Chapter 43: The Scooter

[Chapter 43: The Scooter]

When Ryan woke up, Abigail had already left.

"So early?"

"My parents might come back this morning, so I need to head back in advance," Abigail explained after a moment of thought.

"Why didn't you wake me? I could've driven you back."

"I wanted you to rest more. You're always so busy. I've been pretty busy too, training. As for your tutoring, I'll have another classmate take over," Abigail said.

"Training? Isn't the most important competition already over?"

"I still need to train. Based on my current performance, my coach thinks I might be able to compete in the next London Olympics," Abigail said firmly.

Ryan put down the phone and ran his hand through his hair, from his forehead to the back of his head.

He realized Abigail was deliberately distancing herself from him, likely because of the incident at the movies where he was texting a female fan. It was also possible that Abigail hadn't been asleep during his phone call with Taylor last night.

There was no way to explain these two incidents — it was just bad luck. Time would have to be the only explanation.

...

Coincidentally, Marvin called Ryan that morning.

"Kid, you're in luck. There's a big gig in Florida. A famous nightclub in Orlando is celebrating its 10th anniversary and has invited several big names. They're paying well."

"Why not send Deadmau5?"

"I wish I could, but Ultra Music Festival has a performance protection agreement with Deadmau5. He can't perform publicly in Florida for six months after the festival," Marvin explained.

To stay competitive, Ultra Music Festival had signed protection agreements with several DJs who performed at the event. Ryan, however, had been a last-minute guest and wasn't bound by such restrictions.

Ryan and Marvin finalized the details.

"Lastly, don't let me see Joel. Everyone gets only one chance with me, and he's already blown his," Marvin reminded.

"We're partners..." Ryan said. Joel had been fired from Blackbird Studio because his obsession with electronic music had interfered with his job as a recording assistant. With the industry struggling, this gig was crucial for Joel.

"If you insist on bringing him, then don't bother coming either," Marvin's tone left no room for negotiation.

"Fine."

"Book your flight for Friday."

"No, I mean I'm not going either," Ryan said.

"You two are a pair of idiots!" Marvin sighed, though deep down, he admired Ryan's loyalty. People like him were rare these days.

Marvin eventually agreed to Ryan's request, and Joel's payment would be separate, not deducted from Ryan's earnings.

...

When Ryan returned home that morning, he found Trey still there.

"Taking a rare day off," Trey said, stretching.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Fried fish! Barbecue! And pasta with meat sauce!" Trey counted on her fingers.

Ryan put on an apron and headed straight to the kitchen.

Halfway through cooking, Trey rushed in with the phone, mouthing that it was Taylor Swift again.

"I want you to help produce You Belong With Me," Taylor said, not mentioning the fact that she had been blocked.

What kind of scheme was she planning now?

"I'm cooking," Ryan said, hanging up.

By the time the food was ready, Taylor called again. This time, Ryan didn't even answer, letting Trey handle it.

"She wants you to be a producer? Has she lost her mind?" Trey was baffled.

"Who knows what she's up to," Ryan shook his head, dismissing it.

...

In the afternoon, Trey suggested Ryan take her out for a drive. They went to the famous Bluebird Café for afternoon tea, where photos of Taylor performing there still hung on the walls. Afterward, they went for a walk.

Trey mentioned that her ex-husband had passed away from illness, and her daughter had also died two years later due to a genetic condition. Now, only her stubborn father remained, refusing to move from their hometown in Florida.

At one point, Trey mysteriously stepped aside to take a call, leaving Ryan curious about who it was.

"Have you ever thought about remarrying after all these years?" Ryan asked casually when she returned.

"None of your business," Trey tapped Ryan's head. Then she turned the conversation to Ryan's life.

"Looks like you're doing well for yourself, even looking for an assistant," Trey said, impressed.

"It's just a social media assistant. They help me post photos and videos and interact with fans," Ryan explained.

Trey immediately grabbed Ryan's hand and started pulling him back.

"Where are we going?"

"To help you with the interviews. I'm good at this," Trey said without looking back.

Ryan blushed, mainly because Trey was holding his hand.

"What's the big deal? Don't tell me you've never held hands with Taylor or Abigail?" Trey teased, noticing Ryan's discomfort.

"That's not it," Ryan shook his head. In fact, he had "explored" quite a bit with both of them, but there were still areas left to "discover."

"Then why are you blushing?"

"I was just thinking about that night when you..." Ryan paused.

"STOP!" Trey quickly cut him off.

...

"That scooter avatar is definitely suspicious!"

Back at home, Trey and Ryan chatted with a few online applicants. After some investigation, they concluded:

"Look, both the YouTube and MySpace accounts were newly registered. Besides you, this account hasn't replied to anyone else. Clearly, someone is anonymously keeping tabs on you," Trey said.

"Scams, blackmail, hacking. Remember, never click on any links this account sends you," Trey warned.

Ryan nodded. It was always better to be cautious.

But aside from this "scooter" account, no one else met Ryan's requirements. They would have to wait for more resumes to come in.

Just then, Trey received another call from Taylor Swift.

Ryan still had Trey answer it.

"He's not here, and I don't know where he went," Trey shook her head.

"Huh?" The next second, her expression changed, looking troubled.

"Alright, I'll tell him about it tonight," Trey hung up.

"She said she's already found you a social media assistant, and you don't have to pay for it," Trey said.

Clearly, Taylor had seen Ryan's online recruitment post.

"I don't get it. First, she wanted to cut ties, and now she's reaching out again, being all caring. Is this how love works among you young people?" Trey marveled.

"Love?" Ryan scoffed.

"Have you considered giving her another chance? Think carefully — this might be your last opportunity," Trey teased.

"Come on, don't be so stubborn. You're the man here. She's being so humble. Why not give her another chance? Be the bigger person," Trey surprisingly sided with Taylor.

"Whose side are you on?" Ryan exclaimed.

"I'm not on anyone's side. I just think... honestly, she contacted me this afternoon and offered me the job of directing the music video for her new single. See? She's really sincere!" Trey blinked, clearly swayed by the offer.

"I should've recorded this and shown Abigail your face right now," Ryan said, exasperated.

"They're good friends, so you can have fun secretly," Trey joked.

Damn, your thinking is way too "progressive."

Ryan stopped arguing and went to his room to sleep.

*****

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