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rickie-the-storyteller · 7 days ago

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Behind Closed Doors: Part 1

Intro:

How's this for a cover picture? It's AI generated lol - I asked ChatGPT for ideas for what sorts of things could be included for a cover picture that gives of the vibe that suits the story (I was originally going to make a cover by myself using some pics off of Pinterest or something), and it generated a mockup image of the Renaud Records building. I had no idea it could even do that! I'm not even paying to use the plus version... I didn't do much... just cropped it a little, and did some colour grading on it. I think it looks alright!

Anyways, I was going to wait a little while before embarking on this new adventure, but I've been feeling like I've been putting stuff off for a while, and I don't know that is a positive thing for me anymore. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it's necessary to take breaks, but there's a difference between that and stalling because of fear or uncertainty. I don't want to do the latter, so here I am!

It's so cool to be able to do this again with a new writing project. I really hope you guys enjoy it! I love these new characters with all my heart, and I hope their journeys throughout the story entertain, inspire and move you as much as they have with me. Here is where it all begins...

The Gala

(Setting: A lavish charity gala in late September. The venue is an upscale hotel ballroom decorated with crystal chandeliers and elaborate floral arrangements. Elena Crewe, wearing a simple black dress, nervously adjusts her name tag while scanning the crowd of wealthy attendees.)

Angie: (approaching Elena with two glasses of champagne) Hey, girl. You look like you could use this.

Elena: Oh gosh, yes. Thanks. (takes a glass) I feel so out of place here.

Angie: You'll be fine! Just remember - you're here for a good cause. Besides, most of these people are way less intimidating than they look.

Elena: Easy for you to say. You work with them.

Angie: Well, I don't work one-on-one with them or anything... not really. But I see them all the time where I work. Trust me, once you get past all the designer labels and fake smiles, you realise that at the end of the day, they're just people. (notices someone across the room) Oh! Speaking of people... Vincent Renaud just walked in with his brother Lewis and his wife. I forget her name. But I know it begins with an "S." Sarah, perhaps? Wait, that's not right...

Elena: Where?

Angie: By the entrance. Tall guy in the navy suit, talking to that other tall guy in grey who's holding hands with that blonde woman in red. Ugh, what is her name again? Susan?

Elena: (nervous laugh) Oh wow. He's... not what I expected.

Angie: What did you expect?

Elena: I don't know. Someone older? More... corporate looking? He looks like he belongs in a magazine or something.

Angie: Yeah, the Renauds won the genetic lottery AND the money lottery. Life's not fair sometimes. (checking her phone) Shoot, I need to go handle something. You gonna be okay by yourself for a while?

Elena: (shifts nervously, but nods) Yeah, I think so. Thanks again, girl. Wish me luck!

Angie: (smiles) Go get 'em, tiger. And remember - they're all just people.

(Angie leaves. Elena takes a deep breath and makes her way toward Vincent, who is now alone checking his phone.)

Elena: Uh, hey! Hey, Sir. Can I talk to you for a sec?

Vincent: (looking up from his phone, slight surprise in his expression) Yes?

(Elena is briefly taken aback for a moment. He is a lot more striking in appearance in person than he is online and in pictures. His piercing blue eyes are particularly striking, and leave her momentarily in a bit of a stupor that she brushes off once she realises that they've been standing in silence looking at each other for a little too long)

Elena: You're Mr. Renaud of Renaud Records, aren't you?

Vincent: (locks his phone and puts it away) Yes, I am. How can I help you?

Elena: Oh, I'm Elena Crewe. I work in New Horizons, and I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time? I don't know if you know anything about it... it's a non-profit organisation that helps at-risk young people.

Vincent: New Horizons... the one with the youth outreach program?

Elena: You've heard of us?

Vincent: (small smile) I make it my business to know about interesting local initiatives.

Elena: Cool! So, you are familiar with some of our work, then. That's really great to hear. And it makes things a little easier for me.

Vincent: Well, I think it's just really good to keep yourself informed on things. Especially things that show a lot of promise. Is there anything specific you wanted to discuss about New Horizons?

Elena: Uh... (gets a bit nervous again upon becoming aware of the intense eye contact between them at this point. Tries her best to push through the conversation) I was wondering if I could talk to you about all the other things we do to support kids in need, and their families as well. It would be great to get some extra support, especially from someone like you.

Vincent: Someone like me?

Elena: Y-yeah. You know…

Vincent: Or me?

Elena: Well, I mean I'm here talking to you, aren't I?

(Something like intrigue or amusement flashes in Vincent's eyes for a moment, but when he talks again, it is in the same polite but detached business-like tone as before)

Vincent: (looks around the increasingly busy room) You know what? I think we should go somewhere a little more quiet. Come with me, Miss Crewe.

(They make their way to the more private terrace outside, away from the loud crowds of people in the venue. There, they continue their conversation)

Elena: So, how much do you know about what we do?

