Chapter 113
Alyssa
After celebrating the holiday with my family in Colorado, I left for Tennessee Friday morning. On the plane, I had plenty of time to think about Logan, about Curt, and about my decision to move to New York. By the time the plane landed, I knew what I was going to do about the later, at least.
I walked into my office a few minutes later and Mrs. Farrow stood up behind her desk. "Ms. Collins, welcome back! How was your trip?" she asked as she walked around her desk with her arms open wide.
I hugged her lightly and gave her air kisses over both cheeks. "It's good to be back," I said as I walked into my office, set my briefcase on my desk, and slipped my purse inside my desk. "Is Alanna in?"
She shook her head. "No. Ms. Keel isn't in yet."
I nodded. "Will you let me know when she arrives?"
She smiled. "Yes. Of course, Ms. Collins."
"Mrs. Farrow?" I asked, settling in. "Do I have anyone waiting?"
She nodded, without having to look at my schedule. "Ms. Chase, who was sent over by Mr. Savage, is in the waiting room."
I nodded. "Did he send her over to sign a contract?"
She nodded. "Yes. I have it right here, already prepared."
I smiled. "Did he tell you the terms?"
"Yes, and they're included in the contract."
"What would I ever do without you?"
She shrugged. "I don't know, but I don't want to find out."
I laughed. "Neither do I. Please, show her in."
She nodded. "Yes, Ms. Collins."
I rose from my desk, and a moment later, Mrs. Farrow escorted a young lady into my office, her eyes wide with amazement. "Good morning, Ms. Chase," I said. "Won't you sit down?"
She nodded and did as I asked. We started the process of her signing the contract right away. After explaining the terms of the contract, she signed it a few minutes later.
"Thank you, Ms. Collins," she gushed, clearly excited about her new recording contract. "I promise I won't let you down."
I smiled. "It's not me you have to worry about letting down, but don't worry about letting anyone down. Just do your best, stay smart, and enjoy the ride. And here's my card," I said as I handed one to her. "If you have any questions, just call."
"Thank you, Ms. Collins," she said, shaking my hand a bit too hard.
Mrs. Farrow walked in after Ms. Chase left. "Ms. Keel is in."
"Thank you, Mrs. Farrow," I replied as I handed her the signed contract. "Could you message this to Mr. Savage right away?" It was good to see that he wasn't pulling his business away after our feud, although I wasn't quite sure what to think.
"Yes, Ms. Collins," she said as she took the contract. "Anything else?"
"Yes. Please hold my appointments for a bit," I said as I straightened my desk. "Ms. Keel and I will be in a meeting together."
She nodded. "Ms. Keel is just finishing up a contract herself, but she will be ready in a moment."
"Good," I replied. "Please hold her appointments, too. Also, please let me know as soon as she's free."
"Will do," she said, and then walked out, closing the door behind her.
I leaned against my hands, my elbows on the desk, when my desk phone buzzed. I pushed the button. "Mr. Davis is on line one."
"Thank you, Mrs. Farrow."
I took a deep breath, and then picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Well, hello, stranger! How have you been?" Curt asked as a thrill ran through me.
I smiled into the phone. "Good, but we have to talk."
"About?" I could hear him shifting in his desk chair as he waited.
"I'm moving to New York, but I want to keep things professional between us for now," I said in a rush, afraid that I wouldn't be able to get it all out.
There was a pause at the other end, and then he said, "Okay. When did this come about?"
I bit my upper lip. "I have a lot going on in my life that I can't explain over the phone right now."
"Then, you'll see me when you get here?"
I laughed. "Of course I will!" I took a deep breath. "But I want to keep it professional between us for now."
He let out a deep breath. "Okay, but promise me that you won't count us out. Give me a chance when you come to New York."
I shook my head. "I need some time, Curt."
There was a pause on the other end. "Okay. No problem. If you need time, then I'll give it to you."
I smiled in relief. "Thanks, Curt."
"Now, as for business, will you need a loan?"
I shook my head. "No. I'm relocating on my own. But if you'd like to send me some business and help me pick out an office "
He laughed. "Say no more. Your wish is my command."
"Thanks, Curt," I said as I shifted the phone. "You don't know how much this means to me."
"Hey. Whatever you need." He paused for a moment, and when he came back on the line, his voice was serious. "Alyssa, I won't say anything else about it, but I want you to know that I'll be waiting for you when you're ready."
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Curt."
"In the meantime," he said, lightening the mood, "I'll try to behave myself. But I'm still a man."
I laughed, knowing that he would live up to his word.
"Now," he said in a more serious tone, "what do you need for the move? And I'm not taking no for an answer."
I smiled into the phone. "I'm glad I have a friend like you."
"Friend," he said, letting out a deep breath. "For now."
Mrs. Farrow suddenly popped her head in the door. "Ms. Keel is free," she said in a low voice.
I nodded. "Curt, let me call you back. I have to tell Alanna."
He laughed. "Okay, but don't take too long. I can't wait for you to get here."
I smiled. "Yeah; me, too."
