Post by Howard Bernstein on Jan 22, 2015 23:17:59 GMT -4
The Los Angeles sun blistering through his window on a mild Friday morning was usually enough to set Howard Bernstein off on a tangent. Today, however, was different. Leaning back with his eyes closed and his feet resting up on his obnoxiously expensive desk, Howard was soaking in what little freedom the heavens had afforded him. Of course, at any time he could have taken a break from this lavish lifestyle... could have... But Howard didn't work that way. Instead, while others would enjoy the final day of the week counting down the minutes, satisfied that their work was completed so much earlier than necessary, Mr. Bernstein was simply waiting for the newest series of dominoes to be set up across his desk.
You could make the argument that he was simply worrying about something that didn't exist yet. That wasn't it though. When possessing a grotesque level of self-confidence the way Howard Bernstein did you simply didn't sit still, not because you didn't earn or deserve it. No, the issue was Howard truly believed he was so talented and intellectual that people needed him more than they needed themselves.
It was simply a matter of time.
There it was.
Lifting his feet from his desk slowly and leaning into the speaker to his left almost a little too close, Howard couldn't shake the smile from his face. Although grinning as if he had already won the lottery, Howard's delay was slow and methodical, almost annoyingly so.
That wasn't her name. Or at least he thought. Not that he exactly cared. She would be bitching and moaning about him to her friends over coffee, drinking a double pump soy latte regardless. Hah! Soy! How counterproductive.
Bernstein knew exactly who was on the other line. Ever since his trip to Napa County and down to the Solidcore Gymnasium, Howard had barely spoken a word with this client. Not that he minded. No, in fact he cherished it. He was so used to being in constant communication with his other stream of clients it was nice to deal with someone who only called when he absolutely demanded something. A man on a mission, without a doubt. In the same vein, though, it was a terrifying experience. His favourites were the athletes considering they questioned everything but ate every answer tossed at them if there was only a shred of confidence. However, this guy... This guy had something they didn't have. A level of confidence and arrogance only to be rivaled by his own? Perhaps. It was more, Howard knew, the idea that this associate not only demanded to be better, he believed he was the best at literally everything he's done.
Howard sounded monotone and almost bored. That, with his typical stoic expression, typically gave off the impression that he couldn't care less. Partially true most of the time. Although annoyance was his style. People typically divulged more information when it sounded like the receiving party was more interested in what shade of white they'll be painting their office walls next October.
On the other end, just silence. Of course, as was expected. Not once did his representative speak on speaker phone. Consider it paranoia. Howard picks up the cordless handset, covered in a small veil of dust, from his right.
It was straight to business, as has its always been. None of it being news to him. Yes, EVPW was restarting. Yes, he served a vested interest in cornering that market. Yes, it was best for- blah, blah, blah. But Howard played along.
The tinge of sarcasm in Howard's voice was both unmistakable and unintentional.
Howard, thinking to himself, couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the charm his representative could expunge. It was almost unfathomable, he was able to say exactly what he intended to in a way to whomever he was speaking to in a way that thought it was their idea.
That was a lie.
The flights have been booked for two days now. Howard was expecting this very move, like a general plotting out his opponents every step.
As quickly as the call had started, Howard immediately heard the dial tone ending their discussion almost immediately. Leaning back and staring up at the flat, white ceiling, Howard Bernstein simply allows the series of events to roll through his mind. The level of respect for his client was at an all time high for reasons unknown. It was something about him...
Was it the unrivaled charisma he possessed? Perhaps it was the pure level of self-confidence and self-importance that ensured failure wasn't an option? Or was it sarcastic, cynical and intimidating tone in which he pressured onto everyone he spoke to? Whatever it was, he knew that it was enough of a weapon to attack the Hollywood mainstream in a way that hasn't been seen since Stallone. An indistinguishable presence that made him literally successful at every different life avenue he took.
A weapon determined to aim itself directly at EVPW.
EOT
You could make the argument that he was simply worrying about something that didn't exist yet. That wasn't it though. When possessing a grotesque level of self-confidence the way Howard Bernstein did you simply didn't sit still, not because you didn't earn or deserve it. No, the issue was Howard truly believed he was so talented and intellectual that people needed him more than they needed themselves.
