Big Time Agent



Its a tough life, now Tom has to be concerned about two things that are keeping him awake at night. Thinking about Melody always on his mind,, now he has to wonder why Rocky Rhodes would come all the way from Nashville to see him. Mr. Adams said that it would be good news; nothing to worry about. Tom has no idea what Mr. Rhodes looks like; he could be sitting in the audience at any time without Tom being aware.

When Tom received the news on Wednesday from Mr. Adams he wanted share it with Melody. He decided to wait until he found out what the visit was about. Mr. Adams made it sound as though it was very important. It must be if a man like Mr. Rhodes, was coming to Springfield especially to see him. Of course he may have other business in the area and Tom might be just a small part of his reason for coming.

Thursday nights hold a special place in Toms heart, because he first saw Melody on a Thursday. Tom recalled how, the moment he saw her, he was so taken aback that his knees almost buckled. Why didnt Mrs. Eastman tell me about this beautiful part of the Scott family? He could have been better prepared for the shock. It may not have been love at first sight for Melody but it was for Tom.

This Thursday turned out to be special in another way. During his first set he saw Monsignor ODowd sitting at a table with another priest who looked too young to be wearing the cloth. At the break, he went to their table and thanked them for coming. Monsignor said, The pleasure is all mine Tom. Id like you to meet Father Dwyer who recently joined our staff at Sacred Heart.

Its nice to meet you Father, Tom said as they shook hands.

Monsignor said, I talked with Sister Anne the other day and she sends you her best. I told her that you were doing very well and that made her happy.

Thank you Father, Ive always loved Sister Anne.

Monsignor ODowd smiled, I think everyone does.

Tom returned to the stage. In the middle of the next set, Monsignor ODowd and Father Dwyer rose, gave Tom the victory sign and walked toward the door, apparently returning to their parish.

Tom was unusually tired after his performance. He went to his room, showered and went to bed. As he was about to doze off, the phone rang. Hello?

Hello, Tom, this is Melody, Did I wake you?

You didnt, I just got into bed.

I was thinking about you and wanted to call to see how you are.

Im fine . . . miss you more every day.

I miss you too, when can we get together?

Lets see, next week ends my five-week contract and Ill have Monday and Tuesday off. I can drive up early Monday and be at your home by noon. Hows that?

Thats ten days away, but it will be fine, Im anxious to see you.

Tom didnt want to take the chance of missing Mr. Rhodes by going sooner and if there was good news he could share it with her in ten days. I did get a five-week hold over here and they seem to like me.

Im not surprised, your show is a good one. You make it that way.

Im glad you think so, Melody. How is everything?

Fine, same routine but I like it.

Thats good, I hate to have to wait ten days to see you but there is a reason, a good reason, Ill tell you when I get there.

Melody sighed, I can hardly wait.

Now you know how Ive felt for along time, Melody. Ill see you then, bye.

This call definitely made Tom feel that he and Melody were on the same page as far as their feelings toward one another were concerned. He felt like getting up and dancing abound the room but instead he dropped off into a badly needed, deep sleep.

The next week seemed to pass much slower than usual, probably because he knew the following Monday he would see Melody.

With one more day to go on his first five-week contract he saw Mr. Adams at a table with someone he didnt recognize. He thought that perhaps it was Mr. Rhodes, whose visit he had been expecting for the past week. During the break following his third set Tom went to their table. Mr. Adams spoke first, Tom, I want you to meet by boss, Jim Rhodes.

They shook hands and sat down. They engaged in small talk for a couple of minutes, then Mr. Adams excused himself and went to the bar so Mr. Rhodes and Tom could speak in private.

Tom said, Ive been expecting you. Mr. Adams told me that you wanted to talk to me.

Yes he told you right, I have something that I want to run by you and see what you think. I know that you are very new in the business. Ive heard some good things about you and I like what I have seen. What Id like to do is this: I want you to finish your next five-week extension here at the Mark, then, come to my office in Nashville. One of my song writers, Sam Williams has written some material that I feel would fit you perfectly.

Count on me, Ill be able to leave here as soon as my contract is up.

After you get there you can practice the songs and I can get you on the Opry as a new talent. How does that sound to you?

On the Grand Ole Opry? It sounds like a scene from a movie. You can do that?

Yes, I can do that. After the Opry, well see what the response is and if its good, we can pick our spots.








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