Smiling, Vanessa typed something on her laptop and then turned the screen toward her. “Simon Bennett. Singer, songwriter, and quite possibly the nicest guy in America.”
“Okay, but what does he need us for?”
“Simon’s going to be the focus of a documentary. His label wants it done. After the success of Taylor Swift’s tour film and Beyoncé’s, his label wants to do something similar. Obviously he’s not as big of a name—yet—but they’re hoping this film is going to be the thing to get him to the next level.”
Nodding, she kept staring at his picture. He was definitely good-looking and you could tell by his smile that he’s having a great time, but if he’s such a wonderful person, Juliette didn’t understand why he needed her—which is what she asked Vanessa.
“It seems like Simon’s not as eager to do this as everyone naturally thought he’d be. He’s doing it, but…he needs someone to sort of keep him on task and hold his hand.”
“Sounds like he needs an assistant.”
“No, he needs someone who knows the business and will oversee everything to make sure he’s being portrayed the way he wants to be. Someone who can make sure his brand isn’t negatively affected, while helping him see how great this opportunity is.”
The bark of laugher was out before she could stop it. “And you honestly think that person is me?” Another laugh. “Van, come on! Now I know you’re setting me up to fail!”
“I’m really not,” she countered. “I think someone like you—someone who can be firm but respectful—might be exactly what Simon needs. And now that you know what’s on the line for you, I think you’ll work extra hard to make this happen.”
Juliette instantly sobered. “I don’t know. I realize I need to put on my poker face and be more hands-on. And maybe not sleep as much,” she mumbled. “This guy sounds like my biggest nightmare. I can handle divas. I can handle jerks who get too handsy. But someone who’s all…you know…everything is great and everyone’s super? I’m not sure I can fake it that much, Van.” Pausing, she sighed. “Look, I know my strengths and weaknesses, and I swear I’m willing to put in the work to repair the damage I’ve done. It’s just that…”
Thought you weren’t going to beg, dummy.
“There has to be someone else, Van. I don’t want to be the person who brings down America’s sweetheart.”
Vanessa closed the computer and smiled serenely. “Then don’t. You’re due in Asheville, North Carolina, one week from today. I’ll email you the itinerary.”
“But…”
“And don’t pack like a diva. You’ll be on the road for at least the next six to eight weeks. Make sure you bring your passport, just in case. I’ve heard that Simon sometimes gets impulsive and likes to jet off to Europe.”
“Vanessa…” she whined.
“You and I both know you can do this. It’s time to stop being negative and start realizing how freaking awesome you are! You’re not that kid anymore, Jules. You proved them all wrong. Now go out there and show the world that I made the right decision with you. Don’t let me down.”
Dammit.
Rising, she smoothed a hand over her skirt. “Fine,” she grumbled. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“That’s the spirit!” They both laughed, but Juliette’s was more mirthless than anything else. And if her history was anything to go by, she’d be looking for a new job by the end of the month.
The sun was shining, the weather was glorious, and it was honestly a fabulous day to be alive.
There were only a few weeks left before his tour resumed, and Simon Bennett vowed to make the most of every second. The house he was renting up in the Blue Ridge Mountains had a spectacular view and was more peaceful than he could have imagined. When his brother Noah had recommended this as the spot to get away from it all, he’d been doubtful. But now that he was here? It was going to be hard to leave.
Of course, it wasn’t exactly a relaxing vacation. He’d come here to get some writing done for the next album and it was the perfect opportunity to take a break from the tour and not hear about the documentary that was going to start filming once they got back on the road.
Normally, he was the most agreeable guy in the world. If there was a chance something was going to bring his fans joy or help his career, he was fully on board. But this film was just…it wasn’t something he wanted to do. This wasn’t just a fluff piece where it was just him up on stage singing—like he originally thought it was—now they wanted a deep dive into his life.
And there were certain things, and specifically certain people, he preferred to keep out of the equation.
Like everything before he went on the reality show that launched him into superstardom.
Being the third runner-up on America’s Next Singing Sensation had opened doors for him he never thought he’d walk through. And up until now, that was where his story began. In every interview he’d ever done, they all asked about auditioning for the show and everything that followed. Now, that was going to change, and he wasn’t happy about it.
And Simon was always happy.
Always.
Every day was a gift, and he knew that from experience. So he’d made it his mission to live with appreciation for everything he had and gratitude for the musical talent he’d been blessed with. And if he could spread joy to the people around him on a daily basis, then even better.