Leo El Magnifico by Pablo Cartaya

Author:Pablo Cartaya
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2022-04-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Eliana Jackerby

“Eliana Jackerby,” she said. “Talent manager. How’s it going, Leo?”

“Um, good,” I said, unsure what to say.

“I represent a large group of talented individuals,” she started, “many of whom I signed right on that very stage.” She pointed to the stage where I’d just rehearsed. “Maybe you’ll be the next one?”

“I, um, thank you?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard about agents and managers?” she said in a matter-of-fact voice.

“I mean, yeah, I guess, but I’ve never actually met one in real life.”

Ms. Jackerby smirked a little. “We help talent get gigs, go on tours, get on talk shows, things like that. I can help realize an artist’s dreams. If fame and success are what you wish for.”

“Whoa! And you want to be my manager?” My thoughts were suddenly full of possibilities.

“No,” she said without a hint of emotion. “First of all, I only represent winners, and you haven’t won anything yet. Second, if you win, we will have a long talk with your parents before any type of representation is offered. Third, if you even get to third, you, your parents, and myself will sit down and discuss the plan for your career as my client.”

“Whoa,” I muttered again, wishing I could perform already and show Ms. Jackerby I could totally be her client.

“Oh, and you’re going to need to spruce up your outfit, kid.” She dropped her sunglasses from her head to cover her eyes. “Good luck tomorrow.”

And just as mysteriously as she’d appeared, Ms. Jackerby vanished down the hallway and out of sight.

“Abuelo,” I said. “I need to buy some sunglasses and a whole lot of gel.”

“Bueno.” He swallowed the last of the strawberries from the food table and smiled. “Luckily I know just the person who can get you gel and a cool pair of sunglasses.”

* * *

About two hours later, Abuelo Paco showed up at our hotel room. Papi had gotten out of work at the auto shop and driven Abuelo Paco in rush hour so he could help me get ready for my big appearance the next day. He arrived with a suitcase full of products and clothes for me to try on. Abuelo Tito and Papi went for a walk around the hotel to marvel at the architecture while Abuelo Paco worked his magic.

“First,” he said, looking at me in the mirror, “you need to moisturize.”

He rubbed a lavender-smelling cream all over my face and massaged my cheeks so much they practically got numb. Then he slathered his strong, powerful gel, called Aguanta Pomade, through my hair. When he was done, I swear I could have used my hair as a football helmet.

“Don’t shampoo tonight,” Abuelo Paco said. “By tomorrow the gel will absorb into your hair and make it even shinier.”

“What about when I sleep?”

“Aguwanta Pomade will keep your hair slicked back like that for two days at least.” Abuelo Paco showed me his perfectly combed hair. “I used a handful last week, and it’s still nice and tight on my head.”

“Impressive,” I said.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.