This Boy | j.l. [complete]

Chapter 17

      I woke up and got dressed in my lucky red dress. Then headed down to the bus stop. I was nervous, my palms became clammy and my stomach easing in the best spirits but I was nevertheless excited. The bus came and I headed into the middle of town, where Thomas's office was. Stepping off the bus, I felt kinda guilty. I hadn't told anyone but my mother and father that I was going to meet with a talent agent. I wanted to tell John, but since I started singing in clubs again I can almost know for sure that he'd rather me stay there, but I can't stay in clubs forever. He hasn't said much about it but he's given hints, doesn't mean I'm gonna take 'em.

They were getting ready to make their first album and I know John would rather me not be in the spot light while he was trying to get there too. He doesn't want me taking any eyes off him and the boys, which is just John being John. I quickly opened the door and a woman – supposedly his secretary – greeted me telling me to sit until he was ready, I stalled myself by going back through my thoughts again. Once I was called I walked over to his door and entered the office, it wasn't stunning but it was better then most things I've seen. He looked up and smiled, as the door closed behind me.

"Wonderful to see you again Ruth," He spoke, his voice as deep as I remembered

"Two things before we start, I'm very nervous right now and also when I was five my friend hit me in the nose with a ball so it's kinda shaped funny," I laughed shyly

"I'm sure we can work around those things, please, have a seat," He gestured to a chair and I sat down as he went behind his desk.

"Now I haven't seen much of you Ruth, but I like your style, your voice is amazing and I really think I could take you places," He sat behind his desk, grabbing a pen and tapping it on the table a few times

"What did you have in mind?" I asked

"Well, I don't exactly have any Liverpool acts-"

"Whys that?" I questioned curiously

He sighed "I moved here, like I said from London, I dropped all my acts there and started to work out here, it's much more quiet in Liverpool and there's a rumour that that talent it blossoming here so naturally I came to check it out," He explained

"Did you drop them because they weren't good, or because you weren't good?" I raised an eyebrow and he chuckled

"Possibly a bit of both, I assure you that's I'm well in business and managing, I've been in this type of business for years." He assured, mocking my raised eyebrow

"Is that so?"

"I'm no Brian Epstein if that's what you're asking, I'm well entitled to tell you I am much better," He smiled

"Better then Epstein?"

"Much," He smirked

"Well my boyfriend's band is under his management, so now I'm wondering what you have against Brian?" I inquired

"We just don't get along well, who's your boyfriend then?" He asked, standing up now and glancing out the window behind him

"His name is John. John Lennon, one of the Beatles," I answered looking at his face to see if he had any change in expression

"Well with me, I can make you better then the Beatles in no time," He added

"As funny as that may sound, I'd like to gamble on that," I smiled

"Then we have a deal?" He asked sliding the contract towards me

I looked at it and then started flipping through the pages skimming over each sentence. I felt his eyes watching me for the same reason I had watched him, a change in expression. I processed all of the information out in front of me, then looked up to meet his eyes with mine.

"Mr. Richie, you've got yourself a deal."