Author: pammiechick

Cheyenne

Months had passed and I was a little dizzy on how things were going with the band. I had to confess, it was such a rush to be in a band like this that had its own following (albeit small in the grand scheme of things), groupies, people who knew who we were (when we entered small dive bars), etc.

Honestly, I was HOOKED!

And between rehearsals, creating new music, and our gig tour, I really hadn’t had time to miss Zachary. I didn’t tell him that though. But I was working! Doing REAL work! Not stuck in a dorm room, pouring over scripts or memorizing bogus stuff I’d never use again.

One thing we as a band had decided was we needed our own place to record music, rehearse, and lay our head down whenever we weren’t on the road. Doing that together would save us money. And believe me, money was tight. We weren’t rich. And honestly, the odds of us ever breaking out were low, but I liked how we were little by little gaining more followers. In ten years, who knew?

We were meeting with a realtor this morning who really thought she had the perfect place. She’d taken us to about five dumps that didn’t have enough space. But she promised this would be different.

“What do you think, guys? Isn’t it amazing?” she gushed.

It was a broken down, abandoned warehouse that in its heyday used to be an office building, manufacturing air compressors. I had to hand it to her–the place was super huge.

Mateo arched an eyebrow. “It’s rough alright. It’ll take years to remove all the rubble.”

“Can we afford this?” I asked.

Hunter gazed up and down the sides of the place. “Right on.”

Angelo shot a look. “Dude, don’t get happy with it yet. We haven’t seen inside. I’m not optimistic. It looks like it could crumble under our feet.”

Without going inside, the realtor took us out back to the enormous patio. She waved her arm over the surroundings. “Picture all your instruments here. Synthesizers, anything you want. Isn’t this a great place to practice? Of course, you could remove a lot of the garbage, but I know a company who will do it for free if you donate the junk to them.”

Gazing at all the weird contraptions, old cars, beautiful graffiti’d walls on the street behind us, my heart skipped a beat. This was PERFECT!

“How many bedrooms?” Mateo asked.

The realtor answered, “There’s a ton of space on the second floor that you could use for extra bedrooms. It’s some old offices. There are actually two formal bedrooms that have vintage furniture in them that you may like. Let’s go up and see. Shall we?”

I already knew this was our place. Sure it was filthy but the bones were stellar. And the price was just right. How could we pass it up?

Mateo wasn’t sure.

“God, I’d hate to know the size of the rats who’ve been living here for the past half century. The place stinks.”

After entering what used to be the cafeteria, a disgusting decomposing smell overpoured me. I almost wretched.

But I was determined. So what if we had to hire some exterminators? The guys had to listen to reason.

I sat down, sliding the metal, decrepit chair. “Look, we’re not rich so we definitely aren’t going to get a cozy pristine warehouse that would cost a million simoleons. But guys! Can’t you see through the dirt and grime? This is an amazing deal!”

Mateo clicked his tongue. “Are you going to clean it up?”

I laughed. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make this place shine. Think about how much fun that’ll be!”

In the end, Mateo caved. I already had Hunter on my side and it only took a little convincing for Angelo and Devontae to climb aboard.

And just like that, before we knew it, we were jamming in our own backyard with loads of room and a cool backdrop to go with our industrial tinged metal rock.

I waved my arms. “What do you think, guys? This couldn’t fit us more!”

Devontae plinked on his bass. “As long as the neighbors don’t call the police.”

“What are you talking about?” Hunter countered. “I think the neighbors are gonna be our biggest fans.”

Angelo crashed a symbol. “I give it one day and we’ll have to move inside.”

I shrugged. “Then we move inside. The top floor can be converted into a soundproof studio in time. Stop worrying!”

Mateo shook his head and fiddled with his controls.

We ripped rock riffs all afternoon and no one called the cops.

*****

“Do you like it?” Mom asked as we entered my room. She’d hired some movers to place things in my bedroom since I was basically broke. She brought in my old vanity and bought some rugs and a Murphy bed to save space.

It wasn’t perfect but it would do for now. The walls were still draped in that awful office drab brown and we still hadn’t removed most of the office furniture, but I’d do that in time. Grabbing her in a hug, I whispered, “Thanks, Mom. You rock.”

“Don’t forget your father was in on it, too. He wanted to be here, but couldn’t get away.”

I guessed Dad’s heart melted a little from the time I’d first told him about me joining BLITZED. I was relieved.

“How is it living with four guys?” she asked. “Is it strange for you?”

“We’re all best buddies. They might fart and smell a lot more than women, but all in all, it’s been fun.”

Mom got a weird smile on her face. “Well…be careful. Guys are not girls and I bet one or more of them might be attracted to you and then everything will change.”

I thought about how much fun I’d had hanging out with them. I could safely say that Hunter and Mateo were becoming one of my closest friends. They didn’t show that either one had any attraction even though I knew they didn’t have girlfriends. The drummer, Angelo, did have a girlfriend and Devontae was gay.

I loved joking around with them. They were so laid back and we just “got” each other. Mom had nothing to worry about.

“You don’t have to worry, Mom. Me and Zachary are doing fine long distance and…” I lifted the side of my mouth. “I’m just not attracted to them at all. They’re like having four extra brothers. Honest.”

“Well, if you’re happy, I’m happy, sweetie.”

Aww…I loved my mom. She was like having cold vanilla ice cream on a hot summer day.

Life couldn’t get more perfect. A few months ago, I’d never predicted that I’d be living in the heart of Del Sol Valley in an old abandoned warehouse with a rising indie band who were becoming my very best friends.

Pinch me now!

Cheyenne

So much was happening at light speed, my life literally felt out of control. It was like I was on this 3 D rollercoaster, cranking to the tip top point, knowing there was a thrill about to happen but also totally knowing it was going to make me beyond uncomfortable.

Thinking about my future would envelop me sometimes, forcing me to hide out from everything–my parents, my bandmates, my friends…even Zachary.

Zachary…

I sighed and chewed my pencil. My therapist told me to write down my thoughts whenever I felt stressed. Zachary was the biggest stress in my life when he should have been the most peaceful.

But our lives were going in two different directions and I just couldn’t fathom how we were ever going to get to the same path.

As soon as he came back in town from the game, we couldn’t wait to drink each other up. My body vibrated as his warm touch sent shivers through me. It was pure ecstasy.

But the mood entirely changed afterwards once I unloaded what had happened with Mateo and Hunter and the band, BLITZED.

“You’re mad, aren’t you?” I asked. I could feel the tension between us like there was this hidden minefield and one of us was about to step on a bomb.

