My Hidden Past
Chapter 1: Business Partners
"Brittany can Jackson see you in his office for a minute, he wants you to go there right away" her assistant George says talking about her business partner and co-owner of the business.
"It sounds very serious, did I do something wrong?" she jokes.
"I'm not sure, he seems very serious when he asked me to go and get you" George replies. "I'm sure you didn't do anything wrong though" George smiles while placing his hand on Brittany's shoulder to reassure her. However the hand placement lasts a little too long for Brittany's liking.
"Um…George, do you mind?" she asks.
"Sorry Brittany" he smiles again at her. Ever since Brittany hired him as her assistant, he has seemed to take quite a shine to her and even developed a small crush on her. He knows though that Brittany wouldn't be interested in him because she made it very clear at the beginning that she would never involve her personal life with her professional life.
"I should go now and speak to Jackson but if you could stay here and continue to sort out my schedule for next week then that would be great" Brittany smiles.
"Um…sure Brittany but shouldn't I maybe come with you to speak to Jackson just in case it involves your schedule or something?" George asks.
"If I need you then I'll get someone to come and get you but thanks anyway" she smiles, grateful that George is so dedicated to his job.
"Ok Brittany" he smiles before going back to do his work. Brittany then heads to Jackson's office to talk to him.
"Hey you wanted to see me" Brittany says hesitantly after she knocks on the open door.
"I did, in you come" Jackson replies. "It's something big and possibly life changing" he states.
"Ok…" Brittany says confused. "Like I told George, it sounds very serious so I hope I haven't done something to screw up the business or something" she says. They've been in business for a few years together except they've only just became a bigger success after Brittany choreographed a music video for a major music artist. If it wasn't for the success of the video then the company wouldn't be as successful so the success basically rides on Brittany and her talent.
"It is serious but it's nothing you've done so don't worry" Jackson smiles. "Have a seat though" he says pointing to the empty chair.
"Ok so what's going on?" Brittany asks as she sits down.
"I've asked Michelle to marry me and she said yes" Jackson replies.
"Oh my god, that's fantastic" Brittany says excitedly while getting up and going over to hug Jackson.
"That's not all though" Jackson points out. "Because we are going to get married then we want to live together eventually and have children so for that to happen then we're going to need to be based in the same place and not have a long distance relationship anymore."
"Yeah I understand" Brittany nods. "So is Michelle moving here to LA?"
"Not exactly" Jackson replies.
"What do you mean?" Brittany asks.
"I'm moving to Florida to live with her and I'll be working there" Jackson states.
"Wow, that's going to be tough for you" Brittany says. "Are you just going to get someone in to manage your side of the business here and come here monthly or something to check on things? I mean I'm guessing you're going to be working for Michelle's dad but I don't suppose you want to lose your business either."
"Um…Brittany, I'm selling my share of the company" Jackson replies.
"You're what!" Brittany asks shocked. She did not expect Jackson to say that at all. She just assumed he would hire someone to run his share of the company and he'd come back every so often to check on things. It would be a lot to move away to be with the person you love so she thought he couldn't just get rid of the company so figured he'd help out with his father in law's business while keeping a hold of his company since that was his dream. Brittany would give up things to be with the person she loves but she never thought she could give up her career entirely.
"I know it seems like I'm giving up on my dream but I've realised lately that it was never actually my dream. I just thought it was but I now know that my dream is to be with the woman I love and start an amazing life with her" Jackson says.
"Let me get this straight, you want to stop producing records and start giving out surf lessons?" Brittany asks and Jackson nods. "Are you out of your mind?"
"Ok so maybe working for Michelle's dad isn't my ultimate career goal but while I find out what I want to do then I am going to be working for him" Jackson states.
"I don't understand, you love producing music" Brittany says.
"Brittany this company is only afloat because of you and let's be honest you can see I'm losing interest in the business" Jackson says.
"There are ways you could make this work without having to give up your share of the business. Like I say you could just hire someone to manage everything and work on the majority of the financial side of things back in Florida and just come here every once a month to check on the day to day running" Brittany suggests.
"You're not getting my point Brittany, this isn't my dream anymore. I don't want to be with the company anymore" Jackson replies.
"Ok so how long have you felt like this?" Brittany asks.
"Well for the last year or so I've been thinking that…"
"Year?" Brittany questions. "You haven't been interested in the business for a year and you think it's ok to just tell me now?" she asks.
