ONE HEART

Chapter 18 Moving Forward

Err, you know one another? asked Devon looking at Mariah for an answer. Yeah. Stuttered Mariah. We lived next door to one another as kids. Our moms are best friends. So, were we once said, Tessa bluntly, which caught Mariah by surprise. Well, nice seeing you again said Mariah to Tessa. I have to go back to work. Bye, my love said Mariah giving Devon a kiss on the cheek before she walked straight passed, Tessa. That went well thought Tessa. Mariah got to her car in the parking lot and sobbed her heart out. Devon didn't know what had just happened! He just saw his girlfriend walk straight out of the studio, without so much as a backward glance. Err, he said as he turned back to Tessa. Did you guys fall out or something? asked Devon still in shock after Mariah's behavior. I'm sorry said Tessa quickly. It was a shock seeing her again after all this time. We've not seen one another since high school. And yes, we had a falling out of sorts. I hope this is not going to jeopardize my career with you. I was so looking forward to working with you. Neil stepped forward. "Tessa", you are safe. We'd be crazy to let you go. Wouldn't we Devon? Especially, as you have so much potential. 

Well, thank you said Tessa I've been so looking forward to all of this. Devon still hadn't said anything to her. So many things were spinning through his head. But just as he was about to leave. And leave the tour around the studios to Neil, he walked up to her and shook her hand. And said welcome to Hamilton Winters. For the next couple of hours, she was in Neil's capable hands. Mariah managed to eventually pull herself together and make her way to Jabot. Hi said Kyle, on her arrival. I thought you were spending some time with Devon this morning. Err, it didn't take as long as expected. So here I am. Great said Kyle. You can start a campaign, to remodel his new singing sensation. Mariah was stunned. You want me to dress Tessa? Oh, is that her name? I didn't know. Devon never told me. But he did ask me to style Tessa in Jabot clothes before he asked if you could have a couple of hours off this morning. I guess that was his way of buttering me up! I'd say so said Mariah feeling a bit queasy, about the idea. How the hell am I going to get out of this one? She thought.

Tessa spent the rest of her day, getting used to the sounds in the studio. And where everything is before she starts properly. Neil finished the tour outside Devon's office. He wants to see you before you call it a day, said Neil. I hope he is okay, with what happened earlier today? said Tessa. He'll be fine said Neil trying to reassure her. She knocked on the door. Come in said Devon in a booming voice, from behind the door. Take a seat, Tessa. Well, what do you think of the place? Amazing said Tessa. I can't wait to lay down tracks for you and show you what I can do. When Neil showed me your showpiece at Juilliard. I knew you were what we were looking for, for our new record label. Can I ask you a question? asked Devon being a bit more serious. Sure said, Tessa. Will it be a problem, you seeing Mariah around here? Tessa blushed at the mere mention of her name. Err, no I don't think so said Tessa a little hesitant in her voice. Why? Mariah works for a company called Jabot, they have a fashion and perfume line. I've asked them to dress you, for any appearances and concerts I want you to do. So you will be working closely with Mariah.

And I just wondered if there will be a problem with that. No, not at all said Tessa. At least not on my part anyway. That's great said Devon getting up from her seat. He held out his hand. Tessa shocks it. Welcome to the team. They both smiled at one another. Tessa left the room feeling relieved, that he'd not asked her any more questions about why Mariah and I had fallen out. The next few days were busy for Mariah and Tessa. Devon had tried to get more of the story out of Mariah, about her and Tessa. But Mariah was not letting him in. He found it very frustrating. Tessa had also mentioned in passing to Sally, that she and Mariah used to be friends as kids, but they didn't talk anymore. Sally was in the same boat as Devon. They both thought there was more to the story. They also knew Mariah and Tessa really well by this point in their relationships and could tell they were keeping something to themselves. Sally thought of quizzing Lola. Seeing as she was Tessa's best friend from school days. She must know what went on. But Sally thought better of it, thank goodness. Devon did a similar thing with Kevin. He was desperate to know what was all about.