Monday morning started hectic. First Andre had to get up early and shower and have breakfast. Tori got up with him and helped him pack and then joined him and Trina and Beck for breakfast.
Right at 8:00 as planned the limo pulled up in the driveway to take Andre to the airport. There was a quick goodbye by all then Beck had a few moments helping Trina with the twins while Tori cleaned up and got ready for work.
Tori elected to go with a miniskirt suit today for her interview because it was comfortable and showed off enough of her assets without being slutty. She apply light makeup but brought more just in case they wanted a quick head shot to replace the one she had, which reflected her look as a teenager.
Tori then decided to take her own car so that her schedule would not be a problem for Beck, and they both left together.
When Beck and Tori arrived at the company they entered and began checking their mail and e-mails for the day. Tori wanted to get a jump on her work because she had no idea how long her appointment would take.
Beck dove in to his normal huge workload and began the tedious task of cranking out results.
Robbie arrived soon with Cat and started dividing up the work with Beck and dealing with what he could while Cat went to visit Tori in her office.
Cat came dressed in a Aqua dress the stopped about 6 inches above her knee, giving on lookers a great view of her tanned and toned legs. Cat just never quite understood how pretty she was but dealt with the stares of admiration with a smile and a happy wave.
All of the employees were finally in and the shop opened for business.
At about 10 am a ripple of excitement went through the company because a large black limo pulled up at the door and out stepped, the famous actress Jade West, today looking the part. She made her way into the building amidst stares from the employees and walked right into Tori's office. To the amazement of the crew she was welcomed with hugs by Tor and Cat like an old friend, instead of a TV and Movie star.
The rumor mongers almost had their fill of information for the day, but then Tori and Cat said goodbye to Beck and Robbie and got into the limo with Jade and drove off! Who said car electronics was not exciting.
Tori: Wow Jade you made an entrance today!
Jade: When I visit my agent I like to play star, it reminds him who is feeding his family; and gives his new signees hope for their future.
Tori: Well you did wonders for the rumor mill at Beck's place. Some of the employees may know our story; but the rest are going to be in shock now. You just upped our coolness factor considerably.
Jade: Didn't any of them remember the Platinum Awards when you sang?
Tori: Fame is fleeting. You are only as good as you last performance, what have you done for me lately? Pick the cliché you like.
Jade: Yes it does help to be in the public view constantly.
Cat: That is so true. When my show was on little kids used to mob me in the streets, all wanting a hug or an autograph, one week after the show was cancelled no one knew me anymore. I came home one day without my keys and knocked on the door to get Robbie to open it, even he had to ask "Who is it? He has known me for years!
Tori: Cat, is it possible the he was asking who is it because you were on the other side of the door and he couldn't see you?
Cat: Oh that is so funny, that is exactly what he said! How did you know you weren't even there?
Tori: Because…oh never mind.
Jade: Oh, here we are, my agent's office.
Tori: Murray Small, agent. Doesn't sound like much.
Jade: His Motto is even hokier, "If you want to make it big, think small".
Tori: Ugh, and he is running your career?
Jade: Believe or nut he is actually a worker. He is quite surprising sometimes...
The girls entered the office and were directed to a waiting room. The room was filled with fresh fruits, cheeses snacks and beverages of all kind including champagne.
Tori: Wow, this is impressive.
Jade: He puts on a good show, but wait it gets better.
When Jade finished speaking, the door opened and in walked a young man probably about 24 with blonde hair chiseled features and very broad shoulders. To say that he was handsome was an understatement, Both Tori's and Cat's jaws dropped in amazement. Jade smiled as he came over to her and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Jade: Tori, Cat, this is Bob Rogers aka Murray Small talent agent.
Tori: You are Murray Small?
Bob: Actually Murray is just the name of the business; I find it gives me credibility. I started as an aged two years ago under my own name and was just about to go under when I got this idea. Since then my star has been on the rise. Of course having beautiful and talented clients like Ms. West here does not hurt either.
Jade: Bob these are the two friends, Cat and Tori that I told you about. We all went to Hollywood arts together and have stayed in touch.
Bob: Nice to meet you ladies. Come on into my office and let's talk.
Bob ushered them into the office and they all set in his extremely comfortable chairs.
Bob: Ok let's see who we have here. Tori Vega, that name is familiar, hey wait a minute, you did the opening number for the Platinum Awards show and then disappeared. Mason Thornesmith destroyed you, you know that?
Tori: He did what?
Bob: He spread the word through the industry about you, you know the term "blacklisted". You now know the meaning intimately.
Tori: That rat, but Jade gave me the shot why wasn't he mad at her?
Bob: Because you stood up to him, he did not like that.
Bob: Cat Valentine, you had the short run TV show Cat's Box that only ran one season. Too bad I liked the show but I thought the marketing was poor. I don't think the network was ever really behind you, they just needed something to fill a time slot for a while.
Cat: Robbie and I felt that way too,
Bob: So what I did, when Jade first mentioned your names, was to go to Hollywood arts and get the archive films of all the performances you two were in so I could assess your strengths and weaknesses. and try to develop a marketing plan for each of you.
