Taking A Risk

by Caroline Easton

  Mark ran through what to expect with Alex. He would be seated at the bar with his family in the soft seating behind him. Mark would be playing the role of bar tender as he carried out the interview. Grace had refused to be on set, preferring to stay in the audience where Alex could see her if he needed any reassurance.

  A runner poked his head around the door, giving them all a countdown. Mark shook Alex’s hand as he promised to take it easy on him and stick to Grace’s list, then disappeared out of the door. One of the set assistants rounded up his family, all of which were very excited at the prospect of being on television. Emma had been on a diet especially for the night, apparently TV put pounds on you and she wanted to look her best.

  Alex watched from the top of the make shift staircase from where he would eventually make his entrance once Mark had built up his part. His mother was fussing over his father’s tie, Cam was deciding whether or not to hold his pint in his hand or leave it on the table and Emma was fussing over her dress. Realising it was a little shorter than she would have liked once seated on the sofa. Peering into the crowd he tried to make out Grace, smiling as she fidgeted with her outfit and hair. A sudden calmness washed over him. For once she looked more nervous than him.

  Alex listened as the set assistant hushed the audience and began counting down from five. The theme music began blaring out across the audience as Mark made his entrance from left of set.

  “Good evening everyone. Are you ready to have a good time? I hope so because tonight we have a real treat for you.” The audience were whistling and cheering. They knew exactly what was in store for them. “All right ladies, pipe down already! He isn’t that great, believe me I’ve known him for years. I have even used the bathroom right after him and it wasn’t pleasant I can tell you.” Ann tsked in disgust as she sipped her champagne, his father and brother however, were howling at the remark. “Ok I’m joking of course. Sorry Mrs C.” He winked across at Ann who immediately softened to him. “Gotta keep his mum sweet she makes a mean Sunday roast! Right are you ready to welcome him to our little backstreet pub? Let’s make him feel welcome ladies, here he is... Alex Carter!”

  Mark made his way to the bar, taking his position as Alex began the journey down the stairs. He paused for a few seconds as requested half way down to wave to the audience before he met Mark at the bar. Leaning over he whispered into Alex’s ear, assuring him he would take it easy on him. Alex smiled as he took a big drink from the pint Mark had placed before him.

  “So, it’s been a long time my friend, how are you doing? What have you been up to this last few months? We’re all dying to know aren’t we ladies?” The audience cheered.

  Clearing his throat he took a steadying breath before answering, settling the butterflies in his stomach. “I’m good man, great actually. I’ve been back in the studio, recording the solo stuff. Rehearsing for the tour,” Alex turned to the gathered crowd, “which starts tonight, just in case you were wondering!” Every female in the studio went wild, the noise vibrating through him as they hollered.

  “Oh I think they know. I bet most of them have a ticket too. You’re going to perform the new single at the end of the show for us, right?” Alex nodded his head, having turned his attention back to his friend now.

  “Yeah it’s called Fallen. It’s actually a track from the last Uni-Fi album. It’s very different from the band’s usual stuff and more of the direction I want to take my own music in. But we wanted to let the fans know that if they liked that song then they’re gunna love my solo stuff.” The truth was it was Grace’s favourite track, he had written it so had no worries about using it as his own material. There could be no comeback from his former colleagues.

  “Sounds great, I heard you rehearsing it earlier and I gotta tell you ladies, you’ll love it! Now seen as you mentioned it I have to ask the question. Why did you walk out of the band? I mean you never gave an interview, there was just the press release announcing your departure then...nothing. You kind of disappeared off the radar for a good while.” Mark knew he was treading on thin ice now, he could only hope his friend would cut him some slack.

  “Aww man, you know...I don’t think I need to go into details. Shit happened, I dealt with it. I actually had been thinking of leaving for about a year before hand but...well let’s just say that events were brought to a head.” Lifting his drink to his mouth he gulped down the ice cold liquid.

