Page 49 of Release
“I can show you better than I can tell you,” she answered.
Alexandra took a minute to look her over, and right away decided she liked her. The two of them took some time getting to know more about their top candidate’s background, and discovered she had a lot of relevant experience in the industry.
“I don’t want this label to run like it did in the past,” Alexandra pointed out after they had talked shop for almost an hour. “I took over Blaze Entertainment because, as an artist, I got sick of feeling like I had the least amount of say in my career and livelihood. Now that I’m at the helm of Purple Blaze, I want to take us in a different direction. What I need is someone to handle the operations, with Rick as the senior advisor. It would leave me with enough time to focus on strategy, artist development and my own work, at least for a year or two.”
“That is not a problem. I love the direction you’re taking. I’ve been through two of these types of transformation projects with my current employer, so I’d like to think I’m solutions-oriented, rather than the woman with the red pen. I’m not here to see what’s wrong. I’m here to help you keep doing what’s right.”
Alexandra looked over at Rick, who was now nodding energetically. “Honestly, if you can do that, you’d be perfect. I have more than I bargained for on my plate right now.”
“I’ll do everything in my power if given the chance,” Ladonna assured them.
“Great.”
“Lexxi,” Rick piped up. “What are you waiting for? Hire the woman.”
Smiling, Alexandra nodded. “Fine. You’re hired. Rick will take care of contracts and such. How much notice do you need for your current job?”
“Three or four weeks, but they’re a good shop. If you’re okay with it, I can start getting oriented next week while I begin to do handoffs over there.”
“That’s perfectly fine with me.” Alexandra turned to Rick. “You’ll get her up to speed, right? I’d help out, but with the tour coming, and all that’s going on outside of work—”
“Say no more, Lexxi,” Rick replied. “Consider it done. I’ll see her out.”
“Great. Thanks Rick. Welcome aboard, Ladonna.”
“Thanks for the opportunity, Miss Storme. Take care of yourself.”
Rick was a little more flirtatious and bubbly around Ladonna, which made her slightly concerned, considering that he was supposedly happily married. She immediately relaxed when she heard Rick mention to the woman that his wife’s brother was single.
“Don’t let him be your matchmaker!” Alexandra teased as they walked out of her office.
After they left, she snatched up her phone to try Bash’s number again. She refused to overthink it. She needed to reach him, even if he was clearly ignoring her calls. Like this time. It went right to voicemail. Again.
“Oh, come one,” she grumbled, hanging up without leaving a message. Trying not to let it get to her, she found her father’s number to give him a heads up about the VIP passes. She grabbed her purse to head out of the office. Eva would be at her house by nine, so there was just enough time to get in and have a long bath.
Dad’s phone rang as she made her way to her car.
“How’s my budding mogul?” he answered.
“Hey, Daddy.”
“How’s it going?”
She closed her car door and started the engine, resting the phone in the cradle that connected it to her car speakers. “Good. Remember I told you I want you and Rosa front and center for at least one stop on the tour? Well, I got you VIP passes. I’m having them sent out to you, okay?”
“Hmm, that sounds great dear. You do know Rosa and I would prefer to just have dinner with you here at the house, right?”
“Yes, Dad. I know,” she told him, driving out of her building parking lot. “You and Rosa don’t want to hang out with a bunch of crazy, screaming fans and hear deafening music. Still, you can come backstage and give me a hug for good luck.”
“You don’t need luck, honey. You love it up on stage. You were born to rock.”
“Awww.”
“So,” Dad paused for a long beat. “Is there anyone else I should let know to keep an eye on his mail? I’m outside right now…and…yes, as a matter of fact he’s just opening his front door. You called just in time. Hello, Sullivan boy!” he called out loudly.
Alexandra cringed. “Dad! Stop it. First of all, his name isn’t Sullivan boy. It’s Sebastian. And second, don’t call him. I need to speak to him when he’s got time for me.”
“I’m just saying hello. Can’t a man greet his neighbor?”
