Age: 25 Background: Lea grew up in a strict household. Her parents were both religious and she graduated high school as Valedictorian. Her parents soon pushed her into college where she studied business and managing. After graduating as one of the five at the top of her class, she was finally free from her parents and soon acquired a job as a assistant to some big rich guy who owned a few businesses. After her not "putting out for him", he had her fired. She refused to tell her parents and is now on the hunt for a new job. Personality: Lea is all business and no fun. She's a fashionista who has a passion for looking at her very best, both clothing and makeup-up wise. She's usually very uptight and tends to be reminded that it's okay to make mistakes and relax a little every now and then. She is a very good and loyal friend and tends to be rather sweet and caring, but don't let her uptightness fool you.
Last edited by Shiverpass; 01-03-2013 at 01:23 AM..
Background : Three movies, five commercials, thirteen print ad campaigns, and a starring role in a new TV series -- Griffin could be viewed as having an impressive record for his age. He is adored by loving fans, envied by his co-workers, and the critics couldn't even put a dent in a single production he'd ever been in. As a kid, he could've only dreamt of such a life, but as an adult, he is growing somewhat bored with routine. His recent agent was behind the times, over paid, and was starting to become a bit too demanding with Griffin's schedule. He finally took a risk and called it quits with the man, but has yet to name a replacement.
Personality : Griffin is a curious, friendly, and open guy with a playful nature, but a tendency to act quite naïve. He doesn't attach himself to people easily, but his friendly nature makes him many friends-- as well as leads many others to try stepping on him. Despite his typically calm nature, he can be childishly stubborn and throws downright tantrums on occasion. That being said, he always treats those he does become fond of well, though he enjoys poking goodhearted fun at them.
Lea grumbled a few choice words under her breath as she plopped her box of personal items into her car. She glared up at the building she would be leaving forever. How dare he fire me, she thought as she slammed her trunk down and nearly stopped to the driver's door. She jabbed the key into the lock and unlocked it, slumping down on the leather cushioned seat as she jabbed the key into the ignition and started her car. She grasped her steering wheel knuckles white as she nearly slammed her forehead down against the top of the steering wheel. She groaned and then came the tears.
What was her parents going to say if they found out? They'd say it was her fault and not even let her explain how she had stood her ground against a freaking sex offender! This was just so unfair. No, wait. She won't tell her parents. She'll just...try and find a new job...but where was so she going to go now? There was no doubt that her now ex boss was going to file a horrible report about her and send it over to the next place she'd try and get a job at.
This just wasn't her day. She sat back and pulled out her blouse from her pencil skirt, moving the band of the skirt away just enough to see a big black and bruise mark from where her hip had collided hard with the wall when he had assaulted her. How rude. It put a damper on the idea of every finding a boyfriend.
Deciding she'd treat herself to a good local bakery and some warm, fresh donuts, she put her car in gear and headed to that little bakery. Once she parked her car, got out, and locked it after swinging her purse onto her shoulder, she had straightened her appearance, wishing she had on her smaller heels she had back at home. She was just walking forward when her keys fell to the concrete. She cursed under her breath, close to tears again with how bad her day was going, and took a moment to think about how she was going to retrieve those keys when she was in the skirt she was in...
Nestled comfortably in the deep brown, vintage love seat that occupied a back corner of the bakery, Griffin brought his knees up to his chest, his chin resting upon one of his knee caps as his eyes scanned over the stack of papers he held. In his free hand was a steaming latte, foam coating his upper lip as he sipped it, letting the hot liquid warm his throat before casually wiping the white, extra mustache it had created on his lip. Occasionally, he'd flip a page in the stack of papers he held, or squint at something in confusion, or, rather, the oddest action he'd do- mouth a comment about how dull or over obviously the writer had pieced together a certain part.
After a while, he tossed the script onto a nearby coffee table, then uncurled his legs to cross them upon the top of it. Papers drifted out of the wreck of a stack, but he couldn't care less. Instead, his attention turned to the atmosphere, the few customers in the shop, and the bustling crowds outside of it. They all have jobs to get to- it's the coffee rush before work, yet, here he'll be, all afternoon... He fancied the thought of lounging in his favorite place all day, but knew better than to think he'd really pull it off. The owners were friends of his, but that didn't mean they'd be willing to stay open so long for a customer, even if he did happen to be a celebrity. He was doing them no favor by hiding away in the back of their cafe. Slipping out his phone, which was making a small spaced out beeping noise, from his pocket, he stared at the lit-up screen blankly before setting the damned device down next to his papers.
"It won't stop beeping," he muttered softly, then groaned audibly to hisself, holding his face in his hands. The woman at the counter looked over at him pitifully, "You should check those messages- they could be your agent," she remarked, then added to herself, "Up for another role, I suppose, that man can really work some magic." Griffin rolled his eyes a bit, grinning to himself wryly as he went back to sipping his latte, "If that's what you'd call it. He was always a little much. Did away with him last week, anyways." The woman responded with surprise, but her attention soon drifted to an arriving customer. As did his.
