by J. L. Ostle
“That’s perfect. Okay guys, that’s all we need.” Just like that I fall back down to the real world. Dominic looks down at me one more second then takes a few steps back. I miss his heat. I’m getting too used to his heat surrounding me. “You guys did great. I’ll send these over to Robert and he’ll pick the ones he wants to use. I hope to work with you all again.” The photographer beams at us and shakes our hands.
I feel like I’m still in a fog. It felt like we were there for maybe five minutes but, as I look at the clock, I’m shocked to see we’ve been doing this for about an hour. Where did the time go? I head back to the room I got ready in and dress back into my normal clothes. When I’m putting on my cardigan, Keela walks in.
“That was awesome. I never would have guessed this was your first photo shoot. You looked like you’ve been doing this for years.” Keela smiles at me. I give her a small smile in return. I don’t mean to be rude but I feel a little deflated.
“Thank you. Dominic just told me to keep my eyes on him and I did. If it wasn’t for him, I would have probably looked like an idiot.” I try and chuckle.
“Who wouldn’t want to look at Dominic? He is one fine piece of ass.” I don’t know why, but I hate seeing that dreamy look on her face. “Donald said you can take the underwear and shirt. He’s good like that.” Who is Donald?
“Donald?” I speak out my thoughts.
“The photographer.” She giggles. “He’s been in this field for so long he assumes everyone knows who he is. So take the underwear, you never know when you’ll need them. Or for whom.” She winks at me and I blush.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think I would wear them again.”
“I think Dominic would love to see you in them again. The way he was looking at you, damn it was hot.” The way he was looking at me? He was trying to calm me. I just over thought the rest. Like I always do.
“Dominic is just a friend,” I tell her.
“Damn, I would love a friend like that. How can you be around him and not want to jump him? I’ve only been around him a short time and I’m ready to take him to a secluded room,” she laughs. I cringe at the thought. She is blonde and beautiful.
Dominic’s type.
“I’m not that kind of girl. But like I said, we’re just friends. Wouldn’t want to ruin that.” Liar my head shouts at me.
“Yeah, sometimes that’s best; you wouldn’t want to ruin that friendship or, worse, break up the band. Plus, with all the groupies in the near future what guy could say no to that?” I know she’s trying to be nice but does this girl not know when to be quiet?
“Yeah,” I mumble.
“Well, take the underwear and shirt if you want. I hope to see you again. Good luck with your music. I hope you make it big.” She winks then walks out. I look at the underwear I folded up on one of the counters and bite my lip. With one quick decision, I pick them up and put them in my bag.
You never know, right?
I leave the dressing room and the guys and Lake are waiting for me. The guys are back in their normal clothes and I chuckle as I see Chris try to charm Keela. She’s fluttering her eyelashes and twirling her hair; he seems to be eating it up. I walk towards Lake and Leon and he is whispering in her ear as she giggles at whatever he is saying.
“Sky, we’re going to head back. Leon and I need to... talk.” She giggles again as Leon nibbles her ear.
“Yes, we got lots to talk about. Lots and lots,” he huskily says into her neck; it doesn’t take a genius to know what they really mean.
“Well, while you guys go and umm... talk… Sky you want to order a pizza and watch some movies?” Dominic walks over to me, putting his arm over my shoulder, squeezing me into him.
“As long as it’s not a guy-flick or a horror movie.” I laugh when he knuckles my head, messing up my hair.
“You are no fun. What other movies are there?” He stops messing up my hair but keeps his arm over my shoulder.
“A comedy?” I suggest.
“Okay. A comedy. Let’s go guys.” We start to head out but I turn to see Chris is still with Keela. Dominic turns to see what I’m looking at.
“Chris, you coming?” Dominic shouts to him.
“I’m hoping to,” Chris responds and Keela chuckles at him. How can she like what he just said? “I’ll catch you guys later.” Dominic nods and we walk outside. I feel a chill but Dominic pulls me in closer to keep me warm.
We head back home and Leon and Lake head straight to their room. Dominic orders a pizza as I head to my room to get into my PJ’s. I want to be comfortable in case I fall asleep. I do feel tired, but no way am I passing up spending more time with Dominic.
I wake up the next day with Dominic at my side. He fell asleep half way through the movie and I didn’t have the heart to wake him. Besides, I like sleeping next to him. I don’t have bad dreams when he’s near me. I like how subconsciously he reaches out to find me and pulls me in close to him. It’s the best part of the day waking up in his arms. Feeling his breath on my skin.
It’s the day of the interview and I’m hoping that the guys take over the majority of the talking part. They are the band and I’m just the lucky girl who came at the right time. Well, lucky if you’re normal. Everyone wants to be famous. To not have to worry about money. I’m already financially okay so it isn’t a motivator for me. I guess I’m so use to being in the background that it’s frightening being the one up front.
Lake dresses me in dark jeans and a white T-shirt with a short leather jacket that took me twenty minutes to agree to wear. I reminded her that Mom and Dad always said people who wear leather are bad news and I don’t want people thinking that of me. Lake assured me that the knowledge they threw down my throat is bullshit and leather just makes me look the part of a rock star. I do look good but, still, bad habits die hard.