  “So there was a fight, a falling out of sorts? Or did you just leave? Come on Alex!” Mark pushed that little bit further.

  Taking another long drink before he answered, contemplating his next move. “I really don’t wanna talk about it. The people involved know exactly why I left. I don’t need to dig up that shit. It’s over and done with. Best decision I ever made. Well one of them anyway. You know if you keep asking me awkward questions my mother is going to kick your ass!” The crowd roared with laughter as Ann promised she would.

  “Okay, okay Mrs C, I’m sorry, can I still come for dinner next week?” Ann smiled at him nodding. “Phew, ass kicking averted I think! So am I right in thinking Ben worked with you on the single? He isn’t here tonight though is he? What’s he up to now?”

  “Yeah, it was always been just me and Ben on this track so it made sense to have him play on the track with me again, we mixed it up a little too. He’s in Cornwall at the minute surfing some ‘awesome’ waves apparently, that guy is so laid back he is almost horizontal, he reminds me of the chicken guy in that kids movie. The surfer guy? Yeah, he bought a house down there. He will be making an appearance at a couple of gigs with me but he isn’t a permanent fixture. He’s happy doing his own thing.” Alex addressed the masses as he spoke about his long term companion.

  “So, the tour starts tonight, are you looking forward to it? Cos we all know you suffer a little with the nerves.” Mark topped up his glass his again.

  “I can’t wait to get back to work actually; it’s been a long time coming. I’m in a really good place in my life now and I think that’s reflected in my music. The tour isn’t very long and the venues are much smaller, I prefer that. I hate travelling constantly now I’ve put down some permanent roots. I don’t want to be away from home for longer periods at a time.” Alex scanned the front row of the audience, fixing his gaze on the beautiful green eyes that watched him with pride.

  “That’s right you’ve moved to Scotland recently. Why is that? What does Scotland have that we don’t Alex? I mean is it the views or the isolation or something else maybe?” Mark topped up Alex’s drink again as he watched him squirm in his seat. The singer glanced back to the audience, his eyes locking on Grace’s. He winked at her as she furrowed her brow and shook her head adamantly at him. She was going to kill Mark; this was definitely not up for discussion. “C’mon Al, it’s just you and me, in the pub having a beer, we do this all the time. Forget they’re here, they won’t even listen. I promise” Mark nodded at the crowd.

  Returning his attention to the man behind the bar Alex chuckled. “Man, she is going to make you pay for this, you know that right? Yeah, I live up there now, have done for a while. Truth is there is someone very special in my life now. She had a place up there and well it seemed like the perfect solution for me to move up there.”

  “So would this be the stunningly beautiful young lady we have seen in the press with you lately perhaps?” A picture of the couple flashed up on the massive screen that was positioned behind the bar, Alex almost choked on his beer. He scrambled to wipe the liquid from his chin as it ran towards his T-shirt.

  There was only one way to play this now, “Yeah that’s Grace. That’s a shit picture of me though, was that in today’s trash? I can feel her giving you the evils now man! I daren’t turn around now in case I get caught in the cross fire!”

  “It’s been a hard time for both of us really, but music is my life. I kinda lost my way for a little while, got lost in the whole hype thing. I get the most god awful stage fright right before a gig and that really escalated
towards the end of Uni-Fi. But thanks to my girlfriend I now have a handle on the nerves, she’s scary man! I mean you haven’t seen her action. My manager, Craig, is scared of her; he runs everything by her first, then me second. If Grace says no then he scraps it.” Alex studied his pint, helping himself to a bowl of nibbles that sat next to him. He had done as Grace had asked when he bought the lighthouse. It was turning out to be the best decision he had ever made. Craig made him feel like he was in complete control of his career not the other way around.

  “Grace is the one responsible for getting me back to work. She is the most amazing person, generous, strong and god is she beautiful.” A beer mat flew across the set hitting him square on the back of the head.

  “Jeez man, quit the cheese!” Cam shouted at him as his wife elbowed him in the ribs causing him to inhale the beer he had just sipped.