The frustration simply radiated off of the girl; It was a shame, to see someone so close to falling apart in the street like this. Such a pretty thing, too, and what seemed to be a businesswoman. His instinct kicked him in the rear and into gear swiftly as he noticed her dilemma. Leaving his things behind, he slinked out of the bakery and into the street. Swooping down in one graceful motion, he would kneel to take up her keys before looking up at her with a warm smile. "Drop something?" He asks playfully, offering her keys to her in an open hand as he stood back up. "Bad day at the office, I'm guessing," he then adds after a moment, grinning as he then opens the door, holding it for her with the expectations that she had intended to enter the bakery.
((Okie. Last RP reply for the morning. I need sleep. It's 4 in the morning. Goodnight!))
Screw it, Lea thought as she was about to bend down and suck up the embarassment of her underwear showing when someone beat her to the job. She felt relief was over her as she heard him speak.
"Lost my job actually," she said as she looked up at the handsome gentleman. She forced her lips itno her famous believable smile. "Thank you so much," she then said as she stuffed her keys into her purse with a shaky sigh. At that moment, she felt so choked up. Her throat began to feel a strong ache at her holding back her tears. She shook off the feeling. She was good with holding back tears. She thanked the man again as she entered the shop.
"Uhm, my name's Lea," she said, putting her manicured hand out to him as she stilled adorned a small smile. The smell of the coffee and the bakery desserts hitting her nostrils made even more relief wash over her. This was the perfect place to be at the moment. Lea knew it.
She sighed as she looked around. She had always wanted to try this place out. She always heard good reviews from the papers and internet as well as good comments about it from her old peers. Why she never came here to try things out, she would never know.
She looked ahead at what the bakery section held and her eyes caught on a steaming stack of cinnamon rolls with a sign before it reading, "Fresh from the Oven".
Griffin mentally retreats in a bit of surprise at her correction. Now you've done it, he thought to himself, rubbing the back of his neck in an almost embarrassed fashion. He had thought this would've sparked some kind of negativity from her, but no; instead she put a smile on her face. He quietly looks at her for a moment, as if in disbelief, before he let his grin back onto his face. "My bad," he spoke slowly, suddenly unsure of what to say, "but you've come to the right place!" For a celebrity, his people skills were lacking at this time.
Then it struck him. The thought struck him in a violent sweep of his mind: She didn't know who he was! Or, to say the least, she wasn't acting as if she did. His grin became a full-fledged stunner smile as he took her hand with a gentle firmness. "Griffin, nice to meet you, Lea." He speaks with a warm tone to his voice, friendly, yet still somehow unsure of himself. It was weird to meet people outside of his circle anymore. He enjoyed it, and somehow found a small bout of adrenaline pulsing through him at the mere thought. It was strange to meet her, yes, but he fancied that it was even more strange that he was inwardly reacting to cheerfully to this. In his thoughts, he was responding to meeting her like someone would respond to cliff diving. Someone who enjoyed the sport, anyways. Luckily for him, he knew enough about 'saving face' to act simply calm and friendly on the outside.
When he snapped back from his thoughts, he followed her back inside the bakery, his eyes now held a tad wider with curiosity. The woman at the counter was watching him with mild amusement; he didn't talk to any regulars, and she knew him well enough to say he didn't talk to any strangers in a casual setting at all. He didn't catch this look, but he did instead notice where Lea's gaze had gone. Smiling cheekily, he speaks up suddenly, "A cinnamon roll for the lady, please!" He then again speaks with a similar, enthusiastic notion, "Whatever else she'd like as well." He slips a card from his wallet, placing it on the counter almost carelessly before stretching his arms and stepping back to let her order. "If you wouldn't mind joining me, of course," he playfully adds as a stipulation before smiling at her once more and retreating to his cozy corner without his credit card.
Once sitting down again, he leans back in his chair, but doesn't begin to sit so comfortably this time. Griffin instead crosses his legs in front of him, keeping them off of the coffee table while he tidies up the papers of the script that he had scattered about. Once he had the papers sitting in a neater pile - neat, by his definition, didn't quite mean orderly by ordinary standards - he tucked at the reading glasses he had sitting beside them and slipped his thin briefcase onto the floor. It was more for show than anything, but it did well holding scripts, and certainly made him feeling like fitting in was possible, if only while drinking his daily brew here.
Something in Griffin's handshake had taken Lea by surprised, but she was unable to put her finger on what it was exactly. He seemed like a complete friendly and harmless gentleman. He could even be flirting with her and she wouldn't mind that. It's not every day she gets flirted with by someone not a complete gloat. She tucked a strand of her bang behind her hair and smiled at him more believable this time to both herself and how she felt she appeared to others around her.
When he heard his request for what she inwardly specifically wanted, she turned her head to him and beamed an excited smile. Such a stranger seemed to read her so easily. That was something new to experience from a stranger. She turned to the girl who was ringing up the order as he leaned in with a patronizing but warm smile. "A water bottle on the side, please," she murmured shyly to the girl as she looked over at Griffin. "Thank you, Griffin," she said in a soft bubbly attitude.
