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Post by celticbear on Apr 19, 2013 18:14:25 GMT -5
So Andy is a huge Workaholic. I'm betting Keith is thinking of a way to change Andy's workaholic ways!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2013 20:30:34 GMT -5
ha luv it, luv the part when she threw the water on him
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Apr 20, 2013 9:18:06 GMT -5
“Keith calm down!”
The lanky singer was pacing the hall backstage and driving Andy absolutely crazy.
“I don’t understand why you’re so nervous. You’ve performed in front of massive crowds, you’ve opened parades, you’ve performed for the President! Why are you so rattled about this tiny showcase?”
A small gathering of the bigwigs behind Verve and Keith’s solo album had been assembled to hear some of the new material and to get a feel of the young singer. Andy couldn’t remember how many of these functions she had attended in the past but it was obvious that this was Keith’s first time.
Keith paused directly in front of Andy forcing her to take a step back and met her eyes which were grey in the low light. “Because this is my music. Before…when I was with the others it was okay if I messed up. I could just crack a joke or let the fans sing instead but tonight I can’t do that.” He ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes as if he was in pain. “What if they hate the songs? I don’t have time to record anything else. I put my heart and soul into this album and…”
Andy raised her hand and placed it firmly over his mouth. “Stop. You’re going to blow them away tonight. Your music is incredible and they’ll be able to see how passionate you are.”
“You’re just saying that,” Keith mumbled from behind Andy’s hand.
“No I’m not.” The young woman straightened Keith’s fedora and smoothed out the invisible wrinkles in his shirt. “I’ve told dozens of musicians that their music was great when I couldn’t stand it. It’s my job to make them feel confident. But I mean it when I say it to you.”
Keith met her eyes and could read the sincerity there. He managed a smile and let out a slow breath. “Thanks, Andy.”
“Don’t mention it.”
He started to turn towards the stage but paused. “Andy?”
“Yes?”
“Would you stay?”
A frown creased her brow. “What do you mean? I’m going to be backstage the whole time.”
“I was wondering if you’d actually sit in the audience. Then…then at least there’d be one person out there who likes my music.”
Andrea was stunned. What had happened to the confident, and often cocky, individual that she had to often threaten to do as she said? He had disappeared and was replaced by a young man who was terrified that his life’s work would be ridiculed.
She met his eyes that pleaded with her for a long time before nodding slowly. “Of course.”
Letting out a sigh of relief Keith beamed. “Thank you.”
As he headed towards the stage she was already rearranging her schedule in her head. From the looks of it she wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight but her client needed her and that’s why she was there.
Taking a seat in the back she met Keith’s eyes as he took the stage. For most of the show he held her gaze and whenever his seemingly unfailing confidence began to fade she’d flash him a smile or applaud a little louder to give him the boost he needed.
The showcase was a success and Keith was flying high as he was passed around the room for introductions. Andy waited patiently backstage, desperately trying to catch up on her work before ferrying Keith home for the night. She was so absorbed in the report that she was writing that she didn’t notice Keith’s presence until he sat down next to her on the rock hard sofa.
The singer didn’t say anything, he gave her a shy smile and handed her a delicate flower. Andrea recognized it from the centerpiece at the table and raised an eyebrow in question. “What’s this?”
“It’s my way of thanking you.”
“Thanking me? For what?”
“Everything…but most of all for being there for me tonight.”
A touch of pink flushed Andy’s cheeks at the kind words. “You’re welcome, Keith. That’s what I’m here for.”
The singer nodded and turned his gaze away. He had meant so much more but it was becoming obvious that she only saw him as a client. Swallowing his frustration he stood and held out a hand to help her to her feet.
“So what’s my schedule look like tomorrow? Do I have time for a celebratory drink?”
Andy’s cell phone materialized in her hand and after studying the screen for a moment she nodded. “You have a conference call at ten but I’m in meetings until nine thirty so behave yourself tonight since I won’t have time to drag you out of bed in the morning.”
“Yes ma’am.”
The young woman rolled her eyes and laughed. “Don’t call me that, it makes me feel older than I already am.”
Keith grinned and nodded. “Yes ma’am.”
Shaking her head Andy load her things into her car. As she slid into the driver’s seat Keith leaned against the open door. “Are you sure you can’t join us for a drink?” Andy shook her head and Keith pouted comically. “Just one?”
