“Hello Shane, I’m really glad you came,” Lauren says smiling at Shane.

“Let’s take a seat,” Lauren says leading her to the large living room.

“Nice house,” Shane says taking in her surroundings, ‘more like a mansion.’

“Yes, it’s nice, this is the only house I can really call a home.”

Shane smiled, yeah; she understood that feeling when she had with Carmen.

“So, let’s get down to business shall we?”

“Sure.”

“So, the deal I sealed yesterday was for a fashion magazine.”

Shane was surprised, that was a big deal, yet Lauren had sounded so confident since Milan.

“Congratulations, however, I don’t know how this involves me.”

“Oh, well, I was hoping that you’d help me build this magazine, I want it to have um…”

“Lesbian content?” Shan asked with a laugh.

“Sort of, it will be wide ranged; however I want to have it be known for what it says as well, not just a magazine with pretty pictures. I’d like to have a lesbian section, because these aren’t really looked on as serious works. Though definitely a lot of fashion in it.”

“Hmm, I don’t know, I’m not a writer, or a magazine producer or whatever.” Shane says doubting how she could be any help here.

“I want you as one of the designers for the magazine, well that is if you win.”

“Win?”

“Yes, I have to other designers, they have more experience than you seeing as you have none.” Lauren says, trying to figure out a way to convince Shane to the challenge.

“Um, just get them, I’ve never designed high fashion, I don’t know anything.” Shane says getting up from the couch.

“Shane, you know how to sow?”

“Yes, but-“

“That’s all you need, trust me I know a designer when I see one, look I’m giving you a week to make me 5 outfits, you choose the style.”

“You’re crazy, only thing I’ve ever made were scrounged pants and shirts when I was young,” Shane says, thinking Lauren was insane.

“I’m not going to force you to do this, I would like for you to though…” Lauren says, truly hoping Shane takes the challenge.

Carmen’s meeting:

Carmen walks in to a room, seeing a large table, half filled with men and women in suits.

Carmen takes a seat on the far chair that was left open for her. Russell across from her a long way.

“Carmen, I just want to say congratulations on the wedding. Lucky catch.” Russell says smiling. He’s obviously nervous about something.

“Thank you, I’m very happy with my life right now,” Carmen says nervously.

“Really?” Russell asks her, “How are you with this company?”

“Good, I think…” Carmen says.

“Look Carmen, I’m cutting it straight to the point, we don’t want you signed to Def Jam records any longer.” Russell says carefully.

Carmen lowers her head, her dreams crashing down. She feels the sting of tears coming to her eyes, she hears Russell get up thinking he was headed to the door.

Shane’s meeting:

“Lauren…” Shane says, thinking about what she should do.

“Just think about it, are you really fulfilled doing hair in some small shop. You’re made for bigger things,” Lauren says.

“And if I don’t win?”

“Then you can say you tried, I’ll pay you for the week, and any material costs.”

Shane sighs…

Carmen’s meeting:

Carmen sighs…

‘I thought everything was going so good…’

She feels someone touch her shoulder, she looks up thinking it’s the assistant. She sees Russell smiling. ‘He just fired me and he’s smiling, what an-‘

“We don’t want you directly under Def Jam records, because we want you to branch off into a minor label. We have gotten you some major celebrities wanting to work with you. You’d be in 6 month probation, making sure everything smoothes out. Hard work, but we know you can do it. It’s up to you Carmen, do you want it?”

Both meetings:

“Yes, I want to do this. I’ll try my best, I won’t fail you.” Both said, smiling at the person who has made them life changing offers- that is if they put the effort in to make it work.  Both thinking of how their partner will react to the news.

Music choice: Switchfoot, “Meant to live.”

Random question: How many of you guys watch heroes? I love that show.