BAD ACTING

BLACKMAIL

        Tuesday I drove to a go-see for LL Bean and Old Navy in the Hollywood area. Wednesday I taught a dance class, worked out at Equinox, and watched TV. Thursday morning Barry called.

        "I set up a meeting with two agencies tomorrow afternoon, will you go with me?"

        Why not?

        "Sure."

        "Perfect."

         I drove to the dance studio to teach a class Thursday afternoon, followed by the gym with Andrew and finished the day watching TV until I fell asleep. Friday I met Barry at his office in Studio City and we drove to Century City and Hollywood for the meetings. We met with CAA and Andrews's Agency Divide. Both meetings promising. Barry sent over my reel and modeling portfolio earlier that week to each agency.

        The team at CAA said, "We are interested."

        Divide told us, "We will sign you today."

        Driving back to Barry's office I could not believe the reaction from the agencies. Barry proved he made things happen. Barry did not think I should sign with anybody just yet.

        "I wanted you to get a taste of what your life could be like if you decide to let me be your manager."

        I thanked Barry as we pulled into his office parking lot, and got into my car to leave. Barry tapped on my window and I rolled it down.

        "Come stay at my penthouse in Manhattan for a week, I can set up more meetings for you there."

        "Barry I can't, I have work."

        "Ok kid, I get it. Talk to you soon?"

        "Yeah, Ok."

        I drove home wishing I didn't have to teach my stupid dance classes. "Am I making a mistake? Will I look back on this moment and wonder, what if?"

        Saturday morning Barry called again.

        "I'm in Manhattan, fly out for the weekend. You can be back to teach your class by Tuesday."

        "Seriously?"

        "Yes, you can stay with me, or at a hotel. Whatever you are comfortable with."

        "Hotel."

       "Is that a yes?"

        "I think so."

        "I'll have a car pick you up in an hour."

        "Ok."

         I started throwing clothes in my new black Louis Vuitton duffle. A silver town car arrived to pick me up. I drove to Burbank airport, and boarded a Jet Blue, landing in New York seven hours later.

        Barry gave me a tour of his luxurious penthouse in a tall building off Time Square. Lunch at Barry's favorite restaurant. Barry knew all the staff by name and politely introduced me to all the waiters. Barry offered again for me to stay in one of his guest rooms, but I agreed to come contingent on his promise to put me up in my own hotel room.

         "I would prefer the hotel," I told him, again.

          Barry's mouth twitched. He did not like my response.

        We met with another talent agency and everything being offered sounded amazing, but Barry seemed off. He started acting arrogant, already making decisions about things in the future that I did not like. I told Barry I planned to get a house with my friend Andrew and he flat out said no.