Everyone clapped when the video shoot was a wrap. I shouted with joy before heading back to the dressing room. When I saw that no one was in there, I made a dive for the sofa and closed my eyes. Maybe, I could rest my eyes for five minutes.
The door burst open with a scream. "My love!" Aja Frost sang.
I slowly sat up, rubbing my eyes
"You can't be going to sleep already. We gotta go to the studio." She sat next to me.
After changing back into my clothes and my Sia wig - yes, I've named her Sia, I got in a car with Aja Frost. Her driver took us back to the RiSe Tower. Aja Frost talked about the music video as I half-listened. There's no way I was going to contribute to this conversation. That would only bring attention to myself. I'm trying to slip-in a few Zs.
Aja Frost nudged me. "Wake up, my love! We're here."
I fell asleep?
The day continued with a meeting. A food company was interested in having Aja Frost and I sing "Choose" in their super bowl commercial. Sounds fun!
Then, I was able to take a short lunch break before meeting with another songwriter. Is there a nice way to say that I didn't like any of the songs? They just weren't the right fit for me or my ears.
When I thought my day was over, I got a call from Colby to go to Ricky's office. I went from the elevator to the top floor, the 30th floor where Ricky's office was located. I learned that the CEO, president and vice president offices were all up here. I walked down a hall to two large open doors. They were massive as if giants made them. I'm sure they were more than seven feet tall.
Past the doors was a receptionist sitting at a glass desk with the view of the city behind her.
"Hi, Jae. Ricky would like to see you in his office," the receptionist greeted me. "Head to the right. It's the only door there."
"Thank you." I walked to the right, down a short corridor to the only door before me. It was open. I went inside.
Ricky stood up from his desk when he saw me. "Jae, close the door."
I turned to do so before walking over to his desk. It was the longest desk I've ever seen. It nearly reached both sides of the room. All the walls were covered with artists' records and albums from gold to platinum. One of the biggest plaques on the wall with three platinum records showcased Aja Frost's first album - So Innocent. That album had all the hits on it. It defined the year 2018. Her last album, self-titled Aja Frost, went platinum. It didn't define 2020, but it was another solid album. I have a feeling her next one is going to be her best one yet.
"Have a seat." Ricky pointed at the chair in front of his glass desk. "How are you?"
Tricky question. I sighed before speaking, "I'm still alive."
"Are you enjoying boot camp?"
I smirked, "I would say I'm adjusting to it, but I know this boot camp is going to help me grow as an artist."
"I appreciate your honesty. I've seen all kinds of artists. Some are on a high and will do anything to make it, some are just happy to be here, and some think their gift speaks for itself. I think you're somewhere in the middle."
I lightly laughed, "I can't disagree with that."
"I now see what Zeke saw in you. You're not polished, but you're not rough around the edges, either. You're like Goldilocks and the Three Bears - just right."
At this point, I've come to know Ricky Santana as a talker. At first, I didn't mind it, but now I just want to go home. Can we get to the point? Sir, I'm tiii'ed!
"Jae, I don't want a just right or in the middle artist," he admitted.
I woke up, then.
Ricky pointed at me. "You can't be average here at RiSe Records, but don't worry. In three months, you're going to be everything I know you can be. What do you think about the Super Bowl commercial idea?"
I nodded my head. "It sounds good."
"By the end of the month, you're going to have so many sponsors, you won't have time to sit-down."
I asked him, "I was looking at my schedule for tomorrow, and I have another full day. Is it possible to get a few days off next week?"
"The new artist development program is to help prepare you for life as an artist," Ricky explained, "During these three months, you have every right to part ways with RiSe Records. Just do a full month first before you burnout."
I swallowed my saliva.
"Ricky, she just started. Give her some room to breathe."
I turned around to see the CEO, Anaya Santana.
Now, I'm really ready to leave.
"Anaya, I'm in a meeting."
She chuckled, "Not anymore. Jae, enjoy your evening."
I quickly got up and walked out. I don't have any time to watch a family feud.
"What do you want, Anaya?" Ricky asked her.
She replied, "You need to take care of this. I'm tired of hearing about your little girlfriend that you've been paying to keep your secrets under the table!"
On second thought...
I looked at the receptionist and asked her for the time.
"Umm..." She picked up her phone. "It's 8:32 p.m."
"I told you to ignore her calls," Ricky told his twin sister.
The receptionist asked, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Anaya shouted, "She calls! She texts! She emails! She keeps getting my information. Why would you get involved with a hacker?"
I nodded my head, "Is there a restroom up here?"
"Not a public one. You have to take the elevator and get off on the lower floors for public restrooms," she answered.
"You were the one that hired her," Ricky told Anaya.
"Not so you could sleep with her!"
I smiled, "Okay. Thank you and have a goodnight."
The receptionist looked pleased that I was leaving as she waved at me.
I made my way to the elevator and got in with news that I could use. Mr. Ricky Santana slept with a hacker that his twin sister hired and I assumed fired. Why did they need a hacker? And why was the hacker getting paid hush money? What secrets does she know about Ricky Santana? Should I even concern myself with these things? Probably not. Besides, the only person I'd get any excitement in sharing this with is my cousin, and she's not here.
I got off the elevator. Just then, I received a notification on my phone. My Google calendar had been updated. I have a morning workout session with Mr. Joe followed by a dermatology appointment. I wonder if the doctor can prescribe me anything fast-forwarding to the future. Three months of this program might make me run back to East Grove.