Once Alex was settled at her house, Nancy took him to CAA the following day to officially sign him as a client. Upon entering the CAA office, Alex looked around in excitement.
"Well, kiddo, here we are: Creative Artists Agency. Pretty impressive, huh?" she said, a hopeful lilt in her voice as she observed his expression.
"Yeah," Alex breathed, his gaze sweeping across the walls. They weren't just covered in pictures; they were adorned with iconic movie posters, signed headshots, and framed magazine covers celebrating massive hits. Each one felt like a testament to the power wielded within these walls. "It's… way bigger than I imagined, Aunt Nancy." It felt less like an office and more like a gallery of success.
"They represent some of the biggest stars and most successful projects in the business," Nancy explained, her eyes sparkling with a blend of reflected glamour and maternal hope. "These walls tell stories, Alex. And one day, I truly believe your picture will be up here too." She paused, letting the weight of the possibility settle. "Remember what I told you – take a deep breath, be yourself, be polite, answer honestly. You belong here just as much as anyone."
Just then, a professionally crisp voice called out, "Nancy Jones?" An assistant beckoned them forward. Nancy straightened her jacket, her shoulders squaring, a gesture that betrayed none of the underlying familial investment, and placed a reassuring hand on Alex's arm.
"Alright, that's our cue," she murmured, giving his arm a gentle squeeze that felt both like an agent's encouragement and an aunt's support. "Deep breath. We've got this."
Nancy led Alex through a set of imposing frosted glass doors, the quiet hum intensifying slightly as they entered a more private corridor lined with offices. At the end stood a solid wood door with a simple brass plate: Bill Haber. Nancy gave a confident knock.
A voice called, "Come in!"
Nancy pushed the door open, revealing a comfortably furnished office. It felt less overtly corporate than the lobby, warmer, more focused.
Behind a large, neatly organized desk sat BILL HABER. He looked sharp, mid-forties perhaps, with intelligent eyes and an air of relaxed authority. He rose immediately as they entered, a welcoming smile creasing the corners of his eyes, and extended a hand to Alex.
"Alex, welcome. Bill Haber. A pleasure to meet you," he said, his voice calm and resonant. His handshake was firm, brief, and professional.
"Bill, thank you so much for taking the time," she replied, smiling.
"Thank you, sir," Alex managed, the words catching slightly in his throat. Pleasure to meet you? he thought. He probably says that to everyone who walks in here. Still, the fact that the head of the TV department at CAA was even meeting him, a complete nobody, was surreal.
"Please, have a seat. So, Alex," he began, leaning back slightly, his eyes appraising but kind. "Nancy showed me some of your work. You've got a natural talent, kid. A real spark. In this business, that's the foundation."
"That's the most important thing. Passion. We can work with passion. CAA, as you know, is a younger agency compared to some of the old guard," he said, a note of pride in his voice. "But what we lack in years, we make up for in drive and a fresh perspective. While we have clients across film, television is a huge part of our focus, and it's where a lot of exciting opportunities are right now, especially for young talent."
Alex sensed the genuine encouragement in Bill's tone. He knew that at some of the older, more established agencies like WMA, a complete newcomer wouldn't get within ten feet of the head of a department. But he'd heard whispers about CAA's different approach – a culture of leveraging all their resources for their clients, no matter how new. It was about making everyone feel like they had the entire agency behind them, a strategy to foster loyalty and success.
Nodding in agreement, Nancy said, "That's what we were hoping, Bill."
"Nancy believes in you, Alex. And frankly, so do I, based on what I've seen. So, here's the deal." He picked up a document from his desk. "We'd like to bring you on board, represent you here at CAA. Nancy will be your primary agent, guiding you through the process, setting up auditions, and helping you navigate this crazy world." He slid the document across the desk towards Alex. "This is just the standard agreement. Have a read through when you have a moment. But welcome to the CAA family, Alex."
"Wow! Thank you so much, Mr. Haber! And thank you, Nancy! This is… this is amazing." Alex reached for the document, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
"Just 'Bill' is fine, Alex. And the amazing part is just beginning. With Nancy in your corner and your talent, you've got a real shot. Now, the hard work starts. But we'll be here to support you every step of the way."