It was simply a matter of time.
Secretary:
“Mr. Bernstein?”
There it was.
Secretary:
“Mr. Bernstein, you have a call on line one. It's concerning the Concord Situation.”
Lifting his feet from his desk slowly and leaning into the speaker to his left almost a little too close, Howard couldn't shake the smile from his face. Although grinning as if he had already won the lottery, Howard's delay was slow and methodical, almost annoyingly so.
Howard Bernstein:
“... Please Shelly. Put him through”
That wasn't her name. Or at least he thought. Not that he exactly cared. She would be bitching and moaning about him to her friends over coffee, drinking a double pump soy latte regardless. Hah! Soy! How counterproductive.
Bernstein knew exactly who was on the other line. Ever since his trip to Napa County and down to the Solidcore Gymnasium, Howard had barely spoken a word with this client. Not that he minded. No, in fact he cherished it. He was so used to being in constant communication with his other stream of clients it was nice to deal with someone who only called when he absolutely demanded something. A man on a mission, without a doubt. In the same vein, though, it was a terrifying experience. His favourites were the athletes considering they questioned everything but ate every answer tossed at them if there was only a shred of confidence. However, this guy... This guy had something they didn't have. A level of confidence and arrogance only to be rivaled by his own? Perhaps. It was more, Howard knew, the idea that this associate not only demanded to be better, he believed he was the best at literally everything he's done.
Howard Bernstein:
“Long time no speak Mr. Hollywood... What warrants this unexpected surprise?”
Howard sounded monotone and almost bored. That, with his typical stoic expression, typically gave off the impression that he couldn't care less. Partially true most of the time. Although annoyance was his style. People typically divulged more information when it sounded like the receiving party was more interested in what shade of white they'll be painting their office walls next October.
On the other end, just silence. Of course, as was expected. Not once did his representative speak on speaker phone. Consider it paranoia. Howard picks up the cordless handset, covered in a small veil of dust, from his right.
Howard Bernstein:
“You are a picky, picky little one, aren't you?”
It was straight to business, as has its always been. None of it being news to him. Yes, EVPW was restarting. Yes, he served a vested interest in cornering that market. Yes, it was best for- blah, blah, blah. But Howard played along.
Howard Bernstein:
“... No! No, you are kidding me! I couldn't have possibly known!”
The tinge of sarcasm in Howard's voice was both unmistakable and unintentional.
Howard Bernstein:
“Yes, of course I'm aware of your desire to compete...”
Howard, thinking to himself, couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the charm his representative could expunge. It was almost unfathomable, he was able to say exactly what he intended to in a way to whomever he was speaking to in a way that thought it was their idea.
Howard Bernstein:
“Mmm... Mhm, mhm... I am confident we can get this taken care of... No! No way! Unbelievable... I couldn't have guessed he would be there as well...”
That was a lie.
Howard Bernstein:
“Well... Well I believe I could make my way back down there... No, no... I do hold the keys...
HA! HA!
I'll be sure to book my flight right away!”
The flights have been booked for two days now. Howard was expecting this very move, like a general plotting out his opponents every step.
Howard Bernstein:
“Listen, baby, you have some reading to do, no? That script will NOT study itself, no?
I'll call you as soon as I land.”
As quickly as the call had started, Howard immediately heard the dial tone ending their discussion almost immediately. Leaning back and staring up at the flat, white ceiling, Howard Bernstein simply allows the series of events to roll through his mind. The level of respect for his client was at an all time high for reasons unknown. It was something about him...
Was it the unrivaled charisma he possessed? Perhaps it was the pure level of self-confidence and self-importance that ensured failure wasn't an option? Or was it sarcastic, cynical and intimidating tone in which he pressured onto everyone he spoke to? Whatever it was, he knew that it was enough of a weapon to attack the Hollywood mainstream in a way that hasn't been seen since Stallone. An indistinguishable presence that made him literally successful at every different life avenue he took.
A weapon determined to aim itself directly at EVPW.
EOT
