Chapter 43 – All In The Details
Monday 19th March 2018 – 09:00 am
Mott and Carter Solicitors, London
Lawyers surrounded Evony, all looking very smug. A large oval desk dominated the room, and suits filled every one of the ten seats. Bo walked in and saw Tamsin and Kenzi.
Kenzi swooped in and grabbed Bo by the arm, pulling her to the side of the room, "Interesting night last night, hey?"
"This will be worse," Bo replied honestly. "Let's sit down and get it over with, shall we."
"I can't believe you got arrested in MI6." Kenzi ignored Bo's request to sit.
"Yeah, that part sucked, but so did the bit where Evony told me I would lose everything, money, homes and even my name."
"Yeah, Tamsin said." Kenzi pulled Tamin into the conversation.
"Hey, how did you know that?" Bo asked.
"I live at the hotel." Tamsin answered, "I spoke to Lauren, and we had a drink at the bar."
"You met Lauren?" Bo hung her neck and clenched her jaw, "She leaves me, and that's where she went? To drink at the bar."
"Where did you think she went?" Tams asked.
"She said a run."
"Oh, well, in her defence, she was leaving for a run when I pulled her over." Tamsin tutted, "But she looked like she needed a drink."
"And she just spilt my business to you?" Bo tried to control her breathing. It was already a tough day without Lauren making it worse.
"Like you wouldn't have told me. Besides, you invited me here, so I would have found out anyway. At least now I can support you."
"Im going to have to make a deal, aren't I?" Bo looked between her two best friends. "Stay with Evony to keep what is rightfully mine anyway."
"What did Lauren say?" Tamsin asked.
"She kept telling me it would be okay, so I lost it, and I unleashed on her. It wasn't fair. I freaked out and took it all out on her." Bo answered. "She would love me penniless but want more. I wanted us to have more."
"It's just money. You'll make more." Kenzi added.
"Not without my name," Bo replied.
"You don't need your name. You are the brand. Without you, it's just a made-up name." Tamsin answered.
"I will see what Evony offers," Bo replied honestly.
"What about you and Lauren?" Tamsin asked, "Just the other day, you said you would step back and prioritise your relationship?"
"She said she would support any decision I made," Bo answered. "She owes me this one. She did walk away from me for a deal all those years ago."
"Sounds like what you are thinking of doing, giving up Lauren or letting her slip away for a deal?" Kenzi huffed. "It's all bullshit. Let us sit down."
"That's not true," Bo replied, holding her back. "I love her."
"Really, and where is she today?" Kenzi asked, "Wasn't she meant to be here?"
"She was called into work," Bo said
"Why?" asked Kenzi, tapping her foot, "because she was off today? Is she taking the heat for last night? Losing her job while you are about to give her up to save yours."
"I'm not giving her up," Bo argued.
"And you think your deal will be Lauren-friendly?" Tamsin asked. "Evony controlling who you date, where you live, who you see and when, what you wear and what jobs you take?"
Bo's eyes darted to each friend. They were both right. Walking away, they took their seats, nothing more needed to be said. What was meant to be said was said. Bo felt a sharp stabbing pain in her chest. It wasn't about losing her money. It was what Kenzi said about losing Lauren that brought on a panic attack.
"Ladies, let's begin." The taller man spoke, "You all know me, but for anyone who doesn't, I am Alfred Mitchward. I represent Evony Marquise today."
"Wait", Bo cried out, "Please can I have just one minute? I need the bathroom."
Everyone looked around and nodded in agreement. Bo ran out of the room and towards the end of the corridor. Finding the ladies' bathroom and locking the door, she dialled Lauren's number. Bo internally practised what she would say, expecting the voicemail. Instead, Lauren answered after only two rings.
Lauren: Hello
Bo: Bubba, erm, I thought it would go to voicemail. But no, this is great, erm, better even. Hi, I wanted to say sorry for our fight. What I said to you was wrong, and I – I …..
Lauren: Hey, It's okay. I'm sorry too. Let's switch to Facetime.
Bo: Okay
With a few clicks, Bo smiled at seeing Lauren's beautiful face on the screen.
Lauren: Hey, baby. You have every right to be nervous, and I understand that this is a hard decision-
Bo: It's not
Bo's words hung in the air, catching Lauren by surprise. Not what? She held her breath, waiting for Bo to continue.
