Chapter 7 - Pamila Montgomery

"Hey, honey!" Pamila Montgomery wrapped her arms around her daughter and ushered Alex into the car. Camera flashes erupted beyond the gate and entertainment outlet reporters shouted out their names to get their attention. The studio sent a town car to pick her and Alex up that morning, due to the increased amount of paparazzi camped outside of Alex's apartment community.

Sitting in the town car's back seat, Pamila reached out and took a hold of Alex's hand. Some may have seen this as a gesture made to comfort Alex, but Pamila was nervous. She thought back to all of the casting calls, auditions and major events Alex had over the years and how she had always been there to hold her daughter's hand.

She had been nervous back then, too. Alex never knew that underneath her mother's calm and collected exterior, was a worried single mother who always wondered if she'd made the right choices. Should she have chosen her daughter's career over her second marriage? Or left a lucrative job and stable home to live paycheck to paycheck, hoping her child would catch a break?

Pamila had always been able to cope with life's twist and turns. She supported herself through college and business school, working several jobs while taking classes full time. She held her own in the corporate world, often being the only black female executive in the board room. However, losing Alex's father to cancer was the cruelest twist life could have sent her way. She'd lost her rock and best friend; but at least she still had her daughter. She was Alex's rock, and so long as they stuck together, everything would be fine.

"How are you feeling Alexandra?"

"A little nervous, but I'll be fine." Alex squeezed Pamila's hand and gave her a tight smile. There's my girl, Pamila thought. The women stepped out of the car and headed into the building where the show's producers and studio representative would determine Alex's future.

"Thank you for joining us Alexandra. You as well, Ms. Montgomery. Please, have a seat." Mr. Harmin was the studio's representative for Alex's project and looked like a matrix agent substitute. One of the producers, Ms. Wong, was also seated at the table next to Mr. Harmin.

Ms. Wong extended a hand to Pamila, "Wonderful to see you again, Pam! Brooks couldn't make it, today, but he sends his best."

"Well, let's get right to it, shall we?" Mr. Harmin began. "Alex has gotten a great deal of press this past week in conjunction with her connection to Mr. Jordan W."

"Yes, but Jordan and I aren't--" Pamila quickly cleared her throat cutting Alex off. She gave her daughter a stern look, which said, 'let us listen before we speak', and they turned their attention back to their host.

"Look, Alex," Ms. Wong started, "We think this is actually a good thing! Jordan W. is a big deal with an even bigger fan base. Every article mentioning you two has also mentioned our show and the date and time of our premiere. We couldn't have dreamed of all this free press! And it's positive."

Mr. Harmin joined in again, "Our numbers are showing that 68 percent of our key demographic is supportive of a relationship between you and Jordan. We have to take full advantage of this momentum, which is why we want you to lead our press tour."

The room was silent. Pamila couldn't believe what she was hearing. An opportunity like this was massive. Her daughter would be the face of the show; hitting the daytime circuit, doing late night appearances and radio spots all over the county. That type of exposure would take Alex to the next level.

"But I thought Zee would lead," Alex said, clearly stunned and uncertain.

"Well, yes of course, she's still the biggest name we have on the show. But she's not Jordan W." Ms. Wong responded. "Having a reason to name drop him, alone, makes a monumental difference. You'd be her co-lead. You both can do some of the spots together, like radio, for example. TV works a bit better when they focus on one person, so we'll just give you some of Zee's scheduled appearances and split it that way. She doesn't even know her schedule, yet, so she'll be non the wiser."

Pamila could see the conflict on Alex's face, and didn't like it. "I think that sounds terrific and Alexandra is absolutely up for it! It will work well for Zee, too, since those tours can be so exhausting," Pamila laughed charmingly, "All work and no rest isn't good for anyone, am I right?"

"Precisely." Mr. Harmin said, finally smiling. "It's settled then. We'll be in touch with you about the schedule. In the mean time, I recommend you get some rest and dedicate the next week to preparing. The studio's got wonderful folks on hand to assist, if you prefer." As everyone stood up to shake hands, Pamila's heart was crashing through her chest. She could barely contain her excitement.

"This is just crazy!" Pamila exclaimed in the car, heading back to Alex's apartment. "Alex, why aren't you more excited about this?"

"I am. I just feel like I didn't earn this." The frustration on Alex's face sobered Pamila's enthusiasm. "Mom, they only want me because they think I'm with Jordan and I'm not. It feels like I'm using him and that just seems wrong."

"Alexandra, look at me." She gently turned Alex's face so she could look her daughter in the eyes, "You didn't cause any of this to happen. You had no control over this. There's no need to go and make up fake relationship stories. Just be yourself and be honest."

Taking Alex's hand, she continued to reason with her daughter, "Yes, they will ask you the Jordan question. But the press will ask you about him whether you are promoting the show, or walking out of a coffee shop. You have an opportunity to address the situation briefly and move on, all while getting exposure for yourself and your show. Be focused, be committed and take it, Alex. This is your time!"

A small smile appeared on Alex's face and Pamila was relieved. "There's my girl." she smiled, as they pulled up to the front of Alex's building. Pamila had requested the studio provide security at Alex's building, and she already saw them stationed at the gates and the building's front entrance. She hugged her daughter a final time and watched closely as a body guard escorted Alex into the building.

Pamila would certainly need to make arrangements for Alex to get press prep with the studio's people before the tour. She anticipated Alex would feel somewhat conflicted about landing a press lead, due to Jordan, but she hadn't expected this much hesitation.

She decided to brush away any doubts because at the end of the day, her daughter was a professional. Alex would come in, work hard and get the job done with no complaints, just as she always had. The only thing that would stop Alex, is if she found out her mother was the one who leaked the video and picture. And Pamila would make sure Alex never found out.