When Lea followed Griffin over to where he was sitting, her eyes caught onto the scripts. Maybe he was a student studying acting, or maybe he was an actor. Maybe he was a director of some sorts. Different ideas sprung through her mind as she found an empty spot on the coffee table and sat down the plate of that cinnamon roll she had been eyeing and a frost-cold water bottle already half-drunk. Frustration really makes you thirsty.
"Are you an actor?" she asked softly, a bit of curiosity in her tone as she sat down carefully beside him. She picked up the silverware she had brought over with her that was folded within the three napkins she had plucked and cut off a piece of her cinnamon roll, plopping it into her mouth.
She made a weird noise as she let out a sigh. All stress and frustration was finally eased from her bones and heart as she felt her torso slightly slink forward in a relaxed manner. "Best cinnamon roll I had ever tasted!" she exclaimed.
Her eyes quickly scanned over the atmosphere as she savored the bite in her mouth. It was a very comfortable place. Not too quiet and not too loud. Just right. She made note to come here more often. Far more often.
As Lea thanked him, Griffin would merely wink in a playful, yet not suggestive manner. Then turning to walk back to his seat, he would simply wave it off, replying, "You're welcome." Once back in his seat while he was watching her try her cinnamon roll, he was happily surprised to see her kind of start to relax. The lean she had, the softness to her voice, and he exclamation about the food all drew a smile to his face. He was glad to see her relaxing-- genuinely glad. He didn't often feel that way due to how someone else was acting. He assumed that part of that feeling was how pretty he thought her to be, but he wouldn't straight off admit that to himself.
What put him off was her question. Suddenly a bit choked up, he laughs a bit hesitantly. "Well, you could say that," he suggests in a playful manner, then rubbing the back of his neck, "Glad to see you're taking a shine to Maria's baking! Relaxing suits you well." It was a compliment, but had a tint of humor in it. Such was his nature. His calm blue-grey eyes then drifted to his pile of papers as he lets out a soft sigh and his smile fades to a grin. He decided she deserved a firmer, more honest answer to her question. Becoming a bit more serious now, he spoke up again, "I'm an actor, yes, but a bit of a mess at the moment. I'm afraid managing myself isn't turning out so well." He gestures slightly to the script on the coffee table. "Doesn't help that I have no sense of organization, I guess," he adds with a small laugh.
Taking a sip of his latte, he then turns the question back on her. "May I ask what career you just... Left?" He asks hesitantly, hoping to make it sound better than it seemed. He also hoped somewhat desperately that he wouldn't shoot down her mood again, especially after seeing how relaxed she had seemed to become.
Griffin brings his hands into his lap, resting them there together and leaning forward slightly to show genuine interest. Compared to his normal sense of clothing taste, he did take up a more business like appearance this morning. A button-down white shirt was beneath his brown leather jacket, and he wore dark jeans that could pass for business casual. With the glasses he had had on earlier, he would've fit the coffee house look even more so, but they were a nuisance to him.
Lea gave out a nervous laugh. Why was she so nervous around him all of a sudden? Maybe it was his handsomeness. Or maybe it was how generous and friendly he was being. This was certainly a relief from the cranky and rude people she was so used to working beside.
She frowned down at his paper work when he mentioned how unorganized he was. Poor soul, she felt sorry for him being how she had lived her whole life being the crazy, idiotic, and organized woman that she was. No thanks to her parents, of voice. She unscrewed the lid to her water bottle and took a sip, enjoying the cooling liquid as he streamed down her throat after eating such a scolding hot pastry. She only had half of her cinnamon roll left now, which made her sad. She wished she had the appetite for one more, but she knew that one was enough for now. She made a mental note to buy one to take home with her.
She nearly choked on her water at his question. Always something to ruin a good mood, but it didn't stop her from her relaxation. If anything it just made her all the more worried about finding a new job. Maybe she could get by with working at a fast food chain...
She scowled at her thoughts as she sat her water bottle down on the coffee table and wiped the corner of her mouth from that drop of water that sat there. She looked over at Griffin and gave a half, nervous smile. "I was a manager of a CEO -- You need a manager!" She slapped her hands down on her knees to show her epiphany. "Where is your manager?" she asked him as she motioned to the atmosphere and the looked back at him, confusion on her face. "Actors needs managers," she told him.
While she hadn't completely choked on her water, Griffin noticed Lea's sudden issue with drinking. He cringed, now knowing that he had stepped foot in touchy territory; he had meant to do exactly not what he'd just done. He wanted to help her unwind, not string her back into seeming so uptight! It seemed she didn't take it as poorly as he assumed she may, however, and ended up still appearing somewhat relaxed. One of his eyebrows quirked up in confusion and curiosity with her response. Just where was she going with this...?
As the questions were turned on him, however, it was his turn to shrink back a bit. His manager. Well, his recently fired manager. Just the idea of that old prude no longer being involved with his life mbrought back his grin. "A manager, huh? Well, I did have one until quite recently." He explained, finishing off his latté quickly before proceeding, "He became too much of a puppet master-- a meister, a truly abominable fella with a streak of control freakiness. Not a pleasant guy. I finally got sick of his demands and called it quits for him. Didn't help his case that my finances were a bit... Unfairly weighted." Wrinkling his nose in mild disgust, he set his empty cup back down.