Bo: A hard decision. I choose you
Lauren's face lit up with joy, and she finally exhaled, relief washing over her.
Bo: I choose us
Lauren: Really?
Bo: Of course, really. I love you. Are you okay? With work?
Lauren: We were allowed home last night if I agreed to come back today for a meeting.
Bo: And how's it going?
Lauren: Not great. Looks like I will be suspended pending an investigation. I admitted to the two times you were here and cooperated by telling them about the files. It could go either way, a tight leash, or I am gone. We'll see.
Bo listened intently. I'm so sorry. I will-
Lauren interrupted. Bubba, ssshhh, please. What will be, will be. I was thinking of leaving anyway as I have a hot Canadian girlfriend, who I am madly in love with.
Bo: Really?
Lauren: Yes, really. We have to live somewhere. I know we can talk about it another day, but I want you to know that I want you to move in with me. I want it all with you. And I know we are still getting to know each other, but I hope my asking you to move in with me is a sign that I am in for the long haul, not the long distance. I want to be with you, Bo.
Bo: I want that too. I do.
Lauren: Really?
Bo laughed. We need to both stop asking that.
Lauren: Agreed. Anyway, didn't your meeting start at nine?
Bo: Yes, but I wanted to talk to you first. Last night after our fight, you left for a run, or should that be for a drink -
Lauren interrupted, eager to explain. I was going for a run, but Tamsin pulled me over, and one conversation led to another and -
Bo interjected understandingly. You don't need to explain. I was horrible to you. I don't blame you.
Lauren: Tamsin can be pretty relentless. She suspected something was wrong and wasn't letting it go until I told her. She should work in interrogation.
They both laughed, the tension easing between them.
Bo: But you came back to me, our bed. That's all that mattered.
Lauren: I will always come home. And home is where you are, my love.
Bo: And you are my home. I love you so much. I will make it up to you.
Lauren: You don't need to. All is okay.
Bo: Thank you.
Indissent chatter could be heard downs Lauren's line. Sorry, my love, I have to go. I'm being called back in. Good luck, and remember, it will all be okay. It may not seem that way, but you have all the cards. Read the file. I love you and will see you later.
Bo: I love you, Lauren. Good luck to you too. See you later.
They hung up the phones. Bo left the restroom and returned to the office. Mr Mitchward was still standing. Bo entered, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination. Mr Mitchward, the lawyer representing Evony's management company, looked on impatiently.
"Sorry again." Bo offered her apology sincerely and took her seat, ready to continue the meeting. "Please continue."
"As I said, I am Alfred Mitchward and represent Evony Marquise and Marquis Management today." He finally sat
The second man stood, "I am Malcolm Mott and represent one half of Mott and Carter."
The third man rose, "And I represent the other half of Mott and Carter. I am his husband and partner, Colin Carter. We draw up contracts between Marquis Management and their artists. And as stated in said contracts, we will represent the artist in the case of separation. On this occasion, that refers to Miss Bo Dennis."
"Mr Carter, it's a pleasure to meet you." Bo shook his hand, "I wasn't aware of this provision in the contract. Could you please clarify what it entails for me as the artist?"
Colin Carter took a seat, offering a calm and composed demeanour. "Certainly, Miss Dennis. As stated in the contract, Mott and Carter represent the artist's interests in the event of a separation between Marquis Management and an artist. This means I will work alongside Mr Mitchward to ensure a fair and equitable resolution for you."
Bo felt a glimmer of hope, realising she had an additional advocate. "Thank you, Mr. Carter. I appreciate your involvement in this process. It's reassuring that you and Mr Mott advocate for my interests."
Colin Carter nodded, acknowledging Bo's gratitude.
Bo stood next, "I am the client, Bo Dennis, and I have brought friends and witnesses, Mackenzie Malikov and Tamsin Taylor."
"Good to see you again, Miss Taylor" Mr Carter shook both their hands, "It was only yesterday?"
Evony pipped up, "Why were you here, Tamsin?"
"I wanted to see my contact." Tamsin replied, "All these uncertainties. I wanted to make sure mine was accurate."
"It's all nonsense." Evony replied, "There is always only one contact which myself and Mott and Carter each have a copy, which I could swear an oath on. Shall we begin?"
