Sorry, I haven't updated, but there really hasn't been that much to talk about.

Until today.

Gordo and I went to meet again with Mrs. Lerner (Bridgette's mom). She started out by reminding us that we were not her first choice of a band. In fact, we wouldn't even have been her second choice, if the choice was hers. But half the band that they had originally signed was busted by INS for being illegal, and in any case, Bridgette was insisting on our band. I looked toward Gordo at that comment. I had to believe this wasn't just coincidence, that Gordo had played some role in our getting this gig. But Gordo was ignoring me, focusing all his attention on his aunt. She showed us pictures of where the reception was being held, and I showed her the lyrics of the the songs we were proposing performing. She responded by giving us a list of nineteen (19!!!) songs that she wanted us to play (which meant LEARN). But, hey, comes with the territory, I guess.

She said, "I wanted a more traditional selection, but Bridgette is simply determined to do this her way, and Arthur and I have decided to just let it be her day."

"I understand," I said diplomatically, but I really didn't understand anything.

Then she said, "Now, let's discuss finances," and I froze.

How stupid could I be? I had been so uptight about getting Mrs. Lerner to agree to use us, niggling over the tiny little details, that I had completely overlooked thinking about how much we should charge. Then I remembered something that Ryan had said one day several weeks ago, after practice. "If we can't get seven hundred for a gig, it's probably not worth our time."

Then Brody had said, "Well, whatever we get is what we get. Seven would be nice, but sometimes it's gonna be six, or even five. Just depends on the customer."

And Ryan said, "I'm just saying five split seven ways is less than seventy-five dollars apiece. We just spent six months working for seventy-five bucks? I can't even take my baby out, for seventy-five bucks." And he looked at me, and grinned, and the memory of that grin almost made me toss, in front of Mrs. Lerner. But then, he said, "If Miranda's any good, she'll get at least seven for us." Brody just shrugged, but even then, back when I loved him with all my heart, I had wondered, "How could he say that?"

I wanted to ask for seven. I really did. But I panicked. What if that was way out of line from what she expected? Could I allow an offhand comment by Ryan to goad me into making a big mistake? She could say that she changed her mind, and would be going in another direction. We could lose this gig, and I don't think the guys in the band would say anything, but I would sure think it; that I let them down. Just me. So at the last moment, I backed down and said, "I think...six would be, um, sufficient."

She pursed her lips at that, and said, "Really." She cleared her throat. "Well, frankly, I just have to wonder if your band is quite experienced enough for that much. I had thought a little closer to four, would be appropriate." She arched her eyebrows at me when she said "four."

I thought that was a little bit less than I had hoped for, to split among seven band members. That was even less than Brody thought. What would Brody think, of how I was screwing this up, screwing the band over? And Candy? But, still, it was our first time, and if we proved ourselves, things would take care of themselves, right? Or would the guys be disappointed in me?

So I paused for what I thought was an appropriate length, screwed up my courage and said, "I understand. But we really need at least five." I smiled nervously in Gordo's direction. "Anything for Gordo." Hell, I'd give up my share of the split. It was no big deal, in return for the opportunity.

"Hmp," she pouted, then "Oh, very well. Five. Now, of course, you'll get two breaks, and all the food and champagne you want."

"Um," Gordo spoke up. "Too young for champagne, Aunt Phyllis."

"Oh, don't be silly, David," she waved him off. "This is a special occasion. These things don't apply."

I could just hear Trey, then. Yeah. Don't be silly, David.

Just then, Mrs. Lerner's husband entered the living room. "Dear, have you seen my cuff links?"

"On your dresser, dear."

He was backing out of the living room, when he recognized me. "Oh! More arrangements for the wedding, I see."

"Yes, sir," I said.

"We were just finishing up, Arthur," Mrs. Lerner said as she stood up, and Gordo and I followed her lead. "Oh! I've just remembered. I'm meeting the maid of honor for her fitting at 4:30." All four of us were walking together through the house to the front foyer.

