Robbie and Cat took off for the day, leaving Beck and Tori at the shop. Beck still had a few things to look over and Tori decided to check her e-mail and incoming stuff. There was nothing really time-consuming for either of them and soon Beck popped his head into Tori's office.
Beck: You about ready to head out?
Tori: Sure, there is nothing here that can't wait.
Beck: Good because when you got back today it sounded like you had a lot to talk about. We can go over it tonight.
Tori: Thanks, let's go.
They decided to take both of their cars home so they drove separately, Tori lost in her thoughts of the day and beck wondering how much longer Tori would be working with him.
They arrived home and walked into the house. Trina had somehow gotten this domestic stuff down really well. The house was neat and clean, the babies were changed and napping and something in the kitchen smelled wonderful. Beck smiled and had a flashback to when Trina had tried to prepare him a chicken dinner that turned into a catastrophe. She had come so far from there.
Trina: Hi Beck, Hi Tori how did it go today?
Beck kissed Trina hello and gave her a quick hug.
Beck: Hey babe, well I had a good day. Your sister seems to have a lot to talk to us about.
Trina: Oh that's right, you met with the agent today; did he look good, do you like him?
Tori: Oh he looked good alright and yes I liked him, he just gave me a lot to think about, Cat too.
Trina: Why should Cat have a problem she did ok with that kiddie show?
Tori: He wants her to expand her possibilities into more adult venue. For one thing he wants her to model panty hose and nylons for a client, says her legs are beautiful.
Trina: You know, come to think of it as I recall she did have nice legs. Seemed to show them off a lot too. She was always wearing short dresses or skirts or really short shorts. Of course the real question we all have is how about you Tori.
Tori: Well he said he reviewed a lot of the things I had done and determined I was a good, singer, dancer and actress. No comment about my legs. He also said that the reason I was not getting calls for work is that I was blacklisted by Mason Thornewilliams.
Beck: That rat!
Tori: The good news is that he said that Mason's credibility has come into question over the years and so it is not so bay anymore. He has put together a plan to promote me and get me work if I sign on with him.
Trina: So you are going to right? You want to be performing don't you?
Tori: I don't know. Remember I was the one that thought I had no talent for a long time. You were the one who wanted to perform. Then your Showcase came and next thing I knew I was performing and yes it was nice but it has been too much and too soon. I don't know what to do. I see you and Beck now settled down and with children and that looks nice too. On the other hand Andre gets to travel and see different places and meet people, it's very confusing.
Beck: I can understand. For a while I thought being an actor was the greatest thing going. But now I see my beautiful wife there and my beautiful children, my home and my great steady job and I have to thing that is not bad for a 19 year old former Canadian. If someone were to offer me and acting job today I would say ok as long as I can work it into my life, it is not going to be the be all and end all of it.
Tori: Of course I am still single; I have no house or tie downs except a great job for which I thank you. This may be a good time to try out performing.
Beck: You may want to give Andre a call and at least touch base with him about this.
Tori: I will, this not something I am going to decide on overnight.
After dinner Tori opened the package she had been given and began to wade through the pages. From what Tori could understand the plan looked good. She would start getting work as a background singer and dancer and begin to establish herself. The more experience she got meant that her blacklisting would be chipped away. There also was a network outside of Mason Thornsmith's control that she could get parts from until she really established herself. Also having a star like Jade West as a friend did not hurt; Jade had some clout in the business.
Tori's nightly schedule allowed for a quick pre-concert call to Andre to wish him luck. The window was narrow and had to be before his concerts because after would be too late. She quickly gave him a rundown on her meeting and got his blessing to basically go with her gut feeling in the matter.
Robbie was just as interested in the events of the day and the agent's ideas for Cat. It was probably a good thing too, because cat's recollections of the day were sketchy at best. She remembered the agent and the waiter complementing her legs, and indicating that she could earn money by showing them off.
Robbie was a bit concerned by this at first and was tempted to get on the phone to Tori to clarify things, but then he started reading the overall plan for Cat that the agency prepared and felt better about it. In fact the more he read the more impressed he became and by the time they went to bed he found himself to be totally in favor of Cat signing the contract. He also found himself taking a lot more interest in Cat's legs; this resulting in one of the more inspired lovemaking episodes of their young relationship. Cat still thinks that the instructions were listed in the contract. For whatever reasons; she was convinced to sign on with the agency also.
Both Cat and Tori waiting until the following Monday and then made appointments to visit the agency again. In the interim that had time to go over the contracts again and again. Tori even talked to her mom and dad about it and in the end everyone seemed positive.
Cat came to work again with Robbie and she and Tori drove together to the Murray Small Agency.
