Unspoken Feelings

I Understand

"Hi Ariana," I say, leaving my hand out for her to shake. "I'm Y/N Grainge, I guess you can refer me to the one replacing Scooter too."

She takes a second to shake my hand but once she does I have a soft and warm feeling that gravitates through my body.

I practiced this pitch over and over again. Rewording and coming up with all the things I wanted to say to Ariana in order to keep her with our label. Yet right now, its as if all that practice was never registered in my brain.

She spoke once more, helping me register what is taking place.

"Well hi Y/N Grainge, I'm Ariana."

I smile, "I know, that is why I greeted you as Ariana."

She realizes the mishap that was made and quickly blushes.

"Sorry I know you did, I am just used to greeting myself out of respect. I don't want to run around thinking everyone knows my name."

"Understandable, and very modest of you."

"Please, sit so we can discuss your contract with Universal."

I guide Ariana to the seat that is in front of my desk. Once she is seated I make my way towards my chair and sit.

As I sit across from her her demeanor changes a bit. It's almost as she is much more serious than the girl I greeted at the door a few seconds ago.

"I want to make this transition as smooth as can be for you. I know you have a bond with Scooter and in no way am I trying to replace him. With the replacement of his position, which you made note you are aware of, you have free range to make a decision that is in your interest. We here at Universal value you immensely, and this is your home as much as it is to every single one of us. I want to ensure that your continuation as an artist is nothing more than amazing. If that is with us, we will be delighted to have you back. If not, all is understandable. So if youll let me, I'd love to promote, manage, guide, and be there for you through the rest of your career."

Ariana doesnt make any adjustment. She sits as she was in the beginning. Still with no movement within her body or face. I can tell she is analyzing me. As if she is judging everything I said and is coming to a conclusion whether it was genuine or not.

"I would never leave Universal Records, but how can I be sure that you are the manager for me?"

I relax a bit, at least she still wants to be signed to our label.

"Well, I can sit and tell you about all the reasons why you should consider me. Or you can take a chance on me right away and let me help write the best next chapter of your life. Im only here to support and do the best I can to take you beyond the top, because if we're being honest you have solidified yourself as one of the best artists of our generation."

She still looks as if shes thinking. And I cant help but wish I was in that head of hers.

"Look, I'll make a deal with you. Give me a year, if I do not meet your expectations then no hard feelings- I'll even set you up with the best managers within our label."

She takes a deep breath before speaking.

"Okay one exception... you cannot fall in love with me."

My eyes widened in shock.

Yes, she is a beautiful woman and everything about her would make another person leap. But a client of mine, which I barely managed to sign; in no way would I want to screw that up.

It is more baffling that she would state it out loud.

"Ariana I would never-"

"I did my research too 'Ms. Heart Throb.' It seems like you have yourself surrounded around women and clients of yours look clinged to your hip. I am not one of those women. Nor will I be portrayed as that by tabloids."

I cant help but feel a sickening feeling in my gut. Do people really only see me as the tabloids paint me?

"Ariana I can assure you I do not try to instigate any behavior with my clientele. Im sure you know how the tabloids can put things out there and make them seem what it is not. If anything I would hope you can relate and know that the things that have been said arent even true. If I can, then let me show you who I really am."

"Okay, I'm sorry. I did come at you a bit strong." She relaxed her shoulders and made herself more comfortable against the chair.

I slightly sigh, trying to take in all that has been said.

Before I can say more Ariana quickly jumps to more, "Just out of precaution, I'd like you to say it."

I look at her a bit puzzled. I dont know what words I'm supposed to say. What more needs to be said so I can assure her?

"Tell me you wont fall in love with me."

"Okay okay, whatever will make you most comfortable." I take a sigh before saying the words she so desperately wants to hear.

"I promise I will not fall in love with you."

_____

A.N

The first interaction is always a bit bumpy. Stay a long though. Can Y/N keep her promise or will someone change what they want?