Girl, Flaunt It

Chapter 1

Hugo

         My eyes are darting around my studio frantically. There’s so much going on that I can’t tell what I need to put my focus toward! The phones are ringing off the hook, and everyone’s running around in haste.

The stress is getting to me, and my hands fly up to my temples, squeezing my forehead. I’m witnessing the chaos happening with my primary team in the meeting room. They’re all discussing the scandal that broke out about me this morning.

         “The rumor is you’re having an affair with some celebrity named Charlotte Glitter, which usually we could spin and make this a cute thing. Maybe even use it to bring up your image, but she’s married, and her husband, Jack Clementine, is trying to pursue harassment charges against you!”

         My manager Sebastian and the PR team are shouting back and forth at each other, and it’s clogging my brain. I can’t believe this is happening! Sebastian’s face is beat red, and he’s shouting so loudly I doubt anyone understands what he’s saying.

   Finally, I can’t take it anymore,

         “Sebastian!” I yell. My voice grabs everyone’s attention, and all eyes are on me, including Sebastian’s. “Look, I understand how bad all of this looks, but I swear to God. It’s not true! These allegations are not true. Whatever she’s saying, whatever the news wants to hear, there’s no truth to report to anyone! Including the fucking tabloids, okay? I didn’t do this.”

         I sit at the table’s head and continue. “Now, normally, I wouldn’t even bother trying to stop this. Let people think and say whatever they want, but I can’t this time. It’s impacting my image and the studio already. So, what do we do about it?”

         Everyone looks around the room for a few moments, but no one speaks until, finally, Sebastian laughs. He takes an unfriendly step toward me, stopping only inches from my face.

“Hugo, this doesn’t just affect you and your studio. This affects every single other artist that’s under your label as well. Your image was already in shambles, but this? Well, now it stinks too. No one will want to be associated with a homewrecker!”

Heather, the head of the PR team, steps next to Sebastian. “They’ve even branded you as a sexual predator for harassing that married woman! Do you seriously think anyone will ever do business with you again? How could you be so careless? You own a studio with people working under you. You don’t work for yourself, and you can’t do shit like this!” she says in a much calmer voice than Sebastian.

         I slam my fists on the table in front of me. Damn, why is this happening? It’s my own fucking fault for being too easy on Charlotte when she tried taking advantage of me a month ago. I can still recall the very evening she propositioned me. She came on to me!

         I decide I will try and tell my side of the story now; if anyone will believe it, it’s my team.

         “Guys, I need to say something,” I say, gesturing for the rest of them to sit down around me. “This is all my fault….”

         Sebastian cuts me off. “Yeah, we know!” Everyone whispers around him.

         “No. Sebastian, please just listen. What I’m trying to say is important. I met Charlotte Glitter about a month ago at an event. She was drunk and completely out of her mind. I was heading to the bathroom, and she stumbled on the rug, so I helped her up. She smiled really big when she saw me, and I didn’t think much of it until later that night.”

         “Look, Hugo, none of us care to hear the gory details, okay? Can we just leave it at you screwed her and move on? So we can figure out if there’s any way to clean up this mess,” Heather questions me.

         “No. Now would everyone just shut up and listen to me? Damn, I’m trying to help us here.”

         Everyone nods at me in agreement, so I continue.

         “A few hours had passed, and I went back to the bathroom when I saw her by the door. I smiled to be polite and went inside to do my business. Suddenly, she’s behind me, trying to kiss me, and I immediately stop her. She starts laughing and asking if I have plans after the event. I told her no, and she insisted that I was going home with her. She propositioned me to be her lover, but I flat-out refused right then and there. I hurried out and never saw her again! She came on to me!”

         No one at the table says anything for a moment, and I think they’re trying to decide if they believe me or not when suddenly they all form a huddle. They’re whispering, and I’m starting to feel uncomfortable until Heather peaks out from the group.

