Belinda adjusts her sequins in the mirror: I know it will be. I know I'm going to own The Velvet Lounge tonight. I've been visualising it, the reception when I walk on, the flawless performance and the applause.
Tim: I've been with you since high school, willing you on and tonight is no different. You've got this.
Belinda smiles, finally looking at him through the reflection. Your support has been useful Tim. Now, help me with this zip, it's stuck.
Tim works it carefully: There you go. You look stunning. Just remember to breathe during the bridge of the second song; you always tend to rush it when you're excited.
Belinda's expression hardens: I don't rush it, Tim, I add passion. The critics call it 'dynamic phrasing.' But thank you for the... tip.
Tim stepping back to admire her: Your passion is what makes you. I just want the world to see you the way I do, without any distractions.
Belinda heads for the door: They'll see exactly what I want them to see, a star. Now let's get to the venue. I want to be in the dressing room and focused.
Tim follows eagerly: We can eat something after the performance. I'll have some appetizers waiting in the car so you don't crash after the adrenaline wears off.
Belinda: You are so good with the little things, Tim.
They arrive at The Velvet Lounge in good time. The ballroom at a swanky hotel complex is an ideal venue. It's where monied patrons sit around tables and expect to be wowed by the next bright new thing. Tim has a complimentary ticket, his job as a plumber has helped support Belinda in her singing career, but not the sort of money to buy tickets to this place.
Tim's nerves are palpable as another singer does her stuff and as he waits for Belinda's appearance. He knows confidence won't be an issue for her; she has enough for both of them.
Finally, Belinda makes her appearance, looking fabulous and exuding class from every pore. She delivers a performance that even by her standards is exceptional. The standing ovation is fully deserved.
Tim rushes to Belinda's dressing room and gives her a huge hug. Industry reps are now queuing at her dressing room door, one by one they enter to talk about a potential deal. Each of them promises to come back with a contract and with promises of great opportunities. Tim is overwhelmed and struggles to have much input.
Belinda: Timothy? Why are you here? I said I'd get back to you!
Belinda: I can't believe you actually came here, Tim. Did you honestly think that showing up unannounced would be romantic? It's intrusive. I told you clearly to stop contacting me, and yet here you are, making me feel like I'm being stalked. I am in the middle of the most important month of my life, and I can't have this.
Tim works it carefully: There you go. You look stunning. Just remember to breathe during the bridge of the second song; you always tend to rush it when you're excited.
Belinda's expression hardens: I don't rush it, Tim, I add passion. The critics call it 'dynamic phrasing.' But thank you for the... tip.
Tim stepping back to admire her: Your passion is what makes you. I just want the world to see you the way I do, without any distractions.
Belinda heads for the door: They'll see exactly what I want them to see, a star. Now let's get to the venue. I want to be in the dressing room and focused.
Tim follows eagerly: We can eat something after the performance. I'll have some appetizers waiting in the car so you don't crash after the adrenaline wears off.
Belinda: You are so good with the little things, Tim.
They arrive at The Velvet Lounge in good time. The ballroom at a swanky hotel complex is an ideal venue. It's where monied patrons sit around tables and expect to be wowed by the next bright new thing. Tim has a complimentary ticket, his job as a plumber has helped support Belinda in her singing career, but not the sort of money to buy tickets to this place.
Tim's nerves are palpable as another singer does her stuff and as he waits for Belinda's appearance. He knows confidence won't be an issue for her; she has enough for both of them.
Tim rushes to Belinda's dressing room and gives her a huge hug. Industry reps are now queuing at her dressing room door, one by one they enter to talk about a potential deal. Each of them promises to come back with a contract and with promises of great opportunities. Tim is overwhelmed and struggles to have much input.
Once things die down, they sit and look at each other, Tim with a smile from ear to ear: We did it Belinda, we did it!
Belinda is less convinced about the 'we': I delivered and now, finally, my big break. Tim goes to the conveniences and when he comes back, a well dressed man is leaving Belinda's dressing room. She tucks a card down her front as he returns.
Tim: Who was that?
Belinda: Just another representative from the industry, Tim. A bit late, I know.
Tim: Just remember, as your defacto manager, it would be better if any negotiations are made with me present.
Belinda pulls a face: Now Tim, you have been a support, but my manager? I don't wish to sound ungrateful, but I don't really have one. I got this gig tonight myself while you were busy fixing someone's plumbing. And tonight you did seem out of your depth when the music industry types called.
Tim hangs his head, feeling harshly criticised. Belinda stands up and walks over to him and puts her hand on his cheek: Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your support, but I need a more proactive manager.
Tim: Maybe I need to leave my job and become your full time manager. I know I can do it.
Belinda: Maybe, but let's not do anything rash. We're both tired, so let's go home and have a good sleep.
Belinda is less convinced about the 'we': I delivered and now, finally, my big break. Tim goes to the conveniences and when he comes back, a well dressed man is leaving Belinda's dressing room. She tucks a card down her front as he returns.
