I had some help

Seven

Alex returned to her office, the melodies of Bailey's songs still lingering in her mind, comforting amidst the professional chaos of the day. She glanced at the clock—it was time for her last meeting.

As she entered the conference room, she found herself face-to-face with Morgan's manager, a seasoned figure in the industry known for steering several artists to stardom. The meeting began with the usual formalities, discussing potential collaborations and industry trends. Yet, beneath the surface, Alex sensed tension brewing.

Halfway through the meeting, the door opened quietly, and in walked Morgan himself. His presence was unexpected, catching Alex off guard despite her efforts to maintain composure. Their eyes met briefly before Morgan took a seat beside his manager, exchanging a nod with Alex.

After the formalities concluded, Morgan lingered behind with Alex as they discussed his aspirations and the need for a new direction in his career. Their conversation flowed naturally, punctuated by moments of nostalgia and shared memories of their journey together.

"I really think it's time for a change, Alex," Morgan admitted, his voice tinged with determination. "I want someone who can see where I want to go, someone who believes in me and my music as much as you once did."

Alex nodded thoughtfully, recalling their shared dreams and the challenges they had faced. "I understand, Morgan. You've grown so much as an artist. Finding the right manager will be crucial for this next chapter, but I am proud of you Morgan. But I need to time to think, maybe I can take you after the new year." Alex said smiling at him.

Morgan smiled gratefully, his eyes reflecting a mix of hope and gratitude. "Thank you, Alex. For everything."

Bailey had texted Alex that he was heading home for the night, so Alex replied, letting him know that she was planning to have a late night in the office. As she settled back into her desk, the quiet hum of the city outside began to seep into her consciousness.

Lost in thought, Alex sifted through contracts and tour schedules, her mind occasionally drifting back to Bailey's songs. Each note seemed to weave a narrative of its own, a reminder of the raw emotion and vulnerability that music could evoke. She found herself replaying snippets of lyrics in her mind, drawing parallels between the themes of love and loss with her own journey.

Alex continued to sift through the files spread across her desk, the soft glow of her computer screen casting a faint light over the office. It had been a long day filled with meetings and paperwork, and she was grateful for the quiet solitude of her workspace. The clock on the wall read 8:30 PM—a reminder of the late hour she had chosen to stay back and catch up on tasks.

Alex found herself lost in thought, reminiscing about the day she and Bailey began working together. He had started as an assistant with her, eager and determined, until his music career took flight.

Bailey walked into the office on his first day, Alex was surprised and a bit nervous. They had met a few times before through mutual friends, but this was different—they were now colleagues.

Their first project together was organizing a tour for a rising country star. It was a massive undertaking, with countless details to coordinate—venues, schedules, travel arrangements, marketing, and more. From the start, Bailey showed an impressive knack for managing logistics and a creative flair that complemented Alex's meticulous planning.

One late evening, they found themselves alone in the office, surrounded by stacks of contracts and marketing materials. The soft hum of computers and the distant sounds of city life filled the background. Alex was at her desk, typing away, while Bailey was sprawled out on the floor, sorting through a pile of papers.

"Hey, Alex," Bailey called out, holding up a colorful flyer. "What do you think of this design for the tour poster?"

Alex looked up from her screen, adjusting her glasses. She walked over and knelt beside him, examining the flyer. "I love it," she said, a smile spreading across her face. "It really captures the artist's vibe. Great job, Bailey."

Bailey grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Thanks, Alex. It's been fun working on this. I didn't realize how much goes into planning a tour."

"Yeah, it's a lot of work, but it's worth it," Alex replied, settling down beside him. "I think we're making a great team."

As they continued to work, their conversation flowed effortlessly. They shared stories about their favorite concerts, their musical inspirations, and their dreams for the future. Alex found herself opening up to Bailey in ways she hadn't with anyone else at the office. His easygoing nature and genuine interest in her thoughts made her feel comfortable and appreciated.

Before they wrapped up, Bailey suggested they take a break. He disappeared for a moment and returned with two steaming cups of coffee from the break room. "Here you go, a little caffeine boost to get us through the last stretch."

"You're a lifesaver." Alex said, accepting the cup gratefully. They sat on the floor, sipping their coffee and chatting about everything and nothing.

It was in those quiet, shared moments that Alex realized how much she enjoyed Bailey's company. His enthusiasm and positivity were infectious, and he had a way of making even the most stressful tasks feel manageable. By the time they finally packed up and left the office, Alex felt a newfound appreciation for her colleague.

Their late-night work sessions became a regular occurrence as they tackled more projects together. They learned to anticipate each other's needs, complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses seamlessly. The professional respect they developed for each other soon blossomed into a deep friendship, and eventually, into something more.