Chapter 7: First Hello

Sandra monitored every clips in Bammie's music video and as perfectionist as she was, nothing, even the littlest mistakes slid pass in her scrutinizing eyes. Her brows deeply furrowed while her whole attention was extremely focused on the screen.

"It's lame," she commented after she finished watching the last clip. "Bammie shouldn't cry. The song was full of love with no heartache or whatsoever negative words in the lyrics. Why the heck was she crying in that video?" she scowled making the staffs startled for it was actually the first time they've seen her losing temper.

Sandra Mendez was known as strict, but very composed person. She never gets irritated nor angry easily whenever her subordinates and staffs made a mistake whether it's a small or huge that may ruin their company. She's always as calm as she takes everything lightly. She's rational and never scolded anyone but rather encourage them to do well the next time instead. That's why the staffs couldn't hide their bewilderment seeing that side of their boss for the first time.

"Her partner died," the head producer pointed it out in a obvious tensed voice.

Sandra closed her eyes then pinched the bridge of her nose. Having too much on her plate was overwhelming and stressful, which makes her feel irritated easily, even in just a small mistakes that she noticed. She's not like that though, and she didn't like it. She never dragged her personal issues into work. She's stress, okay, it was given, but that doesn't mean she can scold the people who's working hard for their company. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.

She then looked at the PD Director and saw how tensed he was that made her felt guilty in instant. "Change it. I don't like it," she calmly said. "Make the video to look more cheerful but let everyone know that her partner died without Bammie crying in the last part. She sucks at acting, it wouldn't be of help and may come out worst if she tries," she flashed a smile as she tried to kill the tension she had just made.

Bammie who was watching to them from afar strode quickly at their direction and hit Sandra's arm without warning. "What do you mean I'm suck at acting? That is not true!" she exclaimed while giving her a cute glare, which totally enlightened Sandra's mood right away.

"It's true. You don't have any good angle while crying. Just accept it," Sandra shrugged.

Bammie pouted cutely with her brows smashed together, making all the staffs finally became at eased as they chuckled while watching the two.

"You know what Sandra? Why don't you try acting and be in my shoes? You don't know how hard acting is!" Bammie huffed, looking annoyed.

"No way!" she shook her head rather quickly with a thought that her money was enough to feed millions of people already. She didn't need another tiresome job to increase her net worth anymore. Just thinking about adding more work already made her dizzy.

Bammie was about to retort, but her mouth was hanged open when Sandra suddenly lifted her hand, showing her palm to her, stopping her as she answered the sudden call from her secretary.

"Yes?"

"Miss Sandra, the Empire submitted new songs," Jamaica informed in a monotone voice.

Her forehead creased "When did you returned the first two?" she asked as she tried to recall the last songs she reviewed.

"Two days ago, Miss Sandra."

Her eyebrows arched as she saw Bammie listening intently, "That fast huh?" she grinned as her eyes glimmered in amusement. "Bring that to me here. I'll review it while Bammie is filming," She ordered then ended the call right away.

"Jamaica?" Bammie quiried.

Sandra nodded her head and pointed the filming set. Bammie didn't need a word to understand what she's implying as she stepped away and walked back in front of the cameras to continue filming for her music video. She crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned on her chair. Her eyes never leaving the camera screen.

"Miss Sandra?"

Sandra shifted her gaze and saw Jamaica secretary standing by her side handling her the folder and an iPad.

"These are the songs Empire had submitted earlier. Mr. Park said that Mr. Phoenix improvised them with the guidance of your notes and precised comments on the music sheet"

She carefully accepted the folder and read the titles of each songs which also changed from the first two batches. "So, it's still the same as the old one?" she frowned as she read the first line of the first song, "The color of my heart is black? I dont like this," she immediately flipped the page to the second song as her nose cringed at those sappy words.

Phoenix was very known as a genius ballad composer. His songs were all heartwarming that can make you cry even when you're happy as you listen and understand the lyrics as well, as listening to its melody never fail to soothes one's soul and captures one's heart. Unfortunately, that's not what she's looking for their project. Bammie's image carried positivity and optimism. She didn't think her fans are ready for her dark side yet, but still, she wanted her best friend to try something new. And that something new she's talking about was loud and cheerful, just good vibe kind of song to which Phoenix has been failing to do so.

The first two songs she had reviewed were actually good, absolutely good, and she's certain it'll topple and dominate all charts. However, that good songs weren't what she's looking for. Those songs were meant for other artist and definitely not for Bammie and Levi. Ballad was not good as pilot song for the largest companies first ever collaboration.