Not looking up from his phone, he said, “No, I’m not mad.” But he still didn’t look up and he didn’t look at me. He was mad. I could feel the frost coiling around us. Winter had arrived and not just outside.

Zachary

Okay so I was mad. How did she expect me to feel?

I’d finally found the girl of my dreams. Seriously. Me saying that was so out of character that it had been hard for me to wrap my head around it. I’d always dated around. Never had a serious girlfriend. But with Cheyenne it was different.

God, just being with her felt so amazing. Like we were one. I knew I had it bad when after the game, all I could think about was coming home to her, not celebrating with the guys or scanning for random girls.

I honestly had been thinking about shopping for rings, getting engaged once I hit the pros. In about six months. We’d even talked about it. She had actually told me she was going to look into acting gigs wherever I ended up and now she pulled this shit on me?

I didn’t want to get into it with her at that moment. I was still processing. But she wouldn’t let it go. “Zachary…come on. I know you. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

I glanced over at her. Damn. Why did she have to be so fucking beautiful? And why did she have to also be well…who she was? “What do you think I’m thinking?”

She flipped her hand. “Oh, I don’t know. Like it’s a stupid idea and I shouldn’t be so impulsive and this all could blow up in my face and I should slow down.”

Staring at her was like watching a butterfly molt from a cocoon. I knew I couldn’t contain her. People like her HAD to fly. And I was being this stupid selfish bastard wanting to have her to myself. But was that fair?

I wanted to say yes, dammit. It was fair to me.

But I just couldn’t.

I folded her hand into mine. “Babe, if your gut is telling you to do this–quit school and join this band then who am I to say a thing about it?”

“Really?” she asked, beaming.

Right then I knew I was going to lose her. I just clung to the notion that fate would somehow allow a miracle and we would end up together.

Cheyenne

Zachary was so sweet about everything but he couldn’t fool me.

He was worried.

And so was I but…I just went with it, trying to push out reality for as long as I could.

He made a joke about me having to dye my hair black and get a ton of nose rings and ghoulish tattoos.

I loved how fun he was. He could always make me laugh no matter the circumstances.

We cuddled there on the bed, legs like noodles, playing footsie.

Then he pulled me close to him, stroking my cheek. “I love you, Cheyenne Day. I always will.”

The way he said it was like he was saying good bye. Tears welled in my eyes. “I love you, too,” I whispered.

He leaned in, giving me a soft, tender kiss. I never wanted to let go of him.

I decided I’d do everything I could to keep us together. He was my soul mate.

Wasn’t he?

*****

Winter break was upon us and Kian and I along with Phoebe made the long journey to Oasis Springs. (Phoebe didn’t get along with her mom so she usually ended up with my fam most holidays).

Both of them changed into their swimsuits right away. One thing about the desert–it never got below 60 degrees on cold days. I thought it was too chilly for swimming but Dad heated up the pool for us.

I steeled myself a bit, walking around my dear old house.

I had tons of special memories here.

Mom and Dad never changed. They both were still focused on their research and archaelogical field work. I was happy to know they’d be home this winter break.

And I had something to unload on them that I’d been putting off.

I smelled something delicious smoldering on the grill. “Grandpa!” I blurted, so surprised to see him. “What are you doing here?”

“Can’t an old man visit his son and family?” he smiled, eyes crinkling.

I wrapped him up in a hug. “I love that you’re here. Hope you can stay for the whole time.”

Squeezing me, Grandpa answered, “I’ll be here for a few days, pumpkin.”

Oh right…it was Grandma’s turn to visit us for Christmas. That was a touchy subject with him. I was so glad my parents loved each other. Split families sucked.

With a twinkle in his eye, Grandpa said, “So…how’s the band coming along? Any new gigs I should know about? I want to see you perform, you know.”

Stomach jolting, I looked around for Mom and Dad. I hadn’t told them yet and I wanted to present it to them my way. “You didn’t tell them did you?” I whisper screeched.

“That’s a secret between you and me. Don’t worry.” He winked. “But you should tell them sooner rather than later. Remember. It’s your life. Hold your ground. Know I’m rooting for you.”

That little speech did nothing to calm my nerves. He knew as well as I did this was going to be a fight.

Just then, I saw Mom and Dad come up from behind him and my stomach jolted.

After they both gave me a hug, Dad said, “So…only one more semester until you graduate. I’m so proud of you, Cheyenne.”

“Eheheheh,” I fake laughed. “Yeah. So…um…I’ve got some news.”

“Really?” Dad’s eyebrows raised. “Spill, sweetheart. You dumped your boyfriend and got a new one?”

I shook my head. “Daaad…no. But can we go sit down to talk?”

Ugh. They both had these silly proud-parental looks on their faces. I didn’t want to disappoint them.

“So, what’s up?” Dad asked.

Like diving into an icy pool, I just had to muster up the courage and plunge in. “I got this really cool once in a lifetime opportunity. I was asked to join this indie band that totally have two hundred thousand followers on WooTube and thirty five thousand followers on Simstagram. Isn’t that amazing?” Oh dear God I was blowing it. Calm down, Cheyenne. You’ve got this.

It was like a wave of understanding hit both of my parents at the same time.

Dad gave me a look. “If they’re that popular then they must tour, right?”

“What about school?” Mom chimed in. She didn’t miss a beat. You couldn’t get anything past her.

“I’m…um…going to take a small break, you know. I mean…an opportunity like this doesn’t come around very often. Heh heh. It’s like winning the lottery.”

“What kind of band is it, honey?” Dad asked.

“Oh, well, you wouldn’t understand this kind of music. It’s sort of like rock and roll, ya know? Like throw back in the old days.” I seriously didn’t think they’d like me joining a black rock band…it was a bit edgy and my parents were anything BUT edgy.

Already I could see the tension filling Dad’s eyes. “If it’s oldies then why would you want to join it? That doesn’t sound like they’re going to be very popular.”

At that, Mom jumped up. “It’s her life, Liam. Let it be.”

“I’m just asking some questions, dear.”

“Okay, ask away, but whatever you do…be nice.” She threw all kinds of extra sentences at him with her eyes. Mom was always my biggest supporter of acting when Dad didn’t like it and now, I knew I could count on her to help me out except instead of staying and being on my side, she left.

My parents had a rule that if they didn’t agree, they wouldn’t argue in front of us kids. So she let Dad say whatever and then later, they’d talk. Sometimes she’d get through but other times, she’d side with him. I needed to stay strong. Just like Grandpa said.

