When Y had been in charge of showing the sites of Japan during the group’s original visit, he had expected that Amberly would not want to be the focus of attention—but that was quite the contrary. Japan was image conscious and most ‘politely’ avoided the disabled—sometimes even turning their heads so as not to see them. So when Amberly happily jumped in front of the crowd whether it was to sing karaoke or to dance with unashamed freedom, he could not help but to be drawn to her. Amberly was alive with spirit but there was an underlying sadness that he wanted to ‘fix’.
Amberly’s vulnerability drew him just as surely as her free spirit and her delicate beauty. He sensed in her a deep need for an emotional connection that had been evasive for her but for him as well.
Yagano’s personal life had always been that of a loner. He felt rejected by his blood relatives and while that had created a fighter, it had also created an awareness of being less important. His father who constantly put Riyu above him reinforced the feeling that he was not good enough. Therefore Y focused on being the best—the best pianist, the best singer, the best son. And personal relationships had taken a back seat to that. Until Amberly came into his life and he had met a kindred spirit.
He loved Amberly, but he couldn’t deny that he felt a connection to Robin. At first he saw it as just discovering a very cool friend. But then the attraction had intensified right around the time she’d gotten high and danced and sang so provocatively—but not for a crowd, just for herself. That moment was almost like a ‘ping’ had been set off inside Yagano and as he gazed at her while she got lost in her own dancing and singing he couldn’t help but to recognize how amazingly unique Robin was.
This new awareness of Robin made Y intensely uncomfortable—at the same time that being around her made him feel a little more alive, a little more comfortable in his own skin, and much more sexually aware.
When Y looked over at Robin who was quiet wearing a pensive expression, he had to fight back his desire to grab her hand and reassure her.
“You okay?” He asked.
She looked at him and gave him a brief smile. “Yeah. Just thinking about everything.”
“I hope your thoughts are good ones. You have a very promising future.”
She leaned her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. “Things are moving fast.” He saw her twisting the diamond engagement ring on her finger. He sighed.
“Don’t rush into anything that doesn’t feel completely right. Give yourself time to consider your full feelings.” Y wasn’t sure if it was right for him to make that suggestion in light of the way he felt about her. But if her concerns were about marrying Jason then she definitely needed to think it through and make sure it was the best decision for her—and not just for Jason.
She turned to look at him. “I … I’m ready for the next phase of my life. It’s just that two months ago I was performing with my girls for weed money, hating men and studying for a career working with children with disabilities. Now I’m engaged, about to sign a recording contract, and on my way to a meeting to discuss singing in a popular anime show.” Her eyes had widened. “I’m scared.”
Y reached over and gripped her hand. “I know. But you have a lot of friends who have your back—including me. You won’t have to go through this alone.”
Yagano thought about his plans for the future of Akita Tom Productions and if he could convince the other shareholders then Robin, Wheels of Steel and any other artist that signed under their label would get one hell of a record deal. But regardless of anything else, Yagano intended to make sure that Robin would get the best deal that he could manage.
Jerry Flynn shook Robin’s hand and then Y’s. If he was surprised at the other man’s presence he didn’t show it.
“Robin, I’m so happy to see you again. Your performance at Akita Tom’s funeral was so touching. It truly moved me. Yours and Yagano’s choice of songs was perfect.”
“Thank you, Jerry.” She replied, sitting when Y held out her chair for her. She gave him a grateful smile.
Jerry looked at Y. “So I hear congratulations are in order for you, Yagano. You’re a newly wed and now you are the owner of a gorgeous piece of property.”
“Yes. I’m humbled by Akita’s kindness.”
“He will be missed,” Jerry said. “But through our endeavors his influence will live on.”
“That is the plan.” Y said.
They talked casually while their lunch was being prepared and Robin began to feel at ease. Y was there and it was like her big brother was at her back. Although Robin was an only child, something Y had said really struck home to her. Blood relationships weren’t everything. The family you chose to surround yourself with was every bit as important. In Wheels of Steel, and now Yagano Kurahara Robin had gained more than just friends but a real family.
Robin’s meal of good old-fashioned steak and baked potato arrived. She enjoyed rice on occasion but not the way she had been eating it since arriving in Japan. She had to admit that she missed Cincinnati chili and hot metts and fish from Alabama’s fish bar. But it wasn’t just the food, she also missed being home and the familiar sites.
Robin noted that Y had a delicious looking fish dish—with a bowl of rice, of course, and some odd but tasty looking stewed vegetables. Jerry was eating pasta and raving about it. He finally got down to business and laid out his plans for Robin and the show.
“There are some very good session musicians used by other shows. But The Bushido Code prides itself on utilizing not only well-known hip hop and contemporary artists but also up and coming musicians.
“One thing we have not had is an actual singer. The music of the Bushido code is about the beats and the vibe and the hip-hop culture laced with Japanese influences. Even though it takes place in the Edo period the cast is a multi ethnic ensemble. As you know it’s about a group of young samurai’s in training, traveling Japan and living by the bushido—which is the code of the Samurai. It is an adult animation with plenty of blood, fighting and language although we don’t consider ourselves hardcore on the adult themes.