Something seemed to click then and there, in his mind. "Hey! You're a manager, I need a manager..." His eyes widened, becoming almost childish with excitement at the thought. "I mean, I really need a manager. Just look at this!" He laughs, looking down at his muddled mess of papers, writing utensils, and and business cards. Oh, the array of business cards he had...
Shaking his head, he would really push his charm while smiling at her. "Do me a favor, just humor me. Please." He speaks suddenly, rifling through one of his pockets to produce his business card as well as finding a printed résumé of his from the pile on the table. Handing both to her, he explains, "Here are my credentials and contact information. Now, I've got to head out, here... I really should've left about ten minutes ago..."
He pauses to check his watch, then laughs a bit nervously and picks up his briefcase. "I've got to shoot an opening segment today, but if you're interested in the job, get ahold of me tomorrow and we can work out a contract. Even if its just temporary! Help a fellow out, huh?" He winks playfully at her again before flashing a full-fledged smile in her direction as he backed up to leave. "Anyways, nice meeting you!" He says with a last wave before jogging out the door and to a waiting taxi.
The entire time that Griffin had been rolling his words from his mouth at her, hurrying his things together so he could leave, Lea's lips were just left parted as if she was trying to say something. All she got to tell him was 'goodbye' before he was out of her sight. She let out a heavy sigh as she looked down at the resume and the business car now held in her hands. She looked at the modern lettering on the business card and then scanned her eyes over his information on the resume.
She softly shrugged her shoulders to herself as she slipped the car and paper into her purse neatly, making a note to deal with them as soon as she got home. She finished her cinnamon roll and threw her trash away, walking over to the register where the tip jar was as she pulled out a ten dollar bill from her wallet and stuck it in there, earning a smile from the girl from earlier who gave her the cinnamon roll at the order of Griffin.
Griffin.
She was going to like him. And she was going to be working with him soon, hopefully.
She left the place just as storm clouds came brewing into the sky. She got into her car and headed home to her apartment. Once there, she took her time with thoroughly looking over his resume. After that she put the business card in view and was about to call the number on it when the phone began buzzing, showing Lea's mother on the caller ID. She groaned. She hated talking to her mother. She dreaded it every single night.
"Hello?" Lea answered tightly.
"Hi Lea! How's my baby?"
I'm not your baby."Peachy. What's up?" she asked, sounding patronizing.
"Not very much, just got home from a nice luncheon with your father. How was work?"
"That's nice. It was fine," she lied perfectly. She made a decision that she would never tell her mother what happened. Nor her father for that matter. "Hey listen, I have to go. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Hey wait! What's going on? Why are you leaving so soon? I just called you!"
"Have a nice evening mother," Lea said as she pressed the END button and sighed heavily.
She took a moment for her anger towards her mother before she turned her phone back on and dialed the number on Griffin's business card. No one picked up, so she left a voicemail.
"Hey Griffin. It's Lea from the bakery earlier today. I'm interested in the job as being your manager. I looked over your resume and I must say, I'm very impressed! So when you want to talk more about this, please let me know at the number I'm calling with. Thank you." And then she hung up.
Last edited by Shiverpass; 01-03-2013 at 03:43 AM..
As Griffin stepped on out and onto the street, jogging up to the taxi and directing the driver to take him to the studio, he thought of Lea. Lea and how relaxed she had become during their short conversation, as well as how eye-catching she had been. Her in that skirt. He wasn't sure of whether he would see her again, honestly. His thoughts culminated with how he had had to leave so swiftly, and how his speech had quickened and rambled; it was gravely embarrassing to think of. Rubbing the back of his neck, he let out a sigh and shook his head at himself. Why had he acted so foolish after having kept himself so composed the rest of the morning? He blamed her presence, and the blame was both something he was embarrassed of and grateful for.
Griffin had a fan base by now, and it was wealthy, so you'd think that speaking to women so casually would be a natural gift. This was not so, and how he noticed it just then was frustrating. Frustratingly wonderful, perhaps. He felt as if in a daze during the brief drive to the studio, but once there, he calmed himself. His thoughts of Lea also shrunk back in his mind, though they lingered there during the shoot. He hoped, maybe in vain, that she would accept the job position and they would be working together. He also found himself hoping that she didn't believe him to be an idiot for how he had had to depart.
It was hours before Griffin was free again, and even a few hours after that when he actually checked his phone. As he had told her, he was honestly an unorganized mess. When he did finally have time was after his routine at the gym, having just showered and changed into fresh clothes. Replacing his duffel bag tha the had brought with him, he noticed the light of his phone. Eyes widening at the unknown number from the missed call on the screen, he grabbed the device and opened up his voicemail. Soon, a broad smile spread onto his face. "Yes!" He whispered with success, then laughs a bit as the message ended. She sounded so professional... He would need to change this. Smiling deviously, he finished packing his things and whistled as he left the gym to head home.
On the way, he added Lea's number to his contacts and went ahead to contact her back. Perhaps his method of contact was a bit more casual, however. He sent a text message. The message read: "Hey Lea, glad to hear from you! Can you meet me for lunch tomorrow? How about Blue Fin at noon? Hope to see you there! :]"
Lea was just putting her personal items from her old office away while brownies baked in the oven when she heard her phone go off. The noise that it made was not something she was used to. A text message? Who would send her a text message. She hadn't texted since mid-College. She grabbed her phone off of the kitchen island and opened it up, seeing that it was Griffin.
