“Excuse me but my clothes aren’t horrible.” he laughs, I scowl. He straightens his face.
“That whole beach girl look you have going on, isn’t going to cut it. You need to dress more…” he trails off. My temper is rising. I can’t wait for his next words. I am going to lash out at him.
“More like what? More like you, with your top-to-toe designer threads. I have news for you buddy, I’m not rich. Your current outfit costs more than I make in a month.” he laughs again at me. Man I feel like slapping him. He is so bossy. First it was the whole weight issue and now he is trying to change my style. What else is he going to change, my music? I need to put my foot down. He needs to know that I am not going to be moulded into what he thinks is appropriate.
“Well I have news for you; nobody has worn Aéropostale since 2001.” he laughs at his own joke. I am about to give him my answer when Emily knocks on the door. He urges her to come in. She pops her tiny frame through the door and she sets the outfit down onto Mr Gucci’s desk. He smiles at his assistant and then she excuses herself. The door closes and we are alone. He bites his lips as he locks his eyes on mine. “I’ll leave so that you can get changed.” I scowl at him.
“There’s no need. I’m not changing.” he leaps out from behind his desk. He walks over to me and he towers above me. His eyes are deep. He is serious and in a foul mood.
“Don’t start. Change. Now.” I laugh at him. Who does he think is? What makes him think that he has the right to tell me what to do? Well he is my music producer, but that doesn’t mean that he can boss me around, especially not about something as stupid as my clothes. He doesn’t like that I have laughed at him. So he pulls me by the arm, towards him. His grip is firm and his eyes are raging. Man he’s scary when he’s angry. “Don’t make me ask you again, now change.” he pushes me away from him and marches out of the office. The door slams and I scream out in frustration. I am so annoyed with him. I can’t breathe. I pull the hair tie out of my hair. I am starting to get a migraine. He has a toxic effect on me. I don’t want to let him win. I want to prove to him that he can’t boss me around. But at the same time, I don’t want to upset him. Mr Phillips is taking a massive gamble on me, and there is no way that I am going to let Mr Gucci/jerk get under my skin. I give in and I make my way over to the desk. The outfit is in a plastic zip-bag. The word ARMANI is printed across the front in white letters. I roll my eyes as I unzip the bag. Inside there are a pair of white skinny jeans and a white blouse. There is also a black belt and a shoe box sitting next to the bag. I quickly undress. I am cautious what if there is a camera in here? I shake off my weird feeling. Surly he isn’t as sick as to have a camera in his office, right? I get dressed into the new outfit, and I slip on the black pump shoes. I fix my hair a little and then I sigh. I scrunch my workout clothes into my handbag as I walk over to the door. I step out into the hallway and Jonathon is leaning against the wall. He is texting on his BlackBerry, but he shoves his phone into his back pocket when he sees me. His eyes scan my body and he lightly smiles. God I hate him right now. He is so smug and up himself. I want to slap that smirk right off his perfect face. I calm myself. He’s not worth the bother Ashley.
“Follow me.” he says as he pushes himself away from the wall. He walks along the hallway and I follow him. He leads me into a dark room. There are computer screens, keyboards and a long line of buttons and switches. There is a glass wall with a microphone and a long stand. A set of large earphones hang nearby. I smile. I can’t believe that I am in a real recording studio. I am star-struck even though I haven’t met anyone famous. I scan the room; I am in awe of it. I pace, I am so excited. I want to start recording. I want to forget all about Mr Gucci and the drama that clings to him.
“Wow, this is amazing.” I gush. He takes a seat at the screens and buttons and he runs his fingers through his sticky hair. Normally his sexy move would have me floored, but right now I am more intrigued with the studio than I am of him.
“Haven’t you been in a recording studio before?” he has to hold back his laugh as his words pass from his full lips. I squint my eyes and take a deep breath. Don’t let him bug you.
