I walk into Nexa stage with a cup of coffee in my hand like a thief. The last time I got caught unawares by Ezra, I have to make sure it doesn't happen again. I greet Lucas's PA, Simone, who is at the entrance talking with another woman and make my way to the conference room as communicated to me.
I still can't believe I'm going to be starring in a play. Yes, I'm the main character. Clock that. It honestly all happened so fast and when I told Gio, he was thrilled but he also seemed a bit worried about who would take my place. I told him I would gladly still be helping out on weekends since we're only shooting on weekdays.
Ted seemed sad I was leaving as well but I assured him I would still be coming over whenever I was free. I could never forget them, not after they accepted me when no one else would, I consider them my second family.
As for Lexi, she wanted to throw me a goddamn party until I reminded her about the price of the Cadillac she rented.
I stand in front of the room labeled 'Conference' and adjust my white fitted button-down sweater and blue baggy jeans. I got the memo on casual wear.
I walk into the hall all smiles and rainbows, ready to take on whatever. Or so I thought. At the far end of the table sat Ezra Roth with about seven other scattered around the table. Shit, I almost dropped my coffee. I stood staring wide eyed at him. He quickly scanned me from head to toe and looked away like he couldn't be bothered, it was so fast I almost didn't see it. Almost.
"Miss Tamrin, please have a seat. You're not late don't worry. Mr. Roth just decided to grace us with his presence today which is why I'm here before you." Lucas states with a kind smile seated beside him.
I give him a forced smile and take a seat very far away. I sip my coffee silently trying to turn invisible but I can feel his eyes on me. Great, just the way to start my day.
About six other people arrive in the span of five minutes and the meeting begins.
"Good morning, everyone. I want to welcome you all and congratulate all of you for making it into the 67th play Nexa stage has ever produced. Can you all please give yourselves a round of applause." I clap and look around me noticing the people around me for the first time so these are going to be my co-workers or co-stars, both beautiful and scary faces though. I mistakenly lock eyes with Ezra who by the way, has been staring since. My brain signals error and I look away quickly. The applauds fade.
"Your determination and exquisite skill set is what got you this far. I want you to know that it is not luck that brought you here or any other insignificant thing but what you have to offer and your talent. As you may all know, I'm Lucas, the producer and Managing Director of Nexa Stage, the woman beside me is Simone who has been in contact for any of you if you had questions and we have Mr. Ezra Roth, the CEO of Briggs Corp. I will communicate to you all at the end of this meeting the reason for his presence here today but let us start with what we are here for today." I'd really rather not know.
Lucas tells us that our roles in the play have been communicated through mail to us by Simone which is true and that was how I found out I'm the female lead in the play. He tells us what play we're doing, how long it's most likely going to take: 5 months and that our stipend will be communicated to us later. He tells us the budget for the play which is about 10 million. He also lets us know that how we well we did at the interview is how the leads and castings where shared. Good to know. He then asks me and some other guy in a turtleneck and glasses to stand so that we can applauded, for being the male and female leads. Okay, attention much.
"So does anyone have any question?" Lucas asks. And I and other raise our hands, okay guess I'm not the only A student here. Lucas smiles at me impressed and nods. "Please can I know how the plays are broadcasted at Nexa Stage?"
"Thank you for that question, Miss Tamrin. Well, we broadcast on TV Stations, sometimes Netflix; depending on what Netflix rates it as, Prime Video and YouTube, we also have a good social media presence where we post snippets and short clips" I nod as I take it in and jot points down. A few others ask questions regarding makeup, costume, sceneries and stuff. I'm just waiting for him to tell us what HE is doing here. I've been avoiding his eyes as well as I possibly could, although it's a hassle since he's sitting next to Lucas..
"Yes, it does thank you." Others ask other questions and I just sit still waiting for Lucas to tell us what HE is doing here. I'm convinced I can't escape him at this point. I've been avoiding eye contact as much as possible even though it's a hassle since he's sitting beside Lucas but I'm doing my best.
"Okay, if no one has anymore questions, I'm going to move on to the last course of events which is to introduce you all to Mr. Roth a lot more clearly. So, basically Briggs Corp is one of our big sponsors and we decided to make a prime play for Nexa Stage, which is a play that would make anyone KNOW that it was only Nexa Stage that could have produced the play alone, one tat stands for Nexa stage alone which would be better that all the others. And as you all know, we make plays once every year, so it has to count. So, Mr. Roth is going to be here occasionally to ensure that the plays are the best because on the day the play will be released he will be bringing movie directors, producers, members of the press, other actors and actresses and other important guest to see the play as a way to boost the value of Nexa Stage and obviously Briggs Corp will benefit from it but it's the opportunity of a lifetime for us, so can we all give him a round of applause." Lucas says smiling widely like he just found gold, maybe he did. But now I understand it, of course he's donating, that's why Lucas is kissing the ground he walks on.
