[Chapter 45: Sooner or Later, It Will Backfire]
"He's always like that."
New York, Chelsea District, 36 West 13th Street.
In Frank's office, the manager awkwardly addressed his employer and George Morgenthau, the newly hired political consultant for Orlando Records.
"Sometimes, he can be like a kid -- stubborn and really frustrating. At other times, though, he's understanding, kind, and generous."
Frank had just finished a phone call with his former boss. The voice on the line was a bit loud, and the other peron couldn't have missed it, so an explanation was necessary.
"I get it... MJ is a man with a very childlike heart, he's a good person."
Orlando smiled, "Besides, if it had been me instead, I probably would've been even angrier than MJ."
Orlando hadn't expected this -- he only sang two songs on stage, fewer than MJ's three, and he wasn't as famous as Jackson. There were other big names there too, like Quincy Jones performing.
Yet the next day, the media buzz was centered on his two songs, stealing half the spotlight and heat from the Neverland celebration show.
He himself found the reason baffling.
Just then, the political consultant introduced by Daisy showed up. George Morgenthau, Daisy Cuomo's cousin. He was also a godbrother to Senator Chuck Schumer and a partner in the New York branch of the influential political lobbying firm Hotfire Group.
A well-dressed... power player.
George explained to Orlando why this had happened. Apparently, MJ's celebration was not as straightforward as it seemed on the surface. It was actually a reflection of the demands from parts of the African American upper class in the U.S.
But even stronger forces pushed back.
Orlando had just happened to get caught in the middle, used as a "raft" to lessen the heat from the Neverland celebration. A coincidence, really.
"I personally am more specialized in finance and insurance," George said with a smile. "Media isn't exactly my forte. But there are K Street folks studying Michael Jackson, since he's so popular now. Every move he makes sets trends, and he holds sway over many votes.
This pop king is a bit immature, like a greedy kid, not someone who likes to share. If he doesn't change that side of his nature, sooner or later, he's going to be in big trouble."
After saying that, without waiting for Frank or Orlando to respond, George stood up and extended his hand with a smile.
"Orlando, that's that. For any political issues or requests in the future, just give me a call. I'm basically in New York most of the time."
"Thank you, George, I will." Orlando replied.
"Alright then, goodbye." George left promptly.
For this, Orlando had to pay him a million dollars a year in consulting fees. That million was just the consultation cost.
Meaning if Orlando had political questions, he could ask George. But if George was needed beyond advice, extra fees applied.
Just like Daisy said -- it was pricey.
Whether it was worth it remained to be seen.
Judging by his surname, some of his public family ties, and being Daisy's cousin, Orlando and Frank thought he should be worth it.
---
After sending George off at the company entrance and heading back to the office,
"Frank, do you want me to call MJ and say something? After all, I did steal a lot of the spotlight."
"No need!" Frank was emphatic, standing firm.
Formerly MJ's manager, he was naturally loyal to Michael Jackson. But, now he was managing Orlando, so, Frank naturally stood by Orlando.
"It's pointless now. Like that big shot said earlier -- Michael really can be childish sometimes. But that personality has one upside: when he dislikes someone or is mad, it rarely lasts long. And often, because of some small thing, he will suddenly stop being angry. Like a kid."
Frank summarized.
It was pretty childish indeed. No wonder in the other timeline, over the next decade or so, he would suffer huge losses. Even his mysterious death spawned conspiracy theories that surpassed the universe.
Orlando thought to himself.
"Well, I'll just keep recording then."
Warner had already announced it. The production of the It's Orendo mini-album had to be rushed.
So far, Orlando had four songs ready:
- The slow rock track Counting Stars,
- The rap rock See You Again,
- The pop ballad Just the Way You Are,
- The pop tune Peter Pan Was Right.
Four songs, four styles. Except for Just the Way You Are, the other three were hybrids.
Seymour said just for that reason, the promo tagline for this EP could be "I thought mixing was cool, so I just did it."
This line was exactly how Orlando answered the question about the style of Old Town Road in his first formal interview.
The first three were recorded before going to L.A.; Peter Pan Was Right was yet to be recorded.
Besides recording, he was already quite hot right now.
The momentum from the media buzz was smooth.
The rumors about Madonna were just starting to cool off. But, now, because of the Neverland celebration and the new songs, the heat was rising again.
Some brands that had been watching from the sidelines also came knocking.
---
June 5th.
Orlando had just finished recording Peter Pan Was Right.
A busy Frank came looking for him. "Ralph Lauren wants to hire you as a spokesperson. They're offering two million a year as the fee for an exclusive contract," Frank said. "For future renewals, the endorsement fees will increase as your popularity grows. Of course, if you don't perform well, there won't be renewals."
"Ralph Lauren?"
The name sounded familiar to Orlando -- it was a clothing brand.
"It's an clothing brand that's only twenty-two years old." Frank quickly explained, "But it has grown very well. Look, this shirt I'm wearing is theirs."
"What do I need to do?"
"Provide your likeness, cooperate with their advertising shoots, and you can't wear competing brands like CK, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger in public."
"This shirt looks like something for middle-aged men..."
"Exactly, I'm curious about that too," Frank said.
"Ralph Lauren targets understated old-money style, emphasizing simple, low-key luxury aimed at high-income men aged 30 to 50. You're so young, brands like CK, Guess, or Tommy Hilfiger would usually go for someone your age."
After a pause, Frank added, "But CK and Tommy Hilfiger probably won't approach you anytime soon."
"Why not?"
"CK just signed Tom Cruise earlier this year, Tommy Hilfiger signed Brad Pitt, though neither is an exclusive spokesperson. Guess might approach you, but their contract with Johnny Depp doesn't expire until the end of the year, and they have a good relationship."
"Honestly," Frank frowned, "The brand doesn't really match your style, and their offer is high -- I can't figure out why they want you."
"So, should I take it?"
"Of course, this is Ralph Lauren we're talking about."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/eKByGBSw.