Once again they sat in the room full of delicious goodies and champagne waiting to meet with the handsome Bob Rogers.
Once more Bob poked his head out.
Bob: Good morning ladies, who wants to go first?
Cat: Oh, pick me, please pick me!
Tori smiled and nodded at her little friend who bounded up from her seat and ran into the office.
Bob: Cat I can't tell you how pleased I am that you decide to join us at the agency.
Cat: Oh sure you can, I won't mind.
Bob: No that's not what… I mean that I am very glad you decided to sign the contract and come on board. I think we are going to work very well together.
Cat: Well ok but I was hoping to work for TV and movie producers too.
Rob: You are so funny, Cat. Here I just need you to sign right here.
Cat signed the form.
Rob: By the way, I was talking to you last time about a modeling opportunity. Do you have a portfolio of photos?
Cat: No, I have never really needed one.
Rob: Ok, here is a card for a photographer that this agency uses a lot. Make an appointment with him and I will call him and tell him what we need.
Cat: Ok
Rob: Could you go out in the other room now and send Tori in?
Cat: Ok, goodbye for now.
Cat walked out into the other room.
Cat: Tori, it's your turn now!
Tori picked up her package and walked into the room. Rob was standing waiting for her and they shook hands and then Tori sat first. Rob then settled in.
Rob: So Tori I assume that everything with the contract is clear and acceptable to you?
Tori: Yes everything seems to be in order. I mean as near as I can tell, this is my first contract with an agent.
Rob: Don't worry, with luck this will be the only time you ever need too. This is a full service agency and we are confident that we can represent all of your needs, now and in the future.
Tori: Wow that is a really great line!
Rob: No, a great line is you know you are really beautiful and is there any chance we could go out together after this?
Tori: Well I don't know if that was great, it was pretty good. But you know I have a boyfriend right?
Rob: Yes, Andre Harris the musician who is currently on tour and miles away right?
Tori: Miles away but near to my heart.
Rob: Oh, you are good. Sorry I just could not live with myself if I didn't flirt with you a little. I mean if I found out later that you would have been open to a date and I didn't try I would have to kill myself.
Tori: Well I am glad we could make everything clear and prevent a tragedy all at once. My day is complete.
Rob: Pretty and a sense of humor too. You will go far in this business.
Tori: Thanks, that is the plan.
Rob: Ok now that you are an official client I can tell you that a position opened up last night that you are qualified for. It is a backup singer and dancer with a traveling musician. The current girl fell last night and sprained her ankle. If you are interested you can fly out tonight and hook up with the group they are in Topeka Kansas right now.
Tori: That sounds just like where Andre is tonight.
Rob: Surprise!
Tori: You are kidding me! Andre has an opening for a backup singer and dancer?
Rob: Yes he does, do you want me to set it up?
Tori: Wait, I should call Beck and make sure he can get by without me.
Tori whips out her cell phone and dials Beck's number.
Tori: Hi Beck, this is Tori. Listen I just signed the contract and there is a job opening for a dancer and backup singer starting tonight. Do you think you could get by without me for a few weeks? I know this is short notice and I am sorry about that.
Beck: Well we knew this day might come soon and Robbie is still here so yes I think we can manage. Go for it!
Tori: Thanks boss, you're the best. Ok Rob, I'm in.
Rob: Ok, I will call and make the arrangements and have a plane ticket waiting for you at the airport.
Tori: Can you do me a favor and not tell Andre who it is? I want to surprise him.
Rob: Ok, I will try. Andre doesn't usually get involved with the secondary crew anyway; the road manager does that hiring.
Tori: Ok I am going to run home pack and get going,
Rob: Ok, I will call you if there are any changes but right now you are looking at Delta at 4pm.
Tori: Thanks so much.
Tori flew to her car started it and drove home where Trina was waiting.
Trina: hey Tori, Beck called, you must be so excited.
Tori: I just can't believe how fast everything is happening now. Yesterday I was an office worker; and today a backup singer and dancer, and for my boyfriend, no less.
Trina: Well you better get packing!
Tori ran into her room and began packing her suitcase. The she found her cosmetics bag and scoped all of her cosmetics into it. She then took a quick shower, got dressed and called for the airport shuttle. Soon she was on her way to the airport and the Delta terminal. When she arrived she made her way to the desk.
Tori: Do you have a ticket ready for Tori Vega?
Delta Agent: Let me look, yes ma'am here it is one way to Topeka Kansas, your flight leaves from terminal 12 in 1 hour and 15 minutes. You have plenty of time for baggage check and checking in.
Tori: Thank you.
Tori slowly made her way to the terminal and checked in her baggage. She then took a seat and waited for her plane to be called.