"I've been having some doubts about what I wanted and if this was the right thing so I didn't want to say anything until I was completely sure that I didn't want to be involved in the business anymore" Jackson replies.
"I'm beginning to wonder now that perhaps our lack of success in the beginning as a company was to do with you. You should have told me if you didn't think things were working out instead of putting the business in jeopardy" Brittany says beginning to get slightly angry. She has put her whole life into building this company and making sure her department ran the best it could only to be told that her business partner has lost interest.
"I know but…"
"Sorry to interrupt but you have to be leaving now Brittany, remember you have dinner plans with your husband tonight" George says interrupting them.
"Must you do that George, I'm sure I've told you before to knock before you ever come in here" Jackson says annoyed.
"Excuse me don't speak to my assistant like that. I'm the one who says how George can and can't operate in this company and if I am scheduled to be elsewhere then it is his job to come and let me know" Brittany states. "Thank you George for reminding me" she says while smiling over to George.
"Shall we talk more tomorrow then?" Jackson asks.
"I think that would be wise" Brittany says while standing up from her seat. "I'll come to your office at 9am tomorrow and we can discuss things" she suggests.
"9am sounds good, see you tomorrow Brittany" Jackson replies.
"Yep, you will" Brittany says making her way to the door. "Happy 5th wedding anniversary Brittany" she sighs to herself as she leaves.
"Wait, it's your anniversary today?" Jackson asks.
"It is and now instead of enjoying dinner with my husband, I'm going to be thinking of what happened today and worrying how the hell all of this can be fixed" Brittany responds.
"Don't worry, I will sort it so that you're not left in the lurch" Jackson reassures her.
"I'm sure you will" Brittany replies sarcastically before finally leaving.
Santana Lopez has been working for one of the best music producers there is in California for some time now and she has managed to save up a lot of her money to finally build her own dream of becoming a music producer herself. She spent years trying to raise as much money as she could by assisting the music producer she works for and now she finally feels it's the best time to move on and actually put the dream into action. Realistically though she could never open her own record producing company all by herself so she was looking to go into business with someone when luck would have it, her dad put her in contact with Jackson Steele who was looking to sell his share of his company.
"I can't believe you're finally going to get to be your own boss" her best friend Quinn states.
"I know, me neither" Santana smiles happily. "I mean what are the chances, I leave my current job one day and suddenly the next day my dad is on the phone telling me about a friend of his son who wants to sell his business" she says not being able to believe how quickly things happened and how perfect it all is.
"So what is the deal with the business?" Quinn asks.
"Well Jackson and his friend Bethany run a business together where one side of the business focuses on record producing and the other side focuses on dance and choreography. I didn't actually get to find out much about Bethany's side of things but Jackson told me all about his share and how he runs things. There are a few things I would change but I'm not going to tell him that right now and risk him backing out of the sale" Santana replies.
"I see" Quinn nods.
"It feels so real now that I'm starting to unpack after my big move. Initially when Jackson accepted my offer I was ecstatic but nothing really sank in until I began unpacking all my stuff. I have just left and moved to LA, that's not going to be just a car ride away from you anymore" Santana says.
"I know but this is your dream so you should do this" Quinn points out.
"I know but I'm just saying I'm going to miss you, is that such a crime?" Santana asks.
"Of course not and I'll miss you to but if we don't hurry up unpacking then nothing will be ready before you start your new job" Quinn states.
"That's true" Santana says laughing at the thought.
"I was actually thinking that maybe I could stay here with you over the weekend and help you get settled into your new apartment" Quinn suggests. "My boss has gave me a few extra days off work to help you as long as I work a few extra later in the month to pay back the time I'm missing" she says.
"That would be great Quinn because I don't know if I could do all this myself" Santana smiles, grateful for Quinn's help.
"So when do you finally start at the company?" Quinn asks.
"As soon as the sale goes through then it's mine which my lawyer said could be in less than a week, how cool is that?" Santana says excited about starting her new job.
"Yeah that is pretty cool Santana" Quinn smiles.
"I'm so sorry I'm late to dinner, I had some major stuff to deal with at work" Brittany says while taking a seat at the table across from her husband Christian in the restaurant.
"That's ok babe, you're here now" Christian replies while leaning over to kiss Brittany. "Happy 5th anniversary by the way" he smiles.
