53 Call Me Assistant Manager

“Welcome!”

“Nice to meet you,”

“Welcome to the team!”

The atmosphere was very friendly and super hyped. The team members consisted of both genders and were varying in age. However, everyone seemed very enthusiastic to work together. It must be because of the hard work of these people supporting him that EROS is as famous and successful as he is today.

Today was my first day on the job as EROS’s assistant manager. As discussed prior to this, this was only a cover for my fake girlfriend relationship with EROS. The man in question was still nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, the manager would be with us as well. Mr. Mark Davis is a famous talent manager that had been working with EROS soon after he debuted with his band. The band’s first album was such a huge success that the top manager was put into further groom them and EROS in particular.

“Hmm...where is EROS?” I asked the manager as I stood by his side.

The other team members have scattered to work on their respective jobs, so the manager and I were the only two people left.

“He should be here any moment now,” Mark replied as looked at his watched.

As if perfectly in sync, EROS walked in through the door. If I had to take a wild guess at his favorite color, it would be black. EROS was dressed head to toe in black. From the cap he had on his head to the shoes he had on his feet.

.....

“EROS, you’re here just in time!” Mark said, his voice flooded with relief.

“Naturally,” EROS replied monotonously.

EROS walked past the manager and me without even glancing our way. Thankfully, I wasn’t expecting a warm welcome from him because I wasn’t getting any of that. The manager looked at me and sighed softly before handing me a clipboard with what appeared to be a very detailed schedule of today clipped to it.

“Elena is here with us today. It’s her first day and I’ve already introduced her to the other team members as your new assistant manager,” Mark informed EROS politely.

EROS sat on a sofa, leaning his chin in his hand and it seemed like he wasn’t paying Mark any attention at all. I was starting to wonder if this was normal. Since it was clear that EROS wasn’t going to say anything in acknowledgement, Mark continued on.

“First, we’ll start by reviewing your schedule for today. First up, you have a photoshoot with Mega-X brand for their new season product launch. Then you have an interview with SpotLight Magazine followed by a radio interview at the 109 Studio. Then we’ll come back here where you’ll discuss with your music producer for the production of your new single. That’s it for today,” Mark explained seriously.

Wow...that’s like so much to get done in one day. Will EROS really be alright working through all that?

“Let’s go,” EROS said before getting up from his seat.

Just like when he had entered, he walked past us and out the door. I stared after him before glancing over at Mark. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I’m supposed to do. EROS didn’t even register my existence, let alone talk to me.

“Is he always like that?” I whispered to Mark.

“We all have our good days and our bad days,” Mark replied before smiling a little at me.

“So...he’s having a bad day?” I asked, feeling thankful that this wasn’t the norm.

“No no...for EROS, it’s always a bad day,” Mark replied with a chuckle as he stressed very much on the word ‘always’.

In other words, this is how he normally is? Every day will be like this?

“What am I supposed to do exactly?” I asked, feeling like all hope is lost.

“Just follow me for now. We can’t be late...” Mark said as he urged for me to walk and talk.

On the way to the car, Mark explained that I will mainly just observe and stick close to EROS. I didn’t have to do anything, but I also had to do everything to ensure that EROS’s work goes smoothly.

“If he asks you to do something, just do it. If he encounters problem at work, you help him out. It’s that simple, really...” Mark explained before shrugging.

“Aha...ok...” I murmured half in understanding and half in confusion.

“Our job is to support him. EROS is a professional, so he always has his act together. He’ll do great at whatever he does and that’s why he’s managed to get so famous. For us, we will do everything to support him so that his work proceeds smoothly,” Mark explained sternly.

“Alright. I understand,” I replied with a firm nod.

EROS team consisted of two large buses, and I could see the team members getting on after loading their tools and equipment.

“This way,” Mark said as he gestured for me to follow him.

Instead of heading to the bus along with the other team members, Mark led me to a car.

“EROS and us managers ride the car together. I usually drive for him. On days that I’m not here, you’ll drive for him,” Mark said as he gestured with his hand for me to get in the front passenger seat.

I followed his instruction and got it. Eros was already seated in the back seat with his head throw back and the black cap covering his face. I wasn’t sure, but I had the feeling that he was already asleep. As Mark drove us to our first destination of the day, I couldn’t help but wonder if the man sleeping at the backseat of the car right now was EROS or Sean.

EROS’s first job for the day was a photoshoot for Mega-X brand. We arrived at the studio on time and the Mega-X staff were already on standby to receive us. The staff bus arrived right after us and everyone got off at once.

“I’m Mark, EROS’s manager and this is Elena, his assistant manager. We look forward to working with you today,” Mark said politely.

–To be continued...