Hostage to you

Interview

Raven's POV

It's a lazy morning, the kind that feels like it could stretch on forever. Sunlight spills across the kitchen, and I'm leaning against the counter, sipping my coffee. I've thrown on a leather jacket over a dark green button-up, black jeans, and my favorite scuffed boots. A few silver rings glint on my fingers as I absentmindedly swirl the coffee cup. Marc's on the couch with a book, and Zoey's at the kitchen table, sketching something I can't quite make out.

My phone buzzes on the counter, breaking the calm. I glance at the screen—it's Mitch. I pick up, half-wondering if this is going to be another run-of-the-mill gig.

"Hey, Mitch," I greet him, keeping my tone casual.

"Raven! Got something interesting for you," Mitch says, his voice carrying that familiar upbeat tone. "It's a bodyguard job for a musician."

"Okay, sounds like the usual," I reply, taking another sip of coffee. "Who's the client?"

"Billie Eilish," he says, like it's the most normal thing in the world.

I pause. "And who's that exactly?"

There's a brief silence before Mitch chuckles. "You're serious? She's a singer—pretty big name, actually. But it's probably better that you don't know much about her."

"Guess so," I say with a shrug, setting the coffee cup down. "So, what's the deal?"

"Her team's looking for someone who can fit in without making things awkward," Mitch explains. "They saw your resume and liked your experience with different gigs."

"Got it," I reply, starting to get more curious. "When's the interview?"

"Tomorrow," Mitch replies. "It's at her manager's office downtown. You'll chat with the tour manager, and if he thinks you're a good fit, Billie will meet you to seal the deal."

"Sounds good," I say, ending the call and setting the phone down. I catch Zoey's curious glance from the table.

"Who was that?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Mitch," I reply, heading over to the coffee pot to pour another cup. "He's setting me up with an interview for some singer named Billie Eilish."

Zoey's eyes widen. "You don't know who she is? She's huge right now."

I shake my head. "Nope. But does it really matter? I'm just here to do a job."

She laughs, sketching without looking up. "You seriously live under a rock."

The Next Day

The address Mitch sent leads me to a building that's way more chill than I expected—no flashy signs, just sleek glass windows and a laid-back vibe. The lobby is stylish without trying too hard, with a few people scattered around, chatting quietly. I check in with the receptionist, who directs me to the top floor.

The elevator ride is smooth, and as I catch my reflection in the mirrored walls, I notice the small details: the worn leather of my jacket, the way my silver rings clink together when I adjust my cuff. I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and curiosity. It's not every day you get an opportunity like this.

When the doors open, I step out into a space that looks more like an artist's loft than an office—big windows, cozy furniture, and framed photos covering the walls. There's an energy here that feels creative, like the kind of place where people actually get things done because they want to, not because they have to.

A guy in his mid-thirties with dark hair and a welcoming smile approaches me. "Hey, you must be Raven," he says, extending his hand. "I'm Luca, the tour manager."

"Nice to meet you," I reply, shaking his hand.

"Come on in," Luca says, guiding me toward a conference room that's more like a lounge—comfy chairs, a coffee table with scattered magazines, and a soft hum of music playing somewhere in the background. "The process is pretty relaxed. We just want to get a feel for who you are."

I settle into one of the chairs, feeling more at ease with the laid-back setting. Luca asks me about my work experience, and we chat about different gigs I've had—nightclub security, private events, even a few low-key celebrity jobs. He seems less interested in specifics and more focused on getting a sense of my personality.

"We're looking for someone who can blend in and make Billie feel comfortable," Luca explains. "It's not just about security; it's about having the right energy."

"I get that," I say, nodding. "It's about reading the room and knowing when to step up without making it a thing."

Luca grins, like he's heard exactly what he was hoping for. "Exactly. You seem like you'd get along well with her."

Just as we're wrapping up, the door swings open, and in walks a girl with bright red roots and an easygoing vibe. She's wearing a faded band T-shirt tucked into black pants, looking more like someone you'd bump into at a record store than a global superstar. As soon as our eyes meet, there's a spark of recognition.

"You're the girl from the coffee shop," she says, her lips curling into a small smile.

"And you're the one who bumped into me," I reply, remembering our brief encounter.

Billie lets out a light laugh. "Yeah, sorry about that. Didn't mean to run into you like that."

"It's all good," I say, returning the smile. "No harm done."

She walks over and picks up the folder with my CV, flipping through it quickly before looking back up at me. "So, Raven... nightclub gigs, private gigs... sounds like you've seen it all."

"I've had my share of experiences," I reply, keeping it casual.

Billie glances at Luca, who gives her a small nod. She doesn't bother sitting down; she just leans against the arm of a chair. "We're heading to rehearsal later," she says. "Why don't you come by, see if the vibe's right?"

"Sure," I reply, a little surprised at how informal this all is.

"Cool," she says, flashing another smile. "And hey, if nothing else, at least you'll get to hear some music."

As I follow Luca out, I can't help but feel like this whole thing has an unexpected charm to it. Meeting Billie feels more like running into a friend than some famous client, and I'm starting to think that might be the best part of this job.

A/N
Any tips?
I still can't believe I got floor tickets to hmhas tour!!!
Are you going?

💋 X