LOOSE - a Bill Hader Novel

XVIII

(Note: I have written fictional family members for Bill to respect his actual family's privacy and protection. Enjoy!)

Bill stayed in New York with Emerald for a week, through Valentine's Day. Still wanting to keep their relationship as private as possible, they spent the holiday at her apartment, cooking and eating and cuddling (and, well, doing it in every room, multiple times). It was like a romance movie, all over each other every day and never getting sick of it.

"I don't want to leave you," Bill sighed on his last night in the city, as they drank wine on her balcony. They sat on the cushioned bench, Emerald's legs draped over his lap. He stroked her thigh with one hand, clutched his glass in the other.

"You have to. You need to work, I need to work. Not to mention your kids. I'm sure they miss you."

"Eh, those little brats are thoroughly enjoying my absence," Bill shook his head and smiled. Emerald thumped him on the arm.

"Stop abusing me," he whined. Emerald giggled. "But really," Bill continued. "I know. I miss them."

There was a pause. "What are their names?" Emerald asked hesitantly. It felt like an uncomfortable topic, something so sacred and dear to Bill that she was nervous to even bring it up. But knowing how much he loved them, she wanted to learn more.

He gulped. Her stomach clenched, and for a second she thought she'd made a big mistake and crossed into forbidden territory. But then Bill's eyes softened and the corners of his mouth turned upwards slightly.

"Penelope and Sloane. She's seven, he's five."

Emerald's heart melted. She smiled, he smiled too, and there was an understanding in the air. Still, Emerald didn't want to push it. Bill opening up and being comfortable with sharing his relationship with his children would take time, and she wanted to support him wholeheartedly.

The day he left, after a goodbye fueled by long kisses and promises to call, the label invited Emerald in for a meeting at the office. Her contract was coming closer and closer to its expiration date, and they wanted to talk to her about the future of her career with their company. She hopped in the back of her driver's car and zipped to Midtown, where paparazzi snapped photos of her entering the modern office building. Through the massive glass doors of the label's waiting room, a giant photo of Emerald hung at the end of the hallway, next to Drake and Ed Sheeran.

"We're really glad you're doing well," one of the label executives, Nick told her. "We were worried about you."

Emerald sat at the head of a long table, big windows looking over Central Park, small patches of snow still on the ground. Managers and executives and interns crowded the large office, staring right to her. She quickly noticed Riley wasn't there. April sat at the far side, sipping a coffee quietly.

Emerald sighed. "I definitely needed a break. But I think I'm ready to get back into things."

"So what are we thinking? Are you ready to do another album?" Nick asked, sitting on a corner of the table.

Emerald nodded. "I don't have anything concrete yet, but, I have a few ideas. And I know I'd love to make another record with this team."

The office went into unexpected cheers, excited she was signing back on with them. She reminded herself that they were excited about the money she would bring — not about her personally.

"But I have a couple conditions," Emerald stated seriously.

They went silent.

"One, I want to direct all the music videos myself."

"Okay," Nick agreed. "We can definitely arrange that."

"And two," Emerald tilted her head mischievously. "I want April as my manager."

April nearly spat out her coffee, and Nick looked very confused. He gestured to the end of the table.

"Emerald, we love April and all the amazing work she's done with us, but... She isn't really qualified for the position. You're a top selling star. Managing you is a handful."

"And I know she could handle it," Emerald insisted. "April has been there for me through, well, everything. She actually understands me. She's smart, tough, and incredibly kind."

April turned an almost unnatural shade of red, smiling contagiously.

Nick scratched the back of his neck. "April, would you feel comfortable with this?"

April gulped. "If-If Emerald trusts me, I think so."

Nick shrugged. "Then, I guess okay."

Emerald and April beamed at each other from across the table.

"One more thing," Emerald added. "I want to record it in Los Angeles."

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It was pouring rain when Emerald and her new assistant Kim began packing up her belongings. Her apartment, with its tall ceilings and stacks of old books, its fluffy throws and overpriced candles and dried flowers, tempted her to stay. But she knew she needed a change, that this was the right move.

Out the foggy window, droplets of water ran down the glass as if they were racing. A low cloud hung over Central Park, busy pedestrians with their umbrellas frantically walking below. She would miss this place, but knew she'd be back.

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