“No I haven’t.” The door opens and in walks two men. Jonathan stands and greets them and then he introduces me.
“Miss Harper this is Tony and Alex. They are here to offer their opinion and to assist me, only if I need it of course.” The men laugh as they each take it in turn to shake my hand. Tony is tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Alex is shorter than Tony, but still quite tall. He has sandy blonde hair and brown eyes. Both guys are cute, but as always they look like zeros next to the perfect ten. Both guys are casually dressed and I have to admit that I am grateful for my change of clothes. It would have been really awkward if I was standing here in my tiny shorts and extra tight tank-top.
“It’s really nice to meet you Miss Harper,” Tony says as he eyes me intently. I smile at him as I reply.
“Please call me Ashley,” he smiles at me and I blush. Mr Gucci clears his throat as he senses the tension.
“Miss Harper is very … talented. Don has signed her on an eight week trial. Today is her first time in a recording studio.”
“Don’t worry sweetie we’ll use the gentle cycle with you!” Jonathon isn’t impressed at Alex’s choice of words. He makes a darting look towards me, eyes raging and nostrils flared. I feel uneasy, awkward and in the way.
“Miss Harper, go and get ready.” I look into Mr Wilde’s eyes.
“Get ready for what, sir?” he locks his deep eyes into my soul. His hands are lightly shaking. What’s wrong with him?
“Get into the booth Miss Harper. I won’t tell you again.” His voice is urgent. I excuse myself and I push open the narrow door that leads into the recording booth. I can see the men through the glass, but I can’t hear a thing that there’re saying. I look around, dazed. I can’t believe that I am actually here. This is overwhelming. I am so lucky. Don’t blow your one shot Ashley.
I sit myself down at the microphone and I look out at Mr Wilde. He is in heavy discussion with Tony and Alex. I wonder what’s wrong. My hearts starts to beat faster when I see Jonathon turn around. He is looking directly at me and he doesn’t look happy. His forehead is creased and his manner is very serious. His hands are crossed over his chest as he looks at me. I don’t know why, but I feel the need to smile at him. I feel as if he is defending me to those guys. Something in his eyes is alerting me that I am the topic of discussion and that he excused me just to spare my feelings. I smile at him and his eyes soften. He turns back to the guys and then they look at me. Now you know how the monkeys feel at the zoo. They smile at me and then all three guys sit down at the screens and buttons. Mr Wilde reaches over and presses one of the many buttons. His voice is loud through the small booth.
“Miss Harper, go ahead.” I blush, what am I supposed to do? I know that he wants me to sing, but it’s just so rushed. I need to warm up and I need music.
“Mr Wilde, there’s no music and I haven’t warmed up.” he shakes his head at me.
“Miss Harper, for once can you just do as I ask?” His voice is calm. I grimace and then clear my throat. My mind starts to rush, I am nervous. I close my eyes. Just breathe Ashley and do your thing. I part my lips and open my vocal chords.
“Turn around, every now and then
I get a little bit nervous that the best of all the years have gone by
Turn around, every now and then
I get a little bit terrified and then I see the look in your eyes
Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and then I fall apart
Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and then I fall apart
Turnaround, every now and then
I get a little bit restless and I dream of something wild
Turnaround, every now and then
I get a little bit helpless and I'm lying like a child in your arms
Turnaround, every now and then
I get a li
ttle bit angry and I know I've got to get out and cry
Turnaround, every now and then
I get a little bit terrified but then I see the look in your eyes
Turnaround bright eyes
Every now and then I fall apart
Turnaround bright eyes
Every now and then I fall apart
And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna to start tonight
Forever's gonna to start tonight
Once upon a time I was falling in love
Now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart”
“Perfect. Stop right there.” Mr Wilde says smirking and looking at Tony and Alex. They both look at each other and then at me. Mr Wilde pushes the button again.
“Nice voice Miss Harper,” I blush proudly. Alex has just given me compliment. This feels awesome.