A school-girl smile spread across her face as her stomach twisted into an excited knot. Lunch with him. Tomorrow! And at one of her most favorite places to eat. How coincidental. She wouldn't dare say 'no'. While her mind was abuzz, she texted him back, making sure to keep things professional. But he put in a smiley-face. Get a grip of yourself, woman! she scowled to herself in her mind.
She had to think for a moment how she would say what she planned on saying. After a while of walking to her living area, plopping down on the white leather sofa, and letting her knees drape off of the armchair to swing idly while she thought, she finally thought things through and send him a message saying, "Lunch sounds great. I will see you at noon tomorrow at Blue Fin."
She felt accomplished when she had pressed 'SEND'. She pursed her lips while smiling as she looked up at her window over looking the cityscape. She had a good feeling about this.
After the brownies were taking out, she made herself some simple spaghetti, showered, picked up a book she hadn't picked up for a long time, and then headed to bed. Her night of sleep was peaceful and she woke up bright and early enough to hop in the shower. She wanted to make sure her hair would be styled to profection.
Wait, was she going to try and impress him? Silly, girl. She quickly picked out a simple and mostly professional outfit. black leggings, indigo vintage dress, a simple creamy pink sweater, and matching indigo ankle boots with only an inch and a half of heel. She styled her hair so that it curled into her face and applied cat-eyed makeup, neutral-toned pink lipgloss, easy mascara, and sprayed on a hint of Vera Wang's Princess as she stuffed her phone into her purse and grabbed her keys as she headed out of the apartment building.
When Lea replied, Griffin had just arrived back at his loft apartment. As he hears his phone go off, he smiles knowingly, but waits a moment to set his duffel bag down before slipping out his phone once more. A smile lights his face again as he reads her reply, then laughs softly to himself. Again, all business. He shakes his head as he again vows to try and change this attitude. It was welcomed, sure, but with his playful nature he was going to push her to open up and let her hair down more. After having caught a glimpse of her seeming relaxed at the bakery, he didn't want to let that image of her go. He doesn't reply to her text, but instead tosses his phone onto his couch and whistles on his way into his kitchen to make himself dinner.
The next morning, he wakes up at his regular time of around 9am and heads downstairs straight away to make a small breakfast before showering and getting ready for the day. While he never did take much time getting ready, he took a little bit of extra care in dressing. Since becoming an actor, he always has paid some attention, but he wanted to look especially handsome today if possible. He wouldn't admit why, but it was certainly because of his lunch date. Not a date. He corrected himself quickly, as he picked out one of his cleaner pairs of jeans and a spotless, white tee shirt that he new hung well around his somewhat lean, yet well-toned frame. Just before leaving, he has enough time to touch up his shave and make sure he had some light cologne on. Then grabbing his jacket, wallet, and keys, he headed out the door and to his car.
He arrived early, by about fifteen minutes, and picked out a booth by one of the windows lining the street. The restaurant was busy, but no where near full at lunch time. This made the atmosphere rather calm, with the soft lighting, limited noise, and comfortable seating. As soon as he sat down, he sunk back a bit, grateful for the comfort. Convinced he had made a good choice, he looked briefly over the menu as he waited there for her.
Just as Lea approached the restaurant, she froze in front of the windows, her eyes wide on the pavement. A million worries crowded her mind. What if she had over dressed? What if he thought she tried too hard? Oh gosh, what if...something was wrong with this picture? She looked down at herself, her free hand playing with the button on her dress on her stomach. She furrowed her eyebrows and sighed as she looked around at the passing people on the sidewalk. It was too late now.
She shook her head and put on a fake smile as she hesitated, taking a step forward and walking through the doors of the restaurant at exactly noon. She stood there awkwardly, her eyes scanning the filled tables for Griffin. Oh gosh, what if he stood her up?
When her eyes fell on him, her face turned a deep shade of embarrassed pink. He was sitting at a booth against the windows. Did he see her stop? Oh crap. Not a good start to her day. Her smile faltered for a moment, but she managed to correct it back to strength as she walked over to his table. She put her hand out.
"Hi Mr. Griffin! I'm glad you showed up," she said before sitting down. Crap, I shouldn't have said that last sentence. I'm a mess today! she screamed in her mind. Gosh, he looked so handsome today. More than he did yesterday? No. She hoped the pink was draining from her cheeks in the meantime.
Griffin pauses after a few minutes of looking the menu over to check his watch, then look out the window. He was becoming a little nervous. Gently tapping one of his feet in a fidgety manner, he ran a hand through his hair and let his gaze wander out the window. Then there she was; a vision in blue and pink. A slight blush gathered at his cheeks as he saw how she had dressed, and he fancied that she looked rather lovely. Maybe he hadn't cleaned up enough? It took him another moment to realize that she looked torn, standing there with her eyebrows furrowed like that. Maybe she hadn't wanted to come after all.