"You're not letting my wife negotiate you into the poor house, are you?" Mr. Lerner asked me.

"No, sir," I assured him. "She's being very fair."

"You'd be very proud of me, Arthur. I've found a band for five thousand dollars."

I froze in my walk to the front door, and almost lost my balance on the heels I was wearing.

Five.

Dollars.

"Five!" Mr. Lerner said. "I would have thought a band would set us back at least seven."

"Well, that's why I'm doing the negotiating for the family, Arthur," she reminded him. "You'd let this ravishing young lady walk all over you."

I grabbed Gordo's wrist in a death grip as he passed by me. "Gordo!" I whispered, in shock. "I can't move. Help me walk?" Gordo very graciously walked me through the front door. His car was waiting at the foot of the steps. "We'll uh...be in touch," he waved to his aunt and uncle.

"Yes, David," she agreed, while checking her purse for her car keys. "And Bridgette thanks you again. And, Miranda, dear? I'm sure Bridgette will be very happy with your band." She stressed "Bridgette." I caught her point.

Gordo had to open the door for me, and then help me turn and sit in the car. He then went around to his side, and climbed in. He slammed his door, put the key in the ignition, and then turned toward me. "Wow. Five thou--"

And before he could utter another syllable, I reached across to him, grabbed him roughly by the lapels of his shirt and violently tugged him to my side of the seat, where I kissed him.

Full on the lips.

I don't know why I did it; didn't know then. I wasn't thinking, just...instinct. We were both stunned by it. We both knew it didn't mean anything, I was just in shock. It just lasted a second. More like half a second. But when I released the kiss, I didn't release him, and I didn't apologize. I continued to grip his shirt tightly, and shook him a little bit, as I said, "Gordo, I have got to get a drummer."

"Yeah," he breathed quickly, his eyes bigger than I had ever seen them. "You really, really do."

And other than that, nothing much happened today.

Five thousand dollars? You've gotta be shitting me!

Posted 3/09/2005 at 8:37 PM by onetoomany

I shit you not.

Posted 3/09/2005 at 8:53 PM by mirandasworld

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

Yeah, but other than that, nothing happened.

RANDY…I…LUV….U!!!!

Oh, and Gordo too.

Give him another big fat juicy one for me. ; )

Posted 3/09/2005 at 9:14 PM by candyissweeter

Whoa! There was no juice, okay?

Posted 3/09/2005 at 9:17 PM by mirandasworld

yesssssss.

Fuck you, Ryan!

Posted 3/09/2005 at 9:28 PM by bethanybear

A gig! Can I crash the wedding?

Posted 3/09/2005 at 9:40 PM by borderlinenerd

Wait a minute. I just thought of something.

Do we have to conga?

Posted 3/09/2005 at 9:43 PM by candyissweeter

Hey, for five thousand dollars, I'll do the hokey pokey.

Posted 3/09/2005 at 10:10 PM by onetoomany

Guys? Hello? Jewish wedding much?

Posted 3/09/2005 at 10:10 PM by pwk_lilsis

Eh. They're not really Orthodox.

Posted 3/09/2005 at 10:10 PM by Director_G

Ok. Here's the set list.

At Last (a la Etta James)

Unchained Melody (Riteous Brothers)

Just the Way You Are (Billy Joel)

The Rose (Bette Midler)

Vision of Love (Mariah Carey)

Eternal Flame (Bangles)

All You Need is Love (Beatles)

Pieces of Me (Ashlee Simpson)

Why Don't You and I (Santana)

I Believe in You (Kylie Minogue)

Bring Me to Life (Evanescence)

This is the Night (Clay Aiken)

On the Wings of Love (Jeffrey Osborne)

Forever and For Always (Shania Twain)

If You're Not the One (Daniel Bedingfield)

Time in a Bottle (Jim Croce)

Thank You (Led Zeppelin)

Lovesong (311)

Wonderful World (Sam Cooke)

Posted 3/10/2005 at 7:02 AM by mirandasworld