Vincent: (leaning against the wall) Enlighten me.

Elena: (gaining confidence) Well, we work with at-risk youth, providing everything from after-school programs to career counselling. Last year alone, we helped over five hundred kids stay in school and off the streets.

Vincent: Wow...

Elena: (smiles) Yeah! It's great to be able to make such a difference.

Vincent: May I ask why you're here?

Elena: (smile falters slightly) What?

Vincent: What are you looking for, exactly?

Elena: Support. Financial support, specifically. But also potentially partnerships. Your influence could-

Vincent: (interrupting) My influence?

Elena: (standing her ground) Yes, your influence. The Renaud name carries weight in this city. Having you publicly support our cause could make a real impact.

Vincent: (smiles, amused) You're very direct, Miss Crewe.

Elena: (shrugs, trying to push past her nerves) Is that a problem?

Vincent: No, no. (chuckling) Actually, it's refreshing. I'm used to most people spending twenty minutes kissing up before getting to the point.

Elena: Well, I figured your time is valuable. And honestly, so is mine.

Vincent: (raising an eyebrow) Is that so?

Elena: Yeah. Every minute I waste on social niceties is a minute I could be doing my actual job. Protecting and supporting those in need of my help.

Vincent: Huh.

Elena: What?

Vincent: (incredulous) You actually enjoy working?

Elena: (laughs) Yeah, I do. Weird, right?

(Both of them laugh a bit at this)

Vincent: Alright, alright. Let's focus on the matter at hand... tell me more about your little project.

Elena: Okay. With all due respect, Mr. Renaud, this is so much more than just a "little project." We're changing lives at New Horizons... I mean, the decrease in gang activity alone this past year has been incredible.

Vincent: Really?

Elena: Yeah. And we've supported so many people through complex family issues and seemingly impossible situations. Last year, I worked with a seventeen-year-old named Mateo. It was his last year of high school and he was on the verge of dropping out, caught up in the wrong crowd and falling behind on his schoolwork. But through our mentorship program, he not only was able to stay in school but also landed a scholarship to study engineering.

Vincent: (nodding slowly) Impressive.

Elena: Yeah... he's on track to getting his dream job. He's so excited about that. Oh, and there's Layla...

Vincent: Who's that?

Elena: Layla Young. A young single mother who was struggling to make ends meet. She took one of our vocational training courses, and now she’s running her own small but successful catering business. She recently got engaged, I believe. She's doing really well right now.

Vincent: That's amazing.

Elena: Yep! And that's just two out of hundreds of cases. What we’re doing really works. But to keep it going, we need support. That's why I'm here.

Vincent: (studying her with newfound interest) You really believe in this, don't you?

Elena: I do. Because I've seen the difference it makes. These aren't just statistics, Mr. Renaud. These are real kids with real potential.

Vincent: Hmm. Well, this is a lot of interesting information. And it is clear that you care a lot about your cause, which is great. Why should Renaud Entertainment care, though?

Elena: Because helping those in need is a good thing.

Vincent: Uh-huh…

Elena: What? That's not good enough of a reason for you?

Vincent: Miss Crewe, you're trying to negotiate with me here. Correct?

Elena: I guess.

Vincent: You should really get the other party interested in what you have to offer. That's the whole point of negotiating. Give me a compelling business case.

Elena: ...Fine. I have other reasons why you should care, too. Aside from the obvious moral imperative, I believe partnering with New Horizons would be good for your company's image and reputation. Consumers often value brands that give back to the community. This could be excellent PR for the company. So this partnership would be mutually beneficial as a whole.

Vincent: (nods slowly, taking it in) Okay...

Elena: (gaining confidence upon realising that he seems genuinely interested) And think about it - these kids are the future. The next generation of writers, producers, singers, actors… the very backbone of your industry. Your future talent pool. By supporting them now, you're investing in the future of your business. You need to help them so that they can help you. You know?

Vincent: Mhm.

Elena: Young people are your biggest audience, too. Investing in them now isn't just charity - it's smart. Business-wise. And well, considering your company profits largely from youth culture and entertainment, wouldn't it make sense to invest in the next generation?

Vincent: You've thought about this a lot, haven't you?

Elena: Yeah. (pauses) Wait, what's that supposed to mean?

Vincent: (chuckles) Nothing, Miss Crewe. It was just an observation. But this has been a really interesting talk. You've certainly given me a lot to think about.

(Vincent's phone chimes in his pocket. He takes it out and looks at the notification before looking up to face Elena again)

Vincent: Unfortunately, I can't stay much longer. Family commitments, you know how it is.

Elena: (tries to hide the disappointment in her voice) Oh. Is everything alright?

Vincent: (nods, puts his phone away again) Yeah, yeah. That was just my brother. He's taking Sable home early because she was feeling under the weather. But he also reminded me to meet up at Cam's for our weekly dinner get-together. Can't miss it.

