Jessica was drinking a cup of coffee in her office; she wanted to move around and do something. Probably the caffeine’s effect. But she couldn’t, because she was expecting a call any minute now.

It was 18:30 and she was pretty sure Rhax’s plane landed 30 minutes ago. So, when her phone started ringing, she wasn’t surprised.

“How did it go?” She didn’t beat around the bush.

The other line was silent for a couple of seconds but then a feminine voice came from the speaker. “I honestly don’t know if it went well or bad.”

“What makes you say that?” Jessica was confused, the statement didn’t make sense.

“Are you sure the man is a piece of shit manipulator?” The woman on the other line’s voice was filled with doubt.

“Yeah, I’m 100% sure. Why are you asking?” Jessica was pretty sure Marcus “Rhax” Ricci was not a good person. What kind of good person manipulates a woman on their first chat because he didn’t trust her? She didn’t really care about him manipulating her, it was not a big deal. But it is about the principles and her pride. Her pride as an interviewer and show host who knows how to play the guest like a clump of play clay.

“Well, then this man was the sweetest, most caring piece of shit in history.” There was a hint of fondness in the woman’s voice, it made Jessica’s neck hairs stand at full attention.

“Like imagine,” the woman continued, not giving Jessica a chance to respond, “I dropped on him the story of how my dad died 4 months ago, and I would like to add, gave my best acting performance till this day in my life. And what did this man do? He fucking comforted me and told me that it was okay to grieve and I should not feel bad for it……” Jessica didn’t hear fondness from the tone anymore, but she heard something worse, she heard admiration.

She wanted to rip her hair with her own hands. “Stephanie, you fucking idiot, I sent you to spy on him not to become friends with him!”

“Geez, chill out, I did what you asked me to do, but the man is honestly spotless. He is sweet, respectful, seems like a huge nerd, not that obnoxious type, but the cool ones. He is a little awkward, but in a cute way. So, yeah, I would like to be friends with him, he seems fun. But I won’t forget my task, I promise…” Jessica could practically hear Stephanie roll her eyes.

Jessica calmed down a little, she was still angry at Stephanie for fangirling and her opinion about how ‘awesome’ Rhax actually is. “That is good, but remember something Stephanie Collins, you are my assistant. You are good, I will give you that, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a line of capable people waiting for even a chance to be my assistant. So, from now on, just do your fucking job and don’t question me. Got it?”

Stephanie was silent for 10 seconds before she responded with a small defeat. “Yes, Ma’am. Got it.” Jessica could hear the venom coating the words but she decided to ignore it.

“Good, now I have a task for you for tomorrow.” Jessica regained her composure and started to explain her plan.

………

Marcus was tired last night, the moment he entered his hotel room, he immediately threw himself on the bed. The flight wasn’t that tiresome, but the stress of appearing in a show live took a toll on him.

But thankfully, he felt a lot better now. He woke up at his normal time, 07:00 o’clock. He showered and wore something casual; he was going to go around the city for the time being. The show wasn’t till 21:00. He still has time to walk around LA and enjoy it.

He went and got breakfast; it was a breakfast buffet like it is usually in hotels. He got himself some eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and some tea to wash it down. After eating his fill, he got out of the hotel. The hotel was in a populated area, meaning that there were public transportations around. So, Marcus walked around a little bit and using his maps app, he found which transport vehicle he had to take so he could arrive at the museum.

Most people when they hear about going and having fun in another country or state they go straight to food or famous places. But there are always exceptions, and Marcus is one of these people.

His joy resides with history and honestly, he never visited LA and LA’s museum before. So, he has to do that. What can he say, he didn’t become a history professor because he liked to deal with young brats. But he wanted to teach the next generation about their ancestors and how great and terrible they were.

After all, history is an unending cycle that repeats itself again and again. And only by learning about what our ancestors did wrong and not doing the same thing can humans progress and eventually break through the unending cycle.

……….

It was night time when he came back to the hotel, he found Stephanie waiting for him in the lobby.

“Hi Marcus, how is it going?” Stephanie waved at him as he approached her.

“Hi back to you, Steph. Nothing much, you?” Marcus responded, he was tired of Stephanie, but he has to show friendliness toward to the people working with the studio.

Stephanie shrugged. “Nothing, same old. So, are you ready to go?”

Marcus raised an eyebrow. “Ready for what? It is still 19:00, we have two hours before the episode.”

Stephanie laughed and playfully hit him. He was too tall for her so her fist only connected with his abdomen. “Don’t be silly, you have to be there at least an hour early so they can fix the makeup and mike you up. Also, you could talk with Jessica about things you don’t want to be discussed.”

Marcus was annoyed, she was talking and acting with him like he was her friend from high school. “Got it, I will go shower and dress up. Give me 20 minutes.” He said curtly. Not hearing Stephanie’s answer, he turned around and went to his room.

……….

He got out of the car and was met with a cleanly shaven young man; his sandy golden hair was long and held in a manbun. He smiled at Marcus and extended his hand. “Hello, Mr.Ricci, my name is Max and I will take care of your makeup and your needs inside the studio.”

Marcus smiled back and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Max.” It was hard to smile for Marcus because there was a constant ring in his ear because of a feisty and noisy 150 cm blonde.

“Please follow me.” Max led the way and Marcus followed behind him. But Marcus was aware of the little present behind him who was following him like a shadow.

She was silent, Marcus would reckon it was because she had no more things to talk about. ‘I never imagined you could talk about 20 topics in the span of 20 minutes.’ Marcus contemplated to himself.

……….

Marcus entered the set, it was a simple one, a big table with three chairs around it. Two were beside each other facing a lonely one. The two were occupied by two women.

One of them he knew by heart, but the other he feels like he saw her before but he can’t place her anywhere.

‘Ok, Marcus Ricci. It is time for you to shine and to become someone inside this world.’ Marcus took a deep breath as he prepared himself.

He gave a smile and walked toward the two women. He had a bad feeling in his stomach but he ignored it. It was his time to shine!