Mandy was sitting at her desk, idly browsing on the computer. She was trying to think of a suitable housewarming gift for the guys, and was drawing blanks. She knew that Trish and Ilyana were both working on some original art for the place – they were talented like that. She wasn’t artistically inclined, however. Her talents seemed to center around capable shooting, and singing – neither of which really lent itself to gifts. Well, maybe the singing. She turned around in her chair, and reached for the phone and then paused. Should she call her teacher, Jakob? Or should she call Jett, whom she knew had a recording studio?
She settled on calling Jett first. Her request was relatively simple – use of his recording studio. She explained why, and requested he drop the key off to Jakob, who happened to be his neighbor. She phoned Jakob next, and she guessed it was going to be a bit more difficult of a call. Still, she hoped he was willing to help. If not, she’d call Jett back and ask him.
“Hello?”
“Jakob? It’s Mandy.”
“I know. Everything okay?”
“Yes – I was just hoping to get your help with a small project.”
“What kind of project?”
“A gift. A couple friends of mine just got a place, and the only thing I could think of to gift them with was a recording of my singing some songs. I was hoping you could play some stuff, and maybe had some ideas of what I could sing.”
“I don’t mind helping – you’re a gifted singer. But where and how are we going to record?”
“Jett has a recording studio downtown. He should be dropping off the key to you shortly. When you’re ready, give me a call and let me know when you’d like to meet up.”
“Tun können.”
“What?”
“Can do.” he translated. “I might have some original compositions your voice would be perfect for. I’ll have to look.”
“Oh my god, really?” she said, sounding excited.
“Yes, really.” he said with a chuckle. “Try to find out what kind of music your friends are into, and I can work based off of that.”
“Okay, I can do that. I’ll text you with the answer.”
“Sounds good.”
She hung up, and called Ilyana next, to inquire about Billy’s taste in music – she already knew Tony’s taste. Ilyana wasn’t entirely sure, but thought he might be into just about anything, considering his laid back nature. Mandy texted this information over to Jakob, and they set up a time to meet at the studio. Mandy next called Chance, and asked if he could come by and take some photos of her that could be used for a project, and he agreed, though stated it would have to be later that evening.
She met up with Jakob at the studio, and they both entered. The first thing Jakob did was hand over some sheet music to Mandy before going off to familiarize himself with the equipment. Mandy looked over the songs he presented to her, smiling at a few of the choices. There was a variety there – ballads, rock…a range to show off her skill. She hummed along with the notes, until Jakob was ready to begin.
“Fortunately for you, I’ve worked on the music tracks well before now – just never found a vocalist I thought was good enough.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” she said, smiling.
“Good, it’s meant to be.” he said, smiling back at her. He pulled a thumb drive out of his pocket and put it into the computer, then gestured for her to step into the booth, going over with her the standard procedure. Mandy was giddy – here she was, in a real studio, doing original music. Even if it was only for friends, she still enjoyed the opportunity. They worked hard all the rest of the afternoon, until Mandy got it right.
“Great job.” Jakob said.
Mandy responded with an enthusiastic hug. “Even though this is only going to friends I want to thank you for this opportunity.”
“It doesn’t have to just be for friends.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have contacts in the recording industry. Say the word and I can send this out.”
“Really?”
He nodded. “Yes, really.”
“Oh my god I could kiss you.” she said. Almost as soon as the words were out of her mouth she grabbed either side of his face and kissed him. After she broke apart, Jakob leaned in, responding in kind. She was responding to his advances, though after a bit she struggled with her desires and gently pushed him away.
“I should be going.”
“See you Friday?”
She blushed. “Yes, on Friday. It’s a pool party, so…dress appropriately.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” he said, watching her leave. He returned to the equipment after she left, working on post-production of the music. He’d drop it off to her once complete. Mandy went home to change before heading over to Trish’s house to have Chance photograph her. He’d been home a short time when she arrived, but seemed eager to use his camera. He gestured for her to follow him into the office, where he pulled down a green screen, and proceed to take several photos of her. She explained what is was for, and he promised it would be great. She smiled and hugged him, leaving him to work on the photo while she hung out with Trish.
A while later he came out of the office with a printed photo and handed it to her.
“This good?”
“Perfect.” she said, smiling. She stayed a little longer before leaving, calling Jakob once she got to the car to see where he was at. Ashe was still at the studio, she headed back over, delivering the photo to him to use for the CD. He promised her he’d drop the CD off within the next couple of days for her to give out, and watched her as she left before going back to work. Friday was a night he was looking forward to.