Chapter 2 The Entertainer
Olivia was sitting in her dressing room getting her hair and makeup done for her interview with 'Tea With Z'. Zandra has the hottest talk show on the planet Olivia is convinced. She only has interviews with the who's who of Hollywood. All A-list celebrities have graced Zandra's stage including Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and others.
Olivia was here today on Zandra's show to discuss her sophomore album titled 'Liv Day' which ironically is being released on her birthday December 16th. Olivia is excited for this album especially since her debut album did better than anyone would have imagined. It sold 11 million copies worldwide, it went number one in three countries including the United States, and she won five Grammy's including Best Contemporary R&B Album.
Olivia used to be in a girl's group called, 'Triple Threat' for about 5 years. The group garnered so much success making them one of the most successful girl groups of all time. When Olivia decided it was time to break out into her solo career, she received so much backlash from her fans and even groupmates. Olivia felt like she outgrew the group and wanted to venture off into her solo career so that she could tap into her own creativity. And she did just that, Olivia was so hands on in her debut album. She wrote and produced a lot of her songs. She directed a lot of her own videos and she was even involved in her album cover. It proved to be a success because now she is a household name in people houses, and she is taking the music industry by storm.
"How do you like your makeup?" Olivia's personal makeup artist James asked.
James Novack has been doing Olivia's makeup since she was in Triple Threat. Olivia was a little hesitant having a white man do her makeup. She didn't know if James would have her looking a hot ass mess or like the diva that she is. Her fears were subdued when James did her face for the first time. It didn't even look like she was wearing makeup. Since then, Olivia has kept James on her payroll and he's been leaving her face beat to the gawds.
"C'mon is that even a question." Olivia admired her beauty in the mirror before her.
The soft pink eyeshadow mixed with pink shimmer, the eyelashes, and the pink gloss gave her the perfect girl next door look that she was going for. Her hair was pulled into a chic honey blonde ponytail that touched her ass. She was wearing a mauve Herve Leger off the shoulder bandage dress that she paired with nude So Kate Louboutin's. She was definitely 'Pretty in Pink'.
"You look amazing as always." Harrison complimented Olivia as he walked into her dressing room. He bent down and hugged her from behind.
"Thank you cousin." Olivia smiled grabbing his hands.
Olivia feels so blessed to have Harrison as her manager. Her old manager Edison Davis from Triple Threat was a nightmare from hell. He had the biggest crush on Olivia which was creepy because she was 15-years-old and he was 30-years-old. He used to buy her expensive gifts, he made sure she looked better and had better clothes than her groupmates, he would instigate arguments between Olivia and her groupmates, he was the reason the group fell apart.
Olivia's dad Eli Pope couldn't stand Edison Davis. He remained by Olivia's side at all times never letting Edison get too close to his daughter. All the gifts Edison gifted Olivia, Eli sent to the Good Will. Once Olivia was out of her contract with her old record label, her father beat the breaks off Edison and dared Edison to sue him. Eli was ready to tell the world that Edison is a pervert. Not wanting that backlash or public embarrassment, Edison took the ass whooping like a man, and left Olivia alone.
When it was time to go solo, Olivia couldn't think of a better person to manage her than her older cousin Harrison. They were raised more like siblings thanks to their fathers being brothers. Harrison like Eli has always been by Olivia's side. He has a knack for the music business to only be 30-years-old. So many other artists want him as their managers, but Harrison is committed and dedicated only to Olivia, so she can't let him down. He's turned down a lot of money from seasoned artists to manage Olivia.
"Guess who's here?" Harrison said with a sneaky grin on his face.
"Who?" Olivia asked with a raised brow. She knew it couldn't have been her parents, they were vacationing in Italy. Her best friend Angela is currently wrapping up filming for a show she's in, and her boyfriend Lance has to hit the road for his away game tomorrow.
"Yeah tell us we hate surprises." James rolled his eyes.