         “Look, Hugo, we believe you. We do! But, trying to convince the public of this side of the story, with your image, there’s just no way they’ll accept it.” Defeat washes over my face, and I start to get angry.

I don’t understand how Charlotte can spin this to make it my fault when all I was doing was being respectful.

         Suddenly Sebastian speaks again. “We should have cleaned up your image a long time ago, and this would never have happened. Heather’s right. Any explanation now is like whitewashing.”

         “I’m at a loss. I’m so tired because every time we acknowledge the gossip, more rumors get spread. It’s a never-ending thing, so part of me thinks we should just not fight this one head-on. It might just make it worse,” I say, shaking my head.

         My band members are conversing in the corner until Jacob stands up and walks toward me. “Your image added to your bad boy persona, too! It’s a two-way weapon. We can’t blame Hugo for what happened,” he says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

         The rest of the band claps loudly in agreement. Sebastian sighs loudly over the top of them.

         “This will be a problem whether you face it or not. We handle other artists, too!” he snarls. “It’s a bloodbath out there! People are crucifying you left and right! Once the other artists start taking a hit from this, it’s over for you and this company!”

         He walks back over, and the team starts talking again. My mind is spiraling. How the hell does this happen? She can ruin my career over something she attempted to start, even though I shut it down just like that?

         The rest of the team joins in the bantering, and suddenly, everyone starts raising their voices and getting out of their chairs. They’re pacing the room, and no one will tell me what’s happening.

         “Sebastian!” I yell after having enough of being in the dark. “What the hell is going on?”

         “Well, you know the show that’s supposed to happen three months from now? The one we are already almost sold out of tickets to? Yeah, well, we just got word that people are returning them! They’re asking for refunds, and it’s happening everywhere. There are articles about people boycotting your new album already, too!” He joins in the pacing.

         My heart is pounding in my chest, and I feel like I’m going to pass out; I can’t wrap my head around it all. It’s so much worse than I can picture.

“What should I do?” I sigh, admitting that I’m helpless. I look around the room, waiting for someone to throw me an idea. I’m desperate enough to try just about anything. But everyone’s just staring at me, looking equally unsure of what we need to do next.

“Nothing? None of you have anything? Isn’t this part of what I pay you for?” I laugh, only partly kidding. I get half smiles from everyone until suddenly, a new PR member named Kent raises his hand from behind the group.

“I have an idea!” Kent says. I can sense his uncertainty. He’s quiet and new here, but since no one else bothers to toss me anything, I might as well hear him out. I’m apprehensive of what he’s going to suggest, but ask anyway.

“What’s your idea? Kent, right?”

“Yes, it’s Kent! Find a wife, sir.” Everyone gasps at his answer, and I look at him for a moment, wondering if he’s kidding. But, when he doesn’t change his response, I walk around the room. Letting those words shuffle around in my head.

Find a wife? Just like that? That can downplay my image, making me more family-friendly and less of a womanizer, which is precisely what I need right now. But isn’t this crazy?

I’m just about to say something when Sebastian immediately shuts him down. “Now, what kind of suggestion is that? That’s insane! You’re new here. How about you keep your head down until you come up with some real ideas, okay?”

“No, Sebastian. Come on, he’s the only one that’s come up with an idea, and I’m willing to try just about anything. Let’s give him a chance to explain his reasoning. Kent, why do you suggest that?”

“Well, if you are married, you won’t just be the playboy bachelor anymore. It will clean up your reputation and help you prove that Charlotte’s lying! Everyone will see the nice married man you become, which will paint a better picture of your image!”

         I nod along as he speaks, taking in every single word. I’m not sure if it’ll work, but it might take some heat off me with this, and I don’t see another way around it.

         Sebastian steps in front of me, inches from my face again, stopping my pacing. “You can’t seriously be considering this, can you?” he asks. “I’m your manager. Let me come up with some better ideas.”

         “Do you have any better ideas? So far, Kent’s the only one to come up with an idea at all, so I think it’s something we need to consider. I’m going to have a cigar and clear my head. Thank you, Kent.” I nod in his direction and leave the meeting room to contemplate my decision.

Chapter 2

Rebecca

I’m running late in a cab heading to the noontime show I’m singing backup for, and it’s been one of those mornings. I can’t seem to get my head on straight. My nerves are all over the place, and my hands are shaking.

I’ve been full of excitement all week leading up to this, so I’m not sure what’s happening to me now! I think my nerves from this gig are getting the best of me because it’s just in the nick of time to help with bills this month.

My nerves have been distracting me from my usual warm-up routine all morning, so I pay the cab driver a little extra to let me practice my vocals on the ride over. Practicing in front of a stranger is usually the last thing I want to do, but right now, I don’t have a choice, so he’s just going to have to listen.

My voice reacts well to the vocal exercises and warm-ups, and I finally start feeling ready to rock the show. It’s not a huge gig, and it’s not even me in the spotlight, but every opportunity I get is exciting because it’s a chance to put my voice out there for people to hear. It’s the only way I will catch my big break one day, and I’m taking complete advantage of it.

My adrenaline starts jumping like it always does the closer I get to perform. I’m unsure if it’s just a newbie feeling or if it’ll happen every time. But I hope I never lose it. It gives me just enough boost to get in the rhythm.

As we turn on the next street nearing the event, suddenly, my phone starts ringing. I recognize the number as the building manager for the gig I’m currently heading to. I don’t think much of it because they do this kind of stuff all the time, usually forgetting a prop or needing me to do a coffee run before I get there. So, I pick it up, curious about what he might need before I arrive.

My head is pounding, and I can barely hear him speak over the echoing in my ears. “Canceled?” I yell into my cell phone. “What do you mean canceled? I’m supposed to be at that gig today. In fact, I’m almost there now! I’m counting on that money!” The manager informs me that because of the recent scandal with the studio I work for, they no longer need my help.

I end the phone call and feel tears welling up in my eyes. I want to scream and cry, let out all of my frustrations. But I don’t even have the time to do it! I have rent due in two days, and now how will I find the money to pay it? I wonder. With this gig, I could make just enough to cover what I owe, and now it’s not happening.

I’m so upset. I’ve been working so hard, but I’m still getting nowhere. All of my hard work isn’t getting anywhere! No matter what I do, it feels like I’m just getting farther and farther away from my dream. I don’t understand why I can’t catch a break…

I politely ask the cab driver to take me back to the studio. With a look of confusion, he turns around, taking me back. I thank him and slam the door, feeling awful as I walk back to the entrance.

         The studio doors fly open, and I storm inside. I’m so angry at this place for pulling me into whatever shit storm it’s going through this time! I look around the studio for a moment and wonder why it feels different.

Suddenly everything around me comes into focus. The studio is in complete chaos! Everyone’s running around and yelling at each other. Papers are flying, and the phones are ringing off the hook!

My anger subsides, and I spring into action, trying to find a way to help. I walk up to each frantic group, looking for a way to offer my assistance. Asking if there’s anything I can do for them, but everyone is so busy they don’t even bother acknowledging me.

I can’t help thinking it doesn’t look like this is an easy-fix mess. I pick up bits and pieces, learning that there’s some sort of scandal around Hugo, but not much else. Maybe I won’t be having any work at all for the next few weeks… It looks like I’ll be picking up more shifts at the restaurant.    

         I’m walking around trying to find somewhere away from the pandemonium, but every room in the studio is a complete mess, full of people. I need a place to clear my head and think, so I head to the rooftop. It’s my favorite quiet place to be alone.

         As soon as I open the door, the cool air hits me in the face, blowing through my hair and calming me instantly. I look around, making sure no one’s in my secret hiding place, and decide to let out my frustrations the fastest way I know how.

         I take a deep breath and let it out with the loudest, shrillest scream I can muster. Before I let out the last few seconds of air, someone interrupts, halting me to a stop.

         “What the hell are you doing? Do you own this fucking place?” I turn to see who’s talking to me, and my heart stops as soon as I see his face.

         No freaking way! It’s Hugo!

He’s sitting up from the bench in the corner that he’s lying on, rubbing his eyes. He’s running his fingers through his gorgeous head of hair, glaring at me.

         My eyes are like saucers, and I can’t believe it’s him! Oh my God, this is the first time I’m seeing him up close! Aaand I woke him up screaming like a crazy person. Great first impression…

         I immediately start trying to apologize, but I’m stuttering all over myself. What the hell is wrong with me? I think, wondering if meeting my idol is short-circuiting my brain.

His reputation is awful and doesn’t speak much to his personality, but you can’t deny his talent. He’s an inspiration to a starting singer like me!

His eyes trail my body, and I feel like he’s checking me out. My whole body stiffens, and his eyes dancing across my body electrify me.

         They roam all over me until he breaks the silence. “Who are you? What department did you come from?” he asks.

         “Uh-hh, my name is Rebecca Grant. I’m just a backup singer here. Or, sometimes, the errand girl, grabbing coffees and whatnot. I don’t mind too much, though. I mean, it’s a job, right? I want to be in the industry, so I think it’s a great stepping stone! Plus, the once-in-a-while gigs are awesome and bring me more exposure, you know?”

I can feel myself talking out of control, but I can’t stop. It’s coming out like word vomit.

         “I’m waiting for my big break to strike! I want to be who you are one day! My own studio, where people look up to me. It must be amazing! And I bet it’s nice not having to worry about bills!” I laugh nervously.

Did I really just bring up money to a rockstar? Get it together. You’re embarrassing yourself!

         He’s looking at me with a weird expression, and I can’t quite place what it’s for but I immediately start apologizing again,

“I’m so sorry! You don’t have the time or even care to hear about this stuff. I’m sorry. I’m sure you have many more valuable uses for your time than talking to newbies like me!”

         He doesn’t say anything and continues staring. I’m starting to feel awkward, so I turn around to leave. When suddenly, he tells me to wait. I turn to face him again, just as he’s taking a drag off his cigar.

         I wait as he blows smoke, wondering what’s going on.  Does he want to say something? Or is he just wanting me to look at him?

         “I can give you the break that you want,” he says. He takes another drag and continues blowing smoke.

         “What? Really? You would help me?” I’m in shock. Did he just offer me a big break? The HUGO? There’s no way!

         “How badly do you want it?” he asks, lying back against the bench.

         I don’t know why hearing the words leave his lips as they do consume me. I swallow hard, trying to get myself together.

         “I want it so bad. I want it with every fiber of my being. In fact, it has always been my dream. That’s why I work so hard.” I clench my hands and close my eyes, “I’m so tired… tired of being a nobody and being told that I can’t do it. I could never have imagined how hard it would be being a female starting in this profession.”

         He stares at me for a few moments until a grin spreads slyly across his handsome face. I know he’s not looking at me like this out of passion, but it sets my insides on fire… Why is he so goddamn good-looking? Get your shit together. You probably look ridiculous!

         He takes the cigar out from between his teeth. “Good,” he says, pressing his cigar on the bench to snuff it out. “Marry me.”

         I shake my head in disbelief. Am I hearing him correctly? His words ring in my ears, and the rooftop starts to spin. Marry me. My chest is tight, and I can’t breathe. My heart nearly jumps out of my chest but catches in my throat when I start to stutter again.

         “W-what do you mean?”

He can’t be serious. There’s no way that he can be asking me this for real. I’m going to squeal yes like a schoolgirl, and some cameramen from a knock-off tv show are going to come busting out of the bushes. Everyone will laugh at me, and I’ll never live this down. He has to be joking, right?