Tim: Who was that?
Belinda: Just another representative from the industry, Tim. A bit late, I know.
Tim: Just remember, as your defacto manager, it would be better if any negotiations are made with me present.
Belinda pulls a face: Now Tim, you have been a support, but my manager? I don't wish to sound ungrateful, but I don't really have one. I got this gig tonight myself while you were busy fixing someone's plumbing. And tonight you did seem out of your depth when the music industry types called.
Tim hangs his head, feeling harshly criticised. Belinda stands up and walks over to him and puts her hand on his cheek: Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your support, but I need a more proactive manager.
Tim: Maybe I need to leave my job and become your full time manager. I know I can do it.
Belinda: Maybe, but let's not do anything rash. We're both tired, so let's go home and have a good sleep.
Tim drops Belinda off at her tiny bedsit, all she can afford with her part time waitressing and some help from Tim. Tim continues on home to his apartment, wondering why Belinda has never wanted to move in with him. She insists she's not ready for that, but it does frustrate him.
The next day, Tim phones Belinda, but her phone is on voicemail. He periodically calls again with the same result. He eventually drives around to her bedsit and she's not there. She doesn't have a car, and that has Tim wondering. Maybe she took a taxi, but Belinda uses Tim as her taxi and he's only a call away. He shoots over at her beck and call.
He heads home in a quandary. He hears nothing all day, so he goes back to her bedsit in the evening and still she's out. He goes home, sends a text pleading that she answers but nothing, so Tim tries to get some sleep. He has work tomorrow.
The next morning is a Monday and Tim gets a brief text from Belinda: Sorry I didn't get back. Had a busy day. Will fill you in soon.
Tim is now anxious and getting suspicious. He wonders if she is negotiating contracts without his input.
The next day, Tim phones Belinda, but her phone is on voicemail. He periodically calls again with the same result. He eventually drives around to her bedsit and she's not there. She doesn't have a car, and that has Tim wondering. Maybe she took a taxi, but Belinda uses Tim as her taxi and he's only a call away. He shoots over at her beck and call.
He heads home in a quandary. He hears nothing all day, so he goes back to her bedsit in the evening and still she's out. He goes home, sends a text pleading that she answers but nothing, so Tim tries to get some sleep. He has work tomorrow.
The next morning is a Monday and Tim gets a brief text from Belinda: Sorry I didn't get back. Had a busy day. Will fill you in soon.
Tim is now anxious and getting suspicious. He wonders if she is negotiating contracts without his input.
By Wednesday, he decides to take a punt and goes to the hotel she performed at, hoping that she's there.
He wanders around the lobby area and then Belinda walks out of the dining area with the same man that walked out of her dressing room after her performance.
Tim and Belinda's eyes meet, his reflects shock, hers annoyance. Belinda excuses herself and comes over to Tim.
Belinda: Timothy? Why are you here? I said I'd get back to you!
Tim: That was Monday morning and it's now Wednesday evening. What's going on Belinda?
Belinda: We can't talk here. Wait a minute. She walks back to the man, whispers something and after taking something from him, he disappears. She then returns to Tim. Follow me. They take a lift and silently walk to a suite and she uses what the man gave her to unlock the door and they enter.
Belinda: Take a seat, Belinda barks impassively. He sits nervously. Look, you've been a great boyfriend since high school, but one thing you will never be is a manager of a pop star.
She pauses as she looks away and then turns to look at Tim impassively. The man you saw is my new manager. This is his hotel room, but he heads home tomorrow to New York. He is going to arrange a recording deal and some gigs for me to get more experience. She swallows and takes a deep breath. I'm moving there in a week's time. Accommodation is arranged and it's all on. What I dreamed is now a reality, her face now radiating a sense of success. She then switches back to impassive: So thanks for everything Tim, but I'm moving on.
Tim: What about us?
Belinda: I don't know, but for now, I have to focus on my career and I don't want any distractions.
Tim: So now I'd just be a distraction?
Belinda: Don't be like that Tim. You know what I mean. Now I need to get back to my manager to work out a few details. She ushers Tim to the door. As he stands there in disbelief, she pecks him on the cheek. Thanks for you always believing in me. I'll be in touch.
Tim goes home, devastated. He reflects on their years together and decides she's right. Some time is all Belinda needs to get her career going, and then she'll be wanting him to join her in NY.
Weeks pass and the initial texts are encouraging as Belinda fills Tim in with her growing success. She also lets him know about all the new friends she's making, and she sounds so happy. Tim can't wait to join her and replies with encouragement.
Then the texts become increasingly one way, and Tim isn't the one pulling back. A little later, Belinda is sitting in her apartment and reads yet another text from Tim. She pauses, then decides to come clean: I'd appreciate it if you didn't contact me again. We had a chapter together, but I've moved on to a new chapter. All the best. I hope you find someone soon.
