Chapter Three: Her Name In Lights

Waking up early that weekend morning by the sound of his phone buzzing, Malik was surprised to see the Club Ruby Employees group chat filled with messages, the most prominent coming from one of the owners who demanded that all staff be present for a meeting at the club at 09:00am.

Getting off the couch that he was thankful for the fact that he would not have to sleep on much longer, Malik made his way to the bathroom where he had a shower and got ready for the day ahead and then back downstairs where the rest of his housemates except Kat who were all getting ready for the staff meeting at the club.

Leaving the house together, the group made their way towards Club Ruby, following some of the other staff members who had also arrived for the meeting into the club where they all either stood awkwardly or whispered amongst each other especially at the surprising absence of their manager, David.

It was as the whispers and conversation continued, Malik turned to his friends and housemates about to ask if any of them knew about where David was or what the staff meeting might have been about when they heard the sounds of high-heels on the floor and the group looked to see a young woman with long blonde hair, grey eyes, a slender, well-toned figure dressed in a blouse that showed a little of the cleavage that hinted at her large breasts and a skirt that highlighted her round ass.

"Good morning," The woman said confidently, her American accent clearly evident amongst them. "I know not all of you know me so allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lily Silver, one of the three partners invested in Club Ruby."

"And where's David?" Malik asked.

"David is no longer with us," Lily replied as she made her way over to the bar and poured herself a drink. "He was fired for embezzling funds from the club. As one of the primary investors, I've flown in from Redwater City to sort out this mess and find a replacement."

"What does this mean for us?" Ashlyn asked, recalling David’s warning from the other night.

"For now, business as usual," Lily reassured them as she looked at each and every one of them. "But I'll be keeping a close eye on all operations. I need a team I can trust." Lily paused as she took a sip of her drink. "I'll be taking over managerial duties temporarily but I'm also looking for someone to take the role permanently. My business is in the States but my partners and I are still looking to grow the Angel brand and keep our growing European operations."

Malik looked at Lily and then at Ashlyn, Freya, Dexter and Chantelle all of whom looked as nervous about the situation as he was. While he had heard about Lily and her partners’ successful chain of nightclubs throughout the States, he had also heard of her family’s reputation and the chance he might lose his job based on something his manager had done clearly seemed to intensify the entire situation.

"I understand this is a lot to take in," Lily said softly. "But fear not. I'm not here to make your lives miserable. I just want to ensure Club Ruby lives up to the high standards my partners and I have set for our brand." Lily paused as she stepped away from the bar and closer to the staff once more. "Now, I know you all have your individual skills and contributions to this club but to move forward, we need a leader who can bring out the best in each of you. Someone who can handle the day-to-day operations with finesse, while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture. If you think you're that kind of person. You're more than welcome to apply for the managerial role." Lily added, causing a bit of a murmur and excitement amongst the group only for Lily to break the excitement. "I'll be observing each of you over the next few weeks to gauge your capabilities and dedication. This isn't a decision I'll make lightly. Whoever takes on this role will need to be prepared for long hours, tough decisions, and the occasional crisis and of course dealing with a Harrington, a Prince and a Grayson, on occasion."

Taking in Lily’s words, Malik spent the rest of the morning contemplating whether or not he should apply for the management position that had opened up. Making his way to the tube station, his thoughts about the potential job seemed to disappear upon seeing his girlfriend and taking Lauren’s hand in his, Malik brought her home to 7 Victoria Street.

"Last chance to back out," Malik warned, playfully as he put his key into the door.

"Lead the way, Malik." Lauren said with a smile.

Making their way into the house, Malik led Lauren into the front room where Dexter and Chantelle were sitting on the sofa cuddled up against one another while watching T.V. and Ashlyn, Freya and Kat were sitting around the coffee table talking amongst each other.

"Right, introductions. Lauren, meet the circus." Malik jested as he rattled off names like a rapid-fire roll call, introducing his girlfriend to each of his housemates who each gave the newcomer a warm greeting.

"So, you’re the new girlfriend. Malik’s told us so very little about you," Freya commented. "But he must like you a lot to introduce you to us so quickly.”

"Relax, Freya. We’re not interrogating her." Kat said as she got up from her seat and made her way over to her brother and his new girlfriend. "Though something tells me you could handle yourself. Am I right?"

"Depends what ‘handling’ involves." Lauren smiled. "It is nice to meet you all. And just so you know it wasn't Malik's idea to introduce me so soon. I heard he was switching rooms so I offered my help. I had to really convince him to let me."

"I did try to tell her Freya, Kat and Ashlyn were helping..." Malik trailed off.

"I thought you said everyone was pitching in?" Lauren said, looking over at Dexter and Chantelle who seemed to be very quiet compared to everyone else.

"Dexter helped move the wardrobe but he has other plans today," Malik shrugged. "As does Chantelle. They help out enough anyways. Chantelle helped out Kat with her room."

“Speaking of which, we should probably head out.” Chantelle told her boyfriend.

“Yeah, it was nice to meet you Lauren,” Dexter added before he and Chantelle bid everyone else goodbye before leaving.

"Freya and I are still game to help though," Ashlyn piped up.

"Of course. Though Ashlyn isn't." Freya agreed as she looked at Ashlyn. "That audition notice? It’s today, darling. You’d be mad to skip it."

"It’s stunt casting, Freya," Ashlyn muttered, avoiding Freya’s gaze. "The Forbidden books are massive. One of Irene Austen's biggest novels. There is no way they're leaving the casting as an open audition. They're going to cast a big name like Vivienne Young."

"Then that’s exactly why you have to go. You’re a great actress and if anyone can get a role from a stunt casting, you can," Freya leaned in. "Imagine the scandal if they actually pick an unknown like you as the lead? The headlines alone would be worth it." Freya said as her eyes flicked toward Malik and Lauren. "Besides, what’s the alternative? Helping Malik move things around? Hardly glamorous. You want to be an actress, don't you?"

Ashlyn hesitated, knowing full-well the audition was a long shot but Freya’s words pricked at her ambition just enough to make her wonder if it wasn’t just stunt casting and if it was a real chance? Ashlyn glanced at Malik, apology already forming in her eyes. "Malik, I…"

"Go," Malik told her with a smile. "Seriously, Ash. Chase the spotlight. We’ve got this." Malik said as he took Lauren’s hand in his. "Right?"

"Absolutely." Lauren agreed and she watched as Ashlyn’s shoulders relaxed with relief.

"Right then, guess I should get going otherwise I’m going to be late." Ashlyn said.

"And we should make a start," Kat told Malik and Lauren. "I don’t want to spend all day on your room."

"She has a point." Freya said, looking at Lauren in a way that made the newcomer feel slightly uncomfortable. "Let’s get to work."