3 I accept that wager! (1/2)

”Mr. Anderson, can you give us a moment,” the agent said calmly and almost robotically. There was a strange sense of familiarity in the way he talked, and you swore you have seen it somewhere before – perhaps in a film.

”Yes, Neo, can you give us a moment,” you said to the client with a sarcastic smile. That was not his name. You know who he is now that you sat down. His name is Thomas Anderson, and he graduated from the same college as you. You and Thomas even attended many of the same classes and competed in many of the same contests. As such, you have a sort of rivalry with him.

”It will not be long,” the agent added, seeing how Thomas was reluctant to leave the table. ”You can use this time to think over the contract.”

Once Neo left the table, you became much sincerer. You and your agent were friends, and there were many times in the past that you used your connection to your mother to help him get ahead. Hopefully your agent will remember those favors. There was a moment of silence as your client took a sip from his coffee cup. You couldn't as the waiter hadn't brought you yours yet.

”I need a new contract,” you said calmly.

”Sorry, no can do,” the agent responded. He put down his coffee cup and gave a small smile. ”Look, I might not have stated it clearly over the phone, but I did not come here for you. I came here to mainly discuss a brokerage contact with Mr. Anderson.”

You snickered. It was just funny the way your agent referred to Thomas.

Your agent was not amused. He paused a little and said unceremoniously. ”The CAA will evaluate each of my clients. Your acting is appalling, and there is no progress whatsoever after all these years.”

That was true, but then again, you weren't studying to be an actor. You wanted to be a director. You said exactly what was on your mind.

Your agent shook his head. ”Sorry, I don't see any chance of success in you being a director. Neither will the CAA, so I will not renew the contract. There is just nothing in it for me.”

You looked at your agent in a slightly strange way. So that was how it was. Once your usefulness was over, you have nothing of value. Your agent no longer needed you to further his career, and you have been kicked to the curb.

”Very sorry,” the agent reaffirmed and continued to enjoy his coffee, waiting for Thomas to return.

”Please,” you said slowly and lowered your head slightly. Your hands gripped your thighs tightly under the table. ”Just give me another chance, for everything I have helped you in the past. Just a letter of recommendation from you will do –

”The management of the company has officially invited me to be one of the partners,” your agent said without looking at you. He was now looking at the newspaper to the side. ”Next, I will cross-manage some famous actors. The work and resources in the hands will increase. There is no time and energy, planning for the future of those who don't have any hope…”

Your agent looked at you as you steeled your heart. You want to curse him for cursing your future – who said you have no hope? Your mind is full of ideas, and you just needed an opportunity to let them loose into the world.