Again a car is waiting for us and takes us to a hotel that, most likely, celebrities and very rich people stay in any chance they get. It screams expensive and private. Heading up the elevator to a conference room, I can’t stop playing with the zipper on my jacket. Dominic had to pull my hand away and hold it to ease my nerves. He whispered to me to relax and just answer the questions honestly and we will be fine.
Easier said than done.
I just hope they don’t ask me anything I’m not comfortable answering.
We are taken down a hall and to a small room with a few grey couches and a table on the far end with food and drinks. Chris heads straight there, grabbing a bottle of water and picking at the fruit. I sit on a couch and Lake sits on my left with Leon next to her as Dominic goes to the table and talks to Chris, laughing then coming back with a bottle of water for each of us and sits on my right.
We wait just a few minutes until a very short woman with short, spiky, white hair enters. She has two guys with her holding bags and heads towards us, sitting on the couch opposite us.
“Thank you for coming. Sorry I’m late, traffic was hell. Robert filled me in on what’s happening in your career so far so I don’t act like an idiot and ask stuff that is irrelevant. I like to pretend that I know what I’m doing,” she laughs and I giggle with her. I like her already. “I’m Vera by the way.” She chuckles again. “I’m going to set up two recorders, so just pretend they aren’t there, and these two next to me are my PA’s; Steve and Eddie.” They give us a quick wave. “They’re going to write notes as we talk. I want you to feel comfortable and just go with it. Just say whatever is in your head. Honesty is best though. You want the fans to know the real you. Any questions before I begin?” We all shake our heads.
“Okay.” She plays with the recorders and places them in front of us on the coffee table. “Right, why don’t you introduce who you are, and give your age and marital status.” That’s easy. We each answer. Chris had to make a show that he is single and wanting any girl to try and change that.
“Dominic, you’re the one that created the band. What made you want to be a musician?” I tense up, knowing no
w that he did this for his parents. Without thinking, I place my hand on his. He looks down at our hands then back up at me, giving me a small smile.
“My dad used to play rock music all the time when I was growing up. I knew I wanted to be a part of that world. They encouraged me to follow my dream and I did,” he pauses taking in a deep breath. “They passed away and I told myself that I would still follow my dream.” He looks at the ground but I don’t let go of his hand.
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Well, you sure did follow your dream; your new single is already in the number one spot in the charts,” she says, trying to change the mood.
“Yeah, they would be so proud of you. You earned it to be here,” I jump in. I turn my head towards her and she is staring at me with a smile.
“How did you meet Leon and Chris?” she asks Dominic.
“We’ve known each other since we were kids. We went to the same school and I guess we had music in common and have been inseparable ever since.”
“I heard you had another lead singer before Sky took the spot. Are you happy with the new change?” she asks everyone.
“Hell yeah. Sherry was so full of herself. Sky works hard. Even though she hasn’t done this before, she puts her whole heart into it. I honestly don’t think we would have gotten this far if it wasn’t for her,” Chris answers. I beam at him and he gives me a wink.
“Do the rest of you feel the same?”
“Yeah totally. Her voice is amazing and I’m glad she agreed to sing for us,” Leon pipes in.
“She’s brilliant, what more is there to say?” Dominic shrugs but smirks at me.
“Sky, the guys seem to be happy that you joined when you did. What’s it like to be the new lead singer? How are you handling this crazy life?” She swipes her hand around the room, indicating the music world.
I giggle. “Well it took me by surprise that’s for sure. I wasn’t expecting to be in a band, no less a lead singer. At times it feels overwhelming but I have my big sister who looks out for me and the guys have been amazing, bringing me in with open arms. They’ve been patient and helping me when I need it.”
“So the manager is also your big sister. Have you two always been close?”
“Yeah we have. I’ve always looked up to her. I wanted to be just like her; I still do. I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for her being there for me. I love her to bits.”
“Sky grew up with music in her veins. She was always the lead in plays. Always getting the solos. She was made for this world. I’ve always been her number one fan,” Lake joins in.
“That’s nice, being able to work alongside of one another. I heard, Lake, that you are also dating the drummer, Leon?”
“You heard right. He’s my man. We’ve been together for about five years now. He helped me follow my dream, even though I didn’t know it was my dream at the time. He helped me be me. I owe him my life for loving me so much.” She smiles up at Leon and he leans forward and kisses her softly on the lips.
Vera asks more questions about each of us and I have fun answering each one directed at me. We have a good time laughing and it’s been a joy hearing stories about the guys growing up and the mistakes they made along the way. But I knew it would be too good to be true, for it to be sweet sailing.
“So, I think what the fans have been dying to know is if there is any kind of romance between the lead singer and the guitarist? Are you just as hot off the screen as you are on?” I feel myself blush; my face feels like it’s on fire.
“We’re just good friends,” Dominic answers. “We’ve gotten close over the months, being in a band together and living together.”
“So, no chemistry between you two? I saw the video and, man, it was hot.” Vera fans herself. “You’re telling me that it’s just good acting?”
“Like I said, we’re close.”
“I bet you are.” She winks.
