Bad Management

“I love you” those three words were crashing over and over in my head, like they were trying their hardest to smash their way out of my skull. It was now Boxing Day and I still couldn’t shake the feeling of, numbness. That moment flashed back in my mind as I constantly replayed it thinking of how I handled it.
“I love you.” He smiled as he leant in for a kiss which I quickly dodged.
“Frank please don’t.” I whispered trying to mask the hurt in my voice and on my face.
“It’s true. They say you speak the truth when you’re most relaxed. That’s now George. I love you.” He whispered again as I shook my head.
“You have Amber. Don’t make this anymore awkward then it already is Frank. It’s so hard right now to be acting happy in front of everyone please don’t make it harder for me to do.” I whispered back, moving away to create space between us.
“When we go home I’m going to talk to Amber. Finish it properly. I want you George. You’re the one that I love, you’re the one I want to be with.” He promised, but, I knew those promises would be empty.
“I don’t want you Frank.” I spoke out, refusing to look him in the eyes instead staring at the floor.
“You don’t mean that.” He lifted my chin forcing me to look at him.
“Maybe not now, but, if I say it often enough then I will.” I told him quietly before moving away from him and leaving him in my bedroom, making my way down the stairs and to the dining area.

“Ms Fitzpatrick are you still on the line?” The voice from my phone rang out as I jumped from the scene playing over and over in my head giving me a headache.
“Yeah I’m still here sorry.” I mentally cursed myself for not paying more attention.
“I’ve been asked to arrange a meeting between you and my clients. They have asked if you will be able to attend the meeting the day after tomorrow, in London.” The snooty women on the other end of the line spoke efficiently.
“Wow so soon?” I laughed a little nervous. Instantly trying to think of a new plan.
“I should point out that my client doesn’t usually work this week, but, they are eager to meet with you, it seems the respect you have for them is mutual.” She tried to convince me with her best suck up lines.
“Tell her we can meet closer to her if that’s easier.” I heard an unfamiliar familiar voice speak out which was quickly shut down by a harsh sssssh that was louder to the phone making me smile.
“What would the meeting entail?” I pushed further.
“Well my clients want to get to know you a little better and then they would like to of course talk business and arrangements should you enter into this partnership.” I tried my best not to laugh.
“Can I be so rude as to ask you to put me on speakerphone?” I questioned again smiling. I heard her try her best to say no but there was muffling, then someone moving the phone and then a chorus of hey’s. “I’m assuming I’m on loudspeaker?” I laughed as one of them shouted out yes. “Ok well I would like to invite you to where I currently am at the moment. I’m in the Lake District in a cottage, I am with a few friends and if you really want to get to know me better then I think it’s only fair you experience something out of my personal life. How about I arrange transport up here, we meet for a business lunch and then we can get you booked into the hotel where we will be staying.” I proposed to them as I heard them discussing it quietly.
“That sounds amazing thank you Ms Fitzpatrick.” One of their young voices rang out as I laughed.
“Please call me George, Ms Fitzpatrick makes me feel like a principle.” I laughed before agreeing to confirm the details of their travel with them later. I ended the call after they had wished me a goodbye and stood up off the cold decking making my way back inside.

“Hey is everything ok?” Mikey spoke as he stood in my doorframe watching me type away on my laptop as I searched for flights and transport for the guys.
“Yeah I just got some business to do. I’ll be down soon.” I smiled looking up at him over the top of the laptop as I noticed a funny look on his face.
“Mikey what’s wrong?” I stood up quickly making my way over to him.
“It’s nothing.” He smiled a little as I stood in front of him frowning.
“No Mikes what is it? Who do I have to beat up?” I smiled nudging him.
“You’re leaving us aren’t you?” He spoke after a while.
“No! Why would you say that?” I shouted looking up at him quickly.
“I overheard your phone call before and you’ve been acting so strange.” His voice waivered a little as he looked down for me. “Are they good?” He tried his best to smile.
“Mikey I’m not leaving anybody. You’re my guys. I’ve been offered this position and it’s different to the one I have with you guys. Besides it’s just a meeting they might hate me.” I tried my hardest to reassure him rubbing his arm gently.
“You told us when you first met us that if you really want a band you show them your personal life.” He whispered again looking down at me, “They’re not going to hate you. No one could.” He carried on.
“Amber does.” I laughed a little, causing him to smile. “Look I’m just arranging their details, how about we have a band meeting? I can explain everything properly and then everyone can know and you can all ask your questions?” He nodded as I went back over to the bed and emailed the guys the details for their flight, before making my way downstairs with Mikey.

“Why we having a band meeting I want to drink eggnog!” Bob moaned as they all sat around the table, even the girls of the group was sat around.
“I have some news. Now I don’t want you to freak out or anything, just listen to what I have to say then you can.” I breathed out trying to control my nervous.
“George just tell us.” Ray laughed as I looked at them all, their expectant faces looking back, except Mikey’s who looked hurt.
“I’ve got a meeting with another band.” I bit my lip as I heard a loud what come from Frank. “It’s nothing serious yet, they are looking for a manager. Not a tour manager, an actual manager. They’re a newish band who have gone in a direction that their record label wanted them too but they don’t want be in. They’re looking for a new manager who can help them get to the place they want to be and my name was put forward.” I spoke quickly before there was any more outbursts.
“So you’re just dropping us? That’s it so long losers?” Frank spoke out quickly and harshly.
“Definitely not!” I shouted, my British accent getting stronger showing the anger a little. “This is a Band Management position not a tour manager position. This means that I can do it whilst I’m still on the road. Occasionally, I will need to meet with them and that could conflict with your dates but that’s only like when I’m covering for bands. I’d still like to point out that nothing is confirmed, it’s just a meeting. There a number of possible outcomes that could happen; they could hate me, I might not be the right person for their direction, I might hate them and more! Nothing is definitive all that’s happening is I’m having a meeting with them.” I reasoned with them.
“Ok so when is the meeting?” Up until now the silent Gerard spoke out.
“The day after tomorrow.” I bit my lip again as a laugh came out from the other end of the table. Frank’s end.
“So soon? Wow you really want to get away from me… and the rest of us.” He recovered quickly as I shot a death glare at him.
“For your information Frank they are coming to me. I’m going to be having a business lunch with them then they are booked into the hotel. You see it might be hard for you to comprehend, but, I do actually care about you guys still and I didn’t want to just up and leave over Christmas, but, if this is going to cause a problem please let me know so I can arrange flights to London for myself.” I glared at him over the table, daring him to speak out again.
“It’s your life.” I waved his hand away as though he was swatting away care, Amber’s hand snaking under the table undoubtable to his knee.
“Can we know the band?” Ray asked quietly, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had fallen on us all.
“They’re actually pretty big fans of you guys, I’ve not told them who I’m here with just that I’m here with friends.” I smiled looking at Ray. “It’s 5 Seconds of Summer.” I smiled again.

Notes