Learning To Walk: A Cornellverse Tale

[Discotheque]

Richard Eisen called me clever. When he said it, clever sounded grotesque, dirty even. He said that clever was nice, for some small minded carnie. What he needed was genius, brilliance. He told me he would settle for clever. That is how I knew the end was near. Then, he told me to appear on camera. That was the end. Being fired on national television has it's perks. Sure, your ego prickles a bit, but if you get over it, you see the good side of a public whipping, especially in this business. I was home for half an hour before my phone rang. Everyone in the business knew who I was and wanted my services. Even Tommy freakin' Cornell called my cell phone. Sam Strong and Rip Chord left me voicemails. Things were starting to look up.

[Discotheque]

When Sam Strong calls you, you make a point of returning the call. What could I do, deny my childhood hero? "Sam? This is Charles. I was just returning your call..." [COLOR="Red"]"Charles? I didn't call any Charles, did I Alicia?"[/COLOR] "Discotheque, Mr. Strong. I'm Discotheque." [COLOR="Red"]"Ah, yes... the kid Eisen fired. I was wondering why your parents would name you Discotheque."[/COLOR] [COLOR="Black"]"So... What was your call concerning, Mr. Strong?"[/COLOR] [COLOR="Red"]"Sam, call me Sam. What I was calling you about was a job offer. I mean, you're obviously not working for Richard anymore, are you? That wasn't one of those shooty wonks or whatevers, was it?"[/COLOR] "No no no, Sam. I was fired. It was definitely not a worked shoot. What sort of job offer were you making me?" [COLOR="Red"]"Well Charles, I prefer doing this sort of thing in person. Why not meet me at the Hilton in Memphis?"[/COLOR] "Sure, Sam. How's next week sound to you?" [COLOR="Red"]"How does tomorrow sound?"[/COLOR] Like I said, you return Sam Strong's phone calls. And you don't say no to a meeting...