That calms me a bit as I look around the brightly colored office. The lady behind the desk looks at me and gives me a smile, which I return. But then I’m freaking out again and frantically typing him back.
Me: Okay, what if he hates it?
Jace: Then he’s a douche.
Me: Jace! I’m freaking out!
Jace: lol, don’t, babe! Because when you leave that meeting, I’ll be waiting for you and whatever happens, we’ll do it together.
Biting into my lip, I know he’s right and I am so thankful he is waiting for me. I wish he had come up with me. I know, I shouldn’t depend on him, but I’m a nervous wreck. He was really against coming up, though, saying it would look bad for him to be there since this wasn’t his meeting, it was mine. Since he has been to so many meetings for different hockey teams, I decided he might be right. I know he’s only right downstairs, parked on the side of the road, but I really wish he had come with me.
Ugh, am I becoming one of those needy bitches?
Ack!
Looking back at my phone when it vibrates, I smile.
Jace: You got this.
Me: I love you.
Jace: I love you more.
I don’t think I’ll ever get used to those three words coming from his mouth. I’ve wanted to be loved by someone like Jace my whole life, and now I’ve got it. It’s freaking awesome.
“Ms. Rose? Stu will see you now.”
Whipping my head to the receptionist who is standing, waiting on me, I suck in a deep breath.
Oh Jesus, take the wheel. Please.
Swallowing ha
rd, I get up and follow her through the office and to the empty conference room near the back. I look back at her, confused, and she smiles. “He’ll be right in. Would you like a drink?”
I shake my head frantically, but then I pause. You got this. I hear Jace saying it to me in my head, and I know he’s right. So, with a smile, I slowly shake my head, taking in a breath before saying, “No, thank you.”
“Okay, he’ll be right in. Have a seat.”
I do as she asks, surveying the room that is full of gold and silver records of some of my favorite artists. I did research on him before I came, and of course, Jelly Records is the home of some really big names.
And he called me.
Oh, hell.
Swallowing hard around the lump in my throat, I beg myself to be chill. I’ve got this. This is awesome. So many people beg for this chance, and I got it. I sort of don’t like how it came about since Jace contacted his dad to get Stu to listen. But then, why doesn’t it matter? Whatever way gets me there, I’m okay with. Well, not really. I’m not sucking dick to get to the top. I happily suck Jace’s dick, but that’s irrelevant. In this case, I’m okay with the circumstances. I just want to shine. I want to be something great.
When the door opens, I realize I hadn’t even noticed it was shut until a very tall man closes it again behind him and looks over at me with a huge smile on his face. On the phone, I thought I was meeting with an older guy. But this guy is young and huge. Over six feet, with broad shoulders and thick arms. His brown hair is long, dusting his shoulders, while his brown-eyed gaze is very intimidating. Despite his age, which can’t be over thirty, he looks distinguished. Like one of those high-up guys, and my heart is pounding so hard against my ribs as he pins me with a look.
“Avery Rose! Nice to meet ya! I’m Stu Waters,” he says, shaking my hand and I plead with myself to remember how to talk.
“It’s wonderful to meet you,” I somehow say and he grins as he pulls out a chair, setting his computer down.
“Really excited to talk with ya, feel ya out, see what you’re thinkin’,” he says quickly, his Southern drawl lacing his voice. “So, tell me your story.”
“My story?” I croak out and he grins.
“Yeah, who are you?”