“Thanks,” I gush. Both guys smile and then they excuse themselves. I push my loose hair away from my face as I await Mr Wilde’s next order.
“That was good for a first attempt. You have certainly won those two over. But I’m gonna need a little more convincing. We have to get together and discuss your sound. You have a very chilling voice, but I have noticed that you have picked up a few bad habits. Tell me something, have you been doing a lot of karaoke lately?” I am stunned; I thought that he was impressed by my performance. And the comment about karaoke, well that’s just insulting. He always seems to find a way to put a dampener on everything that I do. Will I ever be up to his standards?
“And what’s wrong with doing karaoke?” I say firmly.
“Did you hear me say that there was anything wrong with it?” Inside I am screaming. Why does he have to be so arrogant? Why can’t he just be nice and act professional? Why does everything he says have to have a hidden meaning?
“NO!” I shout. He laughs as he strokes his chin. “Can we just move past the karaoke debate?” he straightens his face, eyes fixed on mine.
“Sure, now I’ll see you tonight.” I scowl at him.
“What’s tonight?”
“Miss Harper, why must you continue to test my patience?”
“Forgive me, but you’re just so hard to read. Most of the time I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about.” he laughs at me again. I am so frustrated right now. I could kill him.
“Let me make it clear for you. We need to discuss your sound. I’ll stop by your apartment later, so that we can talk.”
“Why can’t we just talk now?” he rises up from the seat and he slides into the small booth. He reaches out and grabs onto my arm. He pulls me off of the chair and I crash against him. He smells incredible and I could bask in his scent all day long. His deep brown eyes are sinful and his lips are tempting. My eyes close. I remember the feeling of his kiss. I smile and he shakes me.
“Are you okay?” he says in a firm tone. I blush. Crap I let myself think about him, again.
“I’m fine,” I say desperately. He exhales as he leads me out of the booth.
“We can’t talk just now because I have a meeting and then I have some other … business to attend to.” I nod. I understand. He must be really busy and here I want to take up all of his time. I feel guilty.
“I see,”
“So is eight okay?” I am stunned. That’s late. I don’t know if I feel comfortable with this.
“Maybe it would better if we just talked in the morning.” he stares at me. He knows that I am trying to avoid what he is offering me. I try to compose myself.
“Are you trying to avoid spending time with me, Miss Harper?” Crap he has seen right through me.
“No it’s just … wouldn’t it be more … professional if we discussed my music here at the studio?” he laughs at me. Boy I wish that he would stop doing that.
“It’s better to discuss your music away from the temptation of the studio. I don’t want you to get distracted by everything that goes on here.” I frown at him. I know exactly what he is trying to say. I saw the way he acted when Alex made that comment. He didn’t like the tension between Tony and me either. Mr Gucci is jealous and he doesn’t want me to be around those guys. I smile to myself. It’s nice to see him uncomfortable for once.
“And what temptations are you trying to shield me from?” he presses his lips into a hard line. He isn’t impressed. I try to change the focus. The last thing I want is to start an argument with him. “If you’re going to insist on coming over to my apartment, then I must insist that you call me Ashley.” he briefly smiles and then he pushes past me. He opens the door and he stretches out his arm for me to exit the room. Of course I do as he says. I walk out into the hallway and I lean against the picture framed wall.
“Okay Ashley, I’ll see you at eight.” I press my lips together. I am not looking forward to tonight. I am dreading being alone with him. He makes me feel things that I don’t want to feel. I am scared that my tall walls may be knocked over by his ever growing infatuation. I smile at him as he walks away from me. I shake my head. How am I going to get through tonight?
I walk along the hallway, trying to remember my way out. I scramble past a few closed doors and I begin to feel stupid as I realise that I have been heading in the wrong direction. I quickly change course and as I turn around, my body crashes into another. My hair flies all over my face as I try to find my footing. Two hands steady me and I manage to stand straight. My eyes are blurry from the sudden movement, but when they clear, I am surprised to see the guy from yesterday holding onto me. I am embarrassed and now he’s about to say something and I have completely forgotten his name.