“I can’t. I’m already behind on work for another client. Have fun tonight, you earned it.”
Nodding, Keith shut her door and watched her drive away before going to join the others at the bar.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2013 14:43:25 GMT -5
aww cute little update ^^
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Post by HburgEagle44 on Apr 20, 2013 15:20:26 GMT -5
YOU MISS TWO DAYS. Onyx, this is wonderful! I love it!! Don't stop. This backstory is very intriguing... once you catch up to Colm's wedding, you better not stop because otherwise, I might have to call upon the Russian Ninja. Just food for thought. Update soon, please!!
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mkk59
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Post by mkk59 on Apr 20, 2013 17:22:54 GMT -5
I'm loving this onyx!!!! Can't wait to read more!
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Post by celticbear on Apr 20, 2013 17:56:31 GMT -5
Love how nervous Keith was! Glad Andy rearranged her schedule to stay for Keith! The flower was a cute touch!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Apr 21, 2013 8:41:09 GMT -5
“Are you originally from L.A.?” asked Keith. He was sprawled on the couch in the recording studio while Andy perched in the seat across from him working on her laptop.
“Nope, I’m from the middle of no where Kansas.”
“Kansas? How did you end up out here?”
Andy sighed and glanced towards the recording booth. They were having some technical difficulties and for once it was raining so it was her job to entertain Keith. “I moved out here to go to school.”
“UCLA?” The young woman nodded in response. “What did you study?”
“Double majored in business and public relations with a minor in media.” She deleted an e-mail and bit back a groan when three new ones appeared in her inbox.
“And let me guess, you were at the top of your class?”
Andy didn’t answer but Keith could feel her glare from across the room. The singer sighed and checked the time on his phone before crossing his hands behind his head. “Why don’t you like me, Andy?”
“Come again?”
“It’s obvious that you don’t like me. I just wondered if there was something that I did wrong.”
Pushing her glasses on top of her head Andy placed her laptop to the side. “I like you just fine. Why do you think that I don’t like you?” Andy was worried. If one of her clients was unhappy there was a serious problem and it was her job to get to the root of that problem.
“All you do is work and it seems like you can’t wait to get away from me. You never just…talk.”
It took Andrea a few moments to process what Keith was saying. Didn’t he understand that she didn’t get paid to talk, she was paid to work. Calming herself she forced herself to look over at Keith who had rolled onto his side. “At the moment I’m juggling three clients which is a lot of work but if you want to talk then let’s talk.”
At first her ploy worked. When suddenly given the chance to speak Keith didn’t know what to say. Unfortunately he quickly recovered. “Why did you chose UCLA? Why not go to school in Kansas?”
“They had a good public relations program and I wanted to get out of Kansas.”
Keith sat up and let his elbows rest on his knees. He could tell that she was holding back and now his curiosity was piqued. “Why?”
“You’re starting to sound like a little kid,” grumbled Andy, her eyes taking on the same hue as the thunderclouds outside their window.
“Maybe…but you still didn’t answer my question.”
“Because there were a lot of things I wanted to leave behind me.”
“Like what?”
“Keith…” she warned but the blonde ignored her.
“You said you don’t have any family…everyone had a family at some point. Didn’t they want you to go to school closer to home?” The young woman refused to answer but Keith wasn’t giving up. “Why won’t you just tell me? Who do you have to be so secretive all of the time? You know practically everything about me and I don’t even know your middle name. For once stop being so righteous and just talk.”
Andy had a long fuse. She had dealt with some of the most difficult clients under the most difficult circumstances that could have been imagined but none of her clients had pushed her like this. No one had ever tried to pry into her private life which she kept locked far, far away.
The expectant look on Keith’s face was too much for her and she could feel something inside of her snap. “You want to know about me? Fine.”
Whatever Keith was expecting was blown away when Andy opened her mouth.
“I’m twenty five years old. My birthday is in July. My middle name is Michelle. My mother died in a car accident when I was five taking my unborn baby sister with her. My dad couldn’t cope and enrolled me in every after school activity possible so he didn’t ever have to see me. I was just a noisy little reminder of the life that he had lost.”
“I got my first job when I was seven as a papergirl and have been working ever since. I moved to L.A. when I was eighteen and haven’t looked back. I got a call saying my dad died a couple of years ago but I couldn’t get the time off to go back for the funeral. I don’t have any other relatives, the call came from my father’s lawyer, and I work all of the time because that’s the only way I know how to survive.”
