He sighed. "You are replacing Melinda Bell. She was the one who the boys had some conflicts with. Or rather, her intern. You most likely sensed some open hostility from JC, but I can assure you, he's a great guy. He's been burned in the past by Melinda's intern, who manipulated them all, by earning their trust and going against them. JC, however, fell in love with her, and now he's afraid of all young women, especially to take Melinda's place. Melinda resigned, because, she too, took part in some disloyal actions. Chloe, you understand, where I am coming from?"
Chloe sat back and nodded. "I'm not coming in on the greatest of circumstances, am I?" He smiled, sympathetically. "I'm afraid not." Chloe chewed on her bottom lip. "I see. Mr. Wright, because of the type of profession my brother is in, I know how upset I would be, if anyone would try and do something like that to him. You can rest assured that these guys will have my utmost respect and honesty." Johnny smiled and stood. "Alright then, Ms. Maguire. I'll see you tomorrow morning then, at 8, to get you all started." She smiled, and shook his hand. "Thank you." She walked out into the hall, nearly running into JC. "Oh, I-I'm sorry."
He shrugged. "Sure you are." She sighed. "JC, right? Please� I don't want to get off on the wrong foot. I plan on treating you with respect� the least you can do is show me the same." He laughed, bitterly. "You haven't even begun your job, yet, you're already barking orders. Typical." She put her hand on her hip. "Excuse you. What do you mean 'typical'?" He shrugged. "Girls are more demanding than guys. They think that once they're put in a position of some importance, they're the shit." She sighed. "Please, JC. I'm serious. I don't want this hostility. You don't even know me. I'm a complete innocent. I know nothing. All I am doing, is trying to do something I love� You of all people should understand that. How would you feel if someone started badgering you about your music? When you were so excited that, finally, just finally you were given a chance to do something you loved? I'm not the enemy here."
He shook his head and sighed. "Just don't get in the way." Chloe sighed in frustration as she watched him push his way down the hall. "I'm completely in the dark here, JC. You're not being fair." He didn't say anything, but continued down the hall and sighed to himself as he turned a corner. He crouched down to lean against the wall and he rested his head back. "That's what I thought, too, Chloe. That's what I thought. And I was wrong�"
"Yeah, and he is the meanest person, ever! I swear, Hayden� can we spell j-e-r-k?" Hayden laughed. "At least we know you can." Chloe sighed and socked him in the arm. "Goober. He was just so openly hostile� I mean, I can understand he's been hurt before, but did it ever occur to him, that not all girls are heartless, unfeeling meanies?" Hayden covered his mouth, nearly choking on his ice cream. "Meanies? Great word, there Chlo'." She sighed. "You know I don't like foul language, Hayden Christensen." He grinned and laughed, swatting her arm away from the carton of ice cream. "Chloe Maguire, save some for me!" She laughed, and looked at her friend, who was staring at the ice cream, thoughtfully. "Uh-oh. Are you having a moment?" He smiled, and met her eyes. "A revelation, really. Chlo'� did it ever occur to you� that� oh nevermind."
She looked at him, curiously. "No, Hay� what?" He set down his spoon and sighed. "Did it ever occur to you, that maybe, JC doesn't like you because you might remind him of her? You know what Johnny said� he's wary of young females� not to mention you're like taking that one chick's place� I think the wounds are still open� And you coming in and taking her place, probably isn't helping any. You have to look at both sides, Chloe. Both sides." She looked at him, as he took another bite of ice cream and she sighed.
Four