“So…what kind of contract did you sign? You probably need an agent, honey.”

Agent? Wow. Contracts? They never mentioned anything. “I’m um…you know…going to get paid by the gig. We split everything five ways.”

“Do you know how much you’ll get per gig and how many gigs a week? These things are very important, Cheyenne. How are you going to support yourself?”

Omg…he was rattling off a bunch of nonsense! I mean…I guessed I didn’t think it through but those guys made it out okay. “I’m…in the process of figuring that out.”

Then his tone changed. “So you’re going to throw away everything you’ve worked for, toss out all that money we paid for all your schooling for the past three and a half years, to join a band you honestly know nothing about?”

“Dad…trust me. I know what I’m doing. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll go back to school and finish. Okay?”

He shook his head. “No you won’t. Because once you stop, you’ll be out of the college mindset. You might do this for a few years, make a little money and for what? To barely make ends meet? What about acting, Cheyenne? That’s your passion. This band is just a flighty distraction.”

Ugh. He could be so unreasonable at times! Why couldn’t he support me for once in his life? He always had the delusion that I was going to end up like his dad or worse…his mother…who didn’t follow her real dreams and went on a whim with Grandpa to Del Sol Valley only to crush his whole family. “This is about Grandpa, isn’t it?” I almost yelled. “Well, I’m going to tell you once and for all I’m not HIM! I’m not THEM! I’m following MY path!” I flipped my hands. “Why can’t you just trust me for once?”

“I won’t support it.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Anger burst through me, making my eyes tear. “Fine. I don’t need it.”

Shaking, I bolted away from him. I couldn’t believe it was like I was a teenager, fighting with him over what I wanted to do in my life. Why wouldn’t he ever trust me?

Mateo

The crowd was totally digging Cheyenne.

I was a little worried at first since I wasn’t sure if her style of singing would exactly match the band but I shouldn’t have doubted.

She threw her heart and soul into the music. It was amazing to watch. Iconic.

I could tell Hunter was really getting into the vibe with her, too. The music’s pace was heart pounding.

And her voice had this earth shattering range that I’d never heard before. God. She was miles ahead of that prick, Kade Phelps.

My next task would be to talk her into joining the band for good.

*****

Cheyenne

I learned something about myself when I got on stage. That it didn’t matter if it was in the theater or a dive bar, I loved performing.

Thankfully, the guys were cool with doing songs I knew. They put a heavy metal spin to some pop songs, and I honestly felt at home singing them.

The crowd cheered at some points when one of the songs crescendoed at the chorus. It surprised me but buoyed my energy and I sang even more passionately.

Glancing over to my left, I noticed my friends jumping and cheering, too. God, it was so surreal. What a rush!

After the night was over, the guys kind of just stared at each other. They didn’t tell me I did a good job or even thanked me. I felt kind of awkward and was just going to get my things and leave with Akia and Phoebe when Mateo finally spoke.

“What do you think, guys?” he said.

The drummer, Angelo gave him a look. “What do you think?”

The lead guitarist mumbled something to the bassist but I couldn’t hear him.

My stomach tied itself in knots thinking I must have sucked. I guessed the crowd just liked the music and the band must have felt my female voice was too different for them. After all, they’d been a heavy metal band with a deep male voiced lead.

I laughed trying to lighten up the atmosphere. “Well, it was fun, guys. Thanks for letting me sing with you. You’re all very talented and I’m definitely going to follow your band from now on.”

Angelo smiled and said, “Instead of following, how about joining us for good?”

That knocked my breath clean away. I stammered, glancing at Hunter then at Mateo. “Y-You mean…work on songs together and have me tour with you?” My mind whirred at the notion.

Hunter’s eyes held mine. My skin shivered at how serious he was. “Cheyenne, we’d be honored if you’d join our band.”

The bassist, Devontae added, “You fit us, dude. Please say yes.”

It was so strange. I hardly knew them and this was all so new to me and yet it was like I’d found my way home. Emotion welled up inside me and I wiped a tear as I simply nodded without even thinking through anything.

Once I got back to my dorm room, the thought of joining their band struck me.

“Oh my God. What have I done?” I whispered.

Peeking outside my window I could spy a few students chatting with each other as they worked on their homework.

I thought about my acting professor and how shocked she was going to be when I tell her I’m not coming back in the spring. Or finish out this semester for that matter.

And then another thought hit me. What were my parents going to say?

What about Zachary?

I knew my grandpa would support me. He’d been telling me not to waste my time at college. Acting classes were offered outside of universities, but I’d wanted to be with my friends. Kristie was a huge part of that decision and now she’d left me. What was really keeping me here? Grandpa said I should always grab any opportunity when it presented itself. Wasn’t this a golden opportunity?

Did I really want to be a singer in a band?

My mind went back to the exhilerating feeling I had singing with music I loved and hearing the shouts and adulation from the crowd and I could only answer one way.

YES!

Cheyenne

It was girls night out and I was soooo ready. I’d been holing up in my dorm room studying for finals and Zachary was out of town this weekend for a game. Phoebe wouldn’t quit talking about her favorite band, BLITZED, a black metal band who was playing at this dive bar in town. I’d never heard of them but she was up on indie bands and would follow their social media, videos, and swoon. Guess the lead singer, Kade Phelps, was to die for.

When we entered the bar, Phoebe put her arms around us and announced, “Get ready to be slammed with breathtaking beauty, girls.” She gripped my and our other friend, Akia Irvin’s shoulders. “I see Kade. I think I’m going to faint.”

I didn’t know which one was Kade. They all looked fairly handsome–in a rocker sort of way. I was down for some amped up music and screamo death melodies. I’d hoped they were worth the $20 cover.

Mateo

“Sorry, guys,” Kade said, “but it’s got to be that way. My agent says I need to get paid more or move on.”

This guy. Why I let Hunter talk me into hooking up with Kade Phelps is beyond me. Sure he got us a bit of star power. He was known in the biz and had a few one hitters on his own but the guy was a fucking diva. I hated it. Now he was trying to take half our earnings for the night which would leave us to split the rest four ways. I clenched my jaw, trying not to say anything.

Hunter arched an eyebrow. “No fucking way, Phelps. Our deal was even split.” Hunter Rider was the band’s bossman–an awesome lead guitar. The dude shredded riffs like an Olympian.

Kade turned to me. Since I was best buds with Hunter, I guessed he thought I could convince him. Too bad Kade didn’t know I hated his guts. We were better off without him. I had a decent voice. I could lead sing and play the keyboard and synthesizer. Did it before he came along.

