II. Industry

Chapter 14: Truths

Rashad's POV

I sat up in the rolling chair trying to pay attention to the meeting. Ion even wanna be here right now. They tryna do some stupid publicity stunt. They want me to start a fake affair with Tinashe so we can have a reason to play like Tamara and I are breaking up for our album to do really good.

"Rashad, are you even listening," BJ asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"No. I've already told you, I don't wanna do this," I sighed.

"Do you want your album to do good or not? And this would help with Tinashe's album too,"

"I want my album to do good because of my talent not some stupid scandal. And I could careless about her damn album," I rolled my eyes.

He sighed then rested his hands on the table and leaned over it.

"You need to control yourself. Rashad, it won't last for long and then when your album releases and it does good, you can apologize to Tamara onstage and everybody's happy,"

"Will Tamara even know it's a stunt," I asked while rubbing my temples.

The room got quiet and I looked around as everyone looked at their files.

"Are you fucking serious? I have to jeopardize my relationship for a damn album? Do you know how bad that would crush her? And she would throw my shit out as soon as she finds out and change the damn locks," I was heated.

"Rashad, look at the bright side. You'll earn thousands of dollars and even awards,"

"Money can't bring me the happiness that she does. I'm not doin it unless she knows about it,"

"There won't be real emotions if she does,"

"Ok. BJ you have a wife and kids, right?"

"Rashad," He started.

"No. How would you feel if someone tried to take it away from you for something small as this? Huh?" I paused as the room remained quiet.

"Yeah. You ain't sayin shit 'cause you know it aint right. I outta fire ya ass, but Ian tryna do that because you're good at what you do, but this was a ultimate low. I'll see yall tomorrow,"

I grabbed all my items then made a dramatic exit. I slammed the door shut behind me then walked toward the elevators. I pressed the down button then waited. A couple of minutes later, a door opened and I walked toward it while looking down at my phone. I heard the doors shut then I looked around the elevator and there stood Tinashe. I looked back down at my phone.

"Can't speak?" She quipped.

I looked over at her then shrugged. "Hello," I spoke quickly before returning to my phone.

"You don't have to make things awkward," She said while shaking her head.

Suddenly, the elevator came to a hault on the third floor. I rolled my eyes. Are you serious? Everything shut off and nothing, but a red light, was on.

"Did the elevator seriously just stop," She huffed.

Lord, why are you punishing me? Ion wanna end up doing some stupid shit. My love and dedication to Tamara hit me like a train when they tried to make me do that publicity stunt.

"Did they talk to you about that publicity stunt?" She asked.

I knitted my eyebrows together.