Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 180 & 181 The Fire Ignited/ Too Much To Ask

*Trisha*

I slip out of the dressing room, gripping my phone, when I see Richard calling me. I had a feeling I'd be getting this call, but right before Nate goes on stage isn't great timing. 

Once in an empty room, I close the door and try to make this conversation quick.

"Hi, Richard-"

"Tell me I'm hallucinating, Trisha. Tell me you didn't shut down every single meet-and-greet, press spot, and promo with no authorization today."

I feel tension take over my body, and I try not to sound nervous or fumble with my words.

"I did. He's not in any condition to" I attempt to explain, but Richard cuts me off.

"You're an assistant, not a crisis manager! Who gave you the authority to tank our entire rollout?" The stern voice puts a knot in my stomach, and I need to sit down. There are a few folding chairs scattered in the vacant room, and I quickly grab one before answering. "I had to make a judgment call. Nate's exhausted, and he hasn't been-"

"I don't care if he hasn't slept since the Stone Age!" He doesn't let me finish one fucking sentence and my blood begins to boil. God I can't stand this motherfucker. "Do you know how many deals Leslie and I brokered just for today?"

No, pal, actually I don't. Nor do I care. The door opens, and Evan furrows his brows when he sees me sitting in here alone. I shake my head and put Richard on speaker phone. 

"And he was supposed to smile through it on autopilot? He's barely hanging on! We had to have a physician and two nurses come up to his hotel room to run some tests. Sir, he needed a break today."

There's a long pause, making me look up at Evan and back down at my phone.

Trimming his volume, but not his bite, Richard continues. "You could've told me. We could've adjusted strategically. Instead, you pulled the rug out from under the entire machine."

Is that what Nate is to Richard? Some machine?? And no, Richard is full of it. He would never "adjust it strategically."

"He's not a commodity. He's a human being! And today? He needed to just be one." I feel my emotions creeping out, and Evan puts a steadying hand on my shoulder. "I've got to go." My hand trembles slightly, and I hang up before Richard can say anything more.

The aftereffect of the confrontation over the phone hits me immediately. My hands shake, and tears sting my eyes. I never let people get to me like this, but Richard always seems to find a way. I drop my phone onto the table in front of me and cover my face with my hands.

"God, I can't stand him!"

To my surprise, strong arms envelope me as Evan pulls me into his embrace. He never drops his guard like this. 

"Deep breath, Miss Banks." He says softly and soothes me by gently rubbing my back. Ok, this is something I'm not used to. Hell, not even Paul did this, and we were dating! Or maybe he did, but I didn't feel what I'm feeling right now. What am I feeling right now? Jesus, Trish- pull yourself together! There's a concert ready to happen.

"Sorry." I back away quickly and sniff.

******

Mila is back with us, and I can already feel the tension between her and Nate. They try to distance themselves and only engage in small talk, but I can see it in their eyes. The chemistry is strong and noticeable. As much as I'd like Nate all to myself, that's not gonna happen. Mila is the next best thing for him. Certainly better than Shitshow Julia, that's for sure! I don't know why he doesn't just throw in the towel so he can be happy. Nate deserves to be happy.