  Alex’s head swivelled around flicking the bird at this brother as he did. “Alex Carter you watch what you’re doing on the telly young man.” His mother piped up from behind her champagne flute.

  The crowd loved the informality of the interview, feeling like they were intruding on a private family gathering. Mark sensed the success of his first show building around him as he brought the interview back on track.

  “Why don’t you join us for a drink Grace?” He beckoned to the stunned girl in the front row. Grace sank deeper into her chair, praying it would swallow her up. Every face in the studio was now fixed on her, encouraging her to join their idol on stage. She remained rooted to the spot shaking her head as she silently pleaded with her boyfriend to get her out of this.

  Alex grinned stupidly at her, as he curled his finger in a beckoning gesture at her. “C’mon babe, come say hi to everyone.” Ann’s hand shot up to cover her mouth in shock. Cam and Emma cheered along with the crowd as his father shouted out for them to leave the poor girl alone. When she made no attempt to move, Alex stood, striding across the set and down the few steps that led to the audience. Grace now hid her face in her hands, imagining that if she couldn’t see them, they couldn’t see her. Alex placed his hands on the arms of the chair she occupied, leaning right in to speak to her, “Babe what’s the worst that can happen? Come sit with me, please?” Taking in the full effect of having him so near to her caused her resolve to wane, when he asked her to do something she really couldn’t say no.

  Taking his hand she followed him up the steps to the improvised bar, smiling at his family as she did. Mark leant across the bar rewarding her bravery with a gentle kiss to each cheek. Grace in return whispered in his ear, “You are a dead man.”

  As Alex positioned himself back on the high stool he pulled Grace into his body, placing her in between his legs. As she rested her back against his chest he wrapped his arm around her waist protectively. Indicating he would keep her safe. Mark smirked at the cosy pair knowing he was going to suffer Grace’s wrath later.

  “I would hate to be in your shoes later man, she is mad right now!” Alex laughed heartily, “Grace this is...everyone...” He gestured with his free arm to the audience who were wolf whistling now. “Everyone, this is my girlfriend Grace.”

  Glancing down at her with nothing but pride he gasped “Did you really just drink beer from my pint glass on the TV? Grace Harris, what have I done to you? Did you finish it? Jeez girl.” Grace ran the back of her hand across her mouth making sure she removed any trace of a froth moustache she may have going on.

  “Sorry baby but you dragged me up here, I was happy sitting down there.” Tilting her head back she kissed his lips. The spectators went wild, stamping feet and whooping as they witnessed the show of affection. Alex tried to focus on the task in hand again. Trying in vain to stop the grin that was breaking across his face.

  “Well I owe you one for coming on the show. I hope we’re still friends after this. Grace, sorry I veered off the list a little. You know we all missed you these last few months Alex, so glad you made it back in to the game. You deserve every success; I know you have to dash off for the gig.” Mark held his finger to his ear listening to his producer berate him for over running on the interview. He stupidly hadn’t left enough time for Alex to perform. The bantering and getting Grace up on set had been too big an opportunity to miss though.

  “Yeah sorry man, maybe I can come back another time and sing for you? But the mrs has the bike waiting outside for us; I do have to run now.” The pair stood to the crescendo of noise from the crowd. Alex saluted them as he steered Grace from the set, he just had to get through the gig now. Then he would know if he could really do this on his own.

  Epilogue

  The noise was immeasurable, pounding against his ears. The vibrations created by the crowd jumping up and down in excitement throbbed through his entire body once more. The familiar smell was overpowering, a mixture of sweat, alcohol and euphoria drifted through the air entering his nostrils. He stood waiting in the wings, ready to get back on stage. Adrenalin coursed through his veins as he clenched and unclenched his fists. He rolled his head around on his neck as he lifted and lowered his shoulders in a rhythmic motion. Easing away the last knots of tension that remained.

