“How about this one?” I turn around in front of Lora while selecting a dress to wear to the signing at Sebastian Records in the afternoon today—my most awaited day. God, time flies! Oh, and tonight is Julian’s birthday party that will be held at the company.
I’m wearing a Neiman Marcus royal blue asymmetric cross bandage dress and Christian Louboutin heels that were delivered to my door by my benefactor’s assistant, Jefferson ‘Dean’ Bryant. He thought I should dress nicely today, and he fully supports my newfound success. He also said he’d say something after I signed. I’m curious about what that’s all about.
Lora squeals as she scans me from head to toe. “Damn, you’re hot. Hot, sexy-smart. I wish I could be there for you.”
“Or you go to Julian’s party tonight. Kristoff will be there.” I turn back to the mirror and smoothen my dress.
“Yeah, my parents will be there too. But will he be there on his own birthday? The professor seems so busy. How are you doing?”
“He stayed here the other night, and we talked on the phone yesterday. He’s had a lot on his plate lately, but things are going well.” And every time we got the chance, he would blow my mind with long, passionate foreplay on my body before the sex.
I try on my pearl earrings to see if they’ll go with my dress, and, yes, I do look like an aunt. I try again with my gold drop earrings.
“And he still makes time for you, which is great. Men like him are super rare. You’re fortunate. What about his ex? Does it still bother you?”
I sigh as I gaze at myself in the mirror. “I can’t say no, but Julian’s brother is giving her what she wants.”
“Ew! Does she fuck him?”
Lora’s vulgarity makes me shudder, and I almost gag as the cringe spreads throughout my body. “Oh, my God. That’s not what I meant.” I wore the earrings in pairs.
“Okay!” Lora stands up and clasps her palms. “Let’s not talk about it, and let me do your hair. And I’ll see if I can make it tonight, but I won’t be there for my parents. But Stevens will also be present. They are never absent on such occasions. They idolize the Sebastians, so will you be alright?”
“I have nothing to do with their son. I’ll be there because I’m about to become a composer for Sebastian Records. I don’t mind if word gets out because it will be official.”
“That’s the spirit. Yes, let’s ignore them.” She laughs, then gathers my hair into a single lock. “Let’s see what style goes with your outfit...”
***
The lovely receptionist at SEG Tower’s lobby is waiting for me. She acknowledged me with just a name and directed me where to go. While reading the company branding embossed in metallic font across the reception desk, I walk down the pristine halls toward the elevator. I ride in the car with five other people and press the 40th-floor button. I gather myself, carefully breathing in and out as I prepare to appear more professional.
My destination floor took so long to take off that I was so dazed that I didn’t notice Dean was in front of me. I didn’t realize it was him until he greeted me.
“Anya. Are you okay?” He keeps me steady by holding my elbow.
“It’s the elevator.” I laugh nervously. “Nice to meet you here.”
“I can say the same.” When he lets me go, he slips his hand into his pocket. “You arrived ten minutes early, but I already saw Greenwood in the meeting room.”
“I can’t possibly be late for my own event, can I? So, what are we going to talk about? Is it about Mr. Pitch?”
“Actually, yeah... I can tell you that right now. I don’t want to ruin your moment, so I’ll wait for you until the meeting is finished.” He flashes a pleasant grin. So I know it’s good news, whatever it is.
“Thank you. I know you’re busy, but you always find time for me.”
“It’s nothing. I owe a lot to that man. Congratulations, Anya. Mr. Pitch is very proud of you.”
“I wish he’d say that himself.”
His lips curl upward. “He will.” Dean gives me a gentle pat on the shoulder before departing the elevator. Soon after the door closes, I go about my business and speak with a different receptionist. Michelle, according to her name badge.
“Good morning. My name is Anya Scott. Mr. Greenwood is expecting me,” I say.
“Good morning, Ms. Scott.” She offers a polite smile. “You may enter now. Mr. Greenwood is already inside.”
“Thank you.”
I open the door with the conference room sign and reveal a large, air-conditioned room with a long table and many chairs around it.
Peter turns to face me as he notices my arrival. He’s not the only one in the room. He’s with a short-haired blonde woman dressed formally in designer business attire and a man in a two-piece suit. I’m wondering if Julian or Ophelia will show up. I was looking forward to seeing her again.
“Anya!” Peter greets me with a smile. “Come. I’ll introduce you.” He glances at the two people who are with him.
I approach them slowly, but confidently. “Good afternoon, everyone,” I say politely.
“Alright, let’s get started.” Peter claps his hands. “Anya, this is Ophelia’s handler and manager, Ms. Irene Withers, and Mr. Lawrence Foley, our corporate lawyer. And this is Ms. Anya Scott, our new composer.”
Following Peter’s introduction, we all shook hands and took our seats.
Peter explains how he plans to produce the single, including Julian’s participation, which has piqued Ms. Withers’ interest. Ophelia is one of Billboard’s pop icons, so fans are always excited to hear her new releases. However, some are looking forward to Julian’s return, and my debut song was fortunate to be chosen.
After hearing my composition from the recent school competition, Ophelia’s manager is expecting another song from me to include in Ophelia’s album. They also want me to be close to Ophelia during the rearranging and recording process.
Everything they’re saying in today’s meeting is astounding. I had no idea I’d come this far.
Mr. Foley, the attorney, shows and reads the contract I need to sign for Ophelia’s single song. I feel there would be more meetings like this in the future for the other music they want me to write. I’m still debating whether I could do it. My studies are causing me to lose my mind. I need to establish a stable mindset first.