He realized he was staring after a few moments and quickly averts his gaze, sticking his nose back into the menu and letting his checks regain their normal coloring. Lea had told him that she would come, and she had, so he had to have faith that she would make the little jump to come inside, as well. A minute or so later when he looked up from the menu again, his hopes had come to fruition. He smiles warmly at her as he sees her walking over to him, and gestures for her to go ahead and take a seat.
Her idea of a greeting took him off guard. He stared at her in surprise for a moment before laughing and taking her hand to shake it, once again with a gentle firmness. "Does our relationship mean nothing to you?" He asks jokingly with a raised brow, meaning their short conversation in the bakery. "Griffin, please. I was actually just thinking the same thing, Lea," he then adds in a genuine tone, finally letting her hand go after having kept it in his while he spoke. Pushing his menu aside, he admired the faint blush on her cheeks, but said nothing of it or how he had seen her pause outside. Instead, he comments casually on her outfit, "You look beautiful again today, if you don't mind me saying."
His gaze then shifts to the approaching waiter, whom he had earlier shooed away because she hadn't been here yet. "Can I get you two some drinks to start out with?" She asks.
"Lemonade for me," he replies casually, then looking over at Lea again.
Lea laughed at his humor. Unlike most people who tried out their own humor, his seemed genuine and just enough to make her actually chuckle. She smiled widely, her hand tingling where he had gripped it to shake. Something fluttered in her chest at the thought, but she made haste as to quickly push it away and out of her mind. Strictly business, she told himself. Remember, just yesterday you were sexually assaulted. You wouldn't want to be anywhere close to any man for a while, she reminded herself.
He had caught her off guard with the compliment though, she hadn't been expecting that. She blushed again as she looked away from him, smiling at the old wood table. "Thank you," she murmured. She cleared her thought and looked up at him, motioning to him. "You look good yourself." She felt awkward saying that. She wasn't used to complimenting people. Or even complimenting period.
She grabbed the menu that sat before her. She came here so much that she knew the drink menu by heart, but she still turned it over in her hands to look at what was there, as if it had completely changed, but it was still the same old drink menu. She pursed her lips as he ordered his drink, wandering if it would be okay to have a Coke, but she inwardly shook her head at herself. Think of the carbs.
"I'll have a water with lemon, please," she said as she looked up at the waiter and gave a polite smile. She watched as the waiter smiled back at her and nodded his head, putting the notepad he had just written in in his apron pocket, telling them that their drinks would be right up, and walked away.
She made a note to keep her back straight as she rested her hands on the table before her. She already knew she was going to the get -- the lunch special, a side salad and a turkey sandwich. She didn't need to look at her menu. She folded her hands together, crossing her legs under the table.
Griffin's smile brightened as she laughed, glad to hear that she seemed to like his humor. He knew he could be a likeable guy- he was going to be starring in a tv show, for hollywood's sake - but talking to a girl like her in private conversation was something different altogether. Cut the lights, camera, script, and set, he was just a normal guy. A normal guy with a nice salary. He liked to think of it that way, at least.
He was again rewarded as she blushed, but he hadn't expected for her to turn the compliment back on him. Griffin's smile turned into a sheepish grin as he replied, "Anytime, Lea. Thank you, too." As if on cue, he involuntarily adjusts his shirt a bit, as if instinctually wanting to groom himself. It was a silly notion, he noticed, but it felt like a natural thing to do at dinner with a pretty girl. Interview! No, but she already has the job... Contract signing? So formal! Where did the fun go? He inwardly argued for a few quiet moments as she ordered a water. Inwardly, he almost wanted to think of this as a date, but refused to let himself deduce their meeting to that. After all, it was a business dealing.
It was amusing to see her not so much as even touch the menu; she must come here often. Then again, he did himself. Even after looking through the menu, he also had already known what he would decide on. A lobster roll -- such a beautiful thing, in his mind. Smiling once more, he props his chin up on his hand, his elbow resting on the table as he looked over at her curiously. "So, I assume you have a few questions about the job offer? I'm afraid I couldn't explain much yesterday," he asks, still casual, then remembers once more his embarrassing exit of the bakery. It was silly of him to stay after he should've left, but he had run into her, and he didn't want to let that chance encounter slip from his grasp. He was certain that she was some jewel that he must try to keep around.
Lea gave him a big, wide smile as she shook her head. "Oh, it's quite alright! Don't worry about it. I only have a few questions, naturally," she promised as she stopped as the waiter came back with their drinks. As a way to calm down her nerves, she took a sip of her water and inwardly relaxed as the cool liquid slipped down. Cold was what relaxed her at times like this.
She thought about his exit yesterday. Yes, he had left her abruptly and she couldn't help but admit to herself that she felt sort of worried and disappointed. She had wandered if she was the reason he left. But here he was now, relaxed and smiling in front of her, it seemed. Maybe there was nothing wrong with her. But she had to remind herself that she was here for a job, not for flirting. Besides, who said she was good at flirting in the first place?
"Uhm, I was curious as to how much I would get paid per week. Also, what benefits will I get from this job? How many days and hours a week am I to work for you, uhm, Griffin?" It was odd to her for her to hear herself say his name. It was a name that suited him nonetheless. She was praying to God that this would be a better job than her last so it would save her ass from her parent's anger.
