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Leo winced, then suppressed a laugh. “Sorry, I forgot to tell you to watch out for that.”
“What even is it?” Kai gave up his tea for a moment and picked up what had nearly taken him down. Still looking like he couldn’t figure it out, he threw it in Leo’s direction.
Leo caught it and examined the toy. “It used to be a moose, I think?” He sniffed at it. “My God, it stinks. It’s seen better days, that’s for sure.”
Bringing his tea and food over, Kai came to join Leo on the sofa, swinging his legs up onto his lap. “Well? Did you hear anything from the Wrap’d lot last night, then?” he asked.
Leo frowned as if he’d just been sworn at. He didn’t want to be reminded of the carrot being dangled in front of his nose from one of the most influential music production companies of the modern age. The carrot that offered him that glimmer of hope that every starving artist wanted to gorge themselves on.
Years of battering down the doors of small record companies had led Leo to the most distinguished of all gateways into the world of music production, and although he should have felt on top of the world, awaiting an email from the legendary producer Kris Proud, it was the worst he’d felt in years. He had made himself sick with anticipation and was exhausted from batting away the relentless assault of negative thoughts that were cutting through his mind every minute of the day.
‘You’re not good enough, see?’, ‘Why on earth would you be chosen out of the millions of other talented folks?’, ‘Your stuff is just the same as everybody else’s.’
Leo shuddered as he hauled himself out of this prison of negativity that his own mind had created. “I haven’t heard anything yet. I’m only checking my inbox every five seconds at the moment, though, hang on,” he replied, refreshing his email. “Nope. Still nothing.” He looked up at Kai.
“He did say he’d get back to you yesterday, to be fair. You know what these people are like; they’re usually at least a week late,” said Kai, no doubt trying his best to be as reassuring as possible.
Leo shook his head, then snapped his laptop shut in defeat. He immediately opened it again just in case the email he so desperately craved miraculously materialised within that micro-second of daring to relieve his mind of it.
“Hey, it’s not the be all and end all, you know?” said Kai. “Besides, isn’t it easier to make your own fortune online these days? You can use Insta, TikTok, Snapchat, all sorts to get you out there. Come on, we can’t sit here and watch that talent go to waste.” Kai swung his legs down and clapped his hands together, ready for action.
“Talent? Most of my lyrics come from stuff I hearyousay,” grumbled Leo.
“Everyone’s lyrics come from things they’ve heard, you div.”
Leo flicked up the hood of his own dressing gown, partly to shield himself from the cold and partly to shut off the conversation. He was in the mood for sulking and feeling sorry for himself, and Kai wasn’t going to be able to fish him out of that whirlpool of woe any time soon. “Are you working today?” He tried to change the subject.
“I don’t have to be in until one,” said Kai. “They’re waiting on a delivery of flooring, which means I can’t start anything until it’s arrived and they’ve put it down. No point me going in and standing around like a spare prick at a wedding.”
Leo shrugged as he pinched a swig of Kai’s drink. He’d left his toast by Leo, almost as an extra incentive to get out of his mood too. He was always so subtle with plays like that. “I suppose. You still get paid, though, right?”
Kai edged closer to him and gently grabbed his shoulder. “The rent shall be paid, don’t you worry your cheeky little face about that.” He poked Leo’s dimple playfully.
“Well, I do worry. I’ve had shit all from the agency this week, and we all know we can’t rely on my non-existent music career,” muttered Leo.
Kai grabbed a pizza flyer from the table behind them and handed it to Leo.
“This’ll cheer you up—it’s ‘Two for Tuesday’. Glory days are here to stay, baby. And yes, I can afford to buy us a dirty pizza. I’m working Saturday and getting time and a half, so it’s all good.”
Before Leo could figure out the best deal with the most sides, the familiar ping of an incoming email sounded on his laptop.
“Is it him? If it is, the pizza’s on you,” said Kai.
He checked. “Nah. It’s bloody Domino’s. Are they psychic or something?” muttered Leo. “You’re right, it is Two for Tuesday.”
As his inbox dominated the screen, Leo thought he’d better quadruple check Kris Proud’s last email while he was there, just in case he had the dates mixed up. He typed ‘Kris’ into the search bar and clicked on the latest email.
Leo, thanks for the Soundcloud link, I’ll give it a listen and get back to you by end of play Monday.
Best,
K
“I reckon he’s forgotten. Maybe I should email him?” whispered Leo under his breath, barely audible enough for Kai to hear.
Leo’s self-doubt was beginning to chip away at his confidence. Confidence that had been soaring ever since he’d gained the attention of the esteemed music mogul a month ago, thanks to his old school friend Daisy, who had started working as a runner at Wrap’d records.
Leo could feel Kai looking at him. As Kai tilted his head, Leo knew he was in for a pep talk.
