VIOLA
“Steve, this is really difficult. I can’t just increase the band’s fee. You know this wedding was booked months ago. I calculated the fee based on what I was paying you then. Whoever is offering you this, obviously has the budget to pay what they’re offering.”
“I’ve spoken to the band,” Steve replies. “They want extra pay.”
“Look, let’s talk about extra pay for the wedding after this one and all future weddings. Just not this one. I’ve cut my profit a lot already just to get this wedding. It’s important to me. Having this wedding is good for my resume.”
“Well, it’s not good for our pockets,” Steve replies firmly.
“Steve, c’mon. Where is this coming from? We’ve always been able to negotiate. Why the big push now?”
“I only have a few hours and then the offer’s off the table.”
“Well, can I ask who it is that’s making this offer?”
“Does it matter? It’s not going to change anything,” Steve replies.
“Sure, but I’ll find out anyway.”
“Christine. Christine Jackson.”
I idolized and held as a role model until recently. My heart tells me this is deliberate. It’s not a coincidence. I almost swear but I
“Vi?” Steve asks.
weekend and from now on. Just don’t do this
“Okay.”
Steve,” I say firmly. “I can’t afford these kinds of problems so late
Steve says. “I’m
a favor
“What’s that?” Steve asks.
to demand more money and I can’t pay it right
We can keep it
I
“Um, Vi,” Steve says.
wants to tell me something and seems hesitant about doing
is it, Steve?”
it slip that you use a wedding whisperer,”
something I don’t advertise not even to
at Steve but I
prompting me to break
“I’m here,” I reply.
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