Olivia looked at the door and in walked her boyfriend Lance. Olivia hopped out of her chair and ran over to Lance like a child does to their parent when picked up from school. Lance picked her up, but her dress was too tight for her to wrap her legs around him.
"Baby what are you doing here?" Olivia excitedly asked. She was really not expecting Lance to walk in. He's supposed to be on the road with his team.
"I came to surprise you. I know how nervous you get when it comes to doing interviews." Lance placed Olivia back down on her feet.
"Aww baby that's why I love you so much." Olivia pulled Lance in for a kiss.
"I love you too." Lance said breaking the kiss.
Olivia and Lance have been dating for three years. They met through mutual friends of theirs and hit it off immediately. Olivia was drawn to Lance's honey complexion, light beard, protruding chocolate brown eyes, and tall athletic frame. Not to mention Lance's swag. He can walk into a room, not say a word, and you still feel his presence. Lance is one of the funniest people Olivia knows, he protects her, provides for her, and takes care of her.
He's not perfect but he's damn close to it. Olivia can see herself long term with Lance, it's been three years, and Olivia is ready for wedding bells.
With their hectic schedules they find time for each other, which has been the reason their relationship has been able to withstand this long.
"Olivia five minutes until you're on." One of the producers said as she stuck her head into Olivia's room.
"Thank you." Olivia replied.
"Good luck babe. I have to run, coach is gonna kill me. I love you, kill it." Lance pecked Olivia's lips.
"Thanks, good luck in your game I'll be watching. I love you too." Olivia watched Lance leave and she wished they could've gotten a quickie in.
"Good news Liv, the principal at King is agreeing to let you film your holiday special." Harrison said as he placed his cell phone in his pocket.
"Oh my God seriously!?" Olivia didn't think the principal would agree. She has been wanting to do something for her alma mater for a while now and every time she's reached out she's been given the runaround or flat out told no.
"Yeah that's who I was on the phone with." Harrison confirmed.
"Perfect this is gonna be amazing I can't wait to start filming!" Olivia hugged Harrison. She can finally do something meaningful for something that helped shaped her into the artist she is today. She spent plenty of days in King hallways and the lunchroom singing and performing for her friends. It's sad what the school has become of now, but Olivia is pledging to revamp it.
"That's amazing Liv, congrats." James said as he hugged her the wet back to packing up his things.
"Thank you." Olivia can't wait to call her parents and Angela to tell them the good news.
"Olivia you're on." The same producer said.
Harrison and Olivia left the dressing room and followed the producer backstage. They were followed by her fill-in bodyguard Byron. He is filling in for Olivia's regular bodyguard Julian. Julian has been on Olivia's team since her Triple Threat days as well. He does a phenomenal job of protecting Olivia that there are rumors circulating that Julian and Olivia are dating. Julian has a family and Olivia is happily taken.
Zandra was finishing up her monologue when Olivia was signaled to come on. Olivia waited for the sliding golden doors to open before walking out onto the stage. The audience went into an uproar. Olivia smiled and waved to the audience as she made her way over to Zandra's couch.
Zandra stood up from her lavender posh chair and greeted Olivia with a hug and kiss to her cheek. Zandra smelled amazing and she looked sharp in her black pants suit and yellow pumps. She was wearing her signature pixie cut and her makeup was flawless. Zandra is in her late 40's and doesn't look a day over 30. She reminds you of Vanessa Williams.
"Hello, hello, hello." Zandra shrilled in that country accent of hers. Olivia loves Zandra's country twang.
"Hello." Olivia beamed. She waved to the audience once more and took a seat. Everyone was staring at her and it was making her feel uncomfortable. Olivia hates the spotlight believe it or not. She loves what she does, she just hates the attention that it brings off the stage. But interviewing is a part of being an artist. You have to promote yourself if you want to make it in the industry.
"You look amazing, doesn't she ladies and gents!"
