GuiTara

🎵~24

🎶Almost, almost is never enough, so close to being in love ~ Ariana Grande feat. Nathan Sykes

●Tara Afua Henrie●

The following day

"I can't believe you're actually thinking of turning this down!" Roberto lamented. "It's a 2 million dollar contract, Tara. 2 million dollars! How many new bands get a 2 million dollar contract on a silver platter? None. Absolutely none!"

"You think I don't know that?" I frowned.

"No, I don't think you do," Roberto scoffed, and it only aggravated me.

"You know what? I think you should leave." I pulled myself out of the built-in couch and dumped my guitar and songbook on my bed. 

Roberto released a sigh. "Come on, don't get upset."

"Of course, I'm upset." I whirled on him. "I only told you about this because I needed someone to share my concerns with. Instead, you're just reminding me of how good this deal is, and I already know that. I know it's a good deal, but I don't want us to lose what we already have."

A late afternoon breeze rolled in from the opened window, reducing the growing tension.

It was a little after four. I was up in my room, trying to work on a new song when Roberto's visit brought a halt to the creative process. The whole million-dollar contract deal still plagued my mind since yesterday, and I hoped discussing it with someone who wasn't a band member would at least provide some clarity. But Roberto's reaction only added to my frustration.

He sighed again and rubbed a hand over his face. "Ok, look, I'm sorry I wasn't giving you helpful advice. But you also have to see the bigger picture here, Tara. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The likelihood that you might never get an offer like this again is very, very high." 

I shook my head, feeling the weight of his words. "I get it, Roberto. But it's not that simple. If we sign that contract, we won't be playing at the restaurant anymore which isn't right. Maybe I'm a bit hesitant because it's my sister's restaurant, but Originally Afro-Mex gave us that big break that we really needed. It gave me the platform to showcase what I've got. The restaurant is more than a stepping stone to me and I don't want to leave it behind." I mumbled, "I don't want to leave Pam hanging."

"You won't leave Pam hanging," Roberto replied. "She has me, Areli and Zazu. We'll figure something out, and find a way to keep The Saturday Night of Music going. Seriously, Tara, you don't have to let this hold you back."

I sucked in a deep breath, blowing out a raspberry. This was not the advice I was hoping for.

The doorbell suddenly chimed from downstairs.

"Expecting someone?" Roberto asked.

"Yeah, it's Jax. We're meeting the others at the restaurant to talk about the contract."

"Oh speaking of the restaurant, I should head back." Roberto jerked up from his seat. "I've got a shift in like the next thirty minutes. Pam's gonna grill me if I'm late again."

"She's still on your case?" 

"Duuh, every single day."

I couldn't help but chuckle as I grabbed my phone and followed him out of my bedroom.

"One time, she even threatened to staple my schedule to my forehead so I wouldn't forget it. And you know Pam—she actually had a stapler in her hand."