Page 118 of Hollywood Undercover
“Yes?” She had no idea what Rita wanted with her. They usually had no problems with each other, but Rita was glaring at her. It seemed to Alexandra like there was now a problem. A seriousone.
“You’ve been out of pocket for a while,” Rita said, smiling. “Right in the middle of prepping for what is probably your most important album to date. I had it out with your manager. He told me you had a family emergency. I trust that it’sresolved?”
Rita steepled her fingers and peered at Alexandra like a hawk, daring her to say it wasn’t. Rick had probably already made it known her father was discharged today. Rita didn’t appear to be looking for a response, because she got to her feet and sauntered over to the projection screen. An assistant cued up a PowerPointchart.
Rita pointed to a red arrow on a downward slant. “That’s your current approval rating, and we’re going to release your album in less than two months. Do you want to tell me how you think it’s going to be received with your image taking a nosedive like that? Let me tell you something, Lexxi. This label has already sunk a lot of money into pushing that album when it’s released. I want things cleaned up, and I want it done now so that won’t be money wasted. The way the industry is these days, the first week of sales is already a toss-up.”
Alexandra cleared her throat. “Mrs. Sage, I’m in the process of doing damage control as we speak. My people and I tried to keep my father’s health woes out of the press. He’s better now, so we’ll be back on track soon. It’s unfortunate that the story of my being in France didn’t helpthings.”
“Oh, I know. That brainchild was irresponsible and poorly thought out. You should have brought it to us instead of sneaking around, especially at this crucialtime.”
“I’msorry.”
“Not to worry. What’s done is done. I assembled an ad campaign and added some new people to your Artist and Repertoire team. They’re in Arizona to spin the hell out of this clusterfuck you’ve left us with. That’s why I wanted to see you here. Lexxi, I’m counting on you to be the brilliant performer I know you tobe.”
“I don’t know if I can pull this off,” Alexandra groaned. “I’m burnt out. I need a break. Is that so much toask?”
“What was the last month, then?” Rita smiled a brittle smile and slinked around to where Alexandra sat. “I’m sorry things are tough for you, but you have a contract. You’re obligated to get this record done, among otherthings.”
There wasn’t an ounce of sympathy in her voice, and the warning in her words were as clear as day. Rita was basically telling Alexandra she had no choice. In no uncertain terms, it was time to get back towork.
“Of course,” shesaid.
Rita’s heels clicked across the tile floor as she walked to the door to leave. “A&R will be with you in a second. Have a nice day,Lexxi.”
“Now?”
Rita had already left. Alexandra slumped back in the chair. The execs filed out, all except the director of A&R,Gregory.
He blinked at her nervously. “So, your manager said you had some style ideas we could tryout?”
Deflated, she answered with, “Do whatever you want to do, but this hair has togo.”
“How do you think you wantit?”
Alexandra pulled out the wig clips at the sides of her hair and dragged off the wig. She ran her fingers through her short hair to lift it off her head and show Gregory the curls. “Like this. I’ll do anything else, but this is the hair Iwant.”
Gregory balked. “I’m…I’m not sure I have clearance to go that far,Lexxi.”
“Christ,” she muttered with an edge to her tone she didn’t even try to hide. It had been made clear. Lexxi Rock had no say. Lexxi Rock had a goddamnedcontract.