She flipped the folder closed and plugged the earphones in her ears. As soon as the music of the first song started, her lips twitched while she vigorously shook her head. She admitted the song actually suited her bestfriend's voice for the chorus and bridge parts. Unfortunately, it was too mellow just like the former songs, she couldn't stop grimacing in disappointment and it continued for the second song. It was almost close to what she wanted, but then again, it's still lacking. She heaved a sigh. Phoenix might be mad at her constant rejections, but she didn't care. Her job was to secure success for that big project, and he can't just feel at ease that his songs will be immediately approved just because she liked it him. She's not the type to mix her personal life with work.

Taking off the earphones, Sandra looked at her secretary, "Jamaica, kindly deliver this back next week to Empire and schedule me an appointment with Mr. Park," she said when she remembered her schedules, "Do I even have any free time next week?" she asked.

"Yes, Miss Sandra," Jamaica nodded as she scanned her planner, "Thursday, 4PM to 5PM is vacant"

Sandra rolled her eyes in disbelief, "An hour?" she exclaimed exasperatedly.

"Yes, Miss Sandra"

She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. What could she possibly do in just an hour? Meetings usually lasts for atleast two hours, but it still depends on the topic. Shaking her head, she decided to just have a conference call with Mr. Park to save her time.

"Let that vacant hour be use for Empire. Please have Mr Park and Phoenix know that I'll be having a conference call with them that day"

"Copy, Miss Sandra"

Sandra grinned as she imagine Phoenix's reaction this time. She may be a fan of the composer but that doesn't mean she'll lower her standard for him. Business is business. She won't let personal things be involve with her work, and Phoenix was not an exemption. Just because she announced in national television that she likes the guy, doesn't mean he can slack off and get through smoothly for his songs to be approved. The best always have it the hard way.

_________________________________

Bammie can't stop bobbing her head as she and Sandra watched Simon's performance in Inkinggayo at the CEO's office. However, Sandra's forehead creased as she noticed the total changed of his concept from suit to rugged look that surprisingly suited him.

"He's different on stage," Sandra commented as she remembered how Simon acted when they've first met. "He's bubbly and weird in person"

"You've met him?" asked Bammie as she glanced at Sandra.

The latter just shrugged. Bammie tilted her head, but didn't probe anymore for the song was too catchy to ignore and the artist were slaying the live performance to be unseen.

"That was awesome! I wish I could change my genre too!" Bammie exclaimed whilst clapping her hands in awe.

Sandra raised her eyebrows then smirked at Bammie's statement. She haven't told her best friend yet that the project they're planning with Empire Entertainment has something to do with collaborations with the rival company's artists and not just only having Phoenix to produce their song. She's just waiting for the song to finish before she discuss the whole thing with Bammie.

"Sandra, what happened to Sebastian Lee?" Bammie suddenly asked out of the blue.

She raised her eyebrows then shrugged. She didn't know what happened to that guy actually. She was too busy, she already lost track on him. After Jamaica informed her that Sebastian backed out from the project, she didn't heard anything from him anymore. She didn't protest about his decision on backing out for she honestly didn't need another name. What for anyway?

"So, it's just futile admiration, huh?"

Sandra grinned countering Bammie's statement. "You know me Bammie, I don't stop until I haven't get what I want, and Sebastian is a challenge that will attest my irresistible charm"

Bammie narrowed her eyes, studying her expression. "You're not gonna chase him, aren't you?" she asked suspiciously.

The corner of her lips slowly formed a lopsided smile, then she flipped her hair. "Not yet"

Bammie gasped and looked at Sandra in disbelief. It's as if she heard the most ridiculously rumor her bestfriend got involved with. Well, that was really shocking for she knew since forever that Sandra Mendez never have ever chased anything and anyone, neither in business or in personal life. Maybe shock was actually understatement in that matter.

"But how about Phoenix? Aren't you curious with him?"

Sandra chuckled then stood up and walked towards her table. It's still early for the conference call, but she's itching to know the Empire's reaction especially the faceless Phoenix. She pressed the intercom that directed to her secretary.

"Direct me to Mr. Park," she said as she glanced at her best friend. "Just wait, Bammie," she smiled excitedly.

"Yes, Miss Sandra," said Jamaica obidiently on the other line, never failing to give her a robotic tone.

Sandra grinned as she sat on top of her table while waiting for the callback. Bammie on the otherhand just watched the smug smile on her face while frowning, thinking that her best friend was doing something beyond her knowledge, to which wasn't new to her at all. She's used to it anyway, for Sandra always acted spontaneously and it's really amusing on how can she actually manage to handle her impulsiveness that well as if everything was planned in the first place.

"What is it?" Bammie narrowed her eyes on her which the latter just shrugged off. "Sandra!" she exclaimed impatiently.

Sandra chuckled at Bammie's reaction but before she could say anything, a manly voice reverberated in the room.

"Mr. Park," she greeted making Bammie lowered the volume of the television to hear whatever Sandra was trying to tell her.

"Sandra Mendez. Glad that we've finally talk again," said Mr. Park with an obvious glee in his voice.