I didn’t look at him.

“Come on, Mateo. You know what I bring to this band. You’d be nothing without me. I’m worth it.”

Our drummer, Angelo Peters, sighed. “Give the drama king what he wants, Hunter. We’ve got a show to do.”

He cracked his neck.

Devontae Williams, our bassist, shook his head. “He’s out. We don’t need some greedy cocksucker. We’re supposed to be a team.”

Kade’s eyes locked onto mine. “Looks like it’s two to two. Break the tie and we can get on with business, Mat. We don’t want to keep our fans waiting.”

I snorted. Fans. It was five fricken thirty. Fans wouldn’t start showing until nine. “Don’t let the door hit you on the ass on your way out.”

Kade straightened his shoulders. “Fine. Die in mediocrity, fellas. Peace.”

Cheyenne

“EEK!” Phoebe squealed. “He’s coming this way!”

I caught sight of a gorgeous tall-dark-and-handsome storming over to us. “Good God. What’s he want?” I asked.

We held onto Phoebe so she wouldn’t faint.

He stopped and said, “Good evening, ladies. Sorry to say, BLITZED is no more. You can get a refund at the bar.”

******

“Well shit!” Phoebe whined. “I can’t believe BLITZED broke up just as soon as they hit our town. I must have the worst luck.” Phoebe pulled her chair out and plopped down.

I hated not to share in her misery but I was over the moon. Zachary’s game was playing at the bar. I was such a horrid girlfriend. I really had no clue about anything football except that the game was out of town and it was today. But it looked like MY luck was on fire tonight. I’d tried in the past to watch a whole game but it was like jumping beans settled into my feet or my hands and I’d find myself drifting only to hear cheers around me and I’d miss probably the best play Zachary made in his game. At least I could sneak peeks from time to time here while sipping on a yummy cocktail.

I wanted to cheer Phoebe up. “Well, we’re at a bar together. Let’s order our favorite drinks and get the party started!”

Akia agreed. “Yeah, Pheebs. I’m DYING for a snaggle fluster!”

Phoebe nodded. “I guess I’ll drown my sorrows then. Snaggle flusters for us all!”

After I sipped the tasty fruity drink, I glanced at my texts and noticed some from Zachary.

Aww…he was the most romantic guy I’d ever dated. So attentive!

Even though both of us were extremely busy, he always made time for me and would think up the most romantic dates. I’d never met anyone like him before.

Last week, he’d surprised me by taking me to this harvest festival about forty-five minutes away. I didn’t even know it’d existed.

I gazed at all the hoe-down decorations everywhere. The haystacks were bigger than we were!

Zachary challenged me to some horseshoes. I was TERRIBLE at it. I figured he’d be good. He was good at everything athletic.

But he sucked.

The old man running the game quipped, “Good to know you throw a football better than them shoes, Hawthorne. I got two hundred bucks on the Lobsters next weekend.”

I snickered, teasing him. “I’m glad, too, or I’d be embarrassed at the games.”

“You guys are reeeeally funny,” Zachary said, shaking his head.

Next, he surprised me with a picnic at an area where a lot of people were eating and chatting. Even though there were many people around us, it was like we were the only ones in the world.

Zachary sidled up to me and said, “Come here.”

Whenever he said that, it meant he wanted a kiss so I puckered up, anticipating his soft kiss.

But then he threw me up in the air on his feet. He was crazy strong. “Put me down!” I cried, giggling.

He finally did then cradled me. “I wish we could stay like this forever,” he whispered in my ear.

Glancing at a family in front of us, I imagined a life with him. It’d look perfect just like them. Zachary was so easy going, thoughtful, handsome, and he was bound for the SFL. Our lives would be set. I couldn’t believe it, but I was actually rethinking my priorities. Acting didn’t seem feasible as an SFL star’s wife. Our relationship had grown at light speed but it didn’t scare me. I’d change everything for Zachary.

“Do you want another?” came a deep voice, breaking me out of my thoughts.

Blinking, I said, “Uh…yeah…sure.”

*****

Mateo

It was only seven thirty and one of our worst groupies showed up–Olivia Davis. This girl would NOT leave Hunter alone…or me for that matter. And she was going to lose her shit when she found out Kade left. Even though groupies were a pain in the ass, they were great for getting the word out and getting our stuff shared on social media. Happy groupies meant bigger crowds.

But I didn’t want to deal with her. Let Hunter figure it out. He brought the fucking diva to our ranks in the first place.

When I got to the bar, my stomach did a nosedive.

The girl from the party was chilling at the bar. It was like the Universe gifted me another chance. Maybe this time I would have the opportunity to ask her out.

I’d never forget listening to her voice when she was just fooling around on the piano. It was like an angel singing.

And her range was phenomenal.

I wanted to introduce myself to her then but also didn’t want to interrupt.

It figured. Some dumbass was in my seat. I had to rectify that immediately.

“What’s going on, jerk? You cutting in on my girl?” Tough guy speech always worked with wimps.

The guy’s eyes grew and he popped up, wheezed out an apology and the seat was vacated in seconds.

After I got my drink, I managed to grab her attention. This was my chance! “What are you drinking, angel? The next one’s on me.”

“Um…no thanks. I don’t think my boyfriend would like that too much.”

Of course she had a boyfriend.

But then it was like I’d saved up all my lucky chips with the Universe. A smoking idea hit me square in the face. “Then would you help me out with a problem?”

She looked at the tv screen. “See that guy with the football?”

I glanced up to see that douche Lobster quarterback. Hated football. Hated sports. But I knew the guy because he was hitting on our drummer, Angelo’s girlfriend a while back. The dick thought he was God’s gift to women.

With a smug face, she said, “That’s my boyfriend. So, if you don’t mind, please take your lines and throw them at someone else.”

And then my memories came together all at once. I remembered her mugging him in the middle of that party.

But that guy wasn’t someone’s serious boyfriend. He was a manwhore who dropped into a ladies pants like an emergency helicopter.

“Look, I’m not trying to hit on you with this. Honest. My band needs a singer and I’ve heard you’ve got a talented voice. Would you help us out? Just for tonight?”

At this her friend nudged her. “Oh my God, Cheyenne! You CANNOT say no! I’d die if you could sing with BLITZED!”

Her other friend chimed in, “Yeah, Chey! Please do it!”

She shook her head. “I don’t know any of their songs.”

“They do the most AMAZING covers to tons of songs you know. Seriously, this would make my night. Say yes, Chey! For me?” she winked.

