Chapter 206: JD Talent Universe

After the supermarket, I was back in Malibu, kissing Lindsay on the deck.

We stopped for a while, she was admiring the view, and I was admiring her (she really is a beautiful model), while I wrapped my arm around her waist.

"I really miss a view like this. NYC beaches are kind of ugly..." she murmured.

"Kind of?" I said, amused. The beaches there don’t even compare to Malibu—or to San Diego, where Lindsay used to live (before that, she lived in Moreno Valley, in San Bernardino County).

"The temperature too, I almost froze over there," she continued sweetly.

"And the company—us Californians are the best!" I proclaimed, making her laugh.

"I can’t deny it."

Then, I received a message from Pepper:

We closed the deal with Simon Fuller.

Simon Fuller is the creator of Pop Idol in the UK, launched in October last year, around the same time we finalized everything with NBC for America's Got Talent.

Pop Idol was a massive hit, just like AGT is currently turning out to be.

Simon Cowell liked our show (no wonder, he was the one who originally created it). And he facilitated the launch of both: Britain's Got Talent and American Idol, helping us close the deals alongside the other Simon.

Simon Cowell will be a judge on both (he’s exactly the kind of judge we need: a charismatic villain the audience loves to hate).

"Something good happened?" Lindsay asked me, seeing me smile.

Something clicked in me. "Very. And you just gave me another great idea," I said, kissing her. "Be right back."

She nodded and went back to admire the ocean.

---

I stepped inside and called Pepper.

"Hello, Jake," she answered after a brief moment.

"Peps, I got a brilliant idea. Since we now have American Idol and AGT, I thought of creating the JD Talent Universe, with other shows that seek talent. It would be:

The Voice Kids: a competition somewhat similar to the other two, but focused on vocals, with blind auditions — the judges sit facing away from the stage. They're famous singers who must build a team they will coach. If one likes the contestant's singing, they press a button and their chair turns toward the stage. Then it follows a similar format to choose the winner through popular vote.

MasterChef — check if this has already been created. It's a cooking competition for amateurs.

Next Top Model — a competition reality show for aspiring models. Get in touch with Tyra Banks."

Looking at Lindsay reminded me of that model competition show. I’ve never watched it, but I know it was created by Banks and was a hit.

"Lastly, something different — Shark Tank. Basically, three famous (and very rich) entrepreneurs hear pitches from aspiring businesspeople and decide whether or not to invest," I concluded.

"Okay, I’ll have someone reach out to Tyra and research if there’s anything similar to the others you mentioned," Pepper said.

"Look into that and we’ll talk more later, Pepper, because I also need some help tonight. I have a lady waiting for me now," I said, smirking.

"You always do..." she replied, a little exasperated. "Take care, Jake."

"You too. Bye, Peps."

---

Back on the deck, I hugged Lindsay from behind and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Lindsay, I have a few proposals for you, and I need your help with one of them," I told her.

She looked at me, "Okay, I'm listening."

"First, my friends and I are throwing a party on Friday and Saturday. Friday will be something chill at my friend Regina's house. And Saturday at my place in Santa Monica, with a bit more energy — we’ll be using the mini-club I have at home," I told her.

"You have a club at your house?" she asked, a bit surprised.

"Yeah. And a few people with some fame are coming too," I added.

She raised an eyebrow, "The iCarly crew?" she asked, kind of already knowing, and seeing my expression, she continued, "Tasha made us watch the show together. Said she knew them," Lindsay smiled. "They are really funny, I like the show."

"That they are!" I said with a wide smile. "And they’re just like that in real life. The show is basically them being themselves," I laughed, as she did.

"Anyone else famous?"

"From what I was told, Mikayla and Lindsay Lohan (she's doing Mean Girls), and a few people who work with them," I replied.

Lindsay looked at me in disbelief, "People with some fame... you said," she murmured. "Those two girls with Carly are basically the three rising teen stars (from shows)."

"Yeah, they are. Carly is more like girl-next-door and charismatic nerd, so she gets a little less attention," I completed.

"I'm okay with both parties," she smirked. "What's the other proposal?"

"It's about going to an award party tonight, jingle award. I need your help to charm your mentor and introduce her to my uncle," I said.

"You want me to introduce Heidi?"

"Yes," I replied and thought: Pepper doesn’t do anything halfway. Since we have some models in our company, like Tasha and Lindsay, she hired Heidi Klum to be a mentor to them.

It wasn’t hard to convince her. Besides the payment, Heidi is already showing interest in entering the entertainment industry (after her modeling career). And Pepper is a great entry point. JD's fame is increasing with every new movie we release, not to mention AGT.

"I can ask her. But she’s just coming out of a divorce..." Lindsay started.

I nodded.

Exactly what my uncle likes — someone who doesn’t want a serious relationship (or any relationship, except, you know...)

"I'll call her then," Lindsay said.

While Lindsay was making the call, I texted Pepper explaining the situation. I just want Heidi to join us for dinner — anything beyond that, Uncle Charlie will have to work his magic.