"Right back at you" Brittany smiles back.
"The gift I got you is a little too big to bring to the restaurant so you'll see it when we get home" Christian tells Brittany as he holds her hand over the table.
"That's cool, your gift is still at home too" Brittany replies. "So have you ordered yet?" she asks.
"I have and I've ordered for both of us so don't worry" Christian tells her while squeezing her hand. "In fact I think that is the food coming now" he says as the waiter is walking over to them with their food. As soon as the waiter places their food down, he leaves and Brittany and Christian begin eating.
"So how has your day been?" Brittany asks as she takes a mouthful of food.
"Yeah it's been good, I got quite a few sales today so I really think I'm going to be in the running for the best car salesman at work this month" Christian smiles in response.
"That's fantastic babe" Brittany smiles back.
"What about you, how has your day been, you said something about a crisis didn't you?"
"Yeah something like that" Brittany sighs.
"If you don't want to talk about it right now then we can talk later and just enjoy the meal just now" Christian tells her.
"No I don't mind talking about it, I mean it might actually help to get someone's opinion on it" Brittany says.
"Ok well shoot, tell me what's up" Christina says.
"Jackson is leaving the business, he wants to sell his share of the company" Brittany answers.
"Oh my god, are you serious?" Christian asks for clarification and Brittany nods. "I mean why would he do that?"
"Because he and Michelle are engaged now so he's moving to Florida to be with her" Brittany replies.
"Ok but why does he have to sell his share, can't he just get someone to manage it for him?" Christian asks.
"That's what I said but then he told me that he's lost interest in the business and it's not his dream anymore" Brittany tells him.
"I'm shocked by that, I never thought you were going to say that when you said you had a crisis" Christian states.
"I'm kinda floored by the news myself, I mean I could tell by his voice that he had some big news to tell me but I never thought that it was going to be about leaving the company" Brittany says still confused as why Jackson would want to leave.
"So what happens now?" Christian asks.
"I have no idea but I'm telling you babe, if he doesn't find a suitable replacement and the person who he sells it to turns out to be a complete ass then I can just wave my half of the business goodbye" Brittany says annoyed.
"Wait a second, I have an idea" Christian says while sitting up properly in his chair. "Why don't you buy him out and that way the entire company will be just yours?" he suggests.
"Yeah like I could do that" Brittany says laughing off the idea.
"Honey I'm serious. You could buy him out and therefore you don't need to worry about a replacement for him because it's going to be all yours" he states.
"With what money Christian?" Brittany asks.
"We can come up with a way but don't you think it would be really good to own the whole company?" Christian asks.
"I mean of course that would be amazing but it's just not possible Christian" Brittany replies.
"Honey we could get you a loan from the bank or your parents or even my parents" Christian suggests.
"I don't know if that's a good idea, I mean the banks don't just give loans to anyone and I'd feel embarrassed asking either my parents or your parents for money. All I have ever worked for I've gotten and that was because of me, not because I borrowed my parent's money" Brittany says.
"I know you like to be independent but your parents would be more than happy to help you, I'm sure of it" Christian states.
"Hmm…I don't know if this would be a good idea" Brittany says unsure.
"Honestly I really think this could be something good, it's worth a chance is it not?" Christian asks.
"Well…"
"You can always pay them back once you get the money. I've said it myself before, you made that company so you have every right to buy Jackson out and make it even more of a success" Christian says.
"Do you know what, you're right? I have worked my ass off to put us on the map so I'm not about to let it go downhill again just because Jackson wants to leave. I'm going to do this babe" Brittany states happily.
"I'm so happy for you babe" Christian says before leaning over the table to kiss Brittany.
"Thank you so much" Brittany smiles.
"Why are you thanking me?" Christian asks while smiling back.
"You have faith in me and you're willing to support me through anything so thank you" Brittany says genuinely.
"You're welcome babe" Christian smiles. "Although I'm not just doing this because you're my wife, I'm doing this because I know you can do this and you're a great businesswoman" he tells Brittany.
It's the next day and Brittany is heading to Jackson's office to tell him the good news. She can't wait to tell him that he doesn't need to worry about the business because she's willing to buy him out. I mean its win-win for everyone because it saves Jackson the stress of finding a new partner for Brittany and it saves Brittany the stress from having to work with someone new after finally just getting the business on track.
