“Joey, how are you? Long time, no talk.”

“Well, yeah, er, It has been kind of hectic around here.”

“I can understand. With Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young going out next year, you must be one busy booking agent.”

“Yeah, busy. So, what can I do for you?”

“I just don’t get it, Joey. I read about the new tours for Willie Nelson and Jah Works. I tried to bid on those acts, but you never returned my calls.”

“Really? My assistant must have lost your messages.”

“We go back a long ways, Joey. I was your first buyer, remember? Paid top dollar, too.”

“Did you leave voice mail? Maybe there was a glitch in the system. It happens.”

“Now you’re mister bigshot booking agent, talking on the phone all day, making deals, booking dates with big promoters. I guess you don’t have time to talk to a small town indie talent buyer anymore.”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Not when there are big concert promoter companies out there like Beer Channel Entertainment.”

“Clear Channel.”

“Whatever. I see my competition has Alejandro Escovedo and Guitar Shorty. Aren’t those your clients?”

“Uh, uh.”

“Joey, Joey, Joey. We have a history, you and I. We were good for each other. Now you ignore me, and you never accept my bids. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“I can’t help it. I try to return all my calls. I try to look at all the offers. It’s just been, you know, busy.”

“Okay, Joey. I’ll try to understand. What are you working on now?”

“We’re sending Mike Clark’s Prescription Renewal out around Christmas.”

“And?”

“And I’ll definitely call you when I’m ready to consider offers.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Thank you, Joey. I really appreciate that.

“Sure thing, Dad, and please tell Mom that I’ll return her calls as soon as I get a chance.”