Page 71 of Grown

Backstage after our Charlotte show, I pass Richie’s team shooting what’s called B-roll footage for the documentary. Richie’s in the shadows, talking to Jessica. More like consoling her. She seems real upset. Maybe I should... no. No!

Mind your business. Follow the rules.

No eye contact, I head straight for the tour bus when I spot her strutting down the hall.

Amber.

She’s wearing a tight pink strapless dress, her hair tight and curly.

What is she doing in North Carolina?

“Hey! Enchanted, right?” a voice says behind me.

A tall Latino man with a thick New York accent stands by the exit. His curly hair shines like silky black snakes.

“Um, yes. I...”

“What’s up! Louis Santiago. My friends call my Louie. I’ve been waiting to meet you!”

“I... I, um... who are you?”

“Don’t worry. Korey and I go way back. He said it was cool if we talk.”

My spidey senses tingle, and I spin around to see if Korey is nearby.

Just follow the rules.

“Um, I think I better...”

“Aight, well I won’t hold you,” Louie says, talking fast. “Just gotta say that... I think you are an incredible singer. I’ve worked with a lot of artists, but you, young lady, have a VOICE. Even on background, you outshine everyone onstage. Was wondering if you’re looking for representation?”

“You’re... a manager?”

“Yup. Manage a couple of artists. But like I was saying, I think we can really make something happen. I know you have allegiance to Korey, but here. This is my card. When you done with your tour, call me. You hear what I gotta say, and see if I’m a good fit.”

Follow the rules.

The card is a beacon of light in his hand. Maybe this is a good thing! I’m only two songs away from my EP goal, and I’ll eventually need a manager once I’m done. I glance over my shoulder until I spot Korey, standing outside his dressing room, talking to someone, but watching me. He’s smiling but his eyes aren’t. Did Korey send Louie my way as a trap? Or did he really want me to meet this guy? Maybe this is a different type of test, one to see if I can handle myself businesswise.

“Um, sure. OK,” I mumble.

“Bet! Looking forward to talking soon.”

The moment I grasp the card and look back at Korey, I know I’ve chosen wrong.

Chapter 52

Two Minutes

Beach lifeguards can hold their breath for two whole minutes. It’s a part of their aptitude test. So that’s what I do. I hold my breath, right before he strikes me.

“Why’d you do it, huh? Why do you keep on disrespecting me? After everything I’ve done for you? I gave you your career and you do me like this?”

The first time he hits me, the sky goes bright white, like I shot up into the clouds.

The second time he hits me, my ears ring like cowbells.

Lightning can’t strike the same place twice. But thunder? Thunder is omnidirectional. You can hear it from every side of you.