Even though I knew every note and lyric, I’d felt off my game all night.
I was worried about Jenn. We had just left the show when she got the call about her mom and took off. She never called to tell me what happened. I figured she didn't want to bother me, but now, she was all I could think about.
I called half a dozen times, and every call went straight to their answering machine.
When I went to their apartment, there was no answer.
I scanned the crowd again, but I couldn’t see her anywhere. She hadn't missed a gig since the very first one she came to. After the show, no matter what time it was, I was going to try and find her.
As we ended “Live and Let Die” and were about to go into “Only Time Will Tell” by Asia, I saw her walk in.
She looked like she had stepped out of a magazine. Her hair was done up in the latest style, and she was all glammed up. She was wearing a black strapless dress, and I could see the little heart pendant just above a bit of cleavage. She looked up at me and smiled; I winked at her before I broke into the first lyric.
Seeing her revived my passion, and I was able to finish the show on top of my game.
“Good night, and thanks for coming out,” I said before taking my guitar off and placing it in the stand.
I knew I needed to pick up my equipment, but I had to see her first. I was about to head toward Jenn, but a couple of friendly blondes stopped me. They seemed innocent enough; it appeared they just wanted a picture and an autograph. I happily obliged, watching Jenn as she stood behind them. She was beaming, and I could tell she wanted to be in my arms as much I wanted to be in hers. The two blondes tried to keep my attention until I’d had enough of their fawning.
“I’m glad you enjoyed the show, but I have some other people I need to see,” I informed them.
I moved past the two, and Jenn threw her arms around me and kissed me like it had been months since she last saw me. I hugged her and returned her kiss before pulling away to look at her again.
“New dress? Did you have an audition?”
She smiled at me. “While last night was a total shit show, today…well, it's been absolutely crazy. Yes, the dress is new, but I didn't have an audition, though that might be rectified soon. I had dinner with Mason Langford and PJ McGath, his agent.”
“How? I didn't know you knew Mason.”
“Ollie works for him, and since his car's impounded, I took him over there. I hung out with Mason by his pool for a bit while I was waiting on Ollie, and one thing led to another.”
I could feel my anger rising. I had been worried sick about her all day, and she was hanging out and shopping with Mason Langford.
“He took me shopping and for a ride in his Ferrari. I really wanted to leave, but Mason set up a dinner meeting with his agent, and I couldn't say no. I mean, this could get my career going again.” She smiled at me. “He took care of my mom's problem for now, and it looks like Ollie is going to move into one of the guesthouses over there so, I'm going—”
“To move into Mason's?” I gritted out, getting more pissed off by the second.
She turned her head and looked at me funny. “No. Why would you think that?”
“Mason seems to be playing the knight in shining armor. Rescuing your career and your mom. That's mighty nice that he's giving Ollie a place.” I looked at her dress and shoes again. “Mason buy your outfit too?”
She looked away from me, ignoring my question. “You know, I thought that maybe you and I could get a place. When my mom gets out of rehab, I'm going to buy her a ticket and send her back to Dallas; I don't want to be responsible for her.”
“That's great. What did you have to do for your benefactor in return for all the nice things he's done?”
Her expression changed to one of shock. “What are you saying?”
“I think you know. Did you fuck him?” I spat, stepping back. “You know, maybe you should go back to Mason's. I have equipment to pack up.”
She touched my arm. “I can't believe you think I would do that. You should know me better.”
“I like to think so, but what man would do all that and not expect anything in return?”
“Mason was a complete gentleman. He knew I was coming here and thought you'd like the dress.”
“I'm sure he did. Look, it's been a long day. Why don't I meet you back at my apartment?”
“Or you can stay at mine. Ollie isn't coming home tonight, so we have the place to ourselves.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I touched her cheek. “I'm sorry. I've just been worried all day, and then you show up, and it's all about Mason. What can I say? I'm a little jealous.”
“No need to be jealous. I love you, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm hoping that if I can get my career going again, I can help you get into the studio to record another demo.”
“That's sweet, but...” I shook my head. “You know what? Don't worry about it. I'll see you at your place.”
We kissed before I watched her walk away.
Even though I believed her that Mason said he didn't want anything, I knew that one day he would want to collect, and I just wondered how high the price would be.
*****
When I finally got to her place, she greeted me at the door in a long tank top and a pair of panties. I smiled at her. I could get used to this.