When the waiter asked for their orders, Lea was quick to order her meal as she waited for Griffin.
Lea's comfort was enough to coax him into relaxing again. Grinning over at her, he would nod in acceptance and appreciation of her forgiveness. "Thank you, and whenever you're ready," he replied with a hesitant laugh. He felt like he was at an interview; the part before the script-reading and monologue-giving, when he just had to be himself. It was a tricky part of getting a job, for him, but technically speaking, he was hiring her. He shouldn't feel so much pressure right now. Before he tensed further, he leaned back in the booth some, relaxing in its comfort again. That helped relieve a ridiculous amount of his stress.
So, salary. This was the part that he felt a bit awkward having to explain to someone that was probably used to a standardized paycheck. This type of managing was different in many ways, he knew that much. "Salary isn't set each week, per say. I can pay you in chunks that frequently if you wish, but naturally I'll be getting my next pay checks by episode of the series I'll be in. Aside from that, I'll also be payed for coming to events, being in commercials and ads, whatever comes along. The series, however, is already set up via contract," he brings out a small stack of papers for her to look at, a copy of said contract, "This year, we're filming twenty-two episodes, and my cut is $200,000 for each. The director thinks filming may take just about twenty-two weeks, not counting an overtime needed."
After explaining his salary situation, he would look up at her again with a grin. "A standard contract as a manager names a percent of the actor's income as their own salary. I was thinking that if you would sign a one year contract, we could start you at ten percent, which I believe is fair. I can pay you that percentage of my cut after each week of filming episodes, $20,000, as well as after every other event or commercial that comes along." He explains, his voice casual yet soft enough so as not to draw attention. Speaking of money this decent would draw attention and he wasn't fond of that.
He paused as the waiter came to collect their orders, taking a drink of his lemonade as she ordered before telling them his own choice. When the waiter left, his gaze shifted back to her. "As for hours, those can fluctuate," he admits with a sigh, "Typically, I would want to have you at every work-related thing I do. Day to day, that could be anywhere from just a few hours of filming to a day-long media event. Travel will also be necessary, eventually, which I can compensate you for. Aside from me working, we should also probably meet frequently to discuss 'my image', or something of the sort," He explains, adding the last bit with a small laugh.
Again, Griffin became rather nervous here. He knew he was offering fair pay for an agent, which was generous, but he wasn't sure how she would react to that with the hours. They could be light or strenuous according to his schedule, which he hoped she would eventually be managing for him.
Lea's eyes narrowed on him as he spoke. She nodded her head every now and then to make sure he was aware that she was still listening to every word he was saying. The pay was definitely fair, but maybe just a tinge better than her old job, which immediately made the word 'yes' being bright and neon in her mind. She was sure of this job, she could feel it in her bones. She never managed an actor before, but she was sure that she'll be able to handle what will come along.
She looked through the copy of the contract he handed her, nodding along as she continued listening to him. It was definitely a lot of new information to take in, but she managed. After a moment, she sat the contract down when he finished speaking. She gave him a small and genuine smile.
"Sounds great. But I do warn you, Griffin...I've never really managed...someone like you -- an actor," she said as she motioned a hand towards him. After a moment, she dropped her hands and her smile softened into something natural. "As desperate as it may sound, I'm flexible to your schedule, whatever it is. The only thing is I'm to be with my parents in Ohio for Thanksgiving." She didn't include Christmas because she was praying to God she'd have to work on that day. Anything but to have to spend more than Thanksgiving with her parents and family.
Her smile slightly faltered, but she made no motion to correct as she averted her eyes to the glass of water in front of her. She softly sighed and stirred the lemon floating in the icy water with a straw. She forced on a smile as she narrowed her eyes back onto his, seeming to get slightly lost into them. "When do I start?"
The smile Lea gave him after he finished speaking certainly lifted Griffin's spirits. All of her smiles so far had, but this one after his explanation was the most reassuring. He was certain they'd be working together now. Even before she spoke the words to solidify the arrangement, he had a feeling in his gut that this was going to work. This made him childishly giddy once more, though he remained more composed outwardly, with a warm, charming smile sent her way. She had this way of making him relax even without really needing to say a thing-- he was sure he'd come to greatly appreciate that.
Her audible response was even more to his liking. A soft laugh left him as she confessed to never having been an actor's agent before, leading him to reply, "Lea, I wasn't expecting that you had. There's no need to worry. I just need some organization, really." Hearing her next acceptance of his schedule made him grin cheekily. That was good, because although he wasn't very demanding, he liked to have someone beside him through everything. "I really appreciate that. Of course, you can have whichever holidays and weekends you need off," he promises. The look on her face, then, after mentioning her family surprised him. He didn't ask about it, but his smile did fade a bit after he recognized it.
Griffin took a few drinks of his lemonade once more, then stretched his arms and crossed them behind him. No matter where he sat, he always found a way to be comfortable, no matter how obnoxious he thinks he may look. Now, he simply looked relaxed, but like at the café, he was more than willing to fidget and adjust if necessary. As it were here, he didn't need to fidget in the booths the restaurant had.