On the side, Bammie was snorting. She couldn't picture a scary man with big tummy smiling from ear to ear as he talked over the phone. She wanted to say that out loud, but she's afraid it will be the cause why the historical collaboration of Crown and Empire Entertainment didn't happen. That would be also the end if her career, so, she decided against it and just zipped her mouth.

"It's been a long time Mr. Park. I've been very busy these past months and I just got a few hours vacant now. So, I won't make this too long. May I speak with Phoenix?" she said without beating around the bushes.

A paused from the other line was occured then followed by a loud sigh. "Phoenix is not here yet, but I'll call him and direct him to you"

Her forehead creased, "What time is he going to be there?"

"4PM. That was your secretary told us last week that's why I'm surprised you called two hours earlier."

"Yeah. One of my meetings got cancelled. I can't just sit here waiting" she explained. "I want to tell you that starting next week, I'll start handling the project again, but it's not guaranteed yet though, not until I sealed a deal with our top priority as of this moment."

"I don't mind how long it will take Sandra. As long as you will not abandon this project and left us hanging, it's fine with me"

Sandra and Bammie stared at each other as they both wearing a satisfaction smile on their faces. Both mentally thinking that Empire Entertainment's CEO Mr. Patrick Park, is indeed a businessman who knew what to throw and what keep.

"Good," she chortled, "Just don't be surprise for my sudden appointments. I'll just squeeze in my schedule with you whenever I'm free"

"Alright. Anything else? Or you wish to talk to him now? He's already here"

Bammie automatically raised her eyesbrows while Sandra couldn't hide the excitement on her face. She wondered how will he react after this.

"Sure," she chirped that made Bammie laughed at the realization hit her that Sandra's updating her with Phoenix.

Sandra then gestured her best friend to shush and be still on her seat whilst waiting for the voice to speak. Knowing Bammie, she might interfere and blabber something about her fangirling over his compositions. She's not afraid of that tho. She just didn't want to let the moment of his first hello pass her hearing.

"What is it?"

Silence filled around Sandra's office. Her brows furrowed instantaneously as the tone of voice from the other line was clearly didn't sound pleased and welcoming.

"Hello to you, too"

"Tss. What important details that you wanted to discuss?"

"Work," she answered curtly, as she folded her arms acrossed her chest, "But I just realized that it's easier if we'll just meet up so I could properly discuss it to you on how I wanted the song to be done"

A long moment of silence have filled the room before it erupted with a loud click of the tongue from the other line, "Just say it now. I don't have time to go out and meet you. I have more important things to do," he said rather rudely.

Bammie gasped loudly then laughed out loud not minding if the guy from the other line could hear her, whilst her best friend just rolled her eyes heavenwards, but didn't feel offended at all. Instead, she felt more challenged. Men always kissed the ground she walks in and this Phoenix just rejected her in a rude manner.

"Cocky huh," she remarked with a grin. "It's your loss, not mine," she chuckled and looked at Bammie who was shaking her head in disbelief.

"I told you, there's a lot of guy who is way way better!" Bammie screamed while grinning mischievously. "You don't like someone who thinks so highly of himself right?"

"Never, Bammie," she giggled then turned her attention back on the phone, "Anyways, I would now go straight to the point Mr. Phoenix. If the message was correctly passed on you, I'm pretty sure you already know what I wanted to discuss with you. It's much better to say it personally, but you don't seem interested so I won't push it. I don't like any of the songs you've submitted. I'm disappointed because that's not what I'm looking for. I'm expecting something new from you, somewhat refreshing. Something that you haven't done before. And as far as I remember, I wrote it on the notes but you clearly didn't understand it based on the revised songs I reviewed. I just hope you take it by heart now. Are we clear?"

"You want me to change my music by 360 degrees?" he asked, bewilderment.

"Exactly," she chortled and heard a loud cursed from the other line, "Time is up. Kindly tell to Mr. Park I'm gonna talk to him soon. Bye. Mr. Cocky," she said playfully then ended the call immediately.

A burst of laughter reverberated inside the office as Bammie couldn't contain it anymore whilst clutching her stomach. Sandra was chuckling as well as she strode on the cabinet and retrieved her favorite champagne and two flute glasses, placing it on the center table as she set herself on the couch beside Bammie.

"I've never thought Phoenix is a short tempered person. I honestly thought you'll lose it since you've been a fan of his since his debut," Bammie stated as she filled the glass with champagne.

"It takes millions of reasons to insult me Bammie," she said confidently, accepting the flute glass from her bestfriend. "But I didn't like that you interfered," she pointed out.

"That's my role in your life, Sandra. But admit it, it's entertaining"

"It does. I wondered how he looks like right now. I bet he's face is flaring in anger. I'd trade anything to see it!"

Both gave their glasses a toss while laughing. They didn't know that the outcome would be too entertaining they looked forward for another moment.