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The silence that falls is endless, but finding the words for what I’m about to say is challenging.
“I really appreciate your apology, but I’m the one who should apologize. I made a huge mistake, and you paid for it. Anyone in your position would’ve done the same. No one in their right mind would have kept a manager who failed to protect them.”
Martin glances at Luke as if to say, “See, I was right,” earning a nudge from his friend.
“That’s why I can’t be your manager,” I add, my heart pumping into my chest.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Emily looking at me like I’m delirious while Aaron studies me carefully.
“Are you insane? We want you. Didn’t you hear what Martin said?” Lilly snaps in a panic.
“I can’t be. I can be your friend and support you in your career, but my mistake was too big to get past. However, if I may suggest someone, it’s Emily. She’s a great asset to this label, she knows how to do her job, and it would be your loss if you didn’t hire her.”
I turn to Emily, who’s looking at me shocked. Aaron, beside her, continues to study me without letting any emotion shine through.
“Are you serious?” Luke asks, expressing everyone’s confusion.
“I’m very serious. I would be unprofessional if I agreed to represent you after what happened. But Emily is a great manager, if I may say so myself.” I smile at all of them and see the disorientation on their faces. They’ll soon understand why I did it.
“And you agree?” Lilly asks Emily.
“Yes. If it works for you guys. I’d love to join you in this adventure.” Her voice trembles with emotion.
“So, are we all agreed?” I ask before the confusion wears off, and they argue this decision.
They nod, but it’s Emma’s voice that draws our attention. “Sorry to bother you…” her nervous voice trembles. “You’re the Red Velvet Curtains, aren’t you? I just want to say I’m a huge fan,” she mumbles shyly, and I’m surprised by her embarrassment.
I thought the Jailbirds were her biggest idols, but apparently, there’s another band that makes her even more giddy. The interruption makes me sigh with relief—I couldn’t endure an explanation about why I don’t feel I can represent them.
“I’m Luke. Nice to meet you. I love your videos on TikTok!” He extends a hand, and she seems to get lost in the innocent smile of the singer.
The rest of the band turns to her, and the serious mood of a few minutes ago is lost in the pleasantries of a new acquaintance. Emma smiles, embarrassed as they take pictures together.
“I didn’t know she was a fan…and I didn’t know Luke saw her videos on TikTok. What did I miss?” I ask, perplexed at Aaron, who smirks.
Emily inhales deeply, a resigned expression on her face. “Oh, nothing, just one of the biggest problems I’ve ever had as a new manager with the only two clients I have.”
I turn to the small group and notice how Emma blushes at something Luke whispers in her ear. She watches him laugh and he does the same while the others talk and joke.
“Luke has known her for four seconds and he already can’t take his eyes off of her,” I comment, amazed by how fast this situation is getting out of hand.
Aaron and Emily laugh and catch my eye. “Can’t you see the resemblance between Emma and Lilly?” Aaron asks me, frowning.
I turn to them again, and now that he mentions it, I notice similarities in the hair and eye color and in the innocence that shines through both. Emma could easily pass for the younger sister of my friend’s girlfriend.
“It’s true, but I feel like I’ve missed something.” I watch Emily and Aaron look at me as if I’m the only one who doesn’t understand the situation. And that’s probably true.
“Have you seriously not noticed in almost three years that Luke is in love with Lilly?” Emily asks. “How he looks at her like a lost puppy? I didn’t know them early on when they won the contest, but surely, he was head over heels when you hired me almost a year later.”
“Really?” I turn to Luke, looking for a clue that supports this theory.
“He really respects Damian, which is probably why he’s never said anything, but you can see he’s lovesick. Have you ever wondered why he hasn’t dated anyone since you met him?” she asks me.
I turn to find Luke talking in the middle of the group and Emma hanging on his every word. Beside him, Lilly stares at him with what seems to be relief. How did I not see this? I was so worried about what was going on between Lilly and Damian that I never saw the people around them.
“And Lilly knows?” I ask worriedly.
“I think she got it, but pretended not to notice in order to avoid anything that might threaten the band’s survival. I caught her a few times, changing direction to avoid being alone with Luke. I think she wants to avoid giving him false hope or any hints of intimacy that could feed his feelings. In all honesty, I admire both of them for the professionalism they’ve managed to maintain,” Emily admits.