When she asked the all-encompassing last question, he thought for a moment. "Well, if you'd like, you can start tonight?" He put away the contract and handed her a half sheet of paper with the filming times for this week. They were almost all as different times of day, and the schedule for tonight ran from five to a little after ten, approximately. You never knew when you'd need more time on set. "Or tomorrow, next Monday, whenever suits your fancy, really, but I'll need you at the studio a bit beforehand to meet everyone. Whenever you decide to start, I can have my driver pick you up so you know where to go." He explains, wishing to be flexible for her.
Lea thought for a moment after he told her when she could basically start. She'd love to start right away. It would get her mind off of everything else at the moment. And the sooner she knows everyone, the sooner she could be on top of things. But would tonight be too soon? It would give her and excuse to ignore her mother's usual phone call. But it would just be too soon and sudden. Yet...she needed the closest escape.
So instead of answering him, she thought she'd ask him a different thing. "How about this: When do you need me?" she asked him with a straight, but relaxed face now.
She looked through the schedule and raised her eyebrows. She never thought television actors were this busy? But it made sense. Weekly show updates... All the dates provided seemed great for her. Of course, when she goes to see her parents at Thanksgiving, she will have to tell them of her new and better situation. If they blow up on her or freak out, she knows she can just escape back in her apartment or in her job. To think of how she survived with only being able to escape to her bedroom when she was still under-aged living under their household. She began to feel sorry for her past-self.
Finally, the waiter arrived with their food. Lea was glad being that she felt starved. She handed Griffin the schedule back to make way for the food. "Do you think you'd be able to send me a copy of this so I could keep it with me in my planner?"
She waited for the waiter to leave before she poured the given dressing on her salad and began eating it before she'd eat her sandwich. It tasted amazing. She never got tired of the food here. Always fresh and fast. In a way, it reminded her of a more restaurant-ish and less expensive Panera.
She began to feel herself relax the way she did yesterday in Griffin's presence. She didn't make a noise, but she did softly relax her uptight shoulders and busied her focus on enjoying her salad while paying the attention that was needed to Griffin for their business talk.
Lea's question made Griffin draw one conclusion: a devastating blank. When do I need her? He asked himself, a little frustrated to have that question thrown at him. He thought he'd simply let her choose, but as he said, he did need her somewhat soon. Sighing as the food came, he uncrossed his arms and scratched one of his cheeks thoughtfully. "By the end of next week preferably," he replies simply, fancying that that was a good enough answer for her. He had a media event the following week and that would be difficult to get through without someone at his side. He needed that organized touch and sense of steadiness for an event that could prove to be hectic.
For perhaps the first time since he'd met her, he became a tad stressed. Griffin was typically great at handling the burdens of his job, but there were times where his shoulders took a brief slump from underneath the pressure. this lapse was one of them. His smile faded, one of his hands rubbed his forehead above his nose, and his shoulders tensed uncomfortably. The food coming did have adversely fetch on this, though. "Yes, of course," he replied after a moment as she handed the slip of paper back to him, and tucked it away. Then removing his hands from the table so the waiter could set down his plate of food, a little smile crept onto his face once more.
The lobster roll he'd ordered came with a handful of house chips as well as half of a lime, which he immediately took up and squeezed its juice out onto his roll. How he avoided the situation of the juice dripping down his arm was only from practice. This was probably his favorite meal, no matter the restaurant. Before taking a bite, he looks over at her and her meal choice, then nods a little to himself. "So, are there any more questions you have for the time being? Once on set for something, I can walk you through everything there," he offers, then finally pausing to take the bun full of lobster up into one of his hands and taking a generous bite.
He wasn't a sloppy eater, so taking a big bite didn't have any negative consequences to his clothing, but he did want to make sure to keep his table manners on hand in this circumstance. He had a napkin on his lap regardless of his lack of messiness, and he chewed with his mouth closed as he savored the tangy-sweet flavor of the lobster. That taste never got old.
When she saw that flicker of frustration in his eyes after she asked what she had asked, she felt a bit panic-ey. I shouldn't have asked that and told him Monday! she screamed in her head. She gave him a small smile as she took another bite of her salad. She waited to swallow before she spoke again, knowing it would be both rude and unprofessional if she spoke with her mouth full of lettuce.
She shook her head after her salad was finished. She pushed it out of the way to make room for her sandwich. "No more questions," she murmured sheepishly. "I can start Wednesday if you wish," she said, referring to next week. "Do you have any questions for me?" she then asked as she picked up the left half of her sandwich and took a bite from it. It tasted so good and fresh, she couldn't help but smile at that.
"And just so you know, I'm able to handle any emergencies. I keep my cellphone on at all times," she quickly said after she finished her first bite.
She remembered her ex-boss and how there were times where he'd call her in the middle of the night when he'd freak out over how a presentation wasn't how he wants it to be and how he needed her opinion on it. And then there was that time where he twisted his ankle in the middle of a brisk winter and how he needed her to take him to the emergency room because he couldn't walk on it. She was just that person everybody came to for emergencies in the middle of the night. She couldn't help but be that loyal.
