My Slime

11. Limits to Loyalty

Gigi stepped out of Chris' Lambo, feeling the buzz of energy that came with stepping into a world so different from anything she'd known before. Beside her, Chris looked relaxed, confident, like he owned the place. He'd set up a meeting with one of the top management teams in L.A., determined to show her he wasn't just hyping her up—he was serious about helping her level up.

As they walked toward the sleek, mirrored high-rise, Gigi's excitement mixed with a flicker of nerves. The lobby was all glass and polished steel, buzzing with people in expensive suits and perfect hair, like a scene from a movie. She shot a sideways glance at Chris, who gave her a reassuring smile and placed a hand on her lower back.

"Come on, G," he murmured, guiding her toward the elevator. "You got this. I wouldn't be bringin' you here if I didn't believe in you."

She took a breath, letting his words sink in, and followed him into the glass-walled conference room waiting above. With every step, she felt herself shedding the nerves, stepping fully into the potential he saw in her.

The team introduced themselves—Derek, Simone, and Kai—all dressed in designer fits with that air of "we're about to make you a star." Right off the bat, they started talking about brand deals, high-fashion partnerships, and building Gigi's image.

"So, Gigi," Simone, the head of branding, began with a smile, "we see a lot of potential for you in fashion, lifestyle—you name it. We're talking major partnerships here, girl. You'll be the face of brands, maybe even create your own line down the road."

Gigi glanced at Chris, who nodded with an encouraging grin. She tried to keep her cool, but part of her couldn't believe this was happening.

Simone continued, "And with Chris's support, we can really fast-track this. We could look at you as, say, the next big name in lifestyle branding, with possible crossovers into reality TV—"

Gigi's expression tightened slightly, but she kept her tone neutral. "Reality TV?"

Simone chuckled. "Oh, don't worry, nothing too crazy. Just putting your life and brand out there more, showing who you are. It's all about giving fans a look behind the scenes. They'll eat it up."

Gigi forced a smile, not totally sold but nodding politely as they continued with more ideas. Finally, they wrapped up with some next steps and follow-ups. As she and Chris left, he was buzzing with excitement.

"See? I told you this could be big," he said, wrapping his arm around her. "I gotchu, Gigi. You gon' be unstoppable."

She smiled, but there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes that she couldn't quite place.

Later that day, Gigi met up with Queen for brunch and couldn't wait to fill her in on everything.

"So, yeah," Gigi said, laughing as she recapped the meeting. "They got all these big plans—clothing lines, brand deals, some kind of lifestyle image. They even threw in 'reality TV' at one point."

Queen raised an eyebrow. "Reality TV? Girl, they tryna turn you into a Kardashian or somethin'?"

"Right? I mean, don't get me wrong, it sounds too good to be true, but I just..." She hesitated, glancing down at her drink. "I just don't know if that's me. I want something' that feels real, ya know?"

Queen leaned back, crossing her arms with a smirk. "And that's why you need someone who actually gets that." She leaned in. "Girl, let me manage you."

Gigi's eyes widened, a smile creeping onto her face. "Wait, you? My manager?"

Queen shrugged, playful but serious. "Why not? I know you, I got yo' back, and I won't let nobody mess with you. Plus, we both know I'd keep shit 100 with you at all times... Like what's the worse that could happen?"