Olivia wanted to crawl under a rock and die. Zandra sure does know how to put the spotlight on you. The audience cheered in agreeance. Olivia continued to smile and playfully flagged the audience when they wouldn't stop cheering.
"Thank you." Olivia coyly smiled. She never will understand why she gets so nervous when it comes to doing interviews but can get on the stage in front of thousands of people and not feel a single nerve.
"Now girlfriend I know you aren't shy!"
"Just a little. I always gets nervous during interviews." Olivia admitted.
The audience looked shocked. As fierce as Olivia is on stage it's hard to believe that she gets nervous during interviews.
"Well you don't have to get nervous with me hun or my audience we're all family here. Let's get into this album now shall we."
The audience cheered.
"That makes me feel better. And yes let's dig into the album." Olivia replied.
"So correct me if I am wrong, but the album is titled Liv Day?"
"Yes my album is titled Liv Day and it comes out on my birthday all pun intended."
The audience laughed at Olivia's humor.
"Let's talk about the singles which are charting high on the Billboards charts. Girlfriend I listen to Déjà Vu every morning that songs gets me super pumped I am sure everyone can agree to that."
The audience cheered.
"Yeah it's probably my fav song off the album. I had a chance to collaborate with my favorite rapper of all time Jay. I was so blessed that he agreed to be on the album and do the song, shout out to Jay." Olivia clapped and the audience and Zandra clapped as well as they all showed love to Jay.
"Great song, and the video is just as hot as the song. You two have this chemistry that I think sometimes have people questioning whether you two are secretly dating." Zandra said being her messy usual self.
Olivia laughed and the audience 'ooh and ah' at Zandra's comment.
"Oooh nooo!" Olivia laughed loudly. "Jay and I are friends just friends. I am happily taken as well as he. We just work well together." Olivia clarified.
"I hear you, speaking of happily taken how is that hunk you have of a boyfriend?" Zandra loves going off topic. Olivia is here to talk about her album not Lance.
"Lance is good we're good. He actually surprised by showing up before I came out on stage."
"Aaawwwww!" The audience cooed.
"You two are just the cutest. I am rooting longevity for you two." Zandra clapped and of course her audience members clapped with her.
"Thank you I appreciate it."
They talked more about Olivia's album and Olivia took to the stage to perform her other single off the album 'Get Me Bodied' which is a song that is making its way through all the clubs across the world. Olivia is excited to shoo the video for 'Get Me Bodied' because she will be collaborating with her old groupmates. She's happy that their friendships preserved through all the trials and tribulations they faced at the hands of Edison. Those girls are her sisters always and forever.
"Zandra loves going off topic doesn't she?" Olivia said to Harrison once they were back inside of the Tahoe.
"Yeah she's a messy bitch, but you handled it well." Harrison patted Olivia's knee.
"Did I? I was so nervous Harry." Olivia sighed.
"I know you nailed it though cousin." Harrison leaned over and kissed Olivia's cheek.
"Thanks, how are things coming along for my album release party?" Olivia wanted to know.
"You worry too much when you know I have your back. Your album release party is all set. We're good on renting out Avalon Hollywood, everyone who said they're coming will be there and it's going to be amazing."
Olivia will be celebrating her birthday during her album release party which is a day before her album comes out. Now that she has the okay to film her holiday special, she has to be in Oakland two days later to set things in motion.
"I know and I trust you I just- "
"Have to stop being a damn perfectionist."
"I know." Olivia leaned her head over on Harrison's shoulder. She is her biggest critic.
Olivia spent the next two weeks promoting heavy for her album. She was exhausted, jet-lagged, and basically thriving off red bulls. The work that goes into releasing an album is hard work that no one really sees. The long hours in the studio, the mastering it takes to create a song, the constant changing of an album, pitching it to your label and hearing their feedback, never feeling like it's good enough to release. It's a never-ending cycle. The thing that makes it worth it though are the fans and their continuous support.
