The Assistant - Roger Taylor

One

June 20,1983
Rosalie's POV

  "Your next artist is Roger Taylor, perhaps you've heard of him? He's the drummer-"

  "In Queen, yes I've heard of him!" I squeal.

  "So you're a fan. I hope this won't be an issue because if you act immature, I'll assign you to a less famous artist or band."

  "I promise it won't be an issue, uncle Tim, I mean Mr Smith! I'll be professional."

  "I sure hope so, Rose. Now remember the basic rules. Be polite, stay out of the way, don't speak unless spoken to- "

  "And do whatever he asks," I finish. It's not like I haven't heard them a million times.

  My uncle is the owner of a record label and he's letting me work here over the summer to learn more about the music business. Really, it's not as glamorous as it sounds. I'm basically a personal assistant for singers and bands that come in to record. Again, not as glamorous as it sounds.

  So far I've just got food, drinks, and cigarettes for a bunch of rude nobodies and then had to clean up the food, drinks, and cigarette butts they leave behind.

  But my next artist is Roger Taylor. It's truly unbelievable. I've been listening to Queen since I was, like, twelve. I've also had a crush on the drummer for just as long. It was always just one of those silly celebrity crushes. You know they're many years older than you and you'll never meet them, let alone have a chance with them, but that doesn't stop you from drooling over their posters and pictures in magazines.

  Apparently he's recording his second solo album and I get to be his assistant throughout the whole thing.

  There's a knock on the door that snaps me out of my thoughts and the secretary, Diana peeks her head into uncle Tim's office.

  "Roger Taylor is here, sir," she smiles. I've always felt sorry for her, for some reason. She's like at least in her late thirties and I've never heard her talk of a husband or boyfriend.

  "Thank you, Diana," he says before turning back to me. "He's ten minutes early, this will be a good time to introduce you to him."

  He gets up from his squeaky rolling chair and I follow, straightening up my hair a little.

  "Remember everything I've told you," he reminds me before entering the room where refreshments are available while the artist waits for their room to be open. "Mr Taylor! Welcome, we are so thrilled you're here!"

  "It's a pleasure to meet you," the blonde smiles politely, holding out his hand to shake uncle Tim's. "Sorry I'm a little early, traffic wasn't as bad as I thought."

  "That's no problem at all, the band that's in there should be out in no longer than ten minutes." Tim turns to me, who's nervously hiding behind him like a child and pushes me closer to them. "This is Rosalie. She will serve as your assistant throughout this whole process, so if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask her."

  "Pleasure to meet you, Rosalie," he holds his hand out and when I take it, instead of shaking it, he brings it to his mouth and presses a kiss to the back of my hand. I think I might faint. "I'm Roger."