Bo glanced around the room, her eyes resting momentarily on the framed posters adorning the walls—a visual reminder of her success. Her fingers nervously tapped against the armrest of her chair, a reflection of the inner turmoil she felt. She took a deep breath, centring herself, and looked straight into Evony's eyes. "I've made my decision, Evony. I want to terminate our contract and seek new representation. It's time for me to control my career and life."
Evony's expression tightened, her professional facade slipping briefly before she regained her composure. "Bo, we've invested time and resources in building your career. We have the industry connections, the endorsements, and the projects lined up. We, no I, made you a household name."
Bo interjected, her voice steady and assertive. "I appreciate all of that. Evony, I truly do. Still, it's time for me to explore new opportunities and exercise my autonomy."
Evony leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she locked her gaze with Bo's. "Bo, think about what we've achieved together. We can renegotiate the terms of our agreement. You deserve a fair share of your success, but severing ties completely would be detrimental to us both."
Bo's resolve wavered momentarily. Memories of her career's early days flooded her mind. She took a deep breath, grounding herself once again. "Evony, I understand the value you've brought to my career. Still, I can't ignore what it has cost me to get there. I'm prepared to fight for what's fair, whether that's through negotiations or legal means."
The room fell silent, the weight of the decision hanging in the air. The lawyers exchanged glances, assessing the situation.
Mr Mott broke the silence, "Let's proceed with the negotiations to achieve a fair and equitable separation."
Evony nodded, a subtle acknowledgement of the determination in Bo's eyes. "Very well. We'll engage in negotiations to find a mutually agreeable solution. However, understand that I will fight to protect my company's interests."
The room filled with a palpable tension as the legal battle for independence and fair compensation began, a clash of wills that would shape Bo's future.
Mr Mott continued. "The first on the agenda is any contractual penalty clauses. Do you both have copies of the contract?"
"Erm, hold on." Bo unzipped her briefcase, and inside the manila folder were many contracts. Bo scanned them and pulled out the contract from Marquise Management.
Evony spoke first. "You will see that clause six point two remains that Bo cannot leave without accruing a penalty."
Both parties turned the pages over and found the paragraph.
"So given that," Evony continued, "I will start the negotiations that she pays off the debt by working with Vixens for another three years. Marquis Management takes a percentage of earnings. The longer the term, the less the percentage. I will remove that clause from the next contract."
Evony looked over to Bo, who was looking at Kenzi and Tamsin for support and advice.
"Miss Marquise, I have found the paragraph." Mr Carter said, "I don't know what you remember from the contract, but six two states that there will be no penalty should Miss Dennis leave the contract."
Bo smiled. She was reading the same thing.
"What," Evony scrambled to open her copy, which read the same thing. "This is not what I wanted. Alfred, look. You drafted this up. What has happened."
Alfred Mitctwood frantically scanned the page but offered no words of advice.
"Miss Marquise, you and Miss Dennis have signed each page. And initialled each section." Mr Carter added.
"I can see that," Evony hit her hand on the paper, "But that wasn't in there originally."
"But you said these were the only copies, and we all have kept our copy safe." Mr Mott joined in the conversation.
"Alfred," Evony was louder this time. "What am I paying you for? What can I do?"
"Erm, Miss Marquise, I am sorry. But there seems to have been an error. We can ask if Miss Dennis would consider adding it in."
"Which I won't," Bo added, grinning as she spoke.
"Erm, so this will have to stand as written." Alfred fell back into his seat.
Evony stared at Bo, "I don't know how you did this. I will find out, though."
"I don't know what you are talking about." Bo kept a straight face.
"So, given that there are no penalties, this makes this part much easier." Mr Carter noticed Mr Mott, who nodded.
"We'll print off an end-of-agreement letter concluding this contract is over, and Bo Dennis no longer has use of Marquise Management services and vice versa. Marquise Management no longer has any legal say in the career of Miss Dennis."
"Agreed," Bo added. Smiling broadly at Kenzi and Tamsin.
"Is there anything else to add?" Mr Mott asked.
Alfred Mitchward stood, "Marquis management has invested significant resources in shaping Miss Dennis's career, including promotional campaigns, public relations, and securing lucrative contracts. Therefore, we believe it is fair for Marquis Management to retain a percentage of any future earnings to recoup our investments."