“How can you say no to that?” I piled on, hoping she’d cave.

She sighed like a teakettle hissing. Then she groaned, “Okay, fine. I’ll do it.”

It was Saturday night.

I sat at my vanity and incessantly filed my nails like I had any nails to file.

Why was I so nervous?

I was just going out with a guy I’d woken up with after a drinking binge. This said guy was none other than Zachary Hawthorn, who, according to my brother, Kian, was set to be an SFL first round draft pick. When I only gave a shrug at that information, my brother went on a tirade about how Zachary will be the darling of any pro football team and will probably be used as a weapon in trading but will most likely be swiped up by the worst team (the one who gets the first pick.) He actually felt sorry for him.

I didn’t care.

I couldn’t be bothered about football or any sport for that matter.

And here I was about to go out on a date with this star quarterback, not even knowing anything about the game he played.

And worse–I’d told Zachary I’d loved him. Like love at first sight!

Staring at myself in the mirror, I shook my head. “What are you doing, Cheyenne? You’re not compatible. It’d be better if you called the whole thing off.”

When I heard a knock on my door, all my misgivings melted to the floor and were replaced with psychotic butterflies whizzing inside me.

Escorting me out the door, I turned to Zachary and asked, “Where are you taking me, handsome?”

Handsome? Did that really come out of my mouth? I cringed so hard at myself. It was like I’d turned into a goofy fangirl at the sight of his dreamy green eyes and gorgeous body. And with his cocky ego, he didn’t need anyone to fan those self confident flames.

He smirked. “You’ll see.”

*****

I didn’t know why I was surprised that Zachary took me to one of the most luxurious asian restaurants in Del Sol Valley. I could tell he wanted to impress me since he basically had to stalk me to get me to cave into going out with him. Me telling him he’s handsome did nothing to add to my mystique. He probably thought I was gobbledy gook in the palm of his hands.

Laughing nervously, I quipped, “Listen, Zachary, we don’t have to go to an expensive restaurant. I’d be fine with a movie and some waffle fries at Freezer Bunny’s.”

Zachary huffed. “I don’t know how many dates you’ve been on but that doesn’t sound very romantic.”

I shrugged. Sounded fun and romantic to me, but I went along with him anyway.

A hostess brought us to a cozy table where Zachary pulled my chair for me. Wow. So formal!

I bent my head around and said, “Thank you,” trying to stifle those psychotic butterflies.

He caught my eyes and something clicked like time stopped. “Of course,” he said, smiling slightly.

After we’d ordered (I decided to go all out and got the jungle moss egg with lavendar whisps. Go big or go home. Am I right?), Zachary just stared at me, sending nervous jitters through my bones. God, there was something about him that made me quake!

Gripping my hands so they didn’t shake, I said, “What? Do I have spinach on my face or something?”

He leaned in. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you the other night but you were absolutely fantastic. You’ve got real talent as an actress.”

That caught me off guard. I wasn’t used to compliments. Just thinking about my future sent me into a spiraling caldron of anxiety. I plopped my face on my hand. “Tell that to the next casting agent. Do you know how hard it is just to get a read for a commercial?”

He shrugged. “You’ve got connections. Use them.”

I shook my head. “That’s not how you make it. Sure, I could use my grandfather to get in the door, but that won’t get you the part.” I sighed. “Acting isn’t much different from football. You’ve got to practice, practice, practice to win.”

He smirked. “But they never tell you that in football, you can practice all you want but it takes talent to win. You’ve got that talent.”

When I didn’t say anything he added, “Speaking of which. When are you coming to my next game? You stood me up last time.”

His face fell.

I giggled inside. He looked so cute. “Okay…I promise I’ll come next week and see you beat my university’s pathetic team. My brother is decidedly a turncoat. He says since I’m going out with you, he’s forever a lobster. I’ve got you to blame if he gets wrapped in duct tape and dunked in the pond by his fraternity brothers.”

That made him laugh.

For the rest of the evening, we got to know each other a bit better. He was the sixth child of a long line of very talented, overly competitive brothers. But he was also the only one who stuck with football. Every last brother who started in the game when they were young burned out by the time they’d reached college and decided to move on to other things–computers, insurance, graphic design, real estate, and one brother even took to ghost hunting off the coast of Brindleton Bay. I didn’t even know that was a thing!

After we ate and drank and laughed our asses off, Zachary pinned me down with a stare and asked, “Want to dance?”

The place was deserted as there was no dj–just some pleasant tunes coming from the ceiling.

Pulling me close to him, he said, “Come here.”

He had a look on his face like he was trying to tell me something.

And I didn’t know if it was the dinner or his yummy masculine cologne or the old 90’s music drifting through the air, but before I could stop myself, I touched my lips to his in a delicious kiss.

Pulling back, I said, “That was our first kiss, okay? The ones that I can’t remember don’t count.”

“Even when you said you loved me?” he asked.

“Especially that!” I teased.

Pulling away, he said, “You’re wounding my ego.”

Laughing, I said, “I think your ego is so huge it can handle it.”

Dear, Readers!

Yes, this story is back! And I plan on doing weekly updates. I’ve been planning this story all year so I should be able to pump it out on time. YAY!

And thanks for hanging in there with me. 2020 was rough but I can see clear skies in 2021!

HUGS!

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Zachary

I’d given up all hope of dating Cheyenne. Hell, I’d never had to chase women before. They usually came to me. And I liked it like that.

I couldn’t understand why Cheyenne’s gorgeous red lips, her bright red hair and her tight jeans that showed her even tighter ass was now playing a never ending loop in my mind.

Vance said it was because it was the thrill of the chase. Hunter preying on pheasant. And once I got said quarry, I’d get bored and move on. I wondered if he was right.

Still…it was hard, but I’d decided not to think about her anymore. Vance, Dax, and I were headed to a party on the swanky side of town. Vance’s cousin knew a girl who was freaking rich and we were going to have the run of her father’s mansion–pool tables, hot tubs, and loads of hot babes. Just the ticket to get my mind off things.

Passing by the library, I noticed a familiar face.

My insides did a nosedive when I saw none other than Cheyenne Day holding hands with another guy.

“Damn,” I whispered.

Cheyenne had told me she was in a play but I was too interested in kissing her to really listen. And here it was. The opening night was in just a few hours.

Something clicked inside.

Turning to my friends, I said, “Hey, guys, listen, I just remembered I forgot to feed the cat before I left. But I’ll catch up with you later at the party.”