Elena: I understand. Thank you for your time, anyways.

Vincent: Tell you what, though... I don't mind continuing this conversation. We can arrange a meeting for next week and finish things up then?

(Vincent hands her his business card)

Elena: (eyes widening) Oh!

Vincent: Yeah. Call this number, my assistant will work something out for you. This conversation has been fun. I'm looking forward to continuing it.

Elena: (taking the card, a smile spreading across her face) Oh, me too! Thank you so much for this.

Vincent: Of course. (turns to leave, then pauses) Oh, and one more piece of advice - next time, you might want to consider dressing a bit more... appropriately for these kinds of events.

Elena: (looks down at her dress. It was a hand-me-down from her mother, and the nicest, most expensive thing she owned) O-oh. Ok.

(With a final chuckle, Vincent departs, leaving Elena momentarily flustered and unsure how to feel about his parting comment. She stands alone on the terrace, staring at the card in her hand. Her emotions are a swirl—part excitement, part indignation, part something else she doesn't want to closely focus on. She exhales sharply, trying to shake off his final remark)

Angie: (pops up from behind her) Hey! There you are.

Elena: Oh, gosh. Where were you?

Angie: It's a long story... to give you the CliffsNotes version, my boyfriend's band has finally booked a gig. All thanks to moi.

Elena: Ah, that's awesome! Tell him I said congrats.

Angie: Will do. Also, I bumped into some fans of the pod.

Elena: That's cool. But speaking of the pod, have you finished editing the latest episode?

Angie: ...I'm getting to that.

Elena: Angie! We're already two weeks behind schedule!

Angie: I know, I know. It'll be done by the end of the week, I swear. How has the networking been going for you?

Elena: Uh... good. Better than I thought it would go, anyways.

Angie: Yeah?

Elena: I got somebody's business card.

Angie: Really? That's great!

Elena: Do I look okay?

Angie: ...What?

Elena: My dress. Somebody said it was inappropriate.

Angie: Who?

Elena: It doesn't matter, Ang. He's already left.

Angie: It was Vincent, wasn't it?

Elena: Uh... yeah. How'd you know?

Angie: I don't see him anywhere. Or Lewis. Or his wife. Whatever her name is... Stacie? Sophie?

Elena: ...Sable?

Angie: (gasps) THAT'S IT! I knew it was an "S" name...

Elena: (chuckles) Yeah, he made a comment about the fit. Didn't appreciate that... but talking to him wasn't all bad. He and I had a long and interesting conversation.

Angie: Ugh, the nerve of him. Then again, maybe I shouldn't be all that surprised...

Elena: What do you mean?

Angie: He's just like that sometimes, you know. Cold, stern business guy. It's easy to find him intimidating.

Elena: Gosh, yeah. I was freaking out the whole time I was talking to him. I tried not to make that too obvious.

Angie: Still, I thought he'd actually be decent. Especially since this is a charity gala and you are a complete stranger he's meeting for the very first time. Like, it's different from people he works with on a regular basis.

Elena: (shrugs, her tone resigned) It's fine. He probably didn’t mean anything by it. I mean, look at everyone here—they’re all dripping in designer labels. I guess I stood out.

Angie: (crossing her arms) Yeah, well, standing out isn’t a bad thing, Elena. You’re not like them, and that’s why you’re here — to shake things up. You're good at that.

Elena: (smiling faintly) Thanks, Angie.

Angie: Come on. (extends her hand) Let's go celebrate our evening of success with some more champagne.

Elena: Great idea. (takes her hand. The two friends head back inside together and have fun for the rest of the night. On her way home after the event was finished, Elena’s mind lingers on Vincent’s words and the way he looked at her during their conversation — sharp, assessing, but not unkind. She promises herself to focus on making sure she is well prepared for the next time she meets Vincent Renaud. She is determined to impress him and secure this deal with him)

Outro:

That's it for part 1. More or less how the story starts.

I have fully outlined this story, but I have no idea how many parts I will end up splitting these dialogue plans into... we'll see how it goes, I guess.

BTW, about Angie... she is meant to be Elena's closest friend in the story. And in past posts, I have called her "Angel." I like that name a lot (especially for a character that is a close and loyal friend or protector... makes me think of guardian angels), but I decided to change that here. Partially because I've already got a character named Angel in another story lol (not that these two stories can't be connected, but still). I decided to call this specific character "Angelina" because it is a pretty name (as well as one of my favourite Lizzy McAlpine songs haha), and it also happens to have the word "angel" in it. And I have the characters of this story refer to her as "Angie" for short.

Anyways, that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed the very first part of this brand new story. Let me know your thoughts.

#rickie-the-storyteller #writerblr #original characters #original content #dialogue practice #dialogue planning #behind closed doors

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