Man how time goes by. It was almost Christmas and I had to go to Dallas to be with my family. Yet, there was one slight detail to take of.
You see, I was a rock star on the verge of a new contract, or so I thought.

I stopped off at my manager's house. His name was Antonio Romero; a jockey set dude who had lots of money, chicks and deals up my freaking ass.

His house was a mansion compared to all the others here in Nashville, TN. Mind you, he was a large guy, but very friendly and cordial.

As I drove my Mercedes up the driveway, the fountain was covered in the most beautiful Christmas lights I have ever seen. The garland of red and white draped over it gave it a warm and fuzzy appearance. Sort of like my grandpa.

The exterior of the house was also draped with a big red wreath hanging over the archway.

Antonio opened the door with one hand, and a bottle in the other. "Hey Peter, nice to see you." He puts his arm around me. I felt his bear hug digging into me.

"So where's everybody else?" Antonio asks. Looking around the doorway seeing if the coast was clear.

"The youngsters are home with the wife." I said casually.

The interior of the house smelled of fresh pine as a huge tree sat in the corner of the living room. Garland was wrapped around the maple staircase, and Christmas carols were playing on the record player.

"Where is everybody? You know, man, like the band and all those press." The place was awful empty as I turned the corner and walked down the long hallway to his huge bar. It was there that someone caught my attention.

"Well, if it ain't the great Peter Van Horton!" Jimmy Dorsen said in a loud vicarious manner. "I haven't seen you in what…. 2 years."
His hand extended to meet mine and he a smile like a leprechaun on his face, it sure felt like ol' times once again.

"You know Jimmy, man. I got married, had a few kids, and now I'm hungry for some rock 'n roll." I signed for Antonio to bring us a few drinks

"Well, it's nice to know that something's never change." His leather jacket and denim jeans matched the image of our band. We were the loudest, most powerful band on the face of the earth.

"So like, ah, what have you've been up to? I mean besides the family?"

Antonio returned with Martini on the rocks for me, and a Scotch for Jimmy. He was intent on listening in on this conversation.

"Well, let's see, I've been doing some production work in a local studio. Man, you've have got to see the stuff they got. I was like wow. This would blow our old place to shame." A smile returned to my face, and I see that Jimmy was interested.

"Wow...do you mean we can jam there as well, dude?"

"Not so fast. It takes a lot of money and know-how to get in."

"It's not that easy, I mind you." Antonio stated. "In that studio, which I own, it would set you back $400 for a session." Antonio pointed a finger into his ribcage. "But with Peter, I could get it for under $150."

"Gee...that sounds great, man? So when do we start?"

Antonio looked at me and his face became one of bewilderment. "That's why I asked you to come over, Peter." He put his head down and took the contract from under the bar. "You see, the other members of the band, Rick and Jason, are not happy with the deal."

"What do you mean not happy?" I could feel my face becoming red and knew this was not good news.

"What do they want? They already gave us $50 million for the next 5 years, which includes 3 albums, 2 tours, and whole bunch of PR."

I took the contract from Antonio and looked at the provisions. Everything was all right by everybody last Thanksgiving, and now it's changed to this.

"Peter, I know you're mad. Believe me, I am upset about this as well." He put his hand on my jacket to calm my nerves. "If there was any other way to settle this, I would do it. Jason and Rick are just wanting more."

More what? Drugs, sex, booze. I've been in rehab for the past 6 months recuperating from the last tour, and I am not going through this again."

"Ah…why not just chill out for a while dude." Jimmy said in a humorous way.

"Boy, you sure one sick puppy. You set me up." My head turned and I belted him a left hook. Jimmy swaggered as he got up.

"It wasn't my idea man. We all agreed to the contract." His lip was bleeding for the left side.

"Look, either you are my friend or not. Make up your choice now. Because once I walk out of this place, I'm not coming back until I sign that contract." I stormed out the door, and felt betrayed. But by whom? I turned the key and backed the car out of the driveway.