Almost Everything

Chapter 15

"So boys, you need to make the decision if you want a producer on this album and if so who? I will need your decision by the end of the week. However unfortunately I have some bad news." Olivia announced as she handed out the coffees on a blue Tuesday morning working in the studio. She was prestigiously turned out in her tight white dress which hugged her perfect figure, stopping just above her knees. A pair of shining black high heeled shoes on her feet. Her golden Rolex glistened in the dim studio lights. She handed me my coffee, I nodded as a thank you. Our hands brushing against one another in the exchange of the paper cup. I smiled at her but she simply moved back to addressing us all.
"As I was saying I have some bad news. Your manger Collin had taken ill. He won't be able to work for the next couple of month best case scenario. It could be longer but he is hoping that he will make a full recovery."

The rest of us just stared at her in complete shock. Letting it all sink in. Collin had been by our side for the past 10 years. He is as much as the band as any of us. And knowing that he was sick was scary. It was like hearing your one of your parents were sick. Like you were a sacred child again.

"Obviously this is very upsetting for you all. I understand that you are very close to him but he persists that you carry on in the production with this next record."

I took a sip from my cup. Letting my brain process all this information.

"Who's going to manage us now?" Asked Jamie. Nick and Matt soon piped up too bombarding her with questions. Not giving her a chance to answer. Every time she opened her mouth to reply one of them shouted another question.

"Let the woman speak for Christ's sake." I shouted over all of them. Rubbing my temple with my finger. I had been up all night drinking after what Olivia said to me yesterday morning. My hangover creeping up on me.

She locked her eyes with mine and for just that second everyone else in the room melted away and it was just us. Complete silence surround us and I could of sworn I could hear her heartbeat increase. And in that moment everything was okay again. She opened her mouth to speak, stuttering on her first few words. And like that she tore her eyes away from mine and she was her cool and collected self again. Like she could take on the world. But we both knew that there was a different Olivia hidden deep down. One that she had tried to bury after all these years. But when she is with me she can't help but let that person shine through.

I focused my attention back to the words she was saying. My eyes watching her chest rise and fall.

"So the option is you either find a temporary manager or I could fill in for Collin. The decision is purely up to you and both me and Collin want you to do what you feel is best for the band. I will need your decision by the end of the week."

"You'll be taking his place." I said. It just fell out of my mouth. I had no control over it. The rest of the lads all muttered in agreement with me.

"Surely you should all discuss this?"

"There's no need to. Unless you don't want the position?"

"No of course I do."

"Then great you're hired." She smiled at me. That perfect Olivia Grant smile which made my heart skip a beat every time without fail. A sight that I would never grow accustom too.

_/\_/\/\_

I entered Olivia's office late on a Friday night. I had stayed behind trying to finish off this piece for the album but with no luck I decided to call it a day. I was going to tell her the decision we have reached on what producer we want for the next album. I knocked on the heaving oak door knowing she would still be here. She was always here at this time of night. "Come in." She called from the other side of the door.