Mike called on Monday as he promised and immediately I knew he was the bearer of bad news. Manilow didn't want to meet us, or at least that's what Manilow's people implied.Being in the business Mike had heard stories that Mnailow could be difficult. In his book Barry even admitted that at times he "used to be a jerk.'
But now he was supposedly a new guy, more open and friendly to fans, the media and the general public. I had a taste of his kindness at the bookstore signing. He had done so much for charities over the years. I couldn't understand why he may be reluctant to share in this story?
Maybe if he did one of these he would have to do them all/ I tried to find any excuse I could to justify his supposed resistance.
Mike was asked if I could transfer from my wheelchair to a regular seat. I could, but what difference did that make? It was hard to believe that the wheelchair was an issue.
The real reason was the TV camera.No camera policy by Manilow's people. But without recording the meeting there would be no story. Without the story Mike would have to pull the plug on the entire event.
Mike was right. The wheelchair had nothing to do with this story. He stood his ground . "You have your dignity," he said firmly. . Your'e staying in the chair."
We only wanted to say hell and, let Barry know how much his music meant to us. What was the big deal?
I didn't want it to be a big deal. I know Mike had to get his story. But to me and to Jill we would've been very happy not to have all the cameras and hoopla. We simply wanted to meet the guy.
I felt pretty disillusioned as Mike said not to get my hopes up high. Don't suddenly hate Manilow, he advised. We were dealing with legal hassles, policies and insensitive publicity people who really didn't have a clue.I began to regret writing that letter to begin with.
Mike felt even worse.He especially felt bad for Jill.It was too late to get a refund on her plate ticket. She was coming over, story or no story. So we would have a nice, unexpected weekend together no matter what.We would see the show. I dreaded having to call her and explain what happened. Mike talked to her instead so that she was prepared for the worst.
Now I had to prepare to rearrange plans at the last minute, such as scheduling a shuttle to pick up Jill at the airport. My faith had been shaken but I still prayed for a miracle.
Just when things looked bleak Mike called on Wednesday, two days before the meeting. When I heard his voice I expected him to officially say he was sorry but things just didn't work out. Instead, they had reached a compromise. Manilow's team still said no to cameras backstage, but apparently word got to Barry about this and he either changed his mind and did want to meet or he never knew about this whole thing in the first place. He even remembered me from the bookstore.
Or so Mike said.
The station would be allowed to film the first three songs of the show for their lead-up but absolutely no cameras of any kind backstage. Although filming the meeting would've been terrific, Mike wanted our wish to come true, especially after all the hassles. Plus he wanted to stick it to the casino and those who gave him a hard time all week. He could work around the no camera policy.
Everything was back on!
Mike got Jill's arrival time at the airport and some background info when he called her again. She was excited, as was I, still not believing what was about to happen and that a miracle happened.
Along with learning more about celebrities and the people around them, I also learned there were still some truly nice people around too, like Mike, who risked his reputation by sticking up for us against some pretty powerful folks.
Friday morning was here. I couldn't imagine the day ahead. Dressed in a chocolate brown suit and tie, I waited with Mom for Mike and the TV crew to arrive. It was 10 a.m. and the spring day had turned sunny and crisp. Butterflies soared in my stomach. The limelight was part of the deal but I didn't look forward to any of it.
A huge white stretch limo pulled into our driveway. The neighbors had to think someone had died.
Emerging from the backseat was Mike himself. He looked the same as on TV,: medium height and weight, short brown curly hair and a friendly smile. I thanked him for everything. What a crazy week on the emotions and the nerves. And the story was just beginning.
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