The night of her album release party was here and Olivia was at her hotel getting ready. Olivia's hairstylist Brenda who has been her hairstylist since Olivia was in Triple Threat made her a beautiful honey blonde blunt cut bob wig. James did a bold look for Olivia's makeup. He did a natural toned eye and dark lip for the night. Olivia's black sleeveless Balmain mesh metal on sheer tulle evening gown with a square neckline illusion and a floor sweeping hem brought out the whole look. Her stylist Abby paired the dress with a sleek pair of black Tom Ford open toe 6-inch heels. Olivia wore her favorite pair of Tiffany solitaire diamond studded earrings and matching tennis bracelet that Lance gifted her for Christmas last year.
"Wow." Everyone said once Olivia left out of her hotel room.
"You look amazing Liv." Harrison complimented first.
"Thank you I feel amazing." Olivia blushed.
"Look at you best friend oh my God," Angela dramatically replied pretending like she was going to cry.
"You're so extra." Olivia hugged and kissed Angela on the cheek.
"I love you too Liv." Angela laughed.
Olivia loves that she has genuine people in her circle. This industry is cutthroat and you never really know who's your friend and who's trying to use you for personal gain. Olivia lucked up when she befriended Angela while guest starring on the show she's on. That was 6-years-ago and they've been friends ever since.
"Lance will be joining us at Avalon." Harrison informed Olivia.
"Okay."
"Alright let's move people."
The ride over to Avalon, Olivia's album played and the gang sang along while sipping champagne. Olivia must've had one glasses too many because she was a little buzzed by the time they made it to Avalon.
Though she was slightly buzzed, Olivia walked the red carpet like the professional she is with Byron right in front of her. Harrison also hired two more bodyguards. Olivia smiled and waved at the paparazzi and her fans outside.
"Olivia, Olivia are you excited for tonight?" One paparazzi guy asked.
"Yes I am I can't wait for everyone to hear my album." Olivia slightly slurred with a wink.
"Seems like you've gotten the party started already!" Another paparazzi woman shouted.
Olivia just winked and continued walking until she was inside of the club.
"The woman of the hour have arrived!" The DJ shouted and the club went crazy.
Olivia tried to acknowledge everyone there before she whisked off to her section. Lance joined her a few moments later. He looked ravishing in his tailored made black Tom Ford suit. Olivia wanted to do him right in front of everyone.
"Damn you look good enough to eat." Lance scooped Olivia up kissing her all over her neck. Olivia heard the cameras going off. She is sure her and Lance will be on every blog and magazine tomorrow.
"Thanks babe," Olivia kissed him on the lips.
"Let's get out of here." Lance whispered against Olivia's lips.
"Baby I can't." Olivia pushed him gently.
"Later." Olivia kissed him again.
"You two need a room." Harrison teased.
"Don't hate Harry." Olivia stuck her tongue out at him.
"Yeah don't hate bro…I told you I have a few girls to hook you up with."
"Hey!" Olivia playfully hit Lance's shoulder.
"You know I only have eyes for you babe, I'm just trying to help Harry out."
"Mhm."
Olivia was finally called to the makeshift stage where she was going to address the crowd.
"First I would like to say thank you to all of you that came out tonight it means a lot to me. I have been in this game for 9 years and it feels like 20. I am so blessed to be able to do what I do. God has been with me every step of the way. I worked so hard on this album ya'll. I literally put my blood, sweat and tears into this album and I hope you all will see just how hard I worked. Without further due here is my album." Olivia gave the cue to the DJ to start playing the album.
By the time her album finished the club was in a frenzy. It seemed like they enjoyed the album and that made Olivia feel good and a little more satisfied in her work.
"Did ya'll enjoy it!" Olivia was tipsy at this point.
"Yeah!" Was the crowd's response.
"I said did ya'll enjoy it?! Olivia asked again.
"Yeeeaaahhhh!" The crowd roared.
