"Please, have a seat."
I gestured toward the impeccably dressed man who was literally second only to the biggest names in the music industry, Mr. Valentino Alexandro. I had successfully flown him into the city, and I was on my feet the moment he walked inside. I'd spent three million dollars to have him here, in my office, for Jake's sake.
He nodded briefly before settling into the chair across from me. I sank into mine the moment he did.
"It's my pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Valentino Alexandro," I said, keeping my voice steady.
He nodded. "My pleasure."
Contacting him had been surprisingly easy through some connections I had, and now he was here. I didn't waste a second.
"I've seen the many talents and stars you handle and put out to the world, and I have to say… I'm impressed." I went straight to the point. I knew time was money for someone like him, and I'd only paid for a few hours of his attention.
"This is something I wanted to discuss in person, not over the phone. His name is Jake Harry, and he's a very good singer. I'm confident you're going to love him. Listening to him… he should already be a star. Why don't you hear him sing and see for yourself?"
He listened, occasionally glancing at his phone, his dark suit complementing the crisp white shirt beneath. Then he looked up, meeting my gaze.
"Miss Mabel, where is this talent we speak of? I really want to see if this person meets our standards. Right now, MG Entertainment isn't scouting new talents, the roster is full. We already have a handful of artists to manage, and you know how challenging that can be. But if you say he's that good, I must hear him myself to decide whether I want him under our label."
I nodded, adjusting in my seat. We were getting there. I knew Jake's voice was remarkable, it was just a matter of time.
I checked my phone. Almost noon. I had asked Jake to be at my office before eleven. He didn't know Alexandro was here to judge him. I wanted it to be a surprise.
"Where are you?" I muttered under my breath, sending him a few more texts. The messages ticked without a reply. I dropped my phone back on the desk, hoping the opportunity wouldn't be wasted.
"He is almost here, Mr. Alexandro. Something came up," I said. He nodded, murmuring philosophically, "Yes… life has interruptions in every aspect of it."
Trying to keep the conversation going, I complimented him, "I must say, I love your coat."
He gave a small, approving smile. "It costs a lot to appeal to the sight."
I nodded, but my eyes were glued to him across the desk. Being in the same room with Mr. Alexandro, the man who shaped stars, was dizzying.
Minutes passed. My worry grew. Why hadn't Jake arrived? Why wasn't he answering? We'd spoken last night, and he promised he'd be here. My texts became desperate. I couldn't let Alexandro lose patience and leave. Three million dollars meant nothing to him, and I knew it.
Finally, a reply. "I would be right there."
Relief washed over me like a tide. My surprise for Jake was spoiled, but I couldn't care. He was on his way.
"Seems like our talent doesn't keep time," Alexandro said after almost an hour of waiting.
"A life is on the line," I interjected immediately, covering for Jake. His reputation mattered before he even became a star.
Alexandro's eyes softened slightly, a small nod the only excuse needed to keep him here.
"That's really bad," he said. "Life matters, no matter what."
Then, knock.
Jake stepped into the office, guitar in hand. He first smiled and bowed slightly to Alexandro, then turned to me. My heart lifted. I was willing to do anything to see him shine.
"Oh my goodness, I can't believe this. Are you really Mr. Alexandro? It's an honor to meet you today," Jake said, excitement shining in his eyes.
"And you are?" Alexandro asked, extending his hand.
"I'm Jake Harry… just a boy who loves singing and music," he replied. Alexandro nodded.
"Can you prove that to me right now? I see you have an instrument. Show me what you can do."
Jake nodded. "Of course."
I braced myself.
"This is a story I wrote about love," he said, strumming the first notes. My heart thundered. Maybe I was part of it… maybe the most important part.
The melody filled the office, slow and soft at first. Then his voice followed, smooth, emotive, utterly captivating. I watched Alexandro's eyes narrow in focus, his expression unshakable. And yet… he was impressed.
"Congratulations, Jake Harry. I'm impressed with your voice," Alexandro said finally.
I couldn't stop smiling. Jake's happiness was contagious.
"It's an honor to sing for you, Sir. Thank you," Jake said, glancing at me gratefully.
Alexandro leaned back, contemplative. "Of course, you would be signed to our label… but first, I need to be specific."
My breath hitched.
"Since MG isn't currently scouting new talents, and you're new, we require sponsorship. This includes money for a promo team, studio time, and fanbase-building. Once you gain visibility and show progress, which I can already tell you will, you'll be ready to sign with MG."
I understood. This was an investment. For Jake. The man I loved, the one I would do anything for.
"I'll cover the expenses. Call me whenever money is needed, I'll be ready," I said firmly. Jake's smile met mine.
Alexandro nodded, satisfied. He handed Jake a card. "Congratulations in advance, Jake Harry. Pick an artist name, any name you want. Call me, and I'll save your number. I can't wait to see how far you rise."
He turned to me. "And you, she's done a lot for you. Don't forget that."
As Alexandro stepped out, leaving us alone, I found myself lost in the admiration of Jake Harry, the boy who had just stepped into the first chapter of his stardom.