Tim is shocked. He wonders what to do. He checks online and finds out Belinda's singing schedule. He gets some time off from work and goes to N.Y. He feels that if she can see him personally, she will soften and realise that he is the true love of her life.
He gets into one of her shows and during her performance. she sees his face and it nearly causes her to stumble as she sings. Regaining her composure, she continues but avoids looking his way again.
After the show, Tim tries to gain access to Belinda's dressing room, but security blocks him. He pleads that they let her know he's there. They check, and he is ushered into her room. Belinda is sitting with an angry look on her face.
Belinda: We can't talk here. Wait a minute. She walks back to the man, whispers something and after taking something from him, he disappears. She then returns to Tim. Follow me. They take a lift and silently walk to a suite and she uses what the man gave her to unlock the door and they enter.
Belinda: Take a seat, Belinda barks impassively. He sits nervously. Look, you've been a great boyfriend since high school, but one thing you will never be is a manager of a pop star.
She pauses as she looks away and then turns to look at Tim impassively. The man you saw is my new manager. This is his hotel room, but he heads home tomorrow to New York. He is going to arrange a recording deal and some gigs for me to get more experience. She swallows and takes a deep breath. I'm moving there in a week's time. Accommodation is arranged and it's all on. What I dreamed is now a reality, her face now radiating a sense of success. She then switches back to impassive: So thanks for everything Tim, but I'm moving on.
Tim: What about us?
Belinda: I don't know, but for now, I have to focus on my career and I don't want any distractions.
Tim: So now I'd just be a distraction?
Belinda: Don't be like that Tim. You know what I mean. Now I need to get back to my manager to work out a few details. She ushers Tim to the door. As he stands there in disbelief, she pecks him on the cheek. Thanks for you always believing in me. I'll be in touch.
Tim goes home, devastated. He reflects on their years together and decides she's right. Some time is all Belinda needs to get her career going, and then she'll be wanting him to join her in NY.
Weeks pass and the initial texts are encouraging as Belinda fills Tim in with her growing success. She also lets him know about all the new friends she's making, and she sounds so happy. Tim can't wait to join her and replies with encouragement.
Then the texts become increasingly one way, and Tim isn't the one pulling back. A little later, Belinda is sitting in her apartment and reads yet another text from Tim. She pauses, then decides to come clean: I'd appreciate it if you didn't contact me again. We had a chapter together, but I've moved on to a new chapter. All the best. I hope you find someone soon.
Tim is shocked. He wonders what to do. He checks online and finds out Belinda's singing schedule. He gets some time off from work and goes to N.Y. He feels that if she can see him personally, she will soften and realise that he is the true love of her life.
He gets into one of her shows and during her performance. she sees his face and it nearly causes her to stumble as she sings. Regaining her composure, she continues but avoids looking his way again.
After the show, Tim tries to gain access to Belinda's dressing room, but security blocks him. He pleads that they let her know he's there. They check, and he is ushered into her room. Belinda is sitting with an angry look on her face.
Tim is speechless. He gets up and goes to walk out, in a state of shock. He reaches the door.
Belinda: And Tim? Please, go back home. Find someone who fits into the life you have, because you don't fit into the one I've built here. She walks over to him. I have new friends. I move in circles you won't fit into.
Belinda: And Tim? Please, go back home. Find someone who fits into the life you have, because you don't fit into the one I've built here. She walks over to him. I have new friends. I move in circles you won't fit into.
Tim leaves and returns home. He then reflects on how fame has turned Belinda's head. That she always had an air of confidence and perhaps, yes, superiority, while he is a down to earth guy. Why didn't he see it? He didn't want to, he concludes.
Tim gets busy with his work and he knows that one day there will be another lady in his life. Now he knows what to look for in a woman. He decides he needs to first get over Belinda and then the search for someone new can begin.
Tim gets busy with his work and he knows that one day there will be another lady in his life. Now he knows what to look for in a woman. He decides he needs to first get over Belinda and then the search for someone new can begin.
Several months later, Tim is sitting in a bar, alone. He notices a nice young lady is chatting with some friends. She notices Tim's hopeless attempts to observe her unnoticed, so she walks over to him.
Young lady: Hi, I'm Nina. Mind if I join you?
Tim: Er sure. I'm Tim. They shake hands.
Nina: What are you doing drinking alone?
Tim: It's a long story, but I won't bore you with that. I couldn't help noticing you. Is it fair to say you're a down to earth type.
Nina: Got it in one, Tim. As she takes her last swallow of beer.
Tim: Can I buy you another?
Nina: Now you are a gentleman, Tim. Yes please.
Young lady: Hi, I'm Nina. Mind if I join you?
Tim: Er sure. I'm Tim. They shake hands.
Nina: What are you doing drinking alone?
Tim: It's a long story, but I won't bore you with that. I couldn't help noticing you. Is it fair to say you're a down to earth type.
Nina: Got it in one, Tim. As she takes her last swallow of beer.
Tim: Can I buy you another?
Nina: Now you are a gentleman, Tim. Yes please.
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