The Inevitable Fanfiction

Chapter 1
Introductions are being made. Everyone is getting to know each other a little better. It isn’t much, but as they are about to work beside each other for years to come, they might as well attempt friendship. And so they do; Brian Dunkleman and Ryan Seacrest, the two co-hosts are busy shaking hands and learning about the other. Randy Jackson is discussing the format of the show with the executives, Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe. Simon Cowell is supposed to be a part of that dialogue. However, his mind switches off from business mode when their third and final judge walks in.
He has only met her briefly before, when they had decided who the judges would be. Only two of them, other than himself it would seem, are interesting and qualified enough. Now however, he gets to speak to her like a colleague, and sit beside her for days to come.
Paula Abdul.
‘Cute,’ Simon thinks, getting a good look at her. ‘Small,’ is his next musing.
She is wearing dark pants and a pale pink, long sleeved shirt that falls over one shoulder - giving Simon a nice view of her fair skin. She has medium length dark brown hair which cascades down her back in perfected curls. Her smile is warm against her pixie-like face, and her eyes dance around the room, waiting to be noticed.
Quite naturally, she meets Simon’s eyes and he smiles at her, pleased at the sight in front of him. He has heard of The Paula Abdul in all her glamour and has even liked a few of her videos, but it is different to see her in person. She gives him a little grin, slightly reserved, but nevertheless makes her way to him and his group.
“Simon Cowell,” Simon introduces himself, sticking his hand out.
“I’m Paula,” she says, and takes his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
She notes his attire; his grey sweater tucked into his black pants, much too high up on his waist, and his belt making his stomach protrude slightly. She has to bite her lip for releasing an amused giggle. Do all British men dress like this, she wonders. Looking back at his face, she sees that he is rather handsome. He has a strong angular jaw, short and almost curly black hair, and unfathomable hazel eyes she finds herself mesmerised by.
“Likewise.”
She greets everyone else in the room, and envelopes Randy in a big hug. Simon hears that they have known each other for twenty something years, and are more than glad to be working alongside the other. He might have felt a little insecure about this, being an outsider to two friends, but for some reason, he feels that Paula and he will get on well.
Simon stands in the room with Ryan and Brian, explaining that the auditions will be held here, and the table for the judges will be brought in by the evening. He tells them that their post is outside for the most part, talking to and about the contestants. He speaks very confidently and passionately, the way he does when he knows something will be a success. He knows American Idol will be a hit – and he isn’t often wrong about anything.
When Paula makes her way over to them, Ryan gets a little too excited.
“Hi Ms. Abdul – I mean Paula – I mean – I’m a big fan,” Ryan says, a goofy grin playing on his lips.
“What he means to say is, he had a huge poster of you in his room in high school, Miss,” Says Brian. Paula giggles, flattered.
“Thanks, I think.” She shakes Ryan’s hand and pats his shoulder. “And it’s Paula,” She smiles.
“Pawla,” Simon drawls, liking the feel of it on his tongue. His accent makes her name sound different and she finds it intriguing.
“Paula, dude. Not ‘Paw-lah’,” Says Randy, making the group laugh. He comes up behind Paula and places his hands on her shoulders. “I have to go now, ya’ll.”
“Give my love to Erika, please,” Paula says, as she hugs him close.
“Sure thing, P.A.”
Randy shakes hands with everyone, laughing a full belly laugh and lighting up the room the way only he can. Once he’s left, Simon turns to Paula.
“Is Erika his girlfriend?” He asks.
“His wife. Wonderful lady,” Paula smiles. Simon nods.
“Are you married?” He inquires and Paula is taken aback by the casualness.
“Um, no.” She doesn’t mention she’s twice divorced. No one needs to know her incapability of keeping a relationship. “Are you?”
For some reason, Simon finds this very amusing. It’s as if he expects her to know that about him already, whatever the answer would be. He chuckles somewhat arrogantly and shakes his head.
“No, I’m not.” He says simply, his eyes twinkling.
Paula isn’t sure what to make of this. Should she have already known this? Should she have expected this? Maybe she should have done some research beforehand. She feels very easily ridiculed and belittled, and Simon has not made her very comfortable at this present moment.
“Okay.” Paula’s brows furrow.
