. That one's private. I'll just write a new song."

Mimi nodded. "Okay."

The phone rang again. Roger grabbed it. "Hello?"

"Hey man, it's me."

"Collins! Great to hear your voice, man!"

"I'm downstairs. Throw down the key."

Roger hung up the phone and went to the window. "Door's unlocked, man, come on up."

Collins walked din a moment later. "Hey guys."

The phone rang yet again. Roger let the machine get it. "Roger, it's Joanne. Come to the performance space. Maureen needs your help with her new protest."

Roger frowned. "What the-?" He grabbed the phone. "Joanne?" The line was dead. "Damn!" He threw down the phone. "Guess I'm off to the Space. Later guys."

Joanne glared at Charlene as she hung up the phone. "You are a vile, despicable woman."

Charlene smiled. "Why, thank you. Let her go. I've no more use for her." She grabbed Joanne's arm. "Remember, girl, if you tell anyone…"

Joanne nodded, frightened, but refusing to show it. Charlene smiled wickedly. "Good girl. Get out of her!"

Joanna did. As soon as she was far enough away, she grabbed her phone and dialed. "Maureen, it's me. We need to talk. "