  This was a far cry from the feelings he used to have before he went on stage. He no longer had the urge to run. He no longer needed to vomit or scramble for fresh air. He had Grace to thank for that. She had insisted on the new backstage routine for him, producing a rider full of demands for peace, calm and respect for his space. None of the diva stuff asking for one colour of sweets only or a specific drink type. Just his games console, a few snacks and two bottles of beer. The calm that surrounded him prior to the show was now unbelievable. There wasn’t the push and pull of people dragging him from one place to another, instead they came to him.

  He had arrived at the venue a couple of hours ago to carry out a sound check along with a quick run through with the musicians who now played with him regularly. They were all a great bunch of people who had been more or less handpicked by him along with his new manager Craig.

  He had spent most of the time in his own dressing room, playing on the games console whilst the rest of the crap that was necessary took place away from him. He was interrupted twice, once with food, once by hair and make-up. The rest of the time he chilled out chatting to Grace. The difference in him was massive.

  He relaxed as he watched the support group perform their last few numbers, allowing his mind to drift back to yesterday.

  He’d spent the day with Grace at his London home where they had spent a leisurely morning making love in bed. She had announced at lunchtime that she had an appointment she wanted him to attend with her. Not giving anything away she had thrust the bike helmet at him before dragging him out of the house. When they pulled up outside the tattoo parlour he was a little confused, not remembering if he had told her he planned on adding more ink. “It’s my appointment, not yours.” She had giggled at his furrowed expression.

  “You’re getting a tattoo? Really? I thought you hated them.”

  “I never said that. Come on before I change my mind.” She drew him in the shop behind her. The excitement was evident on his face, he loved these places. The buzz that resonated around the room, the constant banter back and forth as they worked, it all added to the experience.

  “What are you getting done? Not a tramp stamp I hope.” Alex raised his eyebrows in warning.

  “Its gunna say I screwed Alex Carter...more than once. Whatcha think lover? He is doing all fancy writing too.” Grace kept her face as straight as possible as she saw the horror spread across his.

  “You are not getting that anywhere on your body! I mean it Grace, no!” Alex crossed his arms over his chest, his legs spread a little in a ‘don’t mess with me’ pose. Grace couldn’t hold it any longer, bursting out laughing she dragged him to the desk to see the artwork the tattooist had drawn up for her. He stood taking in the intricate drawing of a treble clef with a ribbon of music notes drifting around it. She had chosen the notes f, a, a and d in that
order. Alex studied the notes trying to think if any of his songs or her lullaby started with them but he couldn’t place a tune. Then it hit him, forever and a day. He said that to her at the end of every day, right before she drifted off to sleep.

  “So, do you approve of my tramp stamp as you called it? Come in with me, hold my hand? I’m a little nervous.” Alex nodded as he followed into the workstation taking a seat beside her as she lowered her jeans to her knees.

  “Jeez Gracie! Does he have to see your underwear? Could you not have worn something other than jeans?” The anger was welling up inside him as the guy loaded up the gun with ink.

  “Hey man, you wanna wait outside? I mean if you’re not comfortable seeing me that near your girl. It won’t take me long.” Alex shook his head adamantly. He was not leaving Grace in here with him alone.

  Twisting her leg to the side, the heavily tattooed man began working on the inside of her thigh. She gripped Alex’s hand tightly trying to control her need to cry out in pain. Suddenly thinking this wasn’t the best idea she had ever had. The singer’s eyes shot to hers, he could see the beads of sweat forming on her forehead as her breathing hitched with the pain.

  “Can you not give her a minute? I mean, oh god you are not having anything else done. I can’t stand this, babe is it too painful? Hey just take it easy on her a minute will you!” Alex fought to control his urge to punch the guy in the face, he was hurting Grace and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could watch for.

  “Five more minutes and I’m done. Seriously man, step outside. I’ll make sure she is fine.” The tattooist laughed, he really needed to re think his rule on allowing the boyfriends to sit in on the sessions. Alex hadn’t moved just held Grace’s hand tighter while he watched the design come together.