“One last question. You ready to leave your home town for life on the road?”
“Hell yeah,” Chris answers.
“Yeah, it’s part of the job,” Leon replies.
“We’ll go where we need to go. We want to get our music out there. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the world,” Dominic says.
“Sky what about you?”
“Well, it’s going to be new to me but, as long as I have the guys and my sister, I’m sure I will be just fine.” God, I sound cheesy.
“That’s it guys. That was brilliant. Think we covered a lot. Help yourselves to the food. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.” She shakes our hands and I watch her pack up her stuff and leave the room.
“God, that was crazy. I think I know you guys so much better now,” Lake laughs and heads to the table of food; I follow her since my stomach is starting to grumble. “You did good, Sky. Proud of ya.” I smile at her.
“Thank you for answering the family life part. I didn’t know what to say. I was frozen.” Vera asked each of us about our parents and I didn’t know if I should be honest or lie. Lake, though, answered saying we aren’t close to our parents and they don’t really approve of our career paths and luckily nothing more was said.
“What are you two whispering about?” Leon asks from behind us.
“You, like always.” Lake licks her lips and Leon’s eyes follow the movement. Geez, do they ever cool off?
“You two are starting to get too sickly for me,” I joke as I hold my stomach.
“Oi, you.” Lake pushes me and I laugh. “Not my fault we can’t keep our hands off each other.”
“I’m going over there before I throw up. Try not to eat each other.” I walk away and hear Leon whisper that he wants to eat her and I groan.
“You did amazing,” Dominic says as I sit back down next to him. I pass him a bottle of water that I picked up before leaving the table.
“You don’t need to keep praising me when I do okay,” I chuckle. “But I do like a good praise.” Yeah, because you never got it growing up.
“I just like you to know that you’re doing well. I don’t want you to ever think you aren’t brilliant.”
“Thank you.” I smile at him.
“Anytime.” He winks at me. “You wanting to head back home? I can start giving you those guitar lessons before Robert gives us more chores.” I try and act neutral but the smile on my face has a mind of its own.
“I would love that.”
“Great, let’s go,” he responds and we stand.
“Lake, we’re heading back home,” I shout to her. Leon surprised her with a room here so they are staying, but Lake looks back and forth between us, biting her lip.
“Okay. Dominic can I have a quick word?” she asks, trying to keep the smile on her face but it seems off.
“Sure. Be right back.” I nod and sit back down.
I watch Sky sit down and I head towards Lake. She looks at Sky and back to me. I hate the way she’s looking at me. I feel my blood boiling, knowing what she wants. I haven’t even touched Sky. Okay, that’s a lie. I kissed her. Fuck me, I miss her lips. The music video, the photo shoot. It took so much will power to not drag her somewhere and taste her. Feel her.
Devour her.
Her big, dark blue eyes look at me with so much trust. I love being around her. She’s finally gotten out of her shell when she’s around me. I watch her laugh, cry, smile at the silliest things. Watching that film, Copacabana; watching her cry at the end. It was like she was experiencing their pain. She is beautiful on the inside as well as out. Who could blame me for wanting to be around her? Wanting to be close to her.
“Lake, don’t even start with this shit,” I whisper shout.
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed you hanging out with Sky more and more. Don’t you dare hurt her, Dominic. Don’t ruin the band. We’re actually getting what we worked so hard for. Don’t think with your dick, okay?” she whispers loudly back
“Lake, I’m her friend, which means I’m going to be around her. She only has you and half t
he time you’re with Leon. You want her to be alone most of the time?” I pause. Lake looks back at Sky with sadness in her eyes. “You have your life, too, but she needs more than just you. You can’t be with her all the time. We just hang out. It’s been three months; thought you would know that I wouldn’t dare hurt her.” I would rather chop off my own arm before I would ever hurt her.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. Just be nice to her okay? Just seeing how she is with you and seeing the music video and the shoot, you can’t blame me. I’ll back off. But,” she points her finger at me, “you touch her, you fuck with her; I will cut off your dick.” This girl is messed up.
“Right. I’m off. Enjoy your room.”
“We will.” Leon picks up Lake and pins her to the wall. Fuck, can they not at least wait until we’re gone?
“Ready?” I ask Sky and she stands up. She looks over at Lake and Leon and seeing that blush form on her chest and face is so adorable.
“Yeah, let’s go.” She walks out of the room, well, practically runs out.
“You ready for your first lesson?” I try and make conversation and seeing her face light up as she smiles hits something in me that I can’t explain. I love seeing her happy.
“I’m so excited. Maybe in time I’ll be as good as you.”
“I’m sure you will. You could even play on stage to some of our songs when you’re ready.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be that good, to play in front of thousands.” She looks down at the ground. I hate that she puts herself down so much. I want that smile back. I stop in front of her and place my thumb on her chin, tilting her head up. Her skin is soft. “Don’t think you can’t do something unless you try. If you work hard enough, anything can happen. I’m living proof.” She smiles at me and I’m surprised when she leans up and kisses my cheek. Feeling her lips touch my skin causes a stir in my pants. What the hell? How does an innocent kiss make my dick hard? What am I, fourteen?