I had some help

Forty-five

Alex sat in her office, ready to meet potential clients. Riley Green was her first meeting.

Alex sat down at her desk when there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" She called out.

The door opened to reveal Riley Green, a striking figure with a commanding presence. He stood tall at around 6'4", with an athletic build and a nice tan that reflected his active lifestyle and love for outdoor activities. His brown hair was tousled in a casual, yet effortlessly cool manner. A chiseled jawline adorned with a neatly trimmed scruffy beard accentuated his rugged, all-American look.

His eyes, a captivating shade of green, added depth to his expressive features. Today, he wore a well-worn baseball cap, complementing his country style. He favored casual yet classic attire, donning well-fitted jeans, a simple t-shirt, and cowboy boots. His overall appearance exuded the charm of a Southern gentleman with a modern edge, making him a standout figure in the country music scene.

"Mr. Green, it's a pleasure to meet you." Alex said, standing to shake his hand.

"The pleasure's mine, Alex." Riley replied, his deep voice carrying a warm, friendly tone. He took the offered seat, his easygoing demeanor putting her at ease.

As they began discussing potential projects, Alex couldn't help but notice the genuine passion Riley had for his music and his fans. His presence was as captivating in the office as it was on stage, making the meeting both productive and enjoyable.

Despite noticing Riley's undeniable charm, Alex swiftly redirected her focus. She settled into her seat, opening her laptop and notebook with purpose. "So, what's your vision for the future?" she asked, meeting his gaze with genuine curiosity.

"I want to go further in my career. I need a manager who will support me and lead me in the right direction," Riley replied, his eyes earnest and determined.

Alex nodded thoughtfully, jotting down notes. "What specific goals do you have in mind? Any particular milestones you're aiming for?" She pressed, wanting to delve deeper into his ambitions.

Riley leaned back slightly, considering her question. "I want to take on more challenging projects, maybe even lead a team someday. I think with the right guidance, I can achieve that. It's about finding the right opportunities and having someone to help navigate those paths."

Alex appreciated his clarity and drive. "It sounds like you have a strong vision. What qualities do you look for in a manager? What kind of support do you think would be most beneficial for you?"

Riley smiled, clearly impressed by her insightful questions. "I value honesty and experience. Someone who can offer constructive feedback and isn't afraid to challenge me. I believe growth happens when you're pushed out of your comfort zone."

"Absolutely," Alex agreed, making a final note. "Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Riley. It sounds like you have a solid plan, and with the right support, I'm sure you'll achieve your goals."

Alex knew Riley was considering other managers too, so she tried her best to make a good impression.

"Whoever you choose, please email me. And don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions," Alex said, standing up and extending her hand.

"Will do, ma'am." Riley replied with a smile, taking her hand in his.

"Nice to meet you Riley, I hope to see you around." Alex said as she held the door for him.

"Nice to meet you too." Riley said smiling at her as he walked out of the office.

Morgan and Katie sat together in the hospital room, the soft sounds of their newborn son, Indie, filling the air. The atmosphere was tense, colored by the complexities of their past and the uncertainty of their present.

"I think we need to talk about Alex." Morgan said cautiously, breaking the uneasy silence.

Katie glanced up, her expression guarded. "What about her?" She asked, her tone tinged with skepticism.

Morgan hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "She's been a huge support to us, especially now with Indie." He began, his voice gentle yet firm.

Katie's brow furrowed, her gaze flickering to Indie before returning to Morgan. "I know." She replied cautiously, her uncertainty palpable.

Morgan took a deep breath, continuing. "I was thinking... what if we involve her more formally in Indie's life? Not as the godmother, but in a way that recognizes her importance to us both."

Katie paused, considering his words. She shifted slightly, as if weighing her thoughts before speaking. "What if we make her Indie's Godsister?" She suggested, her voice tentative yet thoughtful.

Morgan looked at her, surprised by her suggestion. "Godsister?" He repeated, intrigued.

"Yeah." Katie elaborated, gaining confidence in her idea. "It's like a godmother, but without the formal religious connotations. Alex can be there for Indie like family, without the pressure of traditional godparent roles."

Morgan nodded slowly, beginning to see the merit in Katie's proposal. "I like that." He admitted, a small smile forming. "It honors Alex's role in Indie's life without making things too complicated."

Katie smiled back, relieved that Morgan understood her perspective. "Exactly." She agreed. "It's a way to acknowledge her without rushing into things."

Alex had one more meeting with a potential client. This one was with someone less established than her usual roster, but Alex saw real potential. The prospect of starting from scratch excited her, and she hoped the meeting would go well.

Sitting at her desk, Alex heard a knock on the door. She stood up and opened it, greeting her guest with a warm smile. "Welcome, Lauren. Please, have a seat." Alex said, inviting her interviewee in.

Alex waited for Lauren to settle into the chair before beginning. She could see the nervousness in Lauren's eyes and aimed to make her feel comfortable.

"Thank you for coming in today, Lauren. I'm really excited to learn more about you and your ambitions." Alex began, offering a reassuring smile. "Can you start by telling me a bit about your background and what drives you in your career?"

Lauren took a deep breath, visibly relaxing a bit. "Well, I started out performing in local venues and gradually built a small but dedicated following. Music has always been my passion, and I've been writing my own songs for as long as I can remember. What drives me is the hope of reaching more people with my music and making a meaningful impact on their lives."

Alex nodded, impressed by Lauren's sincerity. "That's wonderful to hear. Your dedication is clear. What kind of support are you looking for from a manager to help you achieve your goals?"

Lauren leaned forward, her enthusiasm evident. "I'm looking for someone who believes in my vision and can help me navigate the industry. I need guidance on everything from marketing and promotion to finding the right opportunities to showcase my music. I want to grow my audience and take my career to the next level."

Alex took some notes, appreciating Lauren's clarity and passion. "I think you have a lot of potential, Lauren. Your drive and vision are exactly what I look for in a client. How do you see your music evolving in the next few years? Are there any specific milestones you're aiming for?"

Lauren smiled, the nervousness fading as she spoke about her dreams. "I'd love to release a full-length album and go on tour. Collaborating with other artists is also something I'm really excited about. I want to keep pushing my creative boundaries and see where it takes me."

Alex felt a genuine connection with Lauren's aspirations. "Those are fantastic goals, and I believe we can work together to achieve them. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together."