Vance’s eyes narrowed. “But…you don’t own a cat.”

“Yeah dude,” Dax added, “what the frick?”

“It’s my professor’s cat. Anyway, just go on without me, okay?” I said with my don’t-argue-with-me voice. This was code for I’m-going-to-hook-up-with-a-girl so don’t bother me.

The two shrugged and went on without me.

I took another look at the banner. Landgraab Theater was on the other side of town far away from the party but I didn’t care. Cheyenne was going to go out with me. I wouldn’t take no for an answer.

The play was actually a musical and a comedy. It wasn’t my thing but I got a few laughs out of it. And I liked listening to Cheyenne sing. Her voice was something special. Goosebumps prickled over me at one point in the song.

The girl was talented–that was for sure. Of course, I knew nothing about acting but I could tell she was a natural up there.

When the play was over, everyone spilled out into the atrium. I’d bought some roses to give her, hoping a little bribe might help tumble down those walls she’d put up in front of me.

But it looked like she was surrounded by her family.

Cheyenne

It was so fun to see my family together in one spot. Since I’d gone to college, we rarely got together except for Christmas. Oasis Springs is four hours from Britechester and five from Del Sol Valley. Grandma Lexie and Grandpa Cory couldn’t make it because Brindleton Bay was too far and my opening night wasn’t exactly an earth shattering event but at least Mom and Dad could come. Of course Grandpa was there. I got to see him practically every week.

“So, did it not suck?” I asked, my heart still beating from the excitement of doing the play. I always got such a rush when I heard laughter or applause.

My brother shot gun fingers at me and said, “You knocked us dead, Sis.”

“Oh, God, Kian,” Phoebe said. “That’s not what she wants to hear.”

I laughed. My brother meant well, but he could be awkward sometimes.

“That was an amazing performance, sweetheart! Come here!” Grandpa reached out his arms.

He swept me up into a bear hug. “I think you’re ready for the big time.”

He always said that. It was like his catch phrase for me. I giggled and said, “Thanks, Grandpa.”

“What about your old dad? I need a hug, too, you know.”

“Dad,” I whispered, hugging him close, “I missed you.”

Zachary

A huge problem for me was Cheyenne’s grandpa was a freaking mega movie star. Honestly, I didn’t give a shit about it. I mean, I really didn’t like going to movies. Couldn’t even tell you what the latest shows were or who starred in them. The only reason I’d recognized and knew who James Sanderson was was because my friends in high school made me see the Vindicators one night when we were binging shows. Afterwards, I’d made them promise not to bug me about watching again. I liked sports documentaries or the odd war history drama, but that was it.

And now I was staring into the face of a goon. Probably Mr. Sanderson’s body guard.

“Sorry,” the goon growled. “Mr. Sanderson isn’t giving out autographs. Now move along and allow him some privacy with his family.”

Shit. How was I supposed to talk to her now?

Cheyenne

I smiled after Dad hugged me. “Glad you liked it, Dad. I was kind of nervous it wouldn’t be your thing.”

“You’re right, Chey,” Mom said, giggling. “Your dad isn’t really into Fakespeare.”

He countered, “It could have been a spoof on alien invasions for all I care. You still would have nailed it to me.”

Aww…Dad was so sweet. To him, I was still his little girl and hey! I’d take it!

Just then, Mark Jackson, Grandpa’s bodyguard, interrrupted. “Excuse me, Miss Cheyenne. This guy says he’s your boyfriend. Is that true?”

I glanced over to see Zachary and my stomach fluttered. He came all the way out here to see my play? I had to hand it to him. He didn’t give up. And honestly, after the talk I’d had with Kristie, I was tired of turning him down. But I figured I’d tease him just a bit for his lie. “I don’t have a boyfriend, Mark.”

Throwing a finger out at poor Zachary, Mark shouted, “Okay, clown, I’m going to say this for the last time. Leave the family alone or I’ll escort you out of here myself!”

The stricken look on Zachary’s normally pompous face made me laugh.

But I was touched he’d actually come all the way out here to watch my play. And he was even holding a dozen roses. “It’s okay, Mark. He’s a friend.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

I nodded.

“Okay then if he gets out of line, just let me know.”

My stomach turned to knots almost instantly when our eyes met. “Hi,” I said, shyly.

“You look gorgeous as usual.” His pompous face was back. But I liked it.

Handing me the roses, he said, “These are for you. Did a great job up there.”

“So…” I said, “you like Fakespeare then?”

Twisting his lips, he said, “I like you. Come on, Cheyenne. Go out with me.”

My heart squeezed and before I could answer, I heard Grandpa say, “Go on, sweetheart! You don’t have to stay around us old people. Have fun!”

Mom pulled my arm and whispered, “He sure is cute.”

Smiling, I said, “He is. And he knows it.”

She laughed along with me.

Rubbing his hands together, Zachary said, “Look, that’s okay, I don’t want to take you from your family. Just…uh…can I come by tomorrow night and pick you up? 7 o’clock?”

Fireworks were going off in my head as my heart pounded. “Sure. See you then.”

Cheyenne

God, I couldn’t believe the one job that could take me places got smashed by the most beautiful face in the world.

Jack Rackham was dreamier than his picture on the movie posters that were all over the world last year.

The real deal was always better. Thank God he didn’t see me.

Grandpa didn’t understand when I told him I couldn’t do the job anymore. I lied and said I wouldn’t have time because of my schedule with the play. (It was almost over and our practice times didn’t conflict at all but he didn’t have to know that.)

I wasn’t about to subject myself to the inevitable awkward moments when I’d have to attend Jack’s lot. And no way in hell could my self esteem survive if he didn’t even recognize me. Or worse. Didn’t remember.

Now that my job was over, all I had were me and my thoughts about Kristie. My bff! She wouldn’t talk to me no matter how many texts and calls I’d made.

What did I do that was so horrible? I tried to remember that night with Zachary but I’d drank so much, I just blanked it all.

But I did remember that morning. And he was…sweet…in his infuriatingly cocky way.

Well, there was only one thing to do. Blast her with texts until she caved.

Finally! I broke through her walls.

We decided to wait until the next morning since it was Sunday and no one would be around on campus. Everyone would be sleeping off hangovers or just be lazy since there was no school.

My body felt all jittery when I saw her sitting there on the bench.

The acrid smell of cigarette smoke wafted over to me. She’d started smoking again. I’d thought she quit last year. Guess not. In high school, she’d gone out with a dude that smoked and during her parent’s divorce, she took up the habit. Three years later, she vowed to quit and I thought she’d done it, too, because I never smelled it on her.

