Alexis: Did I miss anything? Ned: No, I was just warming up. V, I promised Alexis that I would start my first day of unemployment with a song.

V: Whatever works.

Ned: But --

V: "But" does not apply anymore.

Ned: Oh, ok. How about "listen to this for just a second."

V: One of your new songs? Great.

Ned: Today is perfect. There's no office. There's no phones. Only music and, of course, my inspiration. Alexis: Oh, let me write that down.

V: You're going to say "b" again, aren't you?

Ned: But I'm not sure that music will ever be a full-time occupation.

V: All artists go through these insecurities. It's related to performance anxiety, and it will pass. Ned: V, I'm very serious about this. V: So am I. And the best approach isto work, so why don't you just pick up your guitar and see what happens.

Ned: All right. Consider this a warning with an unimpeachable witness.

V: When your first song hits the charts, I'm going to remind you of how ridiculous this conversation is. Nothing personal. In the meantime, I'm heading up to Albany to listen to a band, boy zone. Have you heard of them?

Ned: Mm-hmm.

V: Yeah, Chloe caught them in Amsterdam and said that she thinks they might be right for L&B. Oh, and I brought by these contracts, Miguel Morez'. They're up for renewal, and I need your signature.

Ned: Did I miss the renegotiation?

V: Well, why renegotiate? He's selling out stadiums all over South America, and he's going to hit the charts any day now.

Ned: Which, of course, is exactly why we need to take a look at the licensing split. If we can gain one or two more points, L&B will sail right into the stratosphere along with miguel.

V: Well, I'll be back from Albany tonight, so first thing in the morning we can talk about it.
Ned: Good.

Alexis: Isn't Albany, round trip, a long drive all by yourself?

V: It's ok.

Ned: No. Hear the band, get yourself a nice hotel. I don't want you driving back on the interstate too late at night.

V: Actually, Simon is going with me.

Alexis: Oh.

V: You just write your songs, will you?

Alexis: Have fun.

Ned: Don't stay out too late.

V: Bye.

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