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“But if we give an exception to her, more people will want to be an exception too,” Brody says.
“I think we should lead by example,” I say, “I certainly wouldn’t mind going through security myself.”
“Sure, but you’re the reason why we need security in the first place,” Jonathan says rudely.
A standstill, moved by silence and the thickest of tensions, takes over the room.
“Excuse you?” Brody asks in between teeth.
“I mean…” the man wipes sweat off his forehead, “You’re the one who brought up security in the first place, that’s all! It’s easier for you!”
“I’m sure if someone talks to Sweets like the adult she is, all will be settled. Hell, I’m happy to talk to her myself,” Sandra says.
“So, are we done here, Jonathan?” Brody asks with an impatient arm wave. “Lily can stay, can’t she?”
A woman, rough around the edges, speaks up. She’s Sweets’ public relations manager. According to Sandra, right now she’s my most dreaded enemy.
“The real problem is all the bad press,” she says, her brown hair in disarray. “People are asking for refunds already.”
“But even more people are buying tickets just to see Lily. This makes no sense!” Sandra says, exasperated, “There’s no such thing as bad press!”
The public relations woman shakes her head, not budging from her stance. “They’re watching Lily and leaving before Sweets gets on stage.”
“It’s all money in the same bank, isn’t it?” I say, unsure, but unable to keep quiet. “The ticket money is shared between Sweets and I the same way.”
“Things aren’t that simple, sweetheart,” Jonathan says, “Sweets has sponsors that rely on her show for their showcase. Everything, from the clothes she wears, to the water she drinks, is meticulously calculated to make us money as well.”
Sandra takes the attention of the room, “Once the contract ends, we could pass the sponsorships to Lily.”
But Jonathan rubs his face red, getting angry at what he hears. “That’s not the point, Sandra!”
“He’s right,” Brody says. “The point is: how do we keep both girls safe without dropping one or the other. Jonathan, please rest assured we will be able to handle things, if they go exactly as I say.”
“If you’re so good, how did you end up getting stabbed?” a young man, barely older than a teenager, asks.
“There was a weak link, we believe,” Brody says, starting to get grumpy. “The person responsible was a new hire but has already been terminated with the company.”
“Okay… Security for the staff and what else?” Jonathan asks, a hand under his chin.
“We have a list of items that are banned,” Brody says. “If we put out a public list containing what can’t be brought in, this may reinforce the rules a little better.”
Jonathan looks around the room, as if trying to come up with something to say as an argument against Brody’s suggestion. Apparently finding nothing he says, “Let’s do what you say. I just don’t want to lose any more money.”
Sandra high fives me, and Brody rubs the back of my shoulder.
“We’re all happy, then?” I ask, eager to be reassured.
“Everyone here is, but don’t try talking to Sweets right now,” Jonathan says, standing up, “She is beyond angry and blames you. She absolutely hates you right now.”
I retract my hands back close to my chest, in shock upon hearing those strong words. Standing with me, Brody comes to my defense, a hand pushing me slightly behind him.
“That’s not a very nice thing to say to the lady,” he says.
“Sweets’ words, not mine!” and Jonathan waves us off.
“We’re okay now?” I ask, looking from Sandra to Brody, not completely believing that it’s over.
“For now,” Sandra says, feeling her forehead, “But we need a public relations manager for you. I’m looking into that now.”
