Page 175 of Hollywood Undercover
“I can show you better than I can tell you,” sheanswered.
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 theindustry.
“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 ortwo.”
“That isn’t 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’sright.”
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 rightnow.”
“I’ll do everything in my power if given the chance,” Ladonna assuredthem.
“Great.”
“Lexxi,” Rick piped up. “What are you waiting for? Hire thewoman.”
Smiling, Alexandra nodded. “Fine. You’re hired. Rick will take care of contracts and such. How much notice do you need for your currentjob?”
“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 overthere.”
“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 ofwork—”
“Say no more, Lexxi,” Rick replied. “Consider it done. I’ll see herout.”
“Great. Thanks Rick. Welcome aboard,Ladonna.”
“Thanks for the opportunity, Miss Storme. Take care ofyourself.”
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 wassingle.
“Don’t let him be your matchmaker!” Alexandra teased as they walked out of heroffice.
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 on,” 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 longbath.
Dad’s phone rang as she made her way to hercar.
“How’s my budding mogul?” heanswered.
“Hey,Daddy.”
“How’s itgoing?”
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 goodluck.”
“You don’t need luck, honey. You love it up on stage. You were born torock.”
“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 outloudly.
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 forme.”
“I’m just saying hello. Can’t a man greet hisneighbor?”
