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As I entered the studio, the tinkling of a bell above the door announced my arrival. Allan was busy arranging a new piece on one of the walls, his concentration evident in his furrowed brow and determined expression.
"Hey, Allan," I greeted,my voice laced with excitement.
Allan turned, his face breaking into a wide grin.
He had on well-fitted jeans and a white graphic tee. A pair of Nike sneakers completed his look. He wore an apron to protect his clothes from the paint, and his beautiful black locks were pushed back away from his striking blue eyes and tied off with a bandana. Red and blue paint stained his arms and his face.
He looked like a kindergartner during an arts and crafts class. He also had the innocent smile of a child.
"Elizabeth! Perfect timing. I was just about done."
We exchanged a warm hug before settling down on a pair of stools near a large canvas covered in vibrant swirls of blue and purple paint.
I took a deep breath, knowing I was about to share some big news.
"I've got a new assignment at work. I’m writing a profile piece on your brother."
Allan's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Really? That's unexpected. Should we be worried? Are you supposed to dig up some sordid scandal for your readers?"
"No, no, no, nothing like that. For a billionaire who’s always in the spotlight, no one knows anything about him. So they needed a talented upcoming journalist to peek behind the Hartman curtain and show the world who Alexander is," I replied.
"Well, good luck with that. Alexander has always been a mystery to me, too."
"Oh, I know; your brother is Mr.‘Let No One In’Hartman."
"And they gave you this job because you’re a talented journalist or best friends with a Hartman?" Allan raised one perfectly sculpted eyebrow.
"Two truths can co-exist, Allan." I smacked his shoulder playfully.
Allan leaned back, rubbing his shoulder, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Well, that would be quite the challenge. Alex is very… private… to say the least."
I chuckled. "Yeah, that's what I've gathered. But I need to make this happen. Everyone wants to get a real understanding of who he is beyond the headlines."
He nodded while a hormonal mixture of apprehension and eagerness coursed through me.
"The thing is, I don't know much about him. My boss wants me to leverage my connection with you to get an interview with him."
Allan's gaze softened, and he reached over to pat my hand.
"I get it, Elizabeth. I know it would help your career if you got this interview. Let me see if I can help you out."
I let out a relieved sigh, grateful for Allan's support.
"Thanks, Allan. I could use some guidance on approaching this if he even agrees to the interview.”
Allan motioned to stand, and we made our way to a corner of the studio where his phone was plugged into a wall socket. He ordered some Chinese takeout from a local restaurant, and we waited for the food to arrive.
"I'll make him agree. First things first, you need to be patient and persistent. Alex doesn't just open up to anyone, especially journalists. You need to build trust."
I nodded, scribbling down his words in my notebook.
"Trust, got it. But how do I even get there? I mean, it's not like we're best buddies."
Allan chuckled.
