“Just hear me out. You’re waiting for someone to discover you, and this is the perfect way to do it.”
“But will I get to sing?”
“You’ll be following other country stars in their daily lives, and I’m sure there will be an opportunity for you to showcase your voice.” She paused. “Just go for the interview. You never know what will come of it.”
“All right, I’ll go.” There wasn’t much enthusiasm in my tone, but it wouldn’t hurt to meet with the producers of the show. The chances of getting the job were small, but if I did get it by some miracle, it might solve my problem with finances.
It occurred to me that this could be an answer to prayer. A way I could pay for the bodyguard services on my own.
Suddenly, I was ready to give it my all. Reality television wasn’t my favorite, but I could make it work, especially if it killed two birds with one stone. A way to be independent of Robert. And an opportunity to showcase my voice.
Watch out world, here I come!
***
“So, why do you think you’re a good fit for the show?”
I’d just completed a screen test while Troy waited in the next room, and I was now meeting with Country Star’s producers, Mark Lemon and Sheryl Allen. They’d been shooting questions left and right for the past twenty minutes, and I was doing my best to impress them while still being genuine and forthright. I sat up straighter in my seat and contemplated Sheryl’s last question.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved country music.” I paused for a moment and smiled. “I keep tabs on who rises to the top in the country world, and I also know what it’s like trying to make it in this business. That gives me a leg-up when it comes to relating to the singers you choose for the show. For those who are just starting out, I’ll know the kind of thoughts going through their minds. What challenges they face. If you bring on singers that are more well known, chances are I’ll already have a million questions to ask them.”
“How can you be so sure?” she asked.
“Because I live and breathe country music, and I’ve immersed myself in that culture.
Mark nodded and leaned forward, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Tell us why you want to host our show.”
For half a second, I thought about giving a contrived answer about reality TV or any number of things that would make me look good. In the end, I didn’t want this job if I had to lie. “To be honest, I’m hoping it will kick-start my career as a country singer. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. Television might be a means to an end, but I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy the journey. Who wouldn’t want to follow other singers around and rub shoulders with people you’d never get to meet otherwise?”
Mark frowned. “So, acting isn’t your first love?”
“No. I’m all about singing and performing on stage. I do have some acting experience but not a lot. I was in a couple of college plays, but if you’re looking for more—”
“An acting background will weigh in,” Sheryl said, “but it’s very important to us that we find someone in the country singing world. That holds even more weight in our minds.”
I relaxed a little and nodded. “Good to know.”
“You did well on your screen test,” Mark said. “You have a wholesome image, and since our target audience includes families, you would be a great fit.”
Sheryl cut in. “Not that we’ve made any decisions yet. We still have a few others to interview.”
“I understand.”
Mark stared at his clipboard and tapped his pen a few times. “We have the funds to film an entire season, and we plan to bring on several guest stars to follow. Our idea is to fly them out to California, but you will be required to go to their hometown on occasion. How do you feel about traveling?”
“It sounds fun. I’m all for it.”
He wrote something on the paper attached to his clipboard. “Are you willing to perform alongside a few of the guests?” He tipped his chin down. “I’m assuming you would be okay with that since you said you’re hoping this show will open doors for you.”
“Yes, I would love to share my voice with the audience. That would make me very happy.” I couldn’t contain my smile, but I wasn’t trying to hold it back.
“That’s great,” he said.
Sheryl crossed her legs and smiled. “We really do like you, Miss Keller. I think it’s safe to say you’re on the short list of people we want to see again.”
That was good news. “Thank you. I’m very excited about this opportunity.”
Mark filled me in on some of the logistics of the show and then asked about my availability. I told him I was currently free, but I would have to continue to schedule other jobs unless I found out they wanted to hire me.
“We won’t begin filming for a few months,” Sheryl said, “and we’ll give you plenty of notice if we call you for the position.”
My shoulders drooped forward, and I strained not to show my disappointment. If filming didn’t start for several months, that wouldn’t fix my need for extra money now. Oh, well. Maybe God wanted me to stop services with Troy. It was becoming more and more clear to me that I couldn’t allow Robert to take care of the bill anymore. It just wasn’t right on many
