mutual satisfaction. It’s not forever. I trust you read that our connection starts with one year. We will review and renegotiate the whole thing at the end of that year if something positive hasn’t happened yet. We don’t expect to babysit you, or push you into something you hate.”
“Who finds these opportunities?”
“They find us; the longer we stay at it, the more often people find us when they seek new talent. We’re like talent scouts and agents rolled into one. But we don’t charge you.”
“How do you get your cut?”
Sighing and shaking her head, she said, “You really didn’t read anything about us, did you? This is a non-profit entity. I work here part-time. I make money at my job with Next Generation Consulting. And yes, that’s my father’s company.”
“Why?” Incredulous, he stared at her. “Why would you guys do this for free? Why not get a small cut at least? I don’t get it.”
“It began as a mentorship program. It was designed mostly for people without the resources to do any of this themselves. No one expects to earn money for that. Rob Williams started it. He wanted to make it easier for talented artists to find a way to succeed in their chosen career because he remembers how hard it was to make it happen for himself; it nearly killed him, you know.”
Ross snorted. “Sure. What sob story did he tell you?”
She smiled with a strange gleam in her eye. “He didn’t tell me any story. My mother did.”
“Why is your mother included in this conversation?”
“She was married to Rob then.”
“What? And Rob is your uncle? How did that happen?”
“He married my aunt.”
“Well, I mean, yeah… but… okay, I’m lost. Explain.”
“My mother was married to Rob when Zenith began; I call it round one, and then it broke up. She suffered greatly from Rob’s alcoholism and subsequent failure to succeed in life. She was abused and hurt until she finally got away from him. She met my dad and so began an entirely different story. Rob eventually got sober and rebuilt his life. He met my dad’s sister, and they eventually got together. Then Zenith made it big as it is now. But for at least a decade they were nothing more than a local indie band.”
“That’s kind of fucked up.”
“Yes. I believe it was a tough time for them. But mostly, for my mom. So you see, in a way, this is Rob’s manner of seeking redemption for a time in his life when he inadvertently damaged many other lives. He hopes to make a difference for others like himself.”
“And so you just pony up for random musicians to hang out here in Seattle?”
Her mouth quirked up. “Well, in a sense, yes. But we believe it’s much more than that. Getting the support and seal of approval by our organization can only highlight your future career. We’ve gotten some clients instantly successful placements that have become their careers. Understand one thing, if we help you, it’s totally on you whatever happens next. Addicted to drugs? Those’ll catch you in the ass. If you’re lazy and don’t work, or get fired or whatever, then that’s all on you too. Again, none of this is any guarantee. It’s merely a chance. A start. A hope.”
“But again, why? What do you receive from it?”
Head shaking again, she sighed. “You really don’t get it? The fulfillment and reward that comes from knowing our advice, support and counseling changed a fellow human being’s whole life for the better. That’s the main point of all our literature. I’m still wondering why you came here since you didn’t know a thing about what you were getting into.”
“I simply wanted to live free somewhere and play drums. That’s it.” He shrugged, being honest. Turning, he flopped onto the big, overstuffed chair, lounging purposely. “And for Zenith. Why the hell not take a chance to meet famous people?”
“Okay. Well, fair enough. Here you are. You are quite skilled at your musical gift. So you have fulfilled your end of the bargain; now you get our end, which is all this. Remember, your success is strictly on you and what you make of our assistance and support. You can lead the horse to water but you can’t make it drink unless it wants to.”
“So… now try to be a good, little boy?” He quirked an eyebrow at her not-so-subtle effort at chastising him.
“You can be whatever you want. I literally don’t care. I hope you’ll do well