“Ashley right?” he says as he pulls his hands away from me and rests them at his sides.
“Yeah, we meet yesterday.” I answer. He smiles at me, blue eyes sparkling in the sun. “I’m sorry but I have forgotten your name.” I feel silly. I just blurted it out. Luckily he doesn’t seem too offended.
“Tyler,” he says smoothly. I laugh and then he does the same. “So where were you heading off to in such a rush?” I blush. I can’t believe that I crashed into him, and then forgot his name. How stupid can you be Ashley?
“Home,” I say brightly. He smiles again. I stare at him, he has a nice smile and his eyes are beautiful.
“Me too, I don’t suppose you need a ride?” he asks in a soft tone. I bite my lip. I do need a ride, but can I accept one from this strange guy? I don’t know him. He could be a serial killer or something less dramatic. But I have to be careful, especially given my track record with the opposite sex.
“That would be great, thanks.” I give in. I need a ride home and I am sure that he isn’t dangerous.
Tyler walks me out of the building and across the street. We walk further along the street and I look up at him as he stops in front of an old Chrysler Newport. He unlocks the car and jumps inside. I am standing on the sidewalk, staring at him. I am motionless. What is wrong with me? I stare at him as he plays on his cell phone. I realise that I was expecting him to open the door for me. I have been so used to Jonathon doing it, that I just got freaked out that Tyler didn’t do the same. I can feel my legs start to wobble. Man he’s gotten under my skin. Why am I so drawn to him? Is it because I know that he is all wrong for me? Ashley, stop thinking about him. Tyler throws his phone into the cup holder as he looks at me from inside his car.
“Are you gonna get in?” he says with a gentle smile. I nod and I slide myself into his car. The seats aren�
��t as comfy as the Maserati and the car smells like cigarettes and Taco Bell. But the company is cool. Tyler seems really laid back and the total opposite of Jonathon and that’s exactly what I need right now.
Seven
Tyler drove me back to our apartment building and we talked most of the way. As I expected he is a really nice guy and we have a lot in common. Both of us moved to California to pursue our dreams of music. I highly doubt that his reasons are as dramatic as mine was though. He is originally from the east coast. Naturally he is a lot more laid back than any of the guys I have met since I moved to California. He has a very positive outlook on life. He seems very open minded and I get a go-with-the-flow vibe from him. He is a lot different to Mr Gucci and it’s really refreshing to be around someone who isn’t an in-your-face kind-of-gorgeous. Tyler is cute. He has sweet dimples in his cheeks and his eyes sparkle in the dazzling sun. He isn’t as attractive as Jonathon, but what he lacks in looks he makes up for with personality. He is funny and he seems caring and sweet. He is the opposite of what I am used to. Brandon and Tyler are like chalk and cheese, and that thought intrigues me.
“Well I guess this is my stop.” I say as I unlock the door to my new apartment. Tyler stands in front of me with his hands stuffed into his loose jeans. He looks disappointed that we have to part ways. I feel bad. Maybe he is lonely? I push open the door and I offer him to come inside. “Do you wanna come in for some coffee?” Tyler smiles and I take that as a yes. I walk into the apartment and I throw my handbag down onto the sofa. I walk into the kitchen as I hear the door bang shut. Tyler follows me into the kitchen and he sits down at the seating area. I begin to the rummage in the cupboards in search of some cups. I find two large, round coffee mugs and a bag of ground coffee. I set the cups down onto the counter, as I make my way over to the built in coffee machine. I squint my eyes as I try to figure out how to switch it on. I am taking longer than I would have liked. My cheeks start to flush. How lame am I? I can’t even work a frickin coffee machine. I give up and I turn to face Tyler. I flash him an awkward smile and he bursts out laughing.
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