She pulled me in the door and kissed me hard.
“Hello to you too,” I said.
“I just wanted to show you how much I missed you.”
“I missed you too, and I'm sorry I was such an ass. I was just worried about you. I called all day, but kept getting the answering machine. You took off so quickly last night, and you weren't here, I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.”
“I would've called you, but I didn't have much time alone. Mason was hovering most of the day. He even stood there while the hairdresser worked her magic.”
“I have to ask again. Why is he doing all of this?”
She exhaled and laid her hand on my chest.
“He says because he just wants to do something nice,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.
“And you believe that?”
She took my hands in hers. “Look, if he thinks he’s going to get something from me other than repaying him for my mom, he's crazy. As soon as I start working, I'll pay him back for her rehab. Please don't worry. I spent most of the day thinking about our future. You know, the one we've been talking about and planning for the last few months.”
I couldn't believe she was being so naïve. “Did you pick your hairstyle, or did he?”
She hesitated for a moment. “He thought it enhanced my features.”
I bit my bottom lip, trying to restrain myself, but I had to know. “Where did you guys go for dinner?”
“Spago's in Hollywood, and yes, he made sure there were pictures taken.”
“Of course he did. Did he order for you too?” I ran my tongue over the back of my teeth as I waited for her reply.
“Yes, and I was pissed, but what could I say? I mean, PJ would think I was a diva.”
I walked over to the fridge and grabbed a soda. “He's planning something, mark my word.”
“Like what? I think it was just a test to see how cooperative I'd be. Make sure I wasn't high maintenance or hard to work with.”
“I bet you and Mason make a nice-looking couple.”
She looked at me and didn't spare her anger. “Look, I don't know what's wrong with you, but I don't want Mason. The only reason I even took the meeting with the agent is because I need the work. I'd rather get back to auditioning before I'm forced to work at the mall or a fast-food joint. Or maybe that’s what you want. Me just being a fangirl. That way when you become a big star, you can find someone who’s at the same level as you, and not some has-been.”
“No one said you're a has-been,” I said, touching her cheek.
“Not yet, but unless I can land something soon, I might very well turn into one. Remember, in Hollywood, I'll age out much quicker than the guys.”
I took her hand. “You've got a long way before you're there. So, I have to wonder why Mason is doing any of this. He’s getting up there and having a relationship with a younger starlet will certainly get his name back in the papers. I can guarantee he's using you.”
“And there will be people who will say the same of me. I'm not stupid. I know the paparazzi are going to have a field day with tonight's dinner and if there were any pictures this afternoon, but if it lands me an audition or a job, then it's worth it.”
I ran my hand through my hair. “Do you realize what people are going to think about us? They’re going to tell me that you're going to dump me.”
“What does it matter if you and I know it's not true? There are people who say you're using me, and I'm sure more accusations will follow if I start acting again, but you know what? I don't give a fuck. I love you, and people are going to talk, no matter what.” She touched the gold heart pendant. “I may have been with Mason tonight, but you were still with me. I thought about you and I kept thinking that I should've been at the club, but I knew I had to do this. So please understand. I love you, and nothing is going to change that.”
“I hope so. I know one way we could make sure. Let's go to Vegas.” I took her hand.
“I can't. I have a meeting in the afternoon. If I blow it, I might as well kiss—”
“Your fucking career goodbye,” I let go of her hand and looked down at my hands. “If it came down to your career or me, I have a feeling I’d be replaced.”
She ran her hands across the sides of her neck. “You're crazy. I'd never give you up for my career. We're supposed to grow old together and have kids, remember?”
“I know, but sometimes things change.”
“They don't have to,” she said, coming toward me. “Maybe next week we can drive to Vegas and get hitched. We don't have to tell anyone until we get back.”
I sat down on the couch. “Wouldn't you want Ollie there, at least?”
“He can find out like everyone else,” she said before she straddled my lap and took the can of soda. “You know, drinking this, you're going to be up all night.”
“Are you complaining?”
She set the can on the end table and started to unbutton my shirt as she pressed her lips forcefully to mine.
Pulling back, I licked my lips. “I think we might be more comfortable in the bedroom?”
“We might be, but I thought this might be more fun since we don't have to worry about anyone walking in on us.”
I smiled at her and then grabbed the bottom of her tank top and pulled it up and off, tossing it across the room…this will conclude the excerpt before it gets too steamy.