Tori: You did all this in just a few days?
Rob: Jade probably told you, I am a hard worker, especially when I have a good reason to be. Jade told me about how talented you two were and it irks me when true talent is not recognized.
Tori: Wait, Jade told you how talented we were?
Tori looked over at Jade who just smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
Rob: Sure, jade said that she was the big gun at school until you showed up, then you took all of her roles and she got the back seat.
Jade: (pretending to cry) Yes, you were so, mean to me. You destroyed my career at school, stole all the good roles and left me behind.
Cat: Tori, how could you do that to Jade?
Tori: Cat! Jade is acting, can't you see?
Cat: I knew that.
Rob: The point was that Jade killed her own career. We talked about that when she came to me. You notice that the Goth image is gone? It doesn't work unless you only want to compete for specialized roles. I changed her image and remarketed her, and the results speak for themselves.
Tori: She is impressive
Jade: Why, thank you Tori.
Rob: So Tori, my plan for you is pretty easy. You are a talented dancer, singer and actress and anyone who auditions you is going to find that out. The problem is getting over Mason Thornesmith's hatchet job and that is not as hard has it sounds. He has burned enough people now that he is getting a reputation, which makes his opinions easier to challenge.
Tori: Sounds good to me.
Rob: Now Cat, provides some more interesting challenges.
Cat: Thank you?
Rob: Cat that wide eyed innocence or yours is adorable for children's TV, but unless that is all you ever want to do we may need to make some changes.
Cat: But this is really me!
Rob: Ok, but you need to work on varying your delivery. Remember you are an actress. Oh by the way, how would you feel about modeling?
Cat: Modeling? Me? What could I possibly model?
Rob: Ok remember this is not a pick up line or anything, just a totally professional observation. You have the most beautiful legs I have seen in a long time, and there are panty hose and nylon manufacturers always looking for a spokes model.
Cat turned the most beautiful shade of pink.
Rob: I am sorry, I embarrassed you.
Cat: I was just wondering what your pickup lines were like.
Rob: The point being, we get your face and body promoting something adult and sexy it changes your image and widens your horizons for roles. Not to mention the money you make doing the actual modeling.
Cat: The modeling Jobs would help.
Rob: Ok I have prepared my idea of a marketing plan for each of you with everything we talked about and included contracts for your signature. Take that packet home, look it over, talk to a spouse or loved one and see what you think. If you like the ideas I have for you sign the contract bring it back and I will get started. If no, well then just walk away and check with other management companies. We will part as friends, no harm no foul.
Tori: It is something to think about.
Cat: Me a sex symbol!
Jade: Tori, you and I can start competing for roles again.
Rob said goodbye to the girls. Tori and Cat went outside to sit in the car and jade followed later.
Jade: Well that was exciting, how about some lunch now?
Tori: sure sounds good.
Cat: Ok
Jade: you guys sound kind of funny, is everything ok?
Tori: I think we are just kind of stunned by all this.
Cat: It is a lot to think about.
Jade; Ok, come one we will go get a great lunch have a few drinks, relax and forget about this for now.
Tori: Great, where should we go?
Jade: I know a place.
Jade spoke to the driver and the car moved off. Minutes later it was pulling into the parking lot of Patina's restaurant.
Tori: I guess you do know a place, Jade; Patina's is supposed to be awesome.
Jade: Trust me, it is.
The girl's entered the restaurant and because of Jade's celebrity status were seated immediately. Waiters scurried around them and soon they were enjoying the first of a series of delicious courses.
Tori: Jade I am guessing that you don't do this often, or you must have one heck of an exercise program after to keep your figure.
Jade: It is nice for special occasions though, isn't it?
Cat: What's the occasion?
Jade: Two performers getting back in action.
Tori: Maybe, we haven't accepted the deal yet.
Jade: You will. You guys are performers; it is killing you to be sitting on the sidelines for as long as you have. You know you want back into it.
Cat: I don't know about the modeling though.
Tori: Cat you really do have beautiful legs, he wasn't kidding.
Cat blushed again.
Cat: Do you really think so?
Jade: Ok, let's get a second opinion, excuse me waiter?
Waiter: Yes ma'am may I help you?
Jade reached over and lifted Cat's dress showing all of her leg from her foot to her upper thigh.
Jade: Do you think her leg is pretty?
The waiter and Cat both turned bright red.
Waiter: Yes, ma'am she is beautiful.
The waiter then ran away; Jade dropped Cat's dress.
Cat: I can't believe you did that to me.
Jade: I got the question answered. Now you know.
Tori: So much for Cat, but I am not singing and dancing on a table.
Jade: Like you really had any doubts.
The girls finished their lunch and Jade drove them back to the shop. The hugged goodbye and Jade drove off to another appointment.
Tori and Cat walked into the office where Beck and Robbie were working.
Beck: Hey guys welcome back, just in time to go home for the day. How did it go?
Tori: We really need to talk.