Mariah, an aspiring singer who dropped out of college to pursue her dreams, lands a record deal with The Weeknd's label and discovers her creative director shares not only a professional connection but also a secret friends-with-benefits relationshi...
After a long day of working and celebrating, I woke up to tons of messages and new followers notifications.
Mod Club sent me my check from last night and posted my performance on their website.
I really feel like i'm on cloud 9 because of how far I came. Back then, the stages I performed on were dimly lit bars.
My name? Just a whisper in the wind, waiting to be carried to ears that craved something different.
But now, the momentum created by the breakthrough performance had attracted the attention of those who held the keys to the next chapter of my career.
My phone chimed catching my attention. It was an email coming from Amir "Cash" XO.
The name looks so familiar.
I opened the email and my jaw dropped to the floor. I immediately called Kiara.
"Kiara, get your ass over here now."
——
"You interrupted my afternoon workout session so this better be good." Kiara said with an agitated tone, sitting on my couch.
I was standing up in front of her, walking back and forth. "You cannot believe who just reached out to me." I said with excitement. "Spill it out already." Kiara said.
"Amir Cash sent me an email this morning! Everybody in the music industry knows him." I exclaimed to Kiara as she looked at me with a confused face.
"Who's everyone 'cause I never heard of him." She said, crossing her arms. "He's the co-founder of XO Records so he's worked The Weeknd!" I said with an excited tone.
"... XO Records?" Kiara questioned as she gave me a confused look. "Oh my god, you uncultured child." I said putting my palm against my head.
I looked down at my phone to read the email out loud. "It says,
We've been watching your rise, Mariah. Your sound is fresh and to know that you're a fellow Canadian is very uplifting. Additionally, the show you put on at Mod Club definitely solidifies our interest in you. It would be appreciated if you give us a call to discuss further details about a possible record deal.
Best regards, Amir "Cash XO"
I look up to see Kiara's reaction and she's floored. "Bitch are you deadass!?" she yelled at me in excitement.
"Yes!! Look it even has the logo and the number at the bottom for me to call. This shit must be legit." I showed Kiara what was on my phone. "Ok but are you sure?What if it's a scam!?" She questioned me being skeptical.
"It has everything a legit email would have like the address. I have to call it." I insisted.
"Ok, ok. Call right now!" Kiara rushed me out of anticipation.
I dialed the number and waited for the ringtone. A few seconds later I heard a man's voice.
"Hi, is this Cash aka Amir Esmailian?" I uttered, hoping that this is exactly the person i'm speaking to.
"Yes, is this Mariah?"
Me and Kiara gasped and silently jumped up from excitement then quite down.
"Yes, this is she. I got your email and I truly appreciate this offer that you might be willing to give." I said expressing my gratitude.
"Of course. A hard worker deserves their big break." he replied. "Are you currently in Toronto?"
"Yes" I replied back waiting for a response.
"Ok, we need you to come to LA to the XO headquartersso we can discuss the details of the contract with the rest of the representatives. I'll take care of your flight, ride, and stay. How soon can you catch a flight?"
Omg, Los Angeles!? I never even been to the west coast.
"Uh- wow" I stuttered in shock. "I can do tomorrow at 2pm."
"Ok, when we hang up, send me your number and I'll text you the details of the flight."
"Yes, sir and will it be ok to bring a plus one? I don't know anyone in LA and I would feel uncomfortable traveling alone." I politely asked.
"Of course. Anything you need will be provided on the behalf of the team."
"Wow thank you omg" I said with a widened smile.
"See you soon." He said then ended the call.
"My baby just landed a record deal in LA!" Kiara cheered as she gave me a hug. "This is so surreal, but I don't know what the contract will entail." I doubted.
"Well I don't know much of this label. However, you did mention The Weeknd who's a big artist, and I wanna see that nigga." she said making the both of us laugh.
"You right. Shit I wanna see him too." I said, laughing again. "It's crazy how I dropped out of college a month ago and now i'm just hours away from signing a deal that could lead me to stardom." I reminisced.
I texted Cash my number and like promised, he got me and my friend a first class ticket to LA.
"Omg we have to go pack!" Kiara excitedly said dragging me upstairs. "How long are we staying?" she asked
I laughed and joked "I don't know but i'm planning on taking my whole closet."
——
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