34. Future Tense ⌛

I took Monica on a grand tour of the Rivers' mansion. What could've been a twenty minute tour was turning into an hour. She stopped to take pictures with everything she believed "cost more than her bank account" - her words not mine. Finally, we made it to the backyard.

"Oh, this a nice little setup," Monica commented, "Is there another pool behind those bushes?"

I rolled my eyes. "Monica, how does that massive green wall look like bushes to you?"

Too busy posing and snapping photos, Monica shrugged her shoulders.

"I really like it back here. It's quiet with a beautiful view of the secret garden," I whispered.

Monica asked, "Why is it so green, though? Is it fake?"

"The grass is real," I informed her.

Monica took another picture. "That's enough for me out here. Is there more to see inside?"

I placed my hands on my hips. "It's a maze. You don't wan to go in?" I pointed at the green wall

Monica bucked her eyes at me. "Jamie, I did not sign up to be in a horror movie. Do you know the original meaning behind a maze? Delusion. Confusion. A complex path. Just because they call them puzzles today don't make it something fun. I'm here on vacation not occupation. And just because I want to have fun, doesn't mean I'll be letting my guard down. We're in Hollyweird."

Is the lecture over? I rubbed my temples.

"It's probably a bunch of demons hidden in there, anyway. Let's go back inside." Monica walked to the door.

We made our way to the kitchen and sat at the dining room table. Right on time for food. I introduced Monica to Bridgette and Warren. They thought we were sisters. First Maximo, now them. This has to stop.

After a delicious lunch, Monica and I went back to my room. Before she could ask, I told her what Zeke said about my song.

"That's it? You're song was recorded in his studio, and he doesn't know who stole it. Then, it ends up in Aja Frost's hands who is signed to the man you're going to sign with tomorrow." Monica lied in my bed drinking a bottle of apple juice. "Jamie, that sounds like a bunch of bull. Did he even say how you'll be getting paid? The song is already in rotation."

I sat in the purple chair in the corner of the room. I didn't know what to say as I looked out the window. I forgot I could see the pool from up here. The sight made me think of Yellow Sand Beach. Is it crazy that I miss--

Monica's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Cousin, you didn't come out here to give your dream away. If you're serious about being a singer and a songwriter, you gotta be aggressive. Because this will happen again and again and again. What will Zeke say next time? 'Oh, don't worry. You can collab with them, too.' All you need is one hit, Jamie. You can be an independent artist. You can put out your music when you want and keep all your money to yourself."

I looked at my cousin. "Monica, if it weren't for Zeke, I wouldn't have even had this opportunity. I recorded my songs in his studio, in his house, in his city. You know Zeke and I are working together. I'm helping him get credibility in the music industry without his family's interference, and he's helping me with my dream career."

Monica smacked her lips. "All I'm saying is be on alert. You gotta be 10 steps ahead of everybody. How long does this pretend relationship last - until you sign a contract? Where will you live next month or next year? There has to be a believable breakup so his family isn't like 'whatever happened to that girl that was living upstairs?' Girl, I need you to be asking them deep questions, because this day-the-day thing is not it."

Even though she was one hundred percent correct, I was too exhausted to agree. I have a morning meeting with Zeke and Ricky Santana. I need to be well-rested. I yawned.

"Also, don't sign anything until you get a lawyer to look over it, and don't use Zeke's lawyer. Get your own lawyer," Monica stated.

At that moment, I got really excited. I asked, "Do you think A.B. knows a lawyer?"

Monica narrowed her eyes at me. "Why didn't you ask if I have a lawyer?"

I chuckled, "You would've offered if you did."

"True, but it would've been nice if you asked me." Monica finished her apple juice. "Be back. Going to the bathroom." She hopped off the bed and went to the bathroom.

I quickly grabbed my phone from my purse and called A.B. After two rings and hearing his voice. I exhaled, "Hey A.B. It's Jamie." I stood up as I looked out the window.

"Jamie, what's up? Did y'all have a safe flight?"

"Yeah, we did."

"Good." I could hear noises in the background.

"Are you busy?" I asked him.

A.B. chuckled, "No. I'm just making a mess in the kitchen."

"You're cooking?" My eyes grew with surprise.

"Yeah, but I might have to throw it away if it doesn't taste good. Don't laugh too loud, but the movie 'Ratatouille' was on earlier and looked up the recipe online."

I exclaimed, "No, you are not making Ratatouille! I wish I could try it." I really do. Have you seen how pretty it looks?

A.B. said, "You'd probably throw it away. It doesn't look as neat. Now, I'm thinking I should have just ordered something instead," A.B. continued, "Anyway, how's Monica adjusting to the new scenery?"

I giggled, "You mean how has the new scenery adjusted to her?"

"You right," A.B. agreed. "Were you able to get answers about your song being on the radio?"

"Uhh... not the answers I wanted to hear, but I do have writing credit, and I'll be collaborating with Aja Frost."

"Really? Congratulations on that."

"Thank you. Plus, I have a meeting with Ricky Santana. Which leads me to why I called you. Do you know a lawyer that can look over a contract?"

"Like an entertainment lawyer?" A.B. asked me.

I shrugged, "I'll take any lawyer on short notice."

It sounded like something fell on the floor. A.B. said, "When do you need one?"

"Tomorrow morning," I replied.

"Hold on one second," A.B. went silent. Seconds later, he reported, "I can call my lawyer to see if he knows anyone available. Wait, actually, I may have a contact that knows an entertainment lawyer. This is someone I sold some property too earlier this year."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I'll give them a call. What time do you need to talk to them?"

"Tomorrow morning at nine, pacific standard time," I told him.

A.B. mumbled, "9 a.m. Pacific."

I closed my eyes. His voice sounded like music to my ears.

"Got it. I'll call them, right now."

"Thank you, A.B."

"You're welcome, Jamie. I'll let you know what they say."

"Ok. Talk to you later."

We ended our call. Please let the entertainment lawyer be available.

"You ain't slick!"

I turned around to see my cousin use her hand as a phone to her ear. "Yes, A.B., I would love to try that. I miss you so much, A.B. Yes, I'll be your girlfriend."

I almost threw my phone at her but stopped when I heard laughter. Monica and I looked at one another with big eyes. She pointed at my phone.

I slowly brought it to my ear, "Hello?"

A.B. laughed, "Was that Monica?"

I gritted my teeth. "You heard that?"

A.B. said, "Yeah. My bad for laughing..." He continued to laugh.

Monica covered her mouth with both hands as she leaped onto my bed.

I went back to looking out the window as I slapped my forehead. "I'm so embarrassed," I admitted.

"Don't be embarrassed," A.B. finally stopped laughing. "I'm hanging up now, but I'll call you back in about an hour."

I whispered, "Mmmkay."

"Bye, Jamie."

"Bye, A.B." I immediately hung up my phone. I slowly turned around to see Monica smiling.

"At least he knows you like him just as much as he likes you."

"Monica! A.B. has never told me he liked me like that. That was so embarrassing."

Monica continued to talk, "I'm just saying, like... now that he knows you like him like him, he'll let you know that he likes you."

Somebody come rescue me.

Exactly an hour later, A.B. called me with the good news. Rochelle Ginger an entertainment lawyer will call me tomorrow morning. He sent me her website and contact information. I have a good feeling about tomorrow.