Ashes

Chapter 26

If she had to guess their ages, Ashanté would say Bryce was no more than twenty-five and Vern was ten to fifteen years older.

It seemed odd, then, that Bryce called the shots and told Vern what to do. In time she learned that A&R ruled the roost around here, and no one in A&R got paid more than Bryce. He was the go-to man, especially when things needed fixing. He knew how to smooth ruffled feathers, keep egos in check, turn a mediocre song into a platinum hit. He worked with everyone from the sound engineers to the makeup artists, knew every potential advertiser in town, and knew a good song when he heard one. He kept the radio on all day in his office, his car, and his home; knew the market and the competition. He'd been nominated for a ton of Grammies and won a few.

For Ashanté he put together a backing band of the youngest session musicians at Broken Pony. "The crowd needs to see themselves up on stage. We want to pull in the college crowd, the kids old enough to have money to shop at iTunes."

Vern reserved the rehearsal studio once the songwriters had composed enough songs for a decent playlist.

Ashanté fell behind in her classes as homework periods, cram sessions, practice and recitals were replaced with recording sessions and rehearsals. When she complained to Vern about it, his answer was always the same.

"What do you need school for? You're only there to find out how to earn a living. You're earning a living now, or soon will be, am I right? Most people can only dream about this career, and you're living it."

With her advance Ashanté bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate with her roommates, but Vern dropped a bomb on her plans.

"Great news, kid. I got you a booking at the local mall. There's a stage just outside Macy's near the water fountain. I'll grab some roadies and we'll leave in a few minutes, okay?"

"Uh, sure."

Now what was she going to do? There's no way in hell I can perform at a crowded mall without mojitos.

She had no choice, though. Vern and Bryce made the plans, told her where to go, what to wear, what to say, what to play.

"Gaaah. I thought this was my  career?"

"Heh. Welcome to the music world, doll," Vern replied.

Ashanté brought the champagne to the mall in a thermos. Vern played the part of barker, attracting a crowd to the stage, where he dropped another bomb on her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round! Let me introduce the greatest singing sensation since Dolly Parton! Give it up for Ashley Stetson!"

Ashley Stetson?

The band launched into Stars and Bars and Steel Guitars,  so there was no time to correct the error. After the show, Ashanté reminded Vern her name was Ashanté Stephenson.

"I know that, doll. But the audience can't pronounce that, and they certainly won't remember it long enough to download the song from iTunes. We got to give them something they can talk about and remember. From now on your name is Ashley Stetson."

Ashanté... er... Ashley stared at Vern a moment, then took another swig. Fuck. I'm going to need a bigger thermos.