Chapter 13 - Alex

By the time Alex was dressed and ready to leave for Damien's office, she still had not received a reply to her initial text requesting Damien's office address or the follow up text she sent. Alex started to give Damien a call when she heard a knock at her door.

To her surprise, Damien was there with flowers in hand. "Hi there, Alex."

"Um, what are you doing here?" Alex looked at her phone to confirm that Damien did in fact show up at her door an entire hour earlier than their scheduled meeting. "You're early," Alex stated awkwardly accepting the bouquet. "Did you receive any of my texts? I was trying to meet you at your office and needed the address."

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry. I didn't see your text. My phone has been acting up and I've been having trouble with my text messages. I mean, I hope you're not upset, but I don't mind meeting here, if you're ok with it.  Also, I apologize for being a little early...I was trying to avoid traffic. I could have sworn I sent you a text to give you a heads up, but maybe my phone didn't send it."

"Yeah, I didn't get anything. But I guess since you're already here, come on in." Alex stepped aside for Damien to enter.

Their session was mostly the two conversing about random things and getting to know one another. Damien explained that she needed to perfect the art of small talk and casual conversation, to be entertaining and personable during interviews. By the time they got to more concrete coaching, they'd gone well over their alotted time and it was almost two o'clock.

"I've got a thing at 2, so I think we should rap it up." Alex said, getting up from her sofa, to walk Damien to the door. She'd hoped to have enough time to freshen up a bit, for Jordan, but Damien lingered looking for his keys.

Alex's phone buzzed with a text notification.

[Text from Zee to Alex] Girl! I just got my promotional tour schedule and guess who will be making an appearance on Hollywood Tonight?! I cannot even believe it! We're going out to celebrate, tonight! Ahhhhh!

Alex sqealed causing Damien to step back. She responded with several different emojis and gifs congratulating her friend. She looked up and laughed when she saw Damien's confused face.

"Zee just found out she'll be appearing on Hollywood Tonight." Alex said, matter of factly.

"Wow, that's a really big deal. Only A listers get to promote on that show, and even if you are on the A-list, you may not get on." Damien said. He was right. Hollywood Tonight only aired Friday-Sunday, and taped in front of an audience during the week. Even with a weekend night time slot the show's ratings were amazing; and because it only came on three times a week, each spot was highly coveted by A-listers in entertainment, industry wide.

It was now a few minutes after two and Damien was still 'looking for his keys'. Giving him a strong side eye, Alex pointed downwards, "They're right there, on the coffee table." Alex handed him the keys he somehow missed and gently guided him towards the door.

"So, same time tomorrow?" Damien's handsome face smiled at Alex before suddenly pulling her into a hug.

"Yes. At your office," she added and pulled away as politely as possible. After he finally left her apartment, Alex sprinted to her closet to get out of her more professional dress and into a camisole and comfortable leggings.

When Jordan knocked on the door a few moments later, Alex was already in the kitchen setting up her produce and cookware. Greeting him at the door with open arms, her smile fell when she saw his face.