Peter agreed to the contract’s terms, and because there are clauses that are fair to both me as the composer and the people involved, the four of us in the meeting eventually signed. I will also be paid a royalty if my song is purchased.
Peter invites them to Julian’s party tonight, which Ophelia can now attend. Ms. Withers informed us that the singer is a guest on a noontime show currently airing. Ms. Withers and Mr. Foley exit the conference room after reaching an agreement.
“You deserve it, Anya.” Peter shakes my hand for the third time. “You have a bright future ahead of you. They love your song.”
“It won’t be possible without you and Julian.”
“Yeah, but he’s occupied until seven today, so he couldn’t find time to attend. Emergency meeting. He’s with Rafe.”
That’s probably why he hasn’t responded to my text yet. “This comeback is consuming most of his free time.”
“He’s picking up a lot of things he left behind when he was COO. This is nothing new for him.”
Yes, but it’s still unfamiliar to me. When he started going to the office, he was juggling his schedule at school. The only time I could be with him was when he came to my apartment late at night. The media and paparazzi are still after him, leaking information about his return to SEG and publishing ridiculous stories about him and Stella Pierce.
“I just hope he gives himself time to breathe tonight. After all, it is his special day.”
“I’ll drag him here if I have to,” Peter jokes, laughing. “I’m glad he’s got you.”
“I really didn’t do anything.” I chuckle.
“But he’s getting back on track, Anya. I can see life in his eyes for the first time in years. He may be overworked, but he enjoys what he does. I believe it’s because of you.”
“You guys give me way too much credit.”
“I’m not kidding. So I’d better get going.” He looks at his designer wristwatch. “The party will begin in an hour. Everything is ready.”
“Well, I’m already here. But I have someone I need to speak with first.”
“Good.” He laughs. “Ladies first?”
Peter leads me out of the conference room, where Dean waits for me.
“Anya!” He smiles and waves at me. The receptionist looks at me with interest, probably wondering why I’m friends with some of the company’s executives. “And Greenwood.”
“Bryant.” Peter greets him before he leaves.
“Are you going to the party?” I ask, grinning at Dean. I feel at ease around him as if he were an older brother I never had.
“Ah, no.” He chuckles. “There’s still time. Come on. There’s a café here. We can talk there,” he suggests.
Dean leads us back to the first floor, where we enter a classy café smelling of cinnamon and coffee. Dean orders coffee and dessert as soon as a waiter approaches.
“I guess you can tell me now,” I say as the waiter walks away.
“Yeah. Anya, do you think you’ll be able to spare some time tonight?”
“At Julian’s—I mean, Professor Sebastian’s—birthday?”
Dean’s oblivious that I’m dating Julian. I can’t tell him yet because he’ll tell my benefactor. For many reasons circling in my head, I think it is not the time for Mr. Pitch to know I’m dating someone. I hadn’t even told him about Kristoff.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because Mr. Pitch will see you tonight,” he says matter-of-factly.
The air left my lungs, and I’m not sure if I heard him correctly. “What?”
“You heard it just right, Anya.”
Our orders arrived, and the waiter carefully placed the cups and plates on our table, leaving me gaping.
Oh, my goodness. I’ve been looking forward to this. This may be my only opportunity to meet the person who saved my life. I can finally express my gratitude to him for everything he’s done for me. I also want to know what he thinks of me and why he is so helpful to me. Everything is still a mystery.
But today is Julian’s birthday...
I’m still going. I must see John Pitch. I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for my benefactor. Julian will understand.
“So, Anya, are you going to see Mr. Pitch tonight?” He gulps down his coffee.
“Yes, I will go there. I’d like to see him.” But how can I tell Julian I won’t be able to go today?
“That was a wise decision. I’ll inform him that you’ll be there. My driver will get you there in an hour. You can relax, Anya. You seem so tense.”
I let go of the air I’ve been holding in my chest.
I mean, how can I not go? He is the person who saved me from my misery, and despite his inconspicuousness, he still makes time for a mere college student like me. I should be happy!
“I’m just thrilled,” I explain.
“It’s fine to be excited; just don’t pass out in front of him.”
I laugh. “God, I’m close to that.”
We discussed a few more things while having a snack. He asked about the apartment and the end of the semester in Whitlock. I also told him I’ll still attend Julian’s party after meeting Mr. Pitch. When Kristoff suddenly appears behind Dean. He has his fists clenched, and his eyes are red.
“Kristoff? What are you...”
He glances at Dean but continues to approach me. “Anya, can we talk?”
Dean casts a quick look at him. “Kristoff, what are you doing here?”
“I’m not talking to you.” Kristoff rushes to my side and takes my hand. “Come with me.”
My pupils dilate. “What are you doing?” I jerk away from him, but he is strong.
“Come! Just fucking come!” he snarls.
I look at Dean, who is trying to stop Kristoff. “You can’t do this here, Kristoff.”
“The hell I can’t,” he spits. “If you don’t want us to make a scene, just come with me, Anya. Please.”
I nod to Dean and promise to return. Kristoff drags me outside and shoves me onto the sidewalk.
“What the hell is going on with you?”
“Please tell me, Anya. Tell me it’s not true.”
“What?! You’re not making any sense. Why are you acting this way?” I yell at him, stroking the mark he’s left on my wrist from gripping me there.
“Is it Julian?” His tone falls, but his voice vibrates. “You’re dating Julian?”