* I am not affiliated with NBC or James E. Reilly. I am simply borrowing the characters.

C H A P T E R       T W E L V E

An Ultimatum

"Syd, that last recording sounded fine." Chad said after listening to the first recording of her new song.

"I still think I sounded too nasal at the beginning. Play it again."

Chad played the song at her request and listened carefully. He detected nothing wrong with the sound of her voice. "That was fine, Syd. We might not have to stay longer than anticipated after all."

Syd frowned. "Will you please get your mind off of going home to Whitney and onto my song?"

"Sorry." Chad mumbled.

"Let's try it again." Syd sighed.

After the second recording, Chad listened to the playback. "That one sounds fine, just like the first recording."

"I don't think so." Syd said shaking her head.

"How many times do I have to say that you did great before you believe it?"

"Oh, I already know I'm a good singer, Chad. I just like it when you tell me how good I am." Syd slid her hand suggestively down the buttons of Chad's shirt.

Chad moved away quickly and cleared his throat. "Syd, I think we should call it a night."

"Why?" Syd asked innocently. "You don't have to go anywhere tonight. We could just stay here."

"We're through working. I have nothing to keep me here."

"Yes you do." Syd said. "You have me."

"You?" Chad repeated.

"You heard me didn't you?" Syd asked as she wrapped her arms around Chad's neck and pressed tight against him

"Syd, don't." Chad said as he pulled away.

"Why not?" Syd said moving close again. "I know you like it. There are signs you know." Syd locked eyes with Chad, then let her gaze travel down his body.

"Cut it out, Syd." Chad said firmly. "I'm going."  I need to get outta here before things get out of hand. He thought to himself.

"Not so fast." Syd called. "I wouldn't go out that door if I were you." She warned.

"Why? What are you talking about Syd?"

"I'm really good friends with your boss you know."

"And?" Chad asked wondering what this was leading to.

"And, bosses have the ability to fire people."

"What are you trying to get at Syd?"

"You go out that door," Syd began, "And I'll have you fired."

"On what grounds?" Chad asked, the anger already building up.

"I'll think of something, but believe me Chad. I will have you fired if you leave."

"You're bluffing."

"I am not. You want to risk your job? Go ahead Chad. Leave. Let's see what happens after that if you do."

Chad stood looking at Syd, then at the door. I can't lose my job. He thought to himself. How am I going to give Whitney the wedding she wants and a home of our own if I don't have this job? It's great money, and I'll have the money in no time. "You're actually going to get me fired." He repeated.

"Yes, Chad. You go out that door- say 'bye-bye' to your career as a producer."

"What the hell is she talking about?" Whitney asked as she entered the room.

~*~

* Please review. If you want, you can send your comments to my e-mail: pinayprincess516@cs.com