“Robin, we would like to offer you a re-occurring role in the show doing the voice over for a new character named Enya. She is black, a young adult like the others and she would be a love interest for Kao.”
Robin’s heart very nearly stopped beating. She snapped her mouth closed as she listened to Jerry. Robin had come here thinking they wanted her to sing but they actually wanted her to be in the show…
She was going to black out. She was going to black out like back in the day when she would feel overwhelmed. The world began to close in until she knew it would be just a pinprick of awareness. But in that second Robin did something that she had always advised Jason to do.
Breathe.
And suddenly the heat and sweat that was beginning to pop up along her body receded as she relaxed. She inhaled calmly and the buzzing in her ears drifted away allowing her to continue listening to Jerry’s offer.
“Enya has mystical powers. There is a death song that she can sing and we would like you to record that song. It would be a rare and beautiful song that would only play when Enya feels that she or the group is threatened.”
Robin tried to control her excitement. She wanted to just scream yes, I’ll take it. Actually she just wanted to scream. Instead she heard a calm voice coming from her mouth.
“That sounds very interesting Jerry. Jason, my fiancé introduced me to the show and we’ve watched every episode. There are revolving characters as well as a core group. How do you propose Enya’s character?”
“We’ll start Enya out as one of the revolving characters with an option to become a full member of the guild.”
Robin’s eyes shifted to Yagano who had remained quietly listening. He blinked slowly and she thought the gesture meant that she should continue to remain calm and to ask questions. His calm quiet reinforced her own sense of courage.
“Jerry, who would perform the music for Enya’s death
song?”
Jerry seemed to hide a smile. “We think there are a number of artists that would compliment your voice, but you’ve worked with a group that we’ve recently had some interest in. Wheels of Steel.”
Robin almost squealed. She knew that together they could make one hell of a death song for Enya.
“But of course that is all contingent upon your interest in the offer.”
Robin nodded. “Yes, I understand.”
Jerry continued. “Enya’s power is in her voice so there will be several musical snippets that you would be required to perform. They represent certain powers that Enya possesses. If you feel comfortable recording with Wheels of Steel then we would obviously make them an offer as well.”
Robin smiled, unable to stop her show of pleasure. “It sounds like something I would like but um …” Was it proper to ask how much she was going to get paid?
Jerry smiled at her sudden loss of words. “We would be willing to offer you seventy-five thousand dollars for the first year with an option to negotiate the following years—in the event there are following years for Enya.”
Robin’s mouth went dry again. Seventy-five thousand dollars to do something she would have fun doing for free?! She was hard pressed not to grab Jerry’s hand and shake it right then and there.
Y finally broke his silence. “Do you have a formal offer that Robin can review?”
Jerry reached for his briefcase. “I certainly do. It doesn’t contain our discussion about Wheels of Steel but once we make an offer to them we can add that into any contract.”
He handed Robin a manila folder, which she promptly handed to Y who accepted it without opening it.
“Yagano is one of my agents,” Robin explained to Jerry.
“So you are going to sign with Akita Tom Productions?” Jerry asked.
Robin looked at Y. “As soon as the contract is complete.”
Robin was on the phone with Jason as soon as she and Y were back in the car. Jason went to get everyone to put on speakerphone and the yells and whoops and cheers were so loud that Robin and Y could barely hear themselves.
“Robin!” Peter yelled. “My dad looked at the contract and he said it was amazing. He said it was like Jason had hand written it for you—it has everything that you could want in it and more. My Dad said that if you don’t sign it you’re crazy!”
Robin looked at Y, her face spread wide with a smile. “I guess you guys got me.”
He nodded, pleased.
“I am like shaking.” Robin exclaimed once she was finally able to end the call.
Y loved seeing her this happy. “Seventy-five thousand is nothing. Negotiate it up to one hundred-fifty grand but don’t settle for anything less than one hundred thousand.”
Robin’s mouth dropped. “Y! I don’t want to ruin my chance by being too greedy-“
“Trust me,” he said while driving into the studio’s parking garage. “You’re going to have to fly out to Japan to do your voice over. That’s going to put your own life and work on hold. They are going to have to make doing that worth your while. I guarantee you that no one else involved in the show is getting low-balled like that. The Bushido Code brings in millions.” He glanced at her. “And once you’re involved it’s going to become even more popular.”
Robin nodded. “I know you’re not my agent-YET, but … do you think you can handle my negotiations?”
Y didn’t hesitate with his response. “Of course I will.”
Y parked and then walked to Robin’s side to let her out. She noticed that it was something he liked doing so she allowed it even though it would be much quicker if she just got out on her own. But there was something very nice about having someone there who cared enough to open your door and to offer you their hand just to make it that much easier for you.
He led her into the large skyscraper, his hand on the small of her back to guide her. Robin wasn’t used to that but it didn’t bother her, although it made her feel as if Y was subtly showing her that he had control of what she did as well as anything concerning her well being.