Alex looked down at the contract in his hands. A wide smile breaking through his initial nervousness, his eyes shining with a mixture of elation at this incredible opportunity and a newfound determination to prove himself worthy of it.
*****
In the living room of a modest but comfortable house Alex and Nancy are discussing the next steps. It's evening, and the warm glow of lamps illuminates the space. A couch and a couple of armchairs are arranged around a coffee table cluttered with papers – scripts, casting call notices, and a few headshots. There's a sense of organized chaos, hinting at the flurry of activity involved in pursuing an acting career.
Alex is brimming with nervous energy, pacing with agitated steps that threatened to wear a hole in the rug.
"So… I have an agent," he said, his voice still filled with a hint of disbelief. "That's… incredible. But what now? How do I actually get a job?"
"Patience, grasshopper," Nancy said, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she watched his nervous energy. "This is where the real work begins. Getting an agent was a huge first step, and you skipped a lot of hurdles thanks to me and… well, your talent. Now we focus on getting you in front of the right people."
"Right. Auditions," he muttered, stopping his pacing. "But where do I even start? It feels like… everyone in this town wants to be an actor."
"That's true," she acknowledged, nodding slightly. "It's a competitive business. But we have a strategy. Given your age and where you're at, I think the best place to focus right now is the after-school specials on ABC, CBS, and NBC."
"After-school specials?" he asked, a slight furrow in his brow. "Like those movies they show during the week?"
"Exactly," she confirmed. "They often deal with important issues relevant to teenagers, and they're a fantastic platform for young actors to gain experience and visibility. The networks are always looking for fresh faces."
"Okay…" he said slowly, considering her suggestion. "That makes sense."
"And while we're at it, I can also try to get you auditions for small guest roles on some of the teen-focused TV shows that are around," she added, tapping the papers in her hand. "Even a few lines can be valuable experience and get your face out there."
"So, you can actually get me these auditions?" he asked, a hopeful tone creeping into his voice.
"That's what an agent does, honey," she said matter-of-factly. "Now that you're with CAA, they have connections. I've already spoken to a few people there about you. They were impressed with what I showed them – the tapes and things. They see your potential, Alex. I've seen it too. You have a real gift. Some of the best I've seen for someone your age."
"Really?" he said, a flicker of pride momentarily replacing his anxiety. "You think so?"
Nancy reached across the coffee table, placing her hand over his. "I know so," she stated firmly, her gaze direct and encouraging. "But talent alone isn't always enough in this town. There's also a good chunk of luck involved. Being in the right place at the right time, meeting the right people..."
Heaving a small sigh Alex said, "Luck. Right."
"But we can't rely on luck," she countered, her tone becoming more serious. "We can control the effort. We can prepare for every audition, work on your craft, and be professional. That's what we'll focus on."
"It's just… it feels like such a big mountain to climb," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "You and Mom… you both struggled for so long just to get a foot in the door. And I just… walked right in."
Nancy's expression softening, she reached out and took his hand. "You are fortunate, Alex," she said gently. "You have a head start that your mother and I didn't. Having an agent right away is a huge advantage. But you're right about one thing. This is just the beginning. Everything from here on out will depend on your hard work, your dedication, and your willingness to learn and grow. Don't ever forget that."
"I won't," he said, his voice firming with newfound resolve. "Thank you, Nancy. For everything."
"You're welcome, sweetie," she murmured pulling him into a hug, squeezing him tightly.
"Now, let's get to work on finding you some auditions. I have a feeling this is just the start of something big."
A moment later, they hear a squeal from the door saying "Alex!"
Janet, an 11-year-old with fiery red hair, bursts into the living room and throws herself into Alex's arms almost throwing him off his balance.
"Alex! You're here!" she is shouting with excitement.
Laughing, Alex hugging her tightly, "Hey, Red! Missed you too, kiddo".
Janet pulled back and eyes sparkling said, "So, tell me everything! The agent, the auditions… are you going to be a big star?"
Alex grinning. "Well, it's a start."
Janet pointing a finger at him with playful seriousness. "Then you are going to sign your first autograph to me, right? Me, your favorite sister?"
Alex chuckled at that. "Deal. First autograph is all yours."
Nancy smiling said "Alright, alright, let the poor boy breathe."
And Alex felt like he is at home.