Bo listened attentively, aware of the complex nature of the negotiations.
"Okay, let's get some coffee in here." Mr Carter stood and exited the room.
Two Hours later
"Next on the agenda, properties and brand rights." Mr Carter continued. "No properties are listed as owned by Bo Dennis. Is that right?"
Evony smirked. "Yes, she signed them over, and before you ask, no, I won't sign them back."
Bo looked down, and Kenzi gave her a reassuring hug.
"And last on the agenda," Mr Mott continued, "the name Bo Dennis."
Bo shifted in her seat, "Evony, please sign my name over to me."
"I don't think so." Evony rubbed her hands together, "What would you offer me?"
"What would you want?" Bo asked.
"You back, as before, but I'll offer you a better contract and sign back some properties," Evony felt confident.
"Exactly what does have me back mean?" Bo asked.
"Resign with Vixens. You are to live in Marquis Towers, Toronto. Designer clothes and no personal announcements without written content." Evony smiled.
"Wow." Bo laughed, "I would cry if that wasn't so funny. That was my life for years, and I never realised how controlling it was."
Evony didn't laugh.
"Absolutely not." Bo stopped laughing momentarily, "I have my health, youth, friends, and someone who really loves me. I will start again. I will never go back to you. Mr Mott, finalise this and let her have my name."
"Okay, so the legal name Bo Dennis will be property rights for Marquis Management." Mr Mott warmly smiled over to Bo, "As for your name, unless legally changed, it will revert to your birth certificate name. However, given that you have built a brand on it, we can negotiate the terms of you using it solely as a stage name, and that will fit in nicely with the terms of future investments."
Bo met Mr Mott's gaze with determination and resignation in her eyes and nodded. "Make the deal."
"Okay, let us Lawyers discuss this. You can take a break and meet back here at noon to finalise." Mr Carter concluded.
Monday 19th March 2018 – 11:00 am
NSY Cafe, London
Bo sat anxiously in Trick's bustling coffee shop, nervously tapping her fingers on the table with Tamsin and Kenzi.
Her friend Trick joined her, offering them all a drink, "Hey, Bo. How are you holding up?"
"I'm a bundle of nerves. Waiting for the decision about my stage name feels like an eternity." Bo took a sip of coffee, smiling at its rich flavour.
"I understand, Bo. But remember, even if you have to give up your stage name, it doesn't mean it's the end of the world. You're more than just a name." Trick added.
Bo looked at her friend, finding solace in his words. "Thank you, Trick. I know you're right. It's just hard to let go of something I've built my career on."
"I get it, Bo. Your stage name holds significance, but at the end of the day, it's your talent, dedication, and unique persona that have brought you this far" Tamsin leaned over and held her hand, "Losing a name doesn't diminish any of that."
Bo took a deep breath, finding strength in Tamsin's words. "You're right. I won't let a name define me or my future. I've worked hard to establish myself and will continue no matter what."
Kenzi slapped Bo's arm, "That's the spirit, Bo! Remember, success is about resilience and adaptability. Even if you have to start anew with your birth certificate name, you have the power to make it a success."
Bo nodded, a newfound determination settling within her. "Thanks, guys, your support means the world to me. With friends like you, I know I can face any challenge that comes my way."
Bo's phone pinged. It was from Lauren, and she grinned, reading it repeatedly. Looking up to see the others looking at her, she offered her reason, "I messaged Lauren while you were getting coffee, updating her, and she has replied."
"We kinda gathered that by your dorky grin." Tamsin added, "So what does it say?"
Bo continued to grin, "It says 'no matter what happens, your true essence as an artist and person remains unchanged. You're resilient, talented, and destined for greatness. I Love you, Lauren', and she put three kisses on it."
"So you two okay," Tamsin casually added, "Is that where you ran off to before the meeting started?"
Bo nodded, "What you guys said really hit home. I had money, houses, cars, and fame and was lonely. Now I have Lauren back. I feel complete."
Raising their cups, they clinked and cheered, "Yes, to new beginnings."
Bo had a renewed sense of confidence and determination. "And when this is all done, let's go to The Dal Deux for a proper drink."
"Agreed." They all shared a warm embrace over the table. Their friendship served as a source of strength as Bo prepared to face the future, no matter what it held.
