She taps the icon to turn on the sound, and immediately she knows it’s “Glass Heart” playing. She sang it for the crowd last night, but perhaps even more so she sang it for herself, for her own hurt feelings over being pigeonholed for a whole new album.
Aria dismisses the thoughts about her own heartache as the video zooms in on a big, burly guy singing along to the music. Her mouth lifts into a smile as the shot captures his face, shouting the lyrics passionately toward the stage, his fists gripped emotionally as he sways to the beat.
“You know who that is?” Bailey asks, eyes wide, her long lashes batting.
“Looks athletic. It’s already got a million views.” A wrinkle forms between Aria’s brows as she thinks it over.
“Only Griffin Hayes, tight end for the Chicago Wardens.”
Aria is still smiling as she holds the phone out for Bailey to take back. “I knew I had all sorts of fans, but a professional football player might be a first.”
Bailey nudges the phone back toward Aria. “No, you didn’t even see the best part. He reposted. See what he said.”
Aria navigates back through the app until she finds his account. She taps on his share of the viral video and reads the caption out loud.
“‘Guess the secret’s out! I’m Aria Wilder’s number one fan. Don’t we all know a little something about a glass heart?!’” By the time Aria finishes reading, her cheeks are warm. She hands the phone back to Bailey.
“The internet has now also taken to calling him your ‘number one fan,’ by the way. That’s why he mentioned it. Isn’t that so sweet?”
Since the news of the hidden clause hit, Aria’s been feeling like she’s been walking around cast in slight shadow, but seeing this athletic powerhouse of a man go all emotional and adorable over her song feels finally like stepping under the rays of the sun.
“It is. It’s super sweet.”
Across the room, Aria’s phone rattles on the coffee table. She hands Bailey’s phone back, gets up, and retrieves hers. She swipes to accept the call.
“Kelsey. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Kelsey has been Aria’s publicist since before she made it big, believing in her from the start. Back then, Kelsey had multiple singer-actor types, but once Aria’s career took off, she signed her on full-time.
“Well, good afternoon to you too, Pop Superstar and America’s Darling.”
Aria tsks-tsks playfully. “Are you buttering me up?”
Kelsey laughs. “Have you seen the internet?”
“The video of the football player?”
“‘The football player’? Aria, this is Griffin Hayes, only thetop tight end in the league. He’s absolutely killing it. Not to mention the fans adore him.”
“It was a cute video, but why does it have you calling?”
She clears her throat. “Well, I spoke to Monroe, and we both agree that we should really take advantage of the moment. Seize the organic positive press.”
Aria pauses. She’s not always the biggest fan of the PR activities that are pitched in her direction. Aria has always wanted to be genuine and personal, and sometimes the publicity efforts leave her spinning so much she feels icky. This time—the organic moment with Griffin, accidentally caught on camera—she has fewer qualms.
“What did you have in mind?”
“Well, we were thinking you could invite him as a special guest to the next concert tomorrow?”
Special guests are not a new thing to Aria. The record label often brings in folks, people they’re attempting to woo. Or fans who win competitions. Occasionally kids with serious illnesses fulfilling their wishes granted by Make-A-Wish.
“I guess it could be interesting to meet him.”
“Great! And I’m glad I caught you, because we were thinking it would be fun if you invited him publicly. Maybe share his post, and in your caption invite him? The fans wouldloveit, and I know they’re your top priority.”
Aria can’t stop the laugh that pops out. Never before has a PR activity felt fun like this. And, Aria must admit, this Griffin guy has her interest.
“You got it,” Aria says. “I’ll do it now.”