Nigel’s loud voice interrupts the exchange and they turn to him.
“Everyone please be here tomorrow at eight o’clock... In the morning, Cowell.” Nigel shoots a look at him and he raises his hands defensively. It is a playful trade, one that old friends can share. Paula likes the look of it and wonders too if they will all be old friends some day.
Soon enough, everyone is dispersing, quite excited about tomorrow. Paula has yet to settle in her hotel, and is in a hurry to get back. She in curious to see what things New York City has in store for them.

***
In the evening, Paula has already unpacked the necessary items for the next few days, and is watching some television in her hotel room. The dim lighting and low volume of an old movie calms her and she almost falls asleep. She gives a start however, when there is a knock at the door. Rubbing her eyes, she wobbles to the door and opens it to a beaming Randy.
“Aw, girl, were you sleeping? I’m sorry.” He looks at her guiltily.
“It’s okay, Randy. What’s up?”
“Cowell wants us all to meet at the restaurant downstairs for dinner, you know, to get to know each other better.”
“Okay. Give me twenty minutes.”
Something about seeing Simon again gives Paula butterflies. She can’t wait to see how they will progress into friends, and who knows, maybe something more. She shakes her head at herself as she pulls out a formal skirt and lacy shirt from her bag. She barely knows this British specimen, but finds herself strangely drawn to him. Is it the bizarre clothing, or just the way he can’t pronounce her name correctly? Well he is handsome, and which normal single girl does not like looking at an attractive man, after all?
Downstairs in the lobby, Ryan is just about to enter the restaurant but Paula manages to catch his eye and signals for him to wait up.
“Hello again,” He beams.
“Hi,” Paula smiles.
They walk in together and immediately Paula catches sight of the gang. It is interesting to be the only girl there, because a lot of the attention falls on her as she is seated. The men all fuss about her, pulling out her chair, getting her some wine and letting her order first. All but Simon. He made sure the seat beside his was empty so she’d have to end up there, but has sat tight and quiet as soon as she entered. No one can say this is particularly strange for Simon, though it is, because none know him well enough yet. Simon Fuller and Nigel have not been invited to this gathering, and it seems to be a group of five strangers, save for Paula and Randy.
“Hello, Paula.” Simon says quietly while the others are ordering their meals.
“Hi Simon,” She meets his eyes, fixated upon her.
“You look lovely,” he says, letting his eyes drink in the sight of her.
Paula bites her bottom lip as Simon looks down her low-cut shirt. She is used to men staring at her, but this is strangely unnerving.
“Thank-you.” She says.
Simon leans in closer to share a menu with her and Paula holds her breath when she feels the weight of his arm on the back of her chair. He is much more forward then most guys she has ever met, she muses. For whatever reason, she likes it.
Simon keeps his eyes fixated on Paula the whole night. In fact, he had instigated the get together with her in mind. There is something about her – something he’d love to see more of. She is somewhat on the reserved side, and Simon wonders what she is like under that shell of diplomacy. He speculates whether or not he should ask her out on a date. She is rather attractive, talented and he had heard only fine things about her. Best of all, in her timid way, she seems quite interested herself.
Paula looks up many a time to catch him watching her, and must admit, she rather enjoys the attention. He had even winked at one point, making her flush embarrassedly, immediately occupying herself in a discussion with Randy and Brian. This character of a Brit, in all his high-waist-pants glory, was dashingly striking and amazingly clever. She has always loved intelligence in a man, and he just oozes wit and confidence in himself. It almost borderlines arrogance, she thinks, but she can’t be sure. All she knows is, there is something different about him. All of them, in fact. No one on this table would agree probably, but Paula, being a faithful believer in astrology, is sure something had been written in the stars since the beginning of time, just waiting to happen. And so these stars had crossed paths, unravelling a whole new chapter in their lives.
There is a tension hanging about them. It seems everyone is sharing a similar gut feeling; maybe it is American Idol’s future success that burns excitedly in their stomachs, or maybe a friendship between these people that would last a lifetime. Something is hanging in the air, waiting to unfold.
Simon is the one to raise his glass for a toast.
“To Idol,” He says, in his self-assured manner.
“To Idol,” they all say and the sound of glasses clinking fills the room.