They boarded the elevator to the offices of Akita Tom Productions and Y led her to the front desk where a pretty woman greeted them, politely referring to Y as Mr. Kurahara and Robin as Miss Mathena. Robin was impressed that the receptionist knew who she was.
“I’m going to leave you in the hands of our receptionist.” Y placed his briefcase on the counter and handed Robin a copy of her contract. Then he spoke a few brief words to the receptionist in Japanese.
“The receptionist will give you some papers to fill out for employment purposes and then you can read over the contract. When I’m finished with the meeting you and I can go over it together and answer any questions you might have.” He smiled and it caused his chocolate eyes to actually twinkle.
“Maybe by the end of the day you’ll be the first artist signed by the newly organized Akita Tom Productions.” That is—as long as the rest of the board agreed with him and his new ideas. If not then there was no way that he would let the label get Robin. To allow that would mean that Riyu would get his hands on her. He vowed that he would not let Riyu hurt the careers of Robin or Wheels of Steel. This was the only way that he knew to keep Riyu out.
The elevator door opened and James stepped out. He took one look at Robin and Y and his color faded. He waved at them weakly and then rushed toward the double doors that led to the offices.
Robin thought that was odd. James was usually very talkative—annoyingly so. Maybe he’d gotten the message that his pushy ways had gotten on everyone’s nerves, or maybe he had been under the weather. He did look even more pale than usual. Robin looked at Y.
“Didn’t you think James looked a little sick? I hope he’s not coming down with something. Maybe he needs one of those face masks,” she said, referring to the number of surgical face masks she saw the Asian people wearing while out on the streets.
Y shrugged. “Maybe that’s why he hasn’t been around lately.” He changed the subject. “This shouldn’t take too terribly long. Wait for me here when you’re done, okay?”
“You got it.” Robin smiled.
Y headed for the office, anxious not just about his future but for those of his friends as well.
He was the last one to enter the boardroom and he was pleased to see that all of the shareholders were present including Hidalgo, Shim Shu, Aimi Haruto, James Edelson and last but not least Hideo Choi who had avoided meeting Yagano’s eyes and whose bandaged hand lay in his lap.
Robin finished filling out the human resources paperwork for her employment with Akita Tom Productions. The contract was a bit tougher. With her dyslexia the legal-ease was hard to put together. Sometimes when she looked at the words it seemed to say one thing but when she went over it again she would read a different meaning.
It was frustrating and she wished that Jason was here. She knew deep in her heart that Jason didn’t actually think she was stupid and he would help her to understand what all was written. However the main points were easy enough to understand.
The contract would give her the freedom to pursue other career paths including college and becoming a physical therapist. When it came to recording for others she would be required to get pre-approval from the label. The thing that she liked is that if they said no to a project then they would be required to pay her a portion of the loss wages.
There were other perks like what she and Y had talked about—agents and personal management along with free first class flights to and from Japan, and while in Japan free transportation, a daily per diem, security service and even a clothing allowance to be provided in the event that she was required by the label to appear in the public eye. She would even get to select her own stylist. The pages of perks went on and on. She just wanted Y to explain the royalties and what she would receive after the label took their cut.
No matter how good everything sounded, one thing stood out clearly. If she broke the terms of the contract forcing the label t
o release her then she would be responsible for any costs that they didn’t recoup from her recordings and performances.
It seemed to Robin that they had high hopes for her based on the perks they were offering. What if she didn’t do as well as they expected?
Her stomach began to twist into knots. It had been a while since she’d had to deal with her IBS but currently Robin’s stomach was churning. She darted off to the bathroom, grateful for the American style toilet. She chastised herself for allowing her emotions to get the better of herself.
Robin was unwilling to go down the road of allowing her emotions to dictate her health. Not only did she intend to be a success in her new career but also a healthy woman. And being healthy meant not taking risks with alcohol and drugs.
She’d come to a conclusion and it would be a hard one. After washing her hands Robin dug her phone out of her purse and she called Jason again. She was going to tell him that she was going to make some important changes in her life. She wanted a healthy future for both herself as well as for her eventual marriage to Jason. She was going to tell Jason that she was done with smoking marijuana.
She listened to the phone ringing on his end. She figured he was in the studio working and decided to just leave him a message about her decision. She had no doubt that it would make him happy. This is the way she wanted to start her future--as Mrs. Jason Hamilton, as a woman and not a girl that needed something other than the music to make her high. A smile tugged at her lips.
When the brief mechanical voice completed the instructions for leaving a voicemail Robin began to leave her message.
“Hi baby. Look I’ve been thinking about a lot of things and I’ve come to a decision. I really want to be healthy and I don’t want to go down the wrong track so-”
Robin covered the mouthpiece. There was a lot of commotion going on outside of the bathroom. She hadn’t seen enough people in the reception area to create that much of a disturbance. Besides her and the receptionist Robin had only seen a currier and two or three people hurrying about as if they worked there. She had tried to ignore the noise but the sounds of stern voices had escalated to yells and cries of alarm, which had raised her curiosity.