Green-minded (EDITING) ✔

T W O: Troublemaker

Manager Kim and I are now alone in the dressing room. I got the urge to throw out a vase or anything that breaks, but no, I'm not the type that blows one's cool.

My blood is boiling but I still managed to smile. Steve and the whole crew left after giving us instructions regarding our flight to China later.

Steve sounded very enthusiastic regarding the China-Japan cruise while I'm beyond underwhelmed about it.

I want to think of a way to get away from this mess but my mind can't focus right now.

"Kim, I can't believe you want me to date that player. Ugh." I snap, annoyed. I attempt to mask my frustration but it still appeared in my voice.

I stroke my long, brown straight hair using my fingers and frustrated, I blow on my bangs.

She looks amused. "The sought-after bachelor. The world-renowned actor. The extremely handsome Tony Green. Your rescuer. He's too good to be true." She blushes.

"Oh my goodness, Kim. Don't tell me you've been smitten by his fake charm? I can't believe you!" I roll my eyes and let out a loud sigh.

"Ash, you can't deny the fact that he's hot. Don't worry, I did a background check on him before I asked you to be on the show. It's true that he had some flings, he loves to party but he only danced with them at the bar. He's a perfect gentleman. Don't be afraid to fall in love with him. He's a catch," she snorts.

Manager Kim seems to be very fond of Tony. I can't believe her!

"You ain't helping at all, Kim. You're my manager. You should be taking care of me and not let me fall prey to this guy. People who've worked with him say he's rude and mean. I don't want a guy like that."

"Gossips. Gossips. Gossips. I heard that a staff member spread those rumors because Tony shuts himself up in his dressing room or car during tapings. I don't find that rude. Maybe he's memorizing his lines or eating or I don't care, it's his business. We're not in the position to judge. Plus, I'll be late on my date. My husband's waiting for me outside." Manager Kim stands up from her chair and fixes her royal blue dress.

She immediately faces the large mirror and powders her nose

"Wait, what?! You're kidding, right?!" I exclaim. My eyes widen in fear.

"I'm not going with you on the cruise trip. You're 25, old enough to take care of yourself," she says smiling brightly.

How can she smile in this situation? I'm doomed.

"Ugh. Kim, I'm not going if you're not!"

In a blink of an eye, Manager Kim's expression changes. Her face is dark and serious. Uh-oh. Trouble. My knees are trembling. Literally!

She holds onto the vase I've been eyeing a while ago, caressing it gently. Her smile doesn't reach her eyes. She looks furious now. "Ash.."

It's true, I go against her and argue with her sometimes but with what I'm seeing now, it's time for me to stop.

I don't want her to break everything in the dressing room.

She explains, "You got yourself into this mess. This is the only way for you to save your descending career. You passed out during your concert and it made a big buzz. You fanned the fire by losing consciousness tonight. Your fans are rapidly leaving you, not believe you anymore. I have to handle a lot of declined projects and canceled endorsements, too. You know I always got your back so trust me in this, okay?"

She continues, "For 13 years, we've been supporting you. We gave you all the help and counseling you need but all failed. You have to help yourself, too. I'm not telling you to date him for real, okay? It's just that dating him can help cover up your failures, just for now. Until we find a more permanent solution, I expect you to cooperate."