I walked closer to her with my peace offering in hand. She didn’t glance at me. She just blew out a cloud of smoke.

“It’s your favorite. Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato with extra whipped cream.” I inched out my hand, hoping she’d take it and we’d go back to how things were–laughing about our horrible professors, whining about not having the right clothes for a date, complaining about our parents being too nosy about our lives, and just being together most of the time. That’s who we were ever since I could remember.

“You know those are loaded with calories,” Kristie said not glancing up at me.

Guess she wasn’t in the mood for peace offerings.

I put my hand on my hip. “Come on, Kristie. Stop giving me the cold shoulder. I have no idea what I did wrong, so could you please let me in on the secret? It’s the least you could do.”

That seemed to snap her out of her funk.

Sheepishly, she took the coffee and said, “Thanks.”

I settled on the bench next to her as she looked as if she was thinking.

But I went ahead and spoke. I couldn’t help myself. “You know I’m really sorry. For whatever I did. I mean…I know you liked Zachary and I had no right to take him from you. I’m not seeing him. I won’t. He’s all yours.”

Kristie shook her head. “It’s not that, Chey…”

“Then what is it?”

She bit her lip as she squeezed the coffee. “I think we need a break is all. We’re just…going in different directions.”

I crossed my arms, not understanding anything. “A break? Like…we’re not a couple. That doesn’t make sense at all.”

“Yes it does, Chey. We’ve been friends for a long time but sometimes a person takes and takes from a relationship and the other one just doesn’t have anymore to give. That’s where I’m at.”

“What are you talking about? That I don’t give in our friendship? That’s not even fair, Kristie.”

“Chey, the night of the party, you got so wasted you didn’t even know what was going on. You were all over the place and then all over Zachary. Okay, yes, I was angry about that but seriously, you don’t care about what people think of you because you have a famous grandpa who’ll help you along no matter what you do. Partying is no big deal but for me, I want to get into the best law school in the country, and I can’t jeopardize that by hanging out with someone who…”

She stopped herself and got up as if she was done with the conversation. “Listen, I just think we should take a break. It’ll be good for us…for our friendship in the long run. I’ll go my way for a while and you go yours.”

I shook my head. “I can’t believe you’re doing this. Do you know how shallow you sound right now?”

She didn’t have the guts to answer me.

“Fine,” I practically spit, willing tears NOT to come to my eyes. “I’ll leave you alone and not dirty your precious reputation.”

“You know that’s not what I mean. It’s more that I need to concentrate on my studies. The bar exam is only months away and I have to score in the top. I can’t be tempted to lose focus.”

I was so hurt and angry, every fiber in my body burned. I knew the real reason. I wasn’t like her preppy sorority sisters. I didn’t fit in with them. I knew that but I didn’t think I was acting any differently than Phoebe. She’d gotten wasted, too, that night. But she was in her sorority, and I wasn’t. It didn’t make a difference these past three years and now, all of a sudden, she has a problem with me? There had to be something more.

I sighed then said, “Okay, fine, Kristie. Have a nice life.”

Without even a decent good bye, she left me, standing there. All by myself.

And just like that, I’d lost my best friend.

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Cheyenne

Ever since I was a kid, I always loved going to my grandpa’s house. Well, more like mansion, but he made it homey.

It had this cool waterslide attached to it that he had made especially for me and Kian. We’d spend hours sliding down. So fun!

The wind whipped my ponytails, sending shivers through me. I tried to shimmy off the sad feelings I had about Kristie. How many times had she visited Grandpa with me? Too many to count.

And now she wouldn’t talk to me because I sort of stole her crush? Ugh. I had to stop thinking about it.

Soothing, energetic notes surged past me as I entered his living room. Grandpa was always composing. It was obvious he liked music way better than acting, but as he always said, acting paid the bills. (And he had a ton!)

I was the opposite. I loved music, yeah, but give me a character to dive into and I was in my element.

I could have sat there forever listening to him play. I was so freaking lucky to have been born his granddaughter. (People told me that all the time, too!)

“Hey, Grandpa,” I said, interjecting at a pause in his playing.

“Hey, hey! It’s my favorite red headed granddaughter.”

“Grandpa…how is that a compliment? I’m your only redheaded granddaughter. Makenna has brunette hair. Is she your favorite brunette granddaughter?”

He shrugged and answered, “Can’t I have two favorites?”

He was such a goofball, but I loved him.

*****

Nervous jitters tingled through me as we approached the studio. Plumbob Pictures was always a place of magic to me. Sometimes when I was little, I’d sit and watch my famous grandpa shoot a scene, and I’d even imagined that I’d be doing the same thing one day.

But now, it kind of made me queasy and worried that maybe it wouldn’t happen for me. That maybe I wasn’t good enough to even get a break somehow. Sure, having connections through my grandpa was a bonus, but really, how many famous people’s granddaughters who got into the biz actually became successful? I can tell you not many.

I’d looked it up.

Grandpa pointed toward the studio. “Okay, so I’ve talked to everyone about you. Just because you’re my granddaughter, they’re not supposed to treat you special, just like you’d asked me to tell them.”

“Thanks, Grandpa.”

“Oh, and the famous TBS boys are here, just in case you might want a peek at them. They’re in lot 44 at the back.” He winked.

“TBS? That K-pop group? No offense, Grandpa, I know you were a boy band dude back in the day, but I’m not twelve anymore.”

“Sorry, I keep forgetting.” He swooped me in a big hug and laughed. “You’ll always be my little girl, peanut.”

*****

While Grandpa ambled over to his set (he was starring in a picture called, Dr. Spittootle, about an animal whisperer who sailed the seven seas with a bunch of lions and tigers and monkeys and giraffes,) I reported to my duty station.

The work was pretty easy. My snooty boss, Ms. Parsons, gave me a list of lots to cover. I was supposed to fetch drinks and food for the staff there, including the actors. After doing the job for the past few hours, I was really digging it. Kind of like a waitress on the set of Simseyland.

The last lot on the list was on 44 at the back. And sure enough, the K-pop group was performing a music video.

I stopped to watch them and to my surprise, they were pretty good!

I couldn’t understand a word of their song, but the dancing was phenomenal. Up close, they were very pretty.

Except for the middle guy. He was…God…so handsome, I almost called up my inner fangirl. Had no idea who he was though since I never followed the group.

