Where We Left Off

Chapter 10

The British guy is my boss, my idol, and the reason why my morning didn't go according to plan. I can't believe it, I'm so confuse right now. Why would he give me a fake name? Why not tell me who he really is? Does he think I'm a crazy girl fan?

 "Pierce, you know her?" Candice asked, looking as confused as I am. She turned to face me, giving me stern expression. 

I shrugged my shoulders. I don't have the answer, lady. I faced Kennedy, no I mean Simon or Pierce? God, why are so many names? "Wait, you're Simon Pierce?" I point at him. "Like the famous photographer? And my new boss?"

Pointing back at me, "And your girl that was rushing to get away from me?" he smirked.

I scrunched my eyebrows. Okay, I don't know what to say that.

"You two follow me to my office" Candice said as she turned around and walked away. "Now!"

We both shake from the tone of her voice, and follow her. "Why did you tell me your name was Kennedy?" I whispered to the lier.

"Technically, it is my middle name" he quietly shot back. "And I didn't want to get drool over from a random admirer."

"Okay, one I don't drool" - I mimic his British accent "And two: I may be an admirer - however I don't idolized you" I rolled my eyes. This guy's ego can pretty much touched the skies. "I admire your work more than you." I should really watch my sass, but some people need to brought down to earth. Based on the way Simon narrowed his eyes, he didn't expected to be to talked like that.

"You know I can hear you both, right?" Candice said over her shoulders as she opened the door to her office.

Simon chuckles, I can't believe that my job falls to the decision of the egotistical guy nexts to me. I'm still annoyed with myself for using my dad's name to get me out of trouble, I tried to create my own identity but it's hard when the Carter name is on your shoulders. 

Joseph James, my dad, he currently runs a small yet well-known record label that he built from the ground up, since his R&B group had a fallout. JTL was the group, they had the potential to be the next big time in music. The group's name stands by the names of everyone involved: Joseph, the writer and backup singer, Tasha, the lead singer and Landon, the Dj and producer. They worked on their music since high school, playing for kickbacks and age below clubs. Once they got signed everything changed in a second. From Landon's parent's basement towards a real studio, writing and making music that eventually creating their first EP and then another year their debut album was release. It was in the top 10 for months, gaining a small tour by that summer. The tour was a sellout, nexts thing you know it was US tour. By their second album, the group started to fall apart. My dad almost lost his marriage with my mother, he had to take a step back to his relationship with her. Once, they found she pregnant of me. He officially quit the group to focus on his family while building new dream - his music empire. Tasha's drug problems got worse, she always had a taste but she had it under control, until she didn't. My dad told me, he was worried about Tasha, when she skipped a couple of rehearsals, then decided to go check on her. He found her in the hotel room at the time, passed out on the bed. He called 911, and then got her to the hospital. But hours later, she was gone. Tasha checked herself into a rehab facility, promising to get clean and join up with the guys again when she was better. But my dad left a few months later. Finally, Landon was the last man standing, he produced other artists' music, which led him winning some musical awards. My father and him remain good friends, and now he worked on my dad's payroll. Also being my godfather.

"Both of you have a set." Candice commanded, as she takes a seat behind her desk. God, I feel like a summons to the principal's office.

Simon and I take seat on the sofa against the wall, waiting on Candice to speak again.

"Did you two sleep together?" Candice asked.

My eyes go wide, "Umm.. Excuse me?" 

Simon quietly chuckling to himself, quickly stop. Based on the look Candice gave him, Simon realized that she's being serious. He clears his throat.

"Pierce, please tell me I don't need to fill out another NDA for your ass?" Candice begged. "Again?"

I remain silent, pushing my knees together. I feel incredibly awkward, I really believe this conversation has to between them. 

"No." Simon answers. He glanced at me and looked back at Candice again. "We literally just met, earlier we got into a sticky situation." 

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Seriously?" He's not making a joke right now. He has my career in the upon of his hands and he dare to make a joke in this moment. 

Candice rolled her eyes and take another sip of her coffee. "Do you guys want to sleep with each other?"

"No" I quickly answered, while Simon said "Well..."

It's my turn to give him a stern look, and then Simon shakes head, "I mean, no, no." Pops the collar of his jacket. "No." I'm guessing that's his serious tone. 

"Anyway, Pierce" Candice lean her head towards me. "This is Ms. James, she's supposed to have a job here, but being an hour late. I have decided to let her go" she stated. "So I'm need a signature from you, then I find someone who has better time-management." Candice opens her file cabinet. 

"Wait... Just let me explain..." I'm lost in words. I started moving my legs up and down, it happens when I experience anxiety.

"Candy, come on," Simon stops her. "That won't be necessary."

Candice moved the document to the side of desk. "Pierce, this is not a joke, we need the staff-"

Simon interprets her, "Do not punish the girl, this is partly my fault. When we met earlier, we made mess at the juice cafe down the block. She was stained, and I offered to purchase a change of clothes. And now, we are in another uncomfortable situation" he stands up and walked around Candice's desk. Started messing with her decor of the shelves. "So, how about we all just start over?"

Candice spins around on her chair. "Are you sure?" she asked. "You want her to stay?"

Simon looked over at me, our eyes locked. "Yeah." He answers quietly. 

Candice faces me. "Well, alright," she shrugs her shoulders. "Go meet Miguel in the lobby, he'll give you the tour of the gallery. And then, we'll discuss your role here", she puts the document back in her file cabinet. 

I'm frozen on my spot on the couch, I don't know what to do.

 "Puedes salir de mi oficina ahora!" she said, annoyed.

I gave her a confuse look. "I don't speak Spanish."

"She said you can leave her office now." Simon translated, while playing with a glass cat.

"Okay." I get off up and rushed to the door. Too quickly I bumped my head against the door. "Idiot." I muttered to myself, while gently rubbing my forehead. Can I embarrass myself even more? 

I overheard Candice and Simon's conversation before the door closed, but fortunately I know they are talking about.

"Ella va a ser un desastre, y sera culpa tuya."

"No lo sabes, ademas me gusta."