CHAPTER 5

Kellen dialed his family’s financial accountant’s number and waited for someone to pick up.

“Crestwood Accounting this is Jackie. How may I help you?”

“Jackie this is Kellen Bradley. I need a favor.”

“Hey Kellen, how are things going? Good I hope.” she said.

“Well, things will be really good if you can help me. How much do I have in my account?”

“Which account, one, two, three, four, five or six?”

“All of them.” He said waiting for her answer.

“Account number one has $800,000.56, account two has $3,000,000.00, account three has $6,000,000.00, account four has $ 2,000,000.00 and account five has $19,000,000.00 and account six has $28,000,000.00.

“Okay, can you get me a flight to Florida two days from now and take it out of account one?”

“Have you checked with your parents first. It may be your money, but until your parents fully turn over the accounts to you, they still say what gets used and what doesn’t.” She said

“No I haven’t, but I know they will let me do this.”

“All the same, you need to ask them first okay? You can call me back with their answer.”

“Okay. I’ll talk to my mom. Bye Jackie” Kellen said bidding her goodbye.

“Bye Brat.” She said laughing.

Kellen hung up and went to talk to his mom. He walked in to her study and saw her working on paperwork. He tried to get her to let him go, but she wouldn’t even entertain the idea. He let it drop for the night and decided to talk to her the next day.

“Mom, can I go to Florida to try out for a band?” he asked walking into her office the next morning.

“No Honey.” she said not looking up from her papers.

“But it’s Nsync. They need a new keyboardist and their management team is accepting applications.” Kellen begged

“No Kellen you can’t.”

“Please Mom?” Kellen continued to beg.

“I said no. Not after what happened the other day.” Kate rationalized. She knew Kellen wouldn’t let this drop. Once he set his mind on something, he wasn’t easily swayed.

“Look, if I actually get the job as their new keyboardist, It will help my resume and it’ll give me something to do over the summer. Please?”

“Kellen” Kate calmly said, “You can’t just fly to Florida to apply for a job. And especially after you almost died in a plane accident not even a week ago.” She said, “I looked online after you told me about this last night. The second half of the tour extends into the fall. What about school?”

“I already thought about that Mom. After the tour, I can come back in January, or I could just skip college for a year.”

“You aren’t skipping college. Not in this life time.” Kate said sternly.

“Look Mom, I really want to do this and I want yours and Dad’s support, but if I don’t have it, then I will do it on my own.” Kellen said looking strait at his mother.

Kate looked like she had just been slapped in the face. “You’ll what?” she asked not quite sure if she had heard her son correctly.

“I will do this whether or not you support it or not. It is something I have to do. If I’m ever going to have full confidence in myself, I have to be able to say I at least tried. Can’t you understand that Mom?” Kellen pleaded. He knew it was wrong of him to say that to his mom. However, if he had any hope of her changing her mind, he had to let her know he was going to do this.

“Kellen I can understand what it is like for you to want to chase your dreams, but you’ll be away for so long. What if something bad happens to you?” she asked

“I can’t promise that I won’t get hurt or that nothing bad will happen to me, but I know that I have to do this. I want this so bad.” Kellen said whole-heartedly.

Kate had always tried to support the decisions her children made, however, this was a hard one. She remembered how hard it was to let Camden move to New York when he wanted to start a family. But at least Kellen would be back. “You’ll be back?” she asked.

“Yes Mom I will come home and there isn’t even anything saying I will get the job. I will be going up against the nations best players. I might not even get it.” Kellen said to his mom. He knew that she knew that was a lie because Kellen could play any of Nsync’s songs blind folded.

“You’ll do well, I know you will.” Kate said hugging her son. “When will you be leaving?”

“Three days.” Kellen answered. “I called Wright Entertainment Group in Orlando and set up a date to meet with Mr. Johnny Wright. At first his secretary wasn’t willing to just set up an appointment, but she let up after I played the celebrity card. I told who I was and what my family owned. She was quick to make an appointment after that.”

“You were so certain I was going to let you go weren’t you?” Kate chuckled.

“I knew you would, because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and you’ve always encouraged us to follow our hearts.”

“You are your father’s son. You know what melts me. You better get your stuff ready. I’m sure your going to want to take one of your keyboards with you.” She said. “Oh, by the way, you get to be the one to tell Aisha you’re leaving. I’m not going to.”

“Ok Mom. I’m gonna go hang out.” Kellen shifted in the chair and got up walking to the door. Moving out of his mom’s study, he walked down the hall to the library. In the library, he went up the stairs and towards his room. He got his phone and dialed Jackie.

“Crestwood accounting, this is Jackie speaking. How can I help you?”

“First of all Jackie, you need to do something with that stupid line. Second, can you get me a flight for Orlando, Florida and get me a rental car and a hotel for two days?”

“Oh Kellen it’s you. I thought it was someone important. Did your parents say yes? You know I can’t do this unless they say yes.” She said into the phone.

“I just talked to my mom about it and she said yes.”

“You do know this will set you back a few grand right?” Jackie said stating the obvious.

“Uh Jackie? My family owns the nations biggest sporting goods store. You know that even 30 million dollars is like pocket change. Besides, I’m good for it. Remind me of what I’m worth again.” Kellen said starting to get a big head.

“60 million dollars with the stocks, and bonds you currently have.” She replied with monotone. “And if you don’t get that big head of yours taken care of soon, I’ll take care of it for you.” She said in the most menacing voice she could muster.

“Is that an offer?”

“Not on your life.”

“Well, just let me know what’s up when you get everything taken care of. Bye Jackie” Kellen hung up the phone. As he turned around, Tyler pelted him in the side.

“You’re not leaving and leaving me here all by myself are you?” Kellen knew by the tone of Tyler’s voice, that he wanted to go.

“Look Ty, I’m going to Florida for a job interview. I don’t think my future employers or my parents, for that matter, would want me to take you with me. Besides, Uncle Bryce and Aunt Sherry are picking you up next week.”

“I don’t care, I want to go wit you. Please Kellen. Please?” Tyler resorted to using the puppy face. Kellen knew he had had it.

“Don’t you even start that Tyler. You know I won’t fall for the face.” Kellen said trying to look at his cousin seriously

“You mean you’re not going to fall for it again.” Tyler said making his face even more sad.

“Stop with the face.” Kellen ordered laughing at him. “You know that always gets to me.”

Tyler knew it did also. That’s why he did it. After some major convincing on Kellen’s part and a promised trip to Florida someday, Tyler gave in. Kellen and Tyler went outside and made their way to Kellen’s studio by the stables.

“Wait til you hear this Ty. This is what I’m gonna present them with when I get there.” Tyler listened intently to his cousin play. Kellen had only heard Bye Bye Bye once the way *Nsync did it at the concert. He had already mastered it on his keyboard.

After about ten minutes of listening to him play, Tyler reached over and turned everything off. “I heard enough. It sounds good. Now can you my song? Please?”

“No Tyler. I’m not gonna play that one or sing it.”

“Pretty please? You aren’t letting me go to Florida, won’t you at least do this for me?” he said with the puppy dog eyes and lips sticking out

Kellen felt every resolve drain out of him, “Oh all right. Jeez, you have to stop doing that.” Kellen joked.

“Doing what?” Tyler said playing dumb.

“You know what you little player.”

“I ain’t old enough to be a player.”

“Bull crap, you played me right into your little hands.”

“Just play”

“Ok. Here goes. Don’t be surprised if it isn’t right. I haven’t been practicing.” Kellyn started hitting keys. He played the opening tune without flaw. Then he began to sing.

Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine,

I'm leaving my life in your hands

People say I'm crazy and that I am blind

Risking it all in a glance

And how you got me blind is still a mystery

I can't get you out of my head

Don't care what is written in your history

As long as you're here with me

I don't care who you are

Where you're from

What you did

As long as you long me

Who you are

Where you're from

Don't care what you did

As long as you love me

Every little thing that you've said and done

Feels like it's deep within me

Doesn't really matter if you're on the run

It seems like we're meant to be

I don't care who you are

Where you're from

What you did

As long as you long me

Who you are

Where you're from

Don't care what you did

As long as you love me

I've tried to hide it so that no one knows

But I guess it shows

When you look into my eyes

What you did and where you're coming from

I don't care

As long as you love me baby

I don't care who you are

Where you're from

What you did

As long as you long me

Who you are

Where you're from

Don't care what you did

As long as you love me

Kellen left his foot on the pedal allowing the music to fade. Then he looked at his cousin. Tyler had been at the soundboard messing with the controls. “Good thing I taught you how to use this. You did a good job Tyler. Thank you for turning the volume up at the bridge. I almost couldn’t hear myself playing.”

“Hey, what else are annoying little cousins for?” Tyler said tossing his hand into the air. “Is it almost dinner time? I’m starved.”

Kellen looked at his watch and saw that it was almost six o’clock. “Yeah, let’s head back to the house.”

“You call me the moment your plane touches down.” Kate ordered.

“If I have time Mom,” said a flustered wishing to get on the awaiting plane.

“You seem to be misunderstanding me Kellen. I said the moment your plane touched down. Not if you have the time.”

“Yes Mom. I don’t know what came over me.” Kellen said rolling his eyes.

“No one likes a smart ass Dear.” She said

“Mother!” Kellen turned wide-eyed to look at his mom. If it is one thing he had never heard, it was his mother cussing.

“What. Don’t think I don’t use those colorful metaphors you young people use today.”

“Look I have to go.” Kellen said. “I’ll call you as soon as the plane lands in Orlando, bye Mom. Tell Dad, Nicole, and Jordan I love them. Bye Tyler” Kellen said hugging his cousin.

Kate and Tyler watched Kellen get on the plane then they decided on lunch at one of the cafes in the airport.

While on the plane, Kellen amused himself with a game on his laptop. He was busy playing Doom when his cell phone rang. “Talk to me” he said.

“And what do you want me to say?”

“JC?” Kellen asked. “What’s up Man? Where are you guys at?”

“I think we’re in Kentucky. We’ve got a concert tonight in Lexington.”

“Coolness. So, how are things?”

“Ok I guess, but someone didn’t get online today so I figured I would call. What’s up with you?”

“Not much, just hangin’ out.”

“You been playing any good songs lately?”

“Actually JC, I played a song by a very popular boy band yesterday.” Kellen replied.

JC tried to sound as casual as possible, “Really, Which one was it? I bet it was God must have Spent. That one is everyone’s favor,” He was cut off by Kellen’s laughing.

“And what makes you think it was an Nsync song. For your information Joshua, it was As Long As You Love Me.”

“You’re a traitor! I can’t believe you would rather play one of their songs over playing one of ours.” JC said in mock hurt.

“I’m sure you’ll get over it.” Kellen said as the captain’s voice filtered into the cabin.

“We’re starting our decent, all seat trays and electronic devices should be turned of within the next few seconds. Thank you for flying Delta Airlines flight 180 to Orlando, Florida.”

“What was that?” JC asked “Are you on a plane?”

“Uh, uh, yeah. I uh, I’m going to the beach for a few days.”

“Oh, okay. Well, while you’re in Orlando, check out Epcot, and Disney World.” JC said.

“Will do JC. Talk to you later?”

“Yeah. Call me later. You have my cell phone number.”

“Bye bye bye Josh.”

“Not funny Kellen. Bye.”

The phone clicked and Kellen turned it off. Putting his laptop away, Kellen found himself shaking. “I must still be jittery from the last flight.” He said to himself. The plane made an easy decent and landed on the runway of Orlando International Airport. Once on the ground, Kellen turned his phone on and called his Mom. Then, Kellen waited in line to get off the plane before picking is luggage up and making his way to the car rental desk.

“Can I help you sir?” A blonde-headed lady asked him

“Yeah, I need to pick up my rental. The name on it is Bradley, Kellen.”

“Ah yes. Here are your keys and I need you to sign this.” She handed Kellen a contract. “Oh by the way, do you think you could get me some discounts to your store?”

“Excuse me?” Kellen said looking down at the young lady.

“Well, Bradley’s Sporting Goods is very popular here in Florida. You and your family are very well known.”

“Oh well, I guess I could give you a card. Just give this card to Janet, the manager at the store here. Tell here you talked to me and that I said you could have 50% off any item less than a hundred dollars.”

“I was just joking Sir.” She said quickly.

“I wasn’t. Besides, I already wrote your name on this card.” Kellen said laughing.

“Thank you!” the girls replied gratefully.

“Don’t mention it.” Kellen said walking away. He made his way to the front doors where his Taurus was waiting. He threw his bags into the trunk and drove to the hotel. Since it was already late afternoon, Kellen called Wright Entertainment to confirm his appointment for the next day.

“Yes sir, Mr. Bradley, your appointment is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Tomorrow. I am supposed to let you know that there are four other people in line for this position.” A nice secretary said to him over the phone.

“Thank you for letting me know. Have a good evening.”

“You too, Sir.”

Kellen hung up the phone and signed online to his laptop no one was on. He expected this because his friends were probably still at work and Nsync was getting ready for a concert in Kentucky. He called room service and ordered something to eat and began setting up his keyboard to practice. After about six hours of practice, Kellen found his attention span being strained. He turned everything off and got into the shower. The hot water felt good trickling down his chest. Kellen picked up the bar of soap and began lathering up his body. He cleaned himself up. Then got a towel and started drying off. He put on a pair of gym shorts and a T-shirt and climbed into bed picking up his cell phone to dial JC’s number.

“JC’s phone.” A familiar yet unfamiliar voice said.

“Uh yeah, is JC there?” Kellen asked in a casual yet nervous way.

“He’s in the shower right now. Can I ask who this is?”

“It’s Kellen Bradley.”

“Oh hey man. This is Justin. What up muh bratha?” Justin asked in his best Ebonics voice.

“Not much just hanging around in my hotel room.”

“That’s right, you’re in Orlando. JC told me about it earlier today. He couldn’t stop talking about you. And by the way, do you really like that Backstreet crap more than our wonderful artistic work?” Justin asked. Kellen could picture Justin with his lips sticking out.

“Artistic Work? Boy that’s an over exaggeration.” Kellen said trying to sound serious.

“Yeah well, people must think so, we get paid millions for it.”

“Yeah by ten year old girls attending your concerts.”

“And 18 year old guys.” Justin finished

“Touché.” Kellen said in defeat. “Well, I need to head to bed now Justin. When JC gets out of the shower, tell him I called and tell him not to wake me up. I’m just as picky about my sleep as he is.”

“Oh, you’re a sleeper too?”

“Damn Straight.” Kellen wondered whether or not that phrase included him anymore. It didn’t really bother him as much as it did the other day when he first came to terms with it. “Goodnight Justin and good job tonight.” He said hanging up the phone. He could hear a faint reply from Justin before the click ended the call.

Kellen woke up the next morning and started getting ready. After another shower and shave, he put on some appropriate attire and fixed his hair. The cornrows had bothered him too much so he had those taken out. Now his hair was back to its straight shiny self. He called the front desk and told them to bring his car around. Kellen left the room and made his way to the ground floor. When he got there, his car was waiting for him outside the front lobby. He tipped the valet. Then he got in and put in the CD he had recorded of himself the night before and listened to it the whole way to Johnny Wright’s office.

He walked in and was greeted by Johnny’s secretary. “You must be Kellen.” She said, “We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Johnny is as well.”

“Thank you.” As the words left Kellen’s mouth, an office door opened and a guy about twenty-two with spiked blond hair walked out followed by a middle aged black man and another guy.

“Thank you for coming down Ritchie. We’ll call you tomorrow with the results.” The black man said as he shook the young man’s hand. The spiky haired guy left and the black guy turned to Kellen. “You must be Mr. Bradley?” He said. “I’m Johnny Wright, Manager for Nsync and other various artists. I hear you want to try for the keyboardist job with the tour?”

“Yes Mr. Wright. I’ve been a fan of the guys for a couple of years now. I actually went to their concert in Denver a few days ago. They are really cool individuals.” Kellen said enthusiastically.

“I knew I recognized you! You’re the one who went with them to dinner that night, right?” the other guy said.

“Oh yeah, where are my manners?” Johnny said. This is Ibrahim Duarte, tour manager for Nsync. He flew down here late last night to help with the interviews today.”

“Cool. I remember seeing you in Denver, Mr. Duarte.” Kellen said shaking the man’s hand.

“Well, shall we begin in my office? Johnny asked. Three made their way into the spacious office. The office had a very impressive keyboard set up in it. Behind the keyboard was another guy. “This is Kevin Antunes, Music Director and lead keyboardist for the tour.”

“It’s nice to meet you Mr. Antunes” Kellen said shaking Kevin’s hand.

“Likewise. I’ve set the keyboard up. It’s all yours.” He moved away from the keyboard and Kellen walked around it and positioned his fingers on the board. He began the opening measure for Bye Bye Bye. He closed his eyes as the music poured forth from his soul. Finishing, he started the intro to This I Promise You. He played each song the way he remembered them from the concert. After the last note faded, he opened his eyes to see a wide-eyed Kevin. He looked over at Ibrahim and Johnny. Both were nodding to each other and taking notes.

“That’s just a sample. I can play more if you’d like.” Kellen said nervously.

“Oh, no. I think we have all the information we need. Did you bring a resume with you?” Johnny asked.

“Of course, here it is.” Kellen said pulling a sheet of paper from his folder.

“Thank you. I guess this meeting is over. You’re free to go. We’ll let you know tomorrow, or possibly later this afternoon.” Johnny Wright said as Kellen made his way out of the office.

Once out, Kellen went to use the restroom. ‘I guess I didn’t do as well as I thought. They sure wanted me out of there quickly.’ He thought as he splashed cold water on his face. He pulled a paper towel out and dried his face off, and then he walked to the door. When he cam out, Kevin was standing by the door waiting for him.

“Kellen?” He said. “I hope you don’t mind me calling you by your first name, because you’re going be working with me for the rest of this tour.”

“What?” Kellen was unsure if he had heard right. “Do you mean that I got the job?”

“The moment you walked out of the office, the vote was immediately unanimous. If you’re sure that you want the job, we have papers you need to sign today, because we have to be on the plane tonight.”

“Wait, let’s back this train up a little.” Kellen said with his fingertips on his temples. “I got the job. Now why do I have to sign papers? And what is this talk about being on a plane tonight?”

“Ok, you have to sign confidentiality papers as well as a payment contract. These are to protect both you and Nsync. And I got a call just now from Tim Miller the production manager saying we need to be back on the tour by tomorrow morning.”

“Okay.” Kellen said trying to digest it all.

“There isn’t a problem is there?” Kevin asked.

“Oh no, I’m just trying to take it all in. I think I need to splash some more water on my face." Kellen said as Kevin laughed at him.

“Ok, I’m going to head back to the office to help get things set up. You can join us in a few minutes.” Kevin said looking at Kellen. “Don’t worry about anything. If you’re the same Kellen that JC and Lance have been talking about, then you won’t have a problem fitting in with the guys.” Kevin turned around and walked off leaving a very confused Kellen standing at the water fountain with the button pushed in.

TO BE CONTINUED…