For my job, I was supposed to ask if anyone wanted something to eat or drink. I’d brought some macaroons since my boss said it was this director’s favorite. But they were so busy, I couldn’t interrupt.

When I caught a look at the cameraman, I almost giggled.

He was way more handsome than the guys he was filming. I guessed I liked more rugged looking men. I wanted to pinch myself, not believing this was my job! I was surrounded by cute guys.

When the director stopped the group and wanted to talk to them, the cameraman noticed me, so I asked, “Would you like a snack?”

He rubbed his hands and said, “I’m not hungry but I could use a soda.”

Instantly, I ran back to my cart and grabbed the drink then came up to him and said, “I hope you like Dr. Sipper. It’s all we’ve got at the moment.”

He took the drink from me and said, “Thanks.”

Looking into his dreamy blue eyes, I about swooned on the spot.

“What about us…miss?” I heard one of the boy band dudes say.

After I’d brought them all drinks and some snacks, they started cracking jokes at me in succession.

I was having so much fun, I’d forgotten I had one more lot to do before my shift was over.

When I told Jin (that was his name–they had all introduced themselves. Jin was the blonde, Taeyong was the redhead and the other guy was Johnny.)

“We’re going to be here tomorrow,” Jin said. “Will you bring us some pizza? They usually only have sandwiches and fruit lately.”

I laughed and said, “Not working tomorrow, but I’ll let them know your order and they’ll have it for you.”

Then I turned around and said good bye. I thought all of them were pretty cool. I’d have to tell Grandpa about them.

I was all finished with my work and just needed to wait on Grandpa to wrap things up. He said he was almost done and to wait at the front of the studio. As I approached, I noticed some actors I’d recognized.

And then my stomach plunged as I realized exactly who they were and what movie they were doing.

“Oh my freaking God, you’ve got to be kidding,” I mumbled to myself.

My mouth went dry as I spotted…him.

Jack Rackham.

And he was doing the second movie to his blockbuster, Moonlight, about a scary werewolf and his fight against himself. The other actors were Dawn Martin and Trevor Allistair. Both super famous because of the first movie. Obviously, they were working on the second one. It was part of this crazy famous YA book series. First book, Moonlight, sold over a million copies. Now the second one, Blood Moon, was being filmed. I’d read them all and loved the five book series. Wow. And this movie was being shot here? I couldn’t believe it!

But the thought of seeing Jack again after all this time freaked me out. Oh God, what would he think? Or would he even remember me?

I’ll never forget his cold stare after I told him I was angry with him for not telling me who he really was. It was like I was nothing to him. He didn’t care about me.

And looking at that same face in real life now petrified me.

Yes, I’d watched Moonlight, his first movie after he took a break from singing. He still performed songs, too, but wanted to branch out. (Okay, I admit that I did stalk him on the rags from time to time. Sue me.)

Seeing him swirled me back in time to that kiss we had when we were kids. I didn’t enjoy it at all.

I was so hurt.

Truly, he was my first crush. My first love.

And oh God, I hoped he didn’t notice me. I never wanted to see him again.

Zachary

I couldn’t believe it. She fucking stood me up!

And I’d played my heart out at tonight’s game thinking she was up there in the box watching.

I wasn’t imagining things, was I?

I remembered Cheyenne staring into my eyes early this morning and she said she’d be there. Yeah, okay, I had to talk her into it, but she’d finally caved. And we even had more kissing and cuddling afterwards.

Just then Vance walked up and said, “Dude, you look like we lost the game tonight. What gives? That nightmare of a girl didn’t come? I told you she wouldn’t.”

“Shut up, Vance. Just because she wasn’t into you doesn’t mean she’s a ‘nightmare’.”

He backpedaled. “Okay, okay! Sorry! But when she chews you up and spits you out like she did me last night, don’t come running to me for comfort.”

“Believe me, I won’t,” I muttered. I needed a shower. Hanging here in a cauldron of smelly guys and shower mist wasn’t making me feel better.

I was beginning to second guess myself. Usually girls would jump at the chance to get to see me in action in a cozy box with all the alcohol and food at their fingertips. I hoped nothing bad happened to her.

“What’s going on?” Kyle Wiggens, one of my best friends as well as my tight end, strolled over.

Vance laughed. “Oh, dude, you’ll never believe it. A girl stood up Hawthorne tonight and he’s moping around. Seems cupid got him good.”

“No shit?” Kyle said. “Well, well…I need to meet this hottie. And soon. If she’s capable of turning down THE Zachary Hawthorne, she sounds just my type.”

“Cut the comedy, Kyle. Just a misunderstanding, is all. I’m sure something came up.”

“Dude, did you text her?” Kyle asked.

Vance laughed. “The idiot never got her phone number!”

“You’re shitting me!” Kyle shook his head. “Are you losing your touch?”

Feeling heat rise in my neck from embarrassment, I shot back, “I just forgot. I figured I’d see her tonight and get it then.”

But that was a mistake. God, how stupid could I get?

Cheyenne

I only had sixty minutes before I was going to meet up with my grandfather at his house in Del Sol Valley. Thankfully, he’d pulled a few strings and got me this swanky intern job at his studio. He’d said I have to meet people in the business to get ahead in the industry. I really felt uneasy about using his star power to help me out, but he said everyone uses everyone to land acting gigs. In the end, it didn’t matter if you’re the granddaughter of the biggest star in Del Sol Valley, talent is what makes that star rise.

And then he told me all I’d be doing is fetching food and drinks for people on the set. No biggie.

I glanced over my lines for a play called, Something Disgusting. It was a Fakespeare spoof. I played a clueless princess who was always faking my death while the knights would stab each other in the back (literally), falling like flies. It wasn’t my favorite play in the world, but since acting Truliet back when I was a kid, I seriously didn’t like Fakespeare and jumped at the chance on this part. Luckily, I was cast!

Just then, I heard a knock at my door. My stomach jolted when I saw Zachary’s very handsome but very angry face.

Oops. Guess he didn’t like me standing him up.

He just stared at me until I couldn’t take it.

I gulped then said, “I…I’m sorry. I decided it was best if we didn’t see each other.” Lame, yeah. But he didn’t need to know the real reason.

“What changed your mind? The least you could have done was left me a message. I thought something bad happened to you.”

He wasn’t taking my excuses. “Look…to tell the truth, Kristie is my best friend. It wasn’t cool that I stole you from her like that. She’s crazy mad at me, so like, I care about her too much. This just…can’t work. I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “What? How is that fair, Cheyenne? Kristie doesn’t own me. We were never a thing. That’s just stupid. