42. Artist Development 🪜

The next day started a lot earlier. I was going to shoot my first music video with Aja Frost. Colby said he was working on my calendar for the remainder of the week so that I could be better prepared.

Before I was out of bed, I surprisingly received a call from A.B. My mood instantly went from a seven to a certified 20.

"Good morning, Jamie. I was prepared to leave you another message." His voice was music to my ears.

I sat up with my back against the headboard. "Leave me another message? I didn't know you left one already." I haven't heard from him since before Monica left.

A.B. replied, "Yeah, I missed your call, but I called you right back before leaving a voicemail. I called you yesterday, too, but I should've sent you a text as well."

My heart was leaping with joy to know that A.B. was blowing up my phone or at least that's what I'm telling myself. "I'm mad I missed your calls, but I'm glad we're talking now. A.B., I have a lot to tell you."

"Is it about you performing your song at a party that was in celebration of you as a new artist? You also watched Zeke River's new Netflix movie in the movie theater room."

Monica!

A.B. continued, "I'd love to hear about it from you, though."

He just knew how to make my heart smile. I checked the time on my phone to see that I still had time to spare. I decided to stay in bed. "Since Monica told you all that, I'll give you something she doesn't even know."

"Oh, the exclusive!"

"Yes, very exclusive! Yesterday was my first official day with a schedule to follow. I got a chance to tour the RiSe Tower, record my song with Aja Frost, do a photoshoot, and an interview."

"All in one day?" A.B. asked me.

I nodded my head. "All in one day. A.B., I was exhausted when I got back to the house. I fell asleep immediately. Today, I'll be shooting my very first music video with my new bestie Aja Frost. Then, I have a meeting with a songwriter who wants to shop me some songs. I feel so important!" I giggled.

"You are important," A.B. added.

"And Ricky Santana's assistant, his name is Colby really listens. I told him that I really want to write my own songs, and he said he would tell Ricky. I hope I can write my own music."

"I have a feeling you will," A.B. commented.

"Also, I learned that my song "Choose" with Aja Frost will be on the radio this Friday."

A.B. said, "You have a lot of great news, Jamie. I'm glad to hear it."

"And did I mention that Colby said I'll have the weekend off?"

"This weekend?" A.B. asked me.

"Yeah. Would you be willing to visit me?"

"I'd love to, but this weekend I'm meeting with a client about some property."

I stopped smiling. "I understand." Then, I asked, "Maybe the weekend after that?"

A.B. said, "To be honest, Jamie, a weekend isn't long enough. There's still so much that I don't know about you. I'd prefer to spend a week or two with you."

Did I imagine him saying that or did he actually say that?

My phone vibrated. It was a reminder for me to get dressed. I slowly got out of bed. "A.B., I'm so happy that you said that. Like, I really enjoy your company and talking to you. I guess that's why I get so excited when I hear your voice."

A.B. was silent.

"I mean, I feel really comfortable around you... like a friend," I tried to explain.

"Did you say you get excited when you hear my voice?" A.B. inquired.

My phone vibrated, again. "Huh? Wh-what happened?"

A.B. chuckled, "Jamie, I heard--"

I interrupted him, "A.B., I'm running late, but I'll call you back tonight. Is that okay?"

"Of course," he replied. "Have a good day, Jamie."

"You, too. Bye!" I quickly hung up the phone. I gotta start having quick comebacks like... you heard what I said or did I stutter? Nah, I need something smoother like... yeah, I said it so what you gonna do about it?

Wow! I need to get dressed. Soon, I was leaving my bedroom and walking out the house to greet the pretty pool and sunny scenery. I leaned against the house to take in the beautiful view of the sunrise.

Why can't I just be direct? A.B., I like you. It's not like he said he doesn't like me. You know what? I have to be realistic. It really wouldn't work between us. I'm still in a fake relationship with Zeke, and that's just messed up if I try to have a real relationship with A.B.

After getting my thoughts together, I walked over to the Range Rover. Maximo was standing outside, waiting patiently.

I asked him, "Maximo, am I the only one you drive around the city? You're always here."

He smiled at me. "No. You're just to only one that has somewhere to go at this time. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Rivers are away on vacation. They will be back in two weeks. Zeke's been driving his own car, lately. Zack mostly goes out at night."

I nodded my head as he helped me inside the car. For a minute, I felt like I had my own personal driver. Glad to know no one's complaining about me taking Maximo all over town.

As I sat in the backseat, I thought about A.B. and how close I was to making the first move even if it wasn't physical.

Once I arrived at the music video set, I was greeted by a team of people. Ten minutes later, I was getting my make-up done.

Just then, Aja Frost walked in my dressing room. She cheered, "Ayyy! Today we're shooting Jae's first music video!"

I tried to calm my nerves through all the hype. "Aja, I'm so nervous."

"Don't be! I'm here. There's a team of professionals here. We got you," she assured me.

"Sweetie, are you using anything for your acne?" The make-up artist asked me.

That just caught me off-guard. "I just wash my face with salicylic acid every morning and night."

Aja Frost examined my face.

I suddenly felt self-conscious. "I've had acne since I was 14. It never ends."

Aja said, "My love, you don't have to settle for that. My dermatologist works wonders, but my esthetician worked harder. I'll tell Colby to setup the appointments for you."

"And make sure you clean your phone, change your pillow case often, and keep your hair out of your face," the make-up artist told me.

I sighed, "I've tried all those things, and they don't work for me."

"It's all about routine. And I know it's easier said than done, but what you eat matters too. Exercise is also important. It helps with minimizing stress, and drink plenty of water."

I agreed with the make-up artist, hoping the lecture about my horrible acne would dissipate.

Aja added, "Jae just started Ricky's new artist boot camp. She hasn't met Mr. Joe, yet. Mr. Joe will get you the body you want. Trust me, Jae, after you get used to Mr. Joe's workout sessions, you'll love exercise. I don't know who you'll have as a chef or if Ricky will put you on a meal plan, but the food is great. You don't have to cook a thing."

I smirked as I counted down the minutes to get out of the chair and in front of the camera.

"Action!"

Everyone around me danced on the set as Aja and I went back and forth lip-synching to "Choose." The theme was a newer version of Monica and Brandy's "The Boy is Mine" music video. As much as I wanted to be Brandy, Aja already had the braids and my hair stylist said I looked great in my short-length wig.

After hearing "cut" from the director, Aja and I walked over to the director who was standing behind the camera with some of the crew.

"How's it looking?" Aja asked him.

"Great," the director answered. "We got two more scenes. Then, it's a wrap for today."

Finally! I never knew so much work went into shooting a music video. It made me question do people even watch music videos today? 'Cause I would not complain if I didn't have to do another for anymore songs.

After shooting two more scenes, collecting my things to leave, I learned that I had to show up tomorrow to finish the music video. Making a music video is not as fun as my favorite singers made it out to be. I just want to make music.

By the end of the next day, I learned that my free weekend was now booked with studio sessions. I guess I can't complain much. I am getting the opportunity to make music as a signed artist. I'm living my dream, right? What's the worst that could happen?