Bloom

Bloom Part 6

Victoria imagined a specific hand penetrating her. Each finger got a turn inside her sensitive core. They were at a restaurant—the same one they ran into each other at in real life. Seated at the same side of the table, Whitney discreetly rocked her walls.

And then her phone rang.

"Of all times Clive," Victoria sighed.

Being that it was 6AM on a Saturday, she knew she didn't have to take the call. But for that same reason, she did.

"Yess?" she picked up after sitting up against her headboard.

"Morning, Victoria," her boss said chipper like. "Sorry to call so early. I hope I didn't wake you."

There was a beat on both ends until he resumed speaking. "Are you hanging with Whitney today?"

"At the studio? Yeah."

"Wonderful. Anything else on the agenda?"

"For when, after the studio?"

"Right."

"Um...we might hang out after, why?"

"Okay, you have to be careful. People are starting to know her and are paying attention. That little outing you had at Nobu?"

"Yeah?" Victoria couldn't press the phone tighter to her ear. She was more awake now than ever. "What about it, Clive?"

"There was a kiss of some sort."

Victoria felt her skin change colors. "What? There was no kiss. Who told you that?"

"People talk, Victoria, you know that. And they will do more of it as she rises in fame. Is that the microscope you want to be under? As her A&R?"

"No, it is not."

"I don't mean to come down on you, Victoria. I am simply cautioning you. I know you don't tend to care what people think but this is about Whitney. She is our artist. We don't want the public getting distracted. The focus should be on her music."

"Did you tell her that?"

"Whitney? Oh, many times. We've had this discussion before. She's well aware."

"Okay, so what are you really saying here? You want me to stay away?"

"Oh no, not at all. I simply want you to be mindful of how you spend your time together. That way nobody gets hurt. Am I clear?"

"Yes."

"Do you have any questions? Comments?"

"What makes you think somebody's gonna get hurt?"

"Because in these instances, someone always does. What do I always tell you?"

"...Artists are not your friends."

"That's right. Okay, I'm going to let you go, darling."

~Whitney

"Great job, Whitney!" the engineer said.

"Yes, thank you," the producer agreed.

"You brought the song to life," the songwriter said.

I smiled at their praise.

But I wasn't feeling too hot.

My studio session ran a little over and Victoria still was not here.

"Thanks, guys. Can't wait to get back at it again," I said to the room.

I checked my phone. Nothing from V.