"Thank you guys so much and thank you to the producers and writers that helped create the album. I am too drunk to remember their names. To my manager and cousin Harrison, I love you so much Harry. To my best friend Angela you're amazing hun and I love you for always! And to my man baby I love you, you make me so happy and I am so addicted to your ass that I wanna leave this party right now and –"The DJ took the mic from Olivia per Harrison's request before Olivia said anything that could have her in the magazine and blogs as some super freak.
"I need to be on Liv's level!" The DJ shouted in the mic.
"Hell yeah!" Someone in the crowd yelled.
Olivia went and found Lance. He was chatting with some of his teammates. There were a group of women standing before them trying to get Lance and his friends' attention. The woman dying for Lance's attention was a tall blonde Victoria's Secret model looking girl.
Olivia walked right through the women and to her man. Lance blocked everyone else out around them as he wrapped his arms around Olivia's waist and planted a trail of wet kisses on her neck.
"Olivia, love the album girl." The girl trying to get Lance's attention said to Olivia.
Olivia turned around in Lance's arms as he wrapped her up in his strong arms and scrunched her face up at his groupie.
"Thanks." Olivia dryly replied.
"Bye Lance." She had the audacity to wink and playfully touch his arm.
Olivia went to lunge at the girl and Lance stopped her.
"Save that energy for back home." Lance pressed his erection against Olivia's ass.
Olivia grinded her ass against her man giving him a purr.
"Let's get out of here." Olivia was ready to go. She is horny and she is ready to engage in some birthday sex.
"I was waiting on you."
Olivia asked Harrison to summon her and Lance a car. The car pulled up the club and Olivia and Lance made their exit. Of course the paparazzi snapped pictures of them on their way out the club and to the car.
"We're good man. I got her." Lance said to Olivia's bodyguard Byron.
"Sir I don't know if it's a good idea if I am not with Miss Pope." Byron disagreed.
"We're good." Lance said again and told the driver to pull off.
"Baby where is Byron?" Olivia drunkenly asked.
"He's back at the club, we're good. I got you." Lance wrapped an arm around Olivia and kissed the side of her head.
"Okay." Olivia simply replied she trusted that she was safe with Lance.
Once back at Olivia's hotel, Lance tore off Olivia's clothes. He tossed her onto the bed and crawled in between her legs. Olivia ran her heel along his leg, while her nails scratched his back, causing a groan from Lance.
"Babe I have something I want us to take." Lance said getting up and walking over to his pants.
Olivia sat up confused. She watched Lance go into his pants and pull out two blue pills. He handed her one and kept one for himself.
"Lance what the fuck is this?" Olivia asked puzzled. She examined the blue pill trying to see if she could figure out what it was.
"Relax baby, it's ecstasy it'll make you feel good and the sex even more amazing." Lance urged.
"Baby the sex is already amazing right?" Olivia thought she's been satisfying Lance for the past 3 years and now he wants them to do drugs.
"The sex is amazing babe but this will heighten it I promise. Do you trust me?" Lance kissed Olivia's kiss.
"I do." Olivia trusts that Lance will not give her anything that he feels is super dangerous and detrimental to her career. He's an athlete, he has a career to maintain. Olivia vaguely knows about ecstasy and she remembers reading that ecstasy does heighten whatever mood you're in.
"Alright then let's do it together." Lance pitched.
"Okay."
Together they took the pill and they waited for it to kick in. When it did, Olivia and Lance engaged in the most mind-blowing sex they've ever had. Lance had Olivia in positions that he's never tried before. They fucked all over the hotel room. They literally had sex until they passed out.
"Happy Birthday baby girl, I love you." Lance said to Olivia when they finally woke up.
"Thanks baby, I feel like shit though." Olivia's head was pounding and she felt nauseous. She knew it was from that ecstasy pill she took.
"You look beautiful and your album is officially out." Lance leaned over and kissed Olivia on the lips.
