“Do you want me there when you talk to Deb?”
I thought about it for a moment and decided it was probably a good idea.
“Yes. I want to get this done tonight before I take Mom to dinner. We need some mother/son time, and I don’t want this hanging over me all night. Call Deb, tell her we need to meet tonight and get your butt into town. Maybe Devin can take you to dinner afterward.”
Mom found a nice steakhouse. We took a table in the bar big enough for everyone while we waited on our reservation. I was surprised when everyone showed up together. I was even more surprised when Clare was there also. Devin didn’t sit down.
“I think I’ll make myself scarce while you figure things out,” Devin said, and then he went to the hostess stand.
He was obviously a regular because an older woman came out and gave him a big hug. They disappeared into the kitchen.
“Mom, this is Deb Thomas with Ford,” I said as an introduction. “Deb, I’m sorry I had to call you on my first shoot. From what little I’ve seen, the work product looks good, and the photographers and the Range Sports folks seem to be happy. Unfortunately, I’ve been fired, apparently for expressing my displeasure at Ford’s failure to live up to their agreement with me. I had hoped with you here, this all could have been resolved.”
Clare wouldn’t look at her aunt.
“First of all, David, you’re not fired.”
I held up my hand and looked at Kendal. She pulled out the signed document and handed it to Deb. She took a moment to read it.
“Can you excuse Clare and me for a moment?”
I just nodded. We watched as they walked outside.
“What do you think we can get out of this?” Mom asked.
I looked at Kendal.
“Technically, I can negotiate directly with Range,” Kendal said. “Tom is advising against that. Devin told me he wants you to stay another two days and do the whole shoot. Cody has a concussion and can’t continue with what he was doing. He also told me what he was paying for the other two models. We figure that you should clear another $50,000. He’s also willing to give you another $25,000 bonus for agreeing to continue, and as a reward for how you helped with Cody.”
We saw the two come back in, but Kendal waved them off so we could finish our discussion.
“Devin is going to the Board on Wednesday to recommend you become the face of Range Sports. They will guarantee four shoots a year at $125,000 per shoot. You’ll also be asked to help with store openings and commercials. We’ll work out the details for each. They’ll work around school and sports. Range will also not make you sign an exclusivity clause, allowing you to do other projects. Range only asked that they take precedence if there is a conflict.”
“Does Ford know any of this?” Mom asked.
“No, Devin told me on the drive over. I’d like to share this with Ford when Deb and Clare come back. Let me suggest that we renegotiate your contract from Wednesday on. Let’s do a quick contract for the remaining shoot. I’m going to suggest 10% to Ford and you get the entire bonus. I’ll also ask that Clare be removed.”
“No, Clare can stay. I think with an attitude adjustment ...” I smiled at Mom. “Did I get that right?”
She just rolled her eyes at me.
“And we need a clear definition of Clare’s job responsibilities. A good example is I don’t want her going on my dates. My downtime is mine. I would understand if I was out of control, but we were back before 11 o’clock, and no one drank alcohol.”
“How do you want to do this?” Kendal asked.
“We’ll let them fall on their sword so they save face. I’ll agree to continue working for Ford. Then Mom and I will leave so you can negotiate the contract.”
“Okay, let me go get them,” Kendal said, and she went to find Deb and Clare.
It was evident when they came back that Clare had been crying.
“I would hope you would honor your contract and continue the shoot tomorrow,” Deb said as her opening gambit.
Kendal held her hand up to slow Deb down and pulled out my contract.
She read aloud.
“Either party may terminate this contract by giving written notice.”
She let Deb read the paragraph.
“When Clare put it in writing, this contract was no longer in force. If you don’t believe me, call one of your lawyers and ask them.”
Deb took a moment to collect herself. Then she asked.
“What’s it going to take to resolve this?”
I stepped in.
“First, a real apology from Clare would be a good start.”
All eyes turned to Clare, and we could see her accept her fate. She found some inner strength and sat up straight.
“David, I was wrong for verbally abusing you. I see now I wasn’t doing my job, and should have been on set with you. I take full responsibility for my actions. Please don’t let this reflect on your relationship with Ford Models.”
“Thank you, Clare. I accept your apology.”
I smiled at Deb.
“I also appreciate you flying out. After you hear what Kendal has to say, I think you’ll be glad you did. I’m taking Mom to dinner, and I leave it to you to work this out.” I turned to Clare. “I’ll plan on seeing you at eight a.m.”
Her eyes got big and there was a hint of a smile. Mom and I got up to go eat.
WE WERE SEATED BY THE window, and Mom ordered a glass of wine. She normally didn’t drink, except on special occasions. Devin came out with the woman he’d been talking with earlier.
“Mrs. Dawson, David, I would like to introduce the owner and my good friend, Dorothy Bind. She cooks the best steak this side of the Mississippi. Tonight is on me.”
“Thank you, you’ve been a gracious host all weekend,” Mom said as she looked at the menu. “Dorothy, what would you recommend?”
Dorothy smiled at us.
“Of course it’s all good, but tonight we have a lamb dish as one of our specials, and I always recommend the Cowboy Rib Eye.”
We ended up ordering one of each.
“Have you had a good trip so far?” I asked Mom.
“Actually, I have. It’s been nice to get away from home and relax. I plan on getting into that hot tub tonight when we get back.” Mom got serious. “Today should never have happened. I know you, and you were early this morning, weren’t you?”
I couldn’t deny it.
“Yes, I was a little early.”
She gave me a look that I’ve seen too many times.
“David, it’s not up to anyone but you to make sure you eat. You’re relying on others too much. It’s not up to Kendal or Clare to take care of you. If you ever think it is, you’ll not be going on any more of these jobs. You have to take responsibility for yourself if you’re going to do this.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
There was no point in arguing when she was right.
“I will say though, I’m impressed with what I’ve seen. You’ve grown up into a handsome guy. I also like how you handle yourself. It was a very mature move not to throw a fit today. You got your point across and didn’t hold any grudges. I’m sure your father is going to be as proud of you as I am.”
She switched gears on me.
“While I have you alone, I want to tell you that I love Tracy. I think you need to quit taking her for granted and seriously commit to her. I know it’s fun having the senior girls chase you. Beth is like a daughter to me, but she’s not right for you. I think that Tracy is special, and she deserves your fidelity.”
“I agree, Mom. We’ve talked about what’s right for us; the more I’m with her, the less I have a desire to stray. She’s working through her issues. She’s a special girl, and I need to remember that.”
Mom reached across the table and squeezed my hand.
“And you’re a special boy. I worried so much about you. I was at my wits’ end. When we sent you away over the summer, I wasn’t sure what we’d done wrong. Your Uncle John did a marvelous thing. Every day I’m surprised at how much you’ve grown up. Your dad and I could not be more proud of the young man you’ve become. I have really enjoyed you the last few months, and want to tell you that I love you.”