Chapter 40

CHAPTER 40

“Good morning, how can I help you?” asks the beautiful Asian woman in a smart gray suit at the front desk of the Palazzo. Her name tag reads M ONIQUE .

“Hi, Monique,” says Maddy. “I’m a guest here at the hotel, and I’ve been here for a few nights. I was wondering, as a preferred guest, if there are any upgrades available.”

“Let me check.”

The second show of her gig at Planet Hollywood was a few nights ago. She’s since been hitting the clubs every evening, begging for a slot, even five measly minutes. So far, it’s been a bust.

When she can get a ticket, she stays to see a show. She’s been to MGM, the Venetian, Caesars. She returned to Planet Hollywood last night but left halfway through the first comic because she was sure someone was following her.

She couldn’t let them find her. That’s when she had the idea to switch rooms, throw them off. She taps her fingers on the counter.

Monique’s eyes dart about her computer screen. She types and types. She’s taking forever. She keeps typing. Could she go any slower? How can it take this long to get a simple answer? Yes or no.

“Yes, we have a junior suite available. It has a baby grand piano in it. Would you like that?”

A piano! Maddy cannot believe her luck. But it’s not luck, of course. It’s divine flow. This moment was meant for her.

“Yes! That would be perfect ! I’m a comedian, so I’m mostly a comedy writer, but I also write song lyrics, and my friend Taylor and I have been talking about collaborating on a new album for a while, so this is exactly what I need!”

“Wonderful. There will be an additional charge for the upgrade. Would you like me to use the card we have on file?”

“Yes.”

After Thanksgiving, when she knew she’d soon no longer have a dorm room for housing in the city, she applied for a credit card. She figured it would be a good idea to have one, in case her expenses exceeded her current cash flow. She might need it at times to stay afloat. Who knew it would come in so handy so quickly? She knew. She’s a genius.

“Great, let me just activate a new key card for you. Would you like me to ask a bellman to help you move your luggage?”

“No, and in fact, don’t tell anyone where I am. No one can know. This is top secret. Promise you won’t tell anyone what room I’m in.”

“No, we never reveal the room numbers of our guests.”

“Good. That’s good.”

“Here you go,” Monique says, handing Maddy her new key card.

Room 913. Maddy’s face lights up like a neon Vegas billboard. Taylor’s lucky number is thirteen, and Maddy’s lucky number is nine. It’s a sign!

A new idea explodes in her mind like grand finale fireworks. She’s got the piano. She’s got the time. She’s got the talent as a writer. This is Taylor’s way of telling her to go for it. Solo.

This will be her album. And it’s going to be a hit. Maddy Banks is going to be the next Taylor Swift.