The Fix

Quatorze / Sampson

Nathan "Menace"

As I rode to the studio to meet my manager, I kept thinking about that dream. I wouldn't think I'd fantasize about Audrey in real life, but Danielle's reaction in the dream alone spooked me. I need to monitor my thoughts.

My phone vibrated, showing she'd texted me.

"Pulling up to the studio. Wya?"

I messaged her and let her know I'd be pulling up right behind her. My driver dropped me off at the front, and I walked into the building.

I decided to sneak up behind Audrey, who was chatting with the guy at the front desk.

"Audrey!" I yelled, grabbing her shoulders. She shrieked, instantly turning around and pushing me away.

"Damn I ain't think you was gon scream like that." I laughed.

"Can we go? What's this meeting all about?" Audrey asked.

"A single with Sampson Reed."

"SAMPSO- oh my god oh my god oh my god Jesus give me strength." She began to freak out.

I should've expected for her react this way. R&B singers had an effect on girls that I'd never understand.

"Please don't Fan girl Audrey..I expect more from you."

"He's so damn fine Jesus help me I need to get it together."

"Audrey! Are you gonna be okay in the studio with us? Because if not-"

"No no no..I can do this. I can. I just need to take some deep breaths...let's go."

I rolled my eyes and led her to the specific studio Graham and Sampson were waiting.

We greeted each other, Audrey quietly walking behind me."

"And who's this?" Sampson asked me, gesturing to Audrey causing her to smile and look down.

Ew.

"That's my uh..assistant. Anyways did you finish the chorus for the song or..?"

"Yeah I figured it out. I'm thinking it'll be something like...Girl I just wanna.."

I tuned out his singing. I couldn't help but notice he was staring at Audrey the entire time, trying to charm her. I looked over at Graham, who was just as annoyed as I was.

"Whatever. I'm thinking if we record sometime next week, I'll release it in a couple months. Sometime in summer." I told Sampson.

"That seems a little far...what do you think Audrey?" He asked.

"Nobody was asking Audrey." Graham interjected.

"She's an assistant though. Why not hear her input?" Sampson said, still looking directly at Audrey.

"I..I think releasing it in the summer time would be best..th-that way it could possibly get a s-song or the summer nomination-"

"You think we care about nominations? We focused on the money." Graham replied.

"With the nomination comes popularity, popularity IS money. Summer would be good." Sampson pointed out.

Wasn't this niggas original argument that he didn't want to wait until summer? But whatever. I was getting my way so who cares.

"Summer it is. In that case, I'm thinking for the beat it would be something light and upbeat. If this blows up how we want it to it'll have a nice, poolside music video. Girls in bikinis, beach balls, you know..summer shit." I proposed.

Both Graham and Sampson agreed. I looked over at Audrey who was jotting a couple things down.

We discussed other things such as studio times, lyrics, and the potential nomination. After about another 45 minutes, Audrey and I were leaving the studio.

When we finally arrived to the lobby I looked over at her.

"What?" She asked.

"The hell was that? You said you wouldn't act out."

"I didn't! I was trying not to even look at him. He kept starting with me."

"Whoever started with who, I'm gonna finish it. You can't get involved with these famous niggas, they're just gonna play you."

"And yet you wanted me to get involved with you."

"I'm not like these other guys though. I'm telling you, they'll find a girl— especially a fan, who's interested in them, give her everything she wants, then when he gets uninterested he moves on to the next girl without even thinking about you."

"I wasn't even trying to date him, Nathan. I just thought he was cute. Why do you care anyways?"

"I was just looking out, damn Audrey."

"Well you don't have to." She responded sounding annoyed.

"Then I won't. Set up my next studio appointment, assistant. My ride is here."

Audrey

The hell?

He's just gonna leave me here?

As I stood in the lobby, I thought about what I could do. Just before I was about to call an Uber, Sampson walked up behind me.

"Where's Ace?" He asked, putting his hands in his pocket.

"He's uh, gone. I kind of pissed him off."

"You have a ride?"

"No...unfortunately not."

"Oh. Damn." He said, leaving the building and entering a black limousine that'd pulled up.

For some reason I'd thought he was going to offer one. Guess not.

Just as I was going to call the Uber, I thought. Rent was due in less than a week, my check from Nathan was already half spent..would this $30 ride really be my best option?

I sighed, and dialed Sam's number.

"Hello?"

"Hey..Sam. You busy?"

"Nah. How was work? Did the meeting go okay?"

"I..need a ride. Could you come pick me up?"

"Oh. Alright babe I'm on the way, just send me the location and I'll be there. You alright?"

"Yeah I Just was supposed to ride back with— ugh it's just frustrating. Thanks for looking out."

"Anytime. Hey when I get there do you think you'd wanna maybe get something to eat? If you're hungry.."

"Sure Sam. Thanks." I said hanging up.

a/n |
damn Nathan ☹️

how's y'all spring break? it's good? y'all good?

hey thx for 2k on this and 20k on tutor!