Emily looked at Howell again, he was a young man of 24 and he doesn't look that shabby. Was he telling the truth? It sounded too good to be true. Then again, everything that's happening these 2 weeks seems too good. From a nobody, suddenly, she became a known singer. From not even having some money, she now has a few grands kept in her room plus a new car. Even now they were talking, her discs were being sold and were leaving the racks in no time. She felt like she was on the top of the world, and everything was within her grasp. Still, she must play her cards right.
"Mr. Howell, I don't know what you see in me, but I don't want to gain fame by disparaging others." She explained.
"Of course not. I have no plans of making you do that. I mean, I don't expect that you will give me any information in exchange, I'm just asking because I really want to do it because I believe in your talent."
"But, what would I be doing then? I'm just a daughter of a baron without substantial wealth nor influence. I don't know if you have any ulterior motives."
"then, just let me try this once. If you will consider, I wish to ask for an interview. A lot of people are curious about you and I'm sure that once they get to know you, they will all love you. It would truly help in your career… I don't expect anything in return but only hope that you will always give me priority in the future for interviews once you become the queen of the music industry that you deserve to be."
Emily pretended to contemplate longer when in fact she wanted nothing more than to say yes already. She was afraid that he might change his mind. After a few seconds of looking like she was torn just thinking about it, she gave him a shy smiled as she tucked her hair behind her ear. "I don't know why you have so much faith in me. I'm just a second-rate singer who hasn't even composed her own song yet. In comparison to lady Serena, I am but a fly."
Howell shook his head, "don't think so lowly of yourself. I'm sure not just me, but many more others believe in you. You will achieve more and be more. So please, would you grant me my request?" he asked again.
Emily slowly nodded her head.
Howell beamed. "Great! I have brought a camera with me, and I wish to have some of your daily life recorded too. If possible, would it be alright to have your photo taken? Don't look at the camera, I know you might think this funny, but I'll just show that you came out of the orphanage."
Emily understood why he wanted to take that shot but pretended not to know. She awkwardly posed at first and after some of his correction, she finally did it right.
Howell thought that Emily was naive.
Emily thought that Howell was gullible.
Ah, what a wonderful pair they will be.
--
Serena and Charlton finally met in Columbia's to work on the new song, 'crazy for you'. They also talked about the article Esquire published.
After all was said, Charlton gave a relieved sigh. He was worried over nothing. Apparently, Serena took it as a challenge, though annoyed she was that her engagement status has been outed.
Anyway, they decided not to dwell on it as no matter, it was only a matter of time before it gets revealed. It was a pity though, getting approval from the public was somehow endearing, no matter how easily swayable they were.
--
Howell was amazed by how Emily lived, making him feel that she truly was a wonder. Although she was a daughter of a baron, he did not expect that she lived the way she did. It was a little similar how he as a middle-class commoner does. She told him that her family only has a title, but beyond that, they don't have much.
Her family's house was a typical townhouse. It was good as it was centrally located in the capital, but it was not that spectacular. If it were in the suburbs, it should be equivalent to a single detached home good for 8 people. For having a father that's part of the peerage, that was quite humble indeed.
Emily invited him to sit on the old sofa her family has. "Please take a sit while I prepare tea. I'm sorry, my family only has 2 servants, the cook and the laundress. So, for other things, we do it ourselves."
Emily always felt embarrassed about that detail but now, she's flaunting it to project the image she needs. Her sisters were peeking from the outside wondering what was going on.
Emily gave them the eye, and they all knew not to ask until the man leaves.
"No, please no need for tea. I am fine. No need to trouble yourself. I'm here for an interview and I don't wish to impede too much of your time." Howell said.
"But you're a guest. It's impolite not to do so."
"Please Ms. Emily, I insist."
Emily furrowed her brows then nodded as she took the seat opposite of his. "Alright. Then, how should this interview go?"
"Actually, I already have a lot of things I want to write, but I don't know it they are okay with you. If I were to write everything I saw today, would it be alright or would it be…" he didn't continue to say as many ladies might be embarrassed about being in a situation like Emily was in.
"No, it's alright. I don't mind. It's the truth and I don't know why people think lowly when another is living humbly, but I take pride in it, as having a roof over one's head is blessing enough."
Howell was more enchanted. He will definitely quote that.
--
TBC