Love at The Bluebird

“I think this conversation has gone far enough. Shouldn’t we talk about more pressing matters, like work?” I suggest, not wanting to discuss Brodie Larsen or my singlehood any longer.

“This conversation is called me being concerned about your work/life balance. So no, I am not ready to change the subject yet.” He huffs, causing me to chuckle at his flair for drama. “Why do you act like a sixty-seven-year-old in a twenty-three-year-old body? All you do is go home and read books. You aren’t going to meet a real-life man if you are holed up all night with your fictional ones. Those men you read about aren’t real. Real men are flawed, whine, grow fat, and forget birthdays.”

I raise an eyebrow at him, questioning if he’s talking about his real-life experience from his ex-boyfriend.

“Look, all I’m saying, Aly, is I think you need to incorporate a little more fun in your life. Start expanding your circle outside your sister and friends. Date a little so you can find out what type of man you do want…when you’re ready to meet ‘the one’.” He sighs as he looks over at me before putting on his reading glasses. “And with that, my dear, I am ready to change subjects and talk business.”

“Thank goodness, because these last two minutes have been a snooze fest,” I say sarcastically, causing Shane to narrow his eyes at me.

“Are we all set for the Bluebird Cafe tomorrow?” he asks in his formal business voice, indicating we really are done with the inquisition of my non-existent love life. Tomorrow is industry night at the famous Bluebird Cafe, and we have lined up a mixture of existing successful musicians with some up-and-coming singers.

“Yes, all talent have been told their times to report and everyone has turned in their song lists.” I slide the sheet of paper over to Shane, who nods his approval.

“Did you tell Scotty Wilkins that if his cute ass doesn’t show up on time, I’m taking everything off his rider?” Shane asks in exasperation at the mere mention of our most difficult artist. We signed Scotty Wilkins off of one of those reality singing shows, thinking the man who was on television was going to be easy, accommodating, and appreciative of the opportunities thrown his way.

We were dead wrong – Scotty Wilkins is one of our most difficult clients. And since he’s one of our more famous clients, he usually gets his way every time.

“Those weren’t my exact words to him, but I did tell him a call time that was an hour earlier than everyone else’s.”

“That’s my girl.” Shane nods in approval once more. “Did we receive a list of artists Charisma Records is showcasing?”

“No, and I have called and emailed over there asking for their artists’ names and song lists multiple times. Remind me again why we invited them to participate in an event we are supposed to be hosting?” It’s a lot of work having to rally up our own talent, but adding another label’s talent to the mix has turned it into a nightmare.

“We technically didn’t invite them. Big Daddy Langston heard how successful it was becoming and wanted to get Charisma into the mix. I have zero doubts he offered up a pretty penny to the Bluebird owners for a permanent spot on Tuesdays. You know he runs this town.” I’ve seen Atticus Langston from afar at many events but haven’t met him personally. Not only does he own Charisma Records, but also multiple investments and properties around Nashville. He’s called “Mr. 615” for a reason – and that’s because his money has helped build this city up and put it on the map with the help of producing a hit television show that skyrocketed our population.

A knock on the door interrupts us and one of the interns pops his head in. “Mrs. Davidson would like to see you, sir.” He locks eyes with Shane.

Kathleen Davidson is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. She started this label fifteen years ago when she was a struggling artist not being treated the way she felt she should’ve been. She worked two extra jobs to save the money to start up the label herself. Then with some heavy scouting, taking her around the country, she found her first successful artist and since then has had continuous success and fame. Her artists like her hands-on approach, so she keeps her staff small, making sure we cultivate and maintain close relationships with each artist. Her strategy of maintaining a label with the southern hospitality feel to it has worked so far and even has her competing for talent with the big guns like Charisma.

“Kathleen can help us get a list of Charisma’s artists for tomorrow,” Shane tells me while jotting down a quick note on the pad he’s writing on. “Let me go talk to her now and ask her for help. In the meantime, I need you to call the Predators and make sure we have a suite for next week’s game against Detroit. Order food and beverages and then start up the guest list of artists we think need to make an appearance.” I add that to my to-do list and follow him out of his office.