"You sure?" Arnold arched an eyebrow at Leon.
"Yup, I'm not changing my mind about needing a month-long break."
"Your new album launch is due early next year and any delay now will do us no good."
"One month won't hurt one bit," Leon placed his elbow onto the table and rubbed his forehead with his palm.
"Avon's not gonna be happy about this," Arnold cautioned.
"Avon, Avon, Avon this and that! I'm gonna lose my mind if I hear one more of this Avon crap! Haven't I been bringing in the money and making y'all rich, especially for that dreaded CEO whom I shall not name? Haven't I already paid all my debts to Avon? Cut me some slack, yeah?"
Arnold shook his head, "You know, Leon. You're really not yourself anymore since that Ariel moved in."
"What has this gotta do with her? I already have enough issues of my own!" Leon hissed, clearly displeased with Arnold trying to judge his personal life. Even though they knew each other since the start of his career, Leon never liked anyone on his team to get too personal with him after learning the hard way when the then naive and impressionable artiste succumbed to every massive demand to change into the entertainment persona that he is today.
"You work hard non-stop and you're ruthless in pursuing anything where the money lies. You never sacrifice your dignity for anyone. First, your contract with Mia Marlene ended. Now, your friendship with Martin Carter is over, all because of Ariel."
"You call all that 'dignity'?" Leon flashed a look of disgust at his way-off definition. "Mia assaulted her and Martin almost raped her!"
Arnold ignored his criticism, "Avon got pretty upset when you cancelled the collaboration with Mia Marlene and it cost us a fortune in cancellation fees. Even though Fujita's paying good money, we can't just rely on that one. We need more performances, more projects to bring in more money to surpass last year's figures."
"We were on a world tour last year, for goodness sake! And we travelled again this year for my paid appearances and endorsements. Oranges and apples can't be compared."
"You know Avon."
"Fine!" Leon scowled and kicked at a chair.
Arnold remained calm, already accustomed to his temper before adding, "Anyway, I've good news for you."
"What is it?
"Famous Hollywood director, William Jones would like to you to appear in his lead role for an upcoming dystopian romantic film. He wants you to play the lead."
Leon rubbed his chin with his thumb and index finger and thought for a whiles.
"Give it a pass. I'm in no mood for anything pertaining to romance."
"Are you crazy? This is one opportunity of a lifetime! William Jones' last movie, Wild Cats from Manhattan won him an Oscar and he wants your new music and you in his new film. It'll be great to have the movie and your new album launch around the same time next year. The lead actress in his film will be A-lister, Jasmine Ferne. Quite a hot and sexy beauty, that one."
Leon raised his brow. It was not so much the mention of Jasmine Ferne that caught his attention, but rather, a new project that would keep him occupied and stay away from Ariel, stay away from hurting her again. Perhaps, it would help him forget her for real this time.
"Alright, I'll star in it. Get Jones to send me the script. This better be a good one."
"You betcha!" Arnold flashed an 'OK' sign to him and proceeded to call the director.
YOU ARE READING
365 Days with the Celebrity
RomanceAriel Lee has been stuck for years in a dead-end job as an assistant chef. Struggling to meet ends meet in a life of poverty while raising her young son whose father left them for another woman, their lives would soon change when she narrowly won a...