"I know!" Olivia excitedly replied clapping her hands.
Olivia spent her birthday getting pampered by her friends, family and Lance. She wanted to check on the numbers of how her album was doing, but Harrison made sure to keep her occupied and focused on her birthday. Her parents surprised her by coming home early from their trip. Olivia couldn't have imagined bringing her 24th birthday in any other way.
Olivia felt like a princess in her red Versace gown and heels to match. Brenda made Olivia a 30-inch wig that Olivia kept straight. James of course beat her face turning her into this seductress goddess. Olivia wish she could wear gowns every day. She loves dressing up.
To capped what Olivia feels like was the perfect birthday, she had a private birthday dinner at Providence which was rented out for her. The food and drinks were delicious leaving Olivia and her guest stuffed. While everyone chatted about upcoming holidays plans. Lance clinked his glass wanting to get everyone's attention. Everyone looked up wondering what Lance had to say.
"I just want to say Happy Birthday again to this beautiful woman. She has been a true blessing in my life. She is everything I've ever asked for in a woman. She makes me feel complete and I can't picture living a day without her. Olivia Carolyn Pope will you please do me the honor and become my wife." Lance pulled out a blue box from his slacks and got down on one knee. He opened the box exposing the stunning princess cut engagement ring. Olivia didn't know how many carats the ring was and she didn't care. All she cared about was Lance sliding that ring onto her finger. She's prayed for this moment and now it was finally happening. Olivia was concerned for a minute thinking Lance would never propose to her.
"Olivia answer the man dammit!" Angela blurted out bringing Olivia out of her head.
"Yes, yes, yes!" Olivia's left hand shook as Lance slipped the ring onto her left finger. She didn't realize she was crying until she felt her cheeks stained with her tears.
Lance stood up and hugged Olivia tightly. They shared a passionate kiss not caring that they were in front of guests.
"I love you so much!" Olivia shrieked admiring her ring. She dabbed at her eyes not wanting to mess up her makeup.
"I love you too." Lance kissed her once more.
Olivia's family and friends congratulated her and Lance.
"Princess I am so happy for you and I know that you will make a beautiful bride." Eli gushed as he kissed Olivia on the cheek and hugged her.
"Thank you Daddy." Olivia started crying all over again.
"My baby congratulations I can't wait to start helping you plan your wedding." Maya was truly excited for her daughter it was written all over her face. Olivia is so happy she have both parents here to witness this special moment with her.
When they made it back to their home, Lance suggested they take another ecstasy pill. The last thing Olivia wanted was to become dependent on a drug. But she also wanted to please her fiancé. So, going against her better judgment she took the pill.
The next morning, Olivia woke up feeling crappy like she did when they took the other night.
"Babe I can't take ecstasy anymore. I don't like the way it makes me feel." Olivia voiced feeling like she had to puke any moment.
"You just need some water. I have practice see you later." Lance kissed Olivia and got out of their bed to get ready for practice.
Olivia spent the day packing for her trip to Oakland. She will be spending the next week there filming her holiday special. She can't wait to touch back down in her city her old stomping grounds. This is a reunion that has been long overdue.
While she was packing, Olivia suddenly felt extremely dehydrated as if she was about to faint. She texted her bodyguard Julian asking him to bring a bottle water. He was at her bedroom door in minutes.
"Are you okay, you look sick?" Julian asked concerned handing Olivia the water. Today was Julian's first day back at work. Olivia forced Julian to take a few days off to spend with his family. Of course he didn't want to, but he's been working too hard and not spending enough time with his family. Plus he knew he couldn't win an argument with his boss.
"I'm good Julian just feeling a little dehydrated that's all." Olivia lied.
"Feel better." Julian left Olivia's bedroom.
Before heading to Oakland, Olivia spoke with her record label and was informed that her album already sold 270,000 copies. Feeling satisfied with that number, Olivia patted herself on the back.