Andy knew that she was practically shouting but she didn’t care. Her eyes flashed when they met Keith’s. “Any more questions, Mr. Harkin? Or have I fulfilled my talking requirement for the day?” Without waiting for a reply she grabbed her laptop and began typing so furiously that the keyboard threatened to crack.
Keith struggled to find words to fill the awkward silence that now lay between them. He knew he shouldn’t have pushed her so hard but he had no idea that his prying would lead to such an outburst.
He was given a respite by one of the studio technicians appearing and letting him know that they had fixed the issue and were ready for him.
By the time the session had finished Andy had cooled off but still kept her distance with him. “Do you want to get something to eat?” Keith asked while following her into the parking lot. It had finally stopped raining but the skies were still overcast which fit both of their moods perfectly.
“I can’t. I’m going to drop you off then I have to meet with another other client.”
The silence in the car was thick and finally Keith couldn’t take it anymore. “Andy, I’m sorry.”
The young woman didn’t even flinch. “What do you have to be sorry for? You asked a question. I shouldn’t have shouted at you though, I do apologize for that.”
Keith just shook his head. He had pushed this normally serene young woman over the edge yet she was apologizing to him. True, he was now starting to understand why she was the way she was but he’d gladly give up all of that knowledge in order to chase away the pain that shone so clearly in her eyes.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2013 9:43:51 GMT -5
oh wow what an update ^_^ luv it glad to learn more about Andy and ya its true we are never ever going to find out Keith's Middle name >_< i hate that he wont share with us its kind of lame its just a name!
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Post by celticbear on Apr 21, 2013 18:03:10 GMT -5
This was one very Eye Opening Update! Keith did push a bit to far! But in the end he did the right thing and apologized to Andy!
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 22, 2013 7:37:11 GMT -5
love, love, love............................. that is all
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Apr 22, 2013 8:22:02 GMT -5
“Do you have everything?” asked Andrea as they waited for the taxi.
“Yes mother.”
The young woman made a face but was only half listening to Keith as she scrolled through her e-mails. Switching hands she began to reply via the tablet balanced in the crook of her arm. Turning her head quickly she sneezed into her shoulder then went back to the message without even missing a beat.
Keith was always amazed that Andy was able to maneuver around such a busy city without ever looking up. He watched as she loaded herself into the cab without even pausing in her typing.
“You didn’t have to ride all of the way to the airport with me.”
“Not a problem. I have an appointment about two blocks away from the airport I thought I’d save myself some time and money by splitting the cab fare with you.”
“And here I thought you just wanted to look at my pretty face a wee bit longer.”
“Don’t flatter yourself, Harkin.” It had been a few tense weeks since their little spat at the recording studio and Keith was still reluctant to joke around with her. Without realizing it he had hurt her and he’d done everything in his power to make it up to her. Andy had assured him time and again that she wasn’t angry but Keith was still wary.
Andy sneezed again then coughed, the sound making him turn and take a good look at her. She was dressed in her usual business attire but the sharp suit couldn’t mask the pale pallor of her skin nor could her glasses hide her bloodshot eyes.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, it’s just a cold.”
“Maybe you should take a day or two off to rest.”
Andy laughed and packed her computer away as the cab approached the airport. “Days off? What are those?” Seeing the concerned look on Keith’s face she patted his arm. “I’ll be fine. A good night’s sleep and I’ll be as good as new.”
She told the driver to wait as Keith pulled his bags from the trunk. “Have fun in Ireland. Relax and clear your head. I’ll e-mail you your schedule right before you leave.”
Keith nodded and rocked back on his heels. “Thank you again. You have no idea how much I needed this.” Somehow Andrea had moved both heaven and earth to get him an entire week off so he could go home and recharge before the next set of promotions began.
“You’re welcome. Now get going before you miss your flight.”
Keith watched as the cab disappeared into the traffic and grabbed his bags, smiling at the knowledge that he would be home in just a few hours.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2013 8:33:06 GMT -5
ooh i fear it isnt just a cold? please update
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Post by celticbear on Apr 22, 2013 15:21:56 GMT -5
I agree! This is not just a cold! Glad Keith is heading home for a wee vacation!
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Post by onyxfyrefly on Apr 22, 2013 22:43:23 GMT -5
“Mum? Dad? Anyone home?”
