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Greta has become a great asset that I never knew I needed. All of the administrative stuff that I hated doing is now Greta’s job and I get to concentrate on writing.
I head into the studio and close the door. The minute I sit down on the piano bench I place my face in my hands and breathe heavily. I’ve been on autopilot lately, Cash and I passing each other in the condo while he’s on his way to the record store or I’m on my way out to the studio.
We both use work as an excuse and avoid talking unless it’s about something important. I sigh audibly, finally able to breathe, because the studio is the only place where I can be myself.
At the door, I hear Greta’s voice.
“I’m sorry, do you have an appointment?” Greta says.
“Excuse me?” I hear Bret’s voice.
“I don’t see you on the list,” Greta explains.
I smile.
“What the fuck is going on?” Bret’s voice raises an octave.
“I’m sorry, but you’re going to need to make an appointment.” There’s a pause and then she says, “I can fit you in next week on the 11th at 1pm.”
“Next week?” Bret screeches.
“Should I pencil you in?” Greta asks dryly.
“Mia?!” Bret yells as he bangs on the door, and I stifle a laugh.
“I don’t want to have to call security,” Greta says, her voice stern.
“Mia?” Bret ignores her and opens the door.
Greta stands behind a disheveled Bret with a huge smile on her face. I can’t help but laugh. Bret definitely needs to grow some balls to handle Greta.
“It’s okay, Greta.” I try to school my face and she winks at me.
“Jesus, fuck.” Bret swipes a hand through his hair and then looks back at Greta who straightens her face. “I said to get an assistant, but did you have to get a clone?”
“Are you saying that all strong women are alike?” Greta pipes up.
“No,” Bret tries to explain, and Greta puts her hand on her hip. “I mean yes.” Greta opens her mouth to speak but Bret cuts her off. “There is no right answer here is there?” Bret gives up.
“Aw, let him off the hook before he sweats through his shirt,” I tell Greta, and she backs down.
“Just send up the bat signal if you need me to call security,” Greta teases and raises her eyebrows before slowly backing out of the room using the universal signal for I’ve got eyes on you.
“After three years, you’d think she’d know I’m the boss,” Bret says, confused. I narrow my eyes at him. “Stupid notion,” Bret says, “You don’t even know I’m the boss,” he grumbles.
“The studio is booked for Carmen, and please be civil with her. I know she can be a…” Bret searches for the right word, “handful,” he finishes, “But she’s a huge client with big-name recognition, and it can do wonders for the company.”
“I’m always civil,” I respond and smile sweetly at Bret.
He laughs. “Come on, even you know that’s funny.”
“Anything else?” I look up at him from my seat at the piano, eager to be alone.
“Oh, I guess that’s it,” Bret says, thrown off by my abruptness. “Is everything okay?” There is a genuine softness in his voice as if he’s handling me with kid gloves. I wish people wouldn’t be so goddamn nice to me.
I sigh. “Yeah.”
Bret approaches the piano and leans against it. “Hey, I’m not sure what’s going on with you and Cash, but if you ever need to talk to someone, I’m here.”