"Morning Jackson" Brittany says cheerfully as she walks into Jackson's office.
"Good morning Brittany" Jackson replies while smiling back. "You're very chipper this morning Brittany, did Christian get you something great for your anniversary" he asks.
"Christian did but that's not why I'm so happy" Brittany replies still smiling as brightly as before.
"Ok so what has made you so happy?" Jackson asks.
"I know a way where we can sort out all of this mess without anyone getting hurt or having to get used to someone new" Brittany replies.
"I don't understand" Jackson says confused.
"I'm going to buy you out of the business therefore you don't need to find a new buyer for your share" Brittany states.
"Um…Brittany, I think you misunderstood what I meant" Jackson says hesitantly. "I'm afraid I've already found someone to sell my half of the business to and as soon as things are all complete and the lawyers have dealt with everything then I'm gone" he adds.
"You've already sold your half?" Brittany asks shocked, the smile she has had on her face all morning has suddenly disappeared.
"Yes but don't worry you're going to love her. In fact she is coming by in an hour to sort a few things and I'll get her up to speed with the business" Jackson says.
"An hour?" Brittany states. "You've really not given me a lot of time to process things before bringing in someone new."
"I know it's all so fast but the sooner I wrap things up here; the sooner I can finally be with my fiancée" Jackson replies.
"Yeah fast is an understatement, I haven't even known about this for 24 hours yet" Brittany says.
"Look how about I come and get you once she's here and you can meet her, like I say I think you're going to love her" Jackson says.
"Fine, whatever" Brittany sighs. "I'll be in my office" she says before walking away.
As mentioned, an hour later Santana stops by to talk to Jackson about the business. They have been talking for about forty-five minutes now and Santana is eager to meet her new business partner. The way Jackson talks so highly about her does reassure Santana a bit that she has made the right decision in buying him out. However she is also slightly worried that Jackson is just trying to keep her sweet at the moment because he really does want out of the business and fast.
"So are you ready to meet Brittany?" Jackson asks.
"Brittany? Who's Brittany?" Santana asks confused.
"Your new business partner, I have just been talking about her for the last forty minutes or so" Jackson replies.
"Oh" Santana laughs. "I totally thought her name was Bethany. You should probably check the documentation you sent me because it all says Bethany."
"No it's Brittany Smith but I will get onto that as soon as possible" Jackson reassures her.
"Ok I hope you don't mind me asking this but you haven't cut any corners to get the sale through quicker, have you?" Santana asks.
"Of course not" Jackson replies.
"So why have you never double checked everything you have sent me, up until two seconds ago I believed I was going to be working with someone called Bethany not Brittany" Santana replies.
"Honestly Santana, it's just one mistake that has been pasted onto all of the documents. I mean Brittany and Bethany are pretty similar names so I can assure you everything has strictly been above board" Jackson replies.
"Ok good" Santana nods.
"I am desperate though to get things moving but that's only because I can't wait to finally get to be with my fiancée. We have lived apart for so long now that I'm done with LA and I just want to move on and be with her" Jackson smiles.
"That's understandable, I mean you're clearly in love so you don't want anything else to get in the way of that especially not because of a career or a long distance thing" Santana says.
"Oh have you done long distance before?" Jackson asks.
"No but I did screw everything up with someone I really loved so if I could I would turn back time and undo the mess I made" Santana shrugs.
"Ok so shall I go and get your new business partner for you to meet her?" Jackson asks.
"Yes, I would love that" Santana smiles.
"Just wait here and I'll be back in two minutes" Jackson says before hurrying along the corridor to get Brittany. As soon as he gets her, they come straight back to the office. "Ok this is your new partner Brittany smith and Brittany, this is your new partner Santana Lopez" he smiles just as Santana turns around and when she does, her face drops in shock.
"Oh…shit…eh" Brittany says equally as shocked.
"Oh my god, Brittany P…"
"Nice to meet you Ms Lopez" Brittany says holding out her hand pretending she doesn't know the person standing in front of her.
"Yeah…um…yeah you too Brittany" Santana says shaking Brittany's hand. She has no clue why Brittany is pretending she doesn't know her because of course they know one another, it's very unlikely that they've managed to forget about one another or the past they have together.
This is just an idea for a new story I've had so let me know what you think and if you think it has potential.