Behind The Bright Lights

Chapter 4

'I still don't understand why you hired a complete stranger to be in your show.' Sharon said settling down on Nate's couch with a glass of wine in her hand. Nate sighed trying to keep his anger in check. He had already explained the situation to Sharon – thrice. All the way from the studio they were talking about Kimmy Edga. He sat on the arm of the couch Sharon was sitting in.

'Sharon,' he said in a strained voice. 'I have explained three times and I'm not –'

'Then explain to me one more time then maybe I'll understand why you threw all caution to the wind and get a nameless amateur and make her a part of one of the most important shows you have ever done!' Sharon said her voice rising.

'You saw her resume and you agreed it was good and everyone needs a big break and maybe this is hers.'

'Oh, so she's like your charity case. Is that it?' she challenged nostrils flaring 'Who are you? Oprah?'

Nate stared at her for a full minute trying to keep his anger under control as it raged inside him. He couldn't understand why Sharon was being so myopic. 'She is not a charity case.' He stated his words laced with anger. 'And it is also none of your business who I hire for my show.'

'But I'm your partner and should tell you when you are wrong. She is wrong.' Sharon said her anger escalating but then his had reached boiling point already.

'She's wrong?' he stood up and threw his hands in the air in exasperation 'You don't even know her!'

'And neither do you!' Sharon also stood up and faced him. 'I have a bad feeling about her and my perception about people is usually right.'

'Then that's a risk I have to take.' Nate said and held her gaze for a moment the turned to leave the room.

'Why the hell are you defending her so much?'

Nate paused then turned to face her. 'Maybe it's because she doesn't tell me how to do my job.' He said calmly then resumed his journey to the bedroom. He knew it was uncalled for but was too angry to stop himself from saying it. 'Close the door on your way out.' He dismissed her even though he had missed her so bad.

Maybe he was overreacting but hell, he couldn't stay in the same room with when she was trying to be so controlling. He closed the door to his room and after a while, heard Sharon leave.

*

Kimmy was bone tried from cleaning her small apartment. She had swept, dusted, thrown out stuff, spread new stuff she had brought from Washington on the bed, bathroom and on some furniture. She had taken a huge chance bringing all these things but it was all now in good use. Tomorrow, she thought looking around the now tidy little kitchen, I have to buy plates, cups, cutlery and the likes...and curtains for all the rooms. She smiled feeling a sense of belonging. A feeling she hadn't had since she moved to Washington with Chase.

Her brother, Ayden had introduced her to Chase two years after their father had died when he decided to go to Australia for graduate work on his accounting degree. He wanted someone to look out for Kimmy while he was gone and for a while things were going really well. Chase would visit Kimmy very often, brought her gifts, and took her out, found a job for her. He did everything her brother would have done for her until the day found her fashion sketches in her house...it changed everything. He stopped visiting Kimmy - he moved in with her, took her out of the job he got for her, he didn't bring just gifts anymore, he brought material; silk, nylon and whatever else he deemed necessary...and he also brought clients for her to design. Kimmy sat down on her couch and put her legs up. Then she thought he was doing her a favor because she did want to be a stylist and he was looking out for her and protecting her.