But woah. This is actually big. Top movie producers? Actors and Actresses? That sounds scary but the good kind of scary. This could mean a lot for my career if I play my cards right. Which I'm determined to.
I glance at him sideways to see him sitting with his hands on the table like he owns the place. He smiles politely at everyone clapping for him. I didn't bother to. But damn, he looks good. Wait, no. Bad Harlem, Bad.
"Mr. Roth, would you like to say anything" He sits straighter and nods. "Thank you all for the applauds but I'm only doing my job, it's one of our main jobs at Briggs Corp to ensure that the entertainment industry is doing its best in Germany. But I would just like to commend all the cast members for making it into the show. I sincerely do hope you make this the best play of Nexa Stage and of course Briggs Corp would be here to cheer you on. I also want to implore the male and female leads to put in their best, because, can I say a good portion of the weight of the play falls on your shoulders, so I do hope it doesn't make you buckle under the pressure" Sounds like he doesn't.
"But nevertheless, I'm looking forward to this and I wish you all the very best." He ends which earns another round of applause. Don't be fooled guys, he's your typical rich asshole, who's probably going to make much more than he put in from this stage, but who am I to judge? He looks at me and I notice a small smile on his face. I raise my brows and ignore him. Not today, Satan.
We close the meeting which lasted for about an hour forty minutes, then I check my phone as I'm walking out to see a phone call from one of the twins. I'm about to call back when someone taps my shoulder, I turn to stare at Male lead. Oh. Guess we're doing intros now.
"Hi, it's so nice to meet you Harlem, I'm Zachary, but you can just call me Zach" he says offering his hand. I take it and smile back at him, it's nice to meet you too Zach. You're the male lead, right?"
"Yup, that's me. I don't think I saw you at my interview though." He asks. "Oh, I think they had different batches of the interview, that's why." I say to him.
"Oh, okay I see. So, we'll see next tomorrow? "That's true, were starting our drama classes for about a month or so, then we start shooting.
"Yes of course "I smile back at him and he walks off. I look around the conference hall hoping to catch Lucas before I go, there are still people here having conversations but I only catch eye contact with Him. The dev- sorry Ezra. He's talking to someone but he's staring at me.
I look away and walk out. Once I'm outside the door, I look around me and think maybe now would be a good time to master my surroundings even though this place is huge although it's just mainly the play auditorium where the plays are performed that takes up space and some other rooms and places I'm going to check out.
I start walking toward a stair that should lead to somewhere and dial my brother back. It rings once and he picks.
"Birdie!!!" I roll my eyes at the nickname my brothers call me. Gotten from my middle name, Robin of course.
"Hey Zoran. How have you been, how's your fiancée?" I ask opening a door at the top of the stairs. It leads to an 'employees only' room that overlooks the auditorium. Cool.
"I'm good birdie. And my WIFE is doing good" I pause momentarily as I walk out the door into another room and stare at my phone with a raised eyebrow. Too bad he can't see me.
"We get it Zo, you're getting married." Yep, that's right my brother is getting married to a wonderful woman who I met once at dinner, plus, mom and dad like her a lot, and they don't like a lot of people.
"Hehe, don't be jealous of me" he says proudly. I roll my eyes. "I'm not jealous of you Zoran, as a matter of fact, I pray for Violet every day, that she'd be given strength to manage your bullshit." I say as a fact.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever "he says chuckling. Damn, he loves that woman.
"You heard from Zeke? He hasn't called me and I've been too busy to call as well" I ask. "Well, you know he got that new job at that science company to be inventing stuff so he works a lot as well but he did tell me he will call you. But first off, what have you been busy with?"
I tell him about my new job at Nexa Stage, the event I attended last time, and how I still work at the bar. I remove the psycho druggie part and the slap and Ezra. I don't want to worry him. Besides I Can take care of myself.
"Wow, you seem to have a lot on your plate. I'm just happy you have Lexi with you. She's a good friend and Zeke and I approve. I roll my eyes. Didn't ask for their approval.
"Well, I basically called to tell you that Violet and I have set a date for the wedding. It's officially happening on the last day of next month and you're invited. I'll send you the QR Code to scan for your invite and more details."
"Woah, that's big Zo, Congratulations. I'm proud of you and I'm looking forward to it. I want to dance with Violet" I say finding myself in another room that also overlooks the auditorium, this one has a door though.
"Don't wanna dance with big bro? Too scared I'll outdance you?" he asks slyly.
"Yeah, right. I'm the best dancer in the Tamin family and you know it. Don't bother." I say standing at the edge of the upper auditorium where I can clearly see the stage. Beautiful.
"Whatever, I'm going now, so bye" he says and cuts the call. Dude didn't even wait for my reply. Oh, well I'm too busy admiring the place.
I look down to make direct and immediate eye contact with Ezra Roth staring at me with an amused look on his face. Here we go.