Keith had arrived very late the night before and had crashed at a friend’s house. His mother hadn’t been pleased but he didn’t want to disturb the entire household at four in the morning.
“Keith!”
The blonde turned and was nearly knocked down by a red blur. “It’s good to see you too, Bec. Now how about letting me get some air?” Rebecca laughed but let him go.
Keith only had a moment’s respite before being swept up in his mother’s arms. He hugged the older woman back tightly. He hadn’t realized how much he missed her until he met Andy who didn’t have a family to go home to.
“How have you been, son?” asked Siobhan after releasing him.
“Busy. Meetings and gigs and promos…it’s been an interesting experience to say the least.”
“You have some help though, right?”
Keith nodded and sat down at the kitchen table. “Yeah, I have an assistant named Andrea and I swear she works miracles. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have been able to make this trip home.”
Siobhan and Rebecca exchanged glances over Keith’s head as he went on and on about his brilliant assistant. Keith didn’t even realize it but nearly every tale he told featured Andy in some way. The two women could easily see that he had feelings for her but they knew better than to bring up the issue because Keith would only deny it.
The topic switched over to his upcoming album and both women begged to hear a sample of the new material. Keith was hesitant but when his father arrived home and added his voice to the mix Keith knew that the battle was lost. He headed into the music room to retrieve a guitar and paused in the doorway. It would be fairly early in L.A. but he knew Andy would be up. He wondered if she was feeling better and considered sending her a text but decided against it. She was so busy that she probably wouldn’t have any time to reply to him anyway.
“Did you get lost?” called Rebecca from the kitchen which startled Keith out of his reverie.
He decided on an old Gibson that he hadn’t played in years and headed back into the main part of the house, eager to show his family the fruits of his labor.
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For five blissful days Keith ate, slept, ate, played music, ate, hung out with his friends, ate went surfing, and ate some more. By the time he finished dinner on his last day at home he was convinced that he had gained at least twenty pounds and would be waddling onto the plane the next morning.
His phone let out a chirp announcing the arrival of a new e-mail and Keith couldn’t help but smile, Andy was right on time.
Scrolling through the message he was a little disappointed to discover that she wouldn’t be there to pick him up at the airport but she was going to meet him at the office after he dropped off his bags to give him a detailed breakdown of the week’s events.
Settling back onto the bed he had slept on since he was a child he allowed his thoughts to wander. It wasn’t surprising when they came to a stop on Andrea. From the moment that they met there had been something that had drawn him to her. Perhaps it was her work ethic, perhaps it was her fearless attitude, or perhaps it was the way her eyes changed color depending on her mood.
Keith couldn’t put his finger on it but there was something about the young woman that kept bringing her back to the forefront of his mind. She was brilliant, driven, passionate, beautiful, and was unfortunately working for him.
Technically she worked for Verve but whatever Keith needed she took care of. He wondered if he could tell her that he needed someone to have sushi with him on Thursdays or that he needed someone to help him scrutinize the latest action movie.
Knowing Andy, whatever he asked for she would make a reality. An e-mail here, a text there, and she’d be at his side whenever he wanted.
With a sigh Keith threw that idea away. He didn’t want Andy to spend time with him because she had to, he wanted her to spend time with him because she wanted to. Unfortunately he saw the way that she looked at him and knew that in her eyes he was nothing more than a client. He was someone that she had to make happy until the record company decided that he could go at it on his own. Then she would be given another client and the cycle would repeat itself once more.
His overfull stomach rolled uncomfortably when he recalled that day at the recording studio. He had replayed the scene a million times in his mind and still asked himself why he had pushed her so hard. It was heartbreaking to hear about her family but what dismayed Keith the most was the way she could just turn off her emotions as if there was absolutely nothing wrong.
Keith wanted to get past that hardened exterior but he didn’t know how without causing another outburst. He knew that he could be someone that Andy could lean on, that she could confide in but he wasn’t sure how to convince her that he could be that person.
Glancing at the clock Keith tried to get to sleep but he couldn’t settle down. Somewhere along the way he had developed feelings for his assistant, as cliché as it sounded, and he didn’t know what to do about it. He wondered if he was merely grateful for her assistance or if he really cared about the young woman who dumped ice water over his head in order to get him out of bed.
Giving up on the idea of sleep he headed towards the music room. Perhaps music could help settle his mind or at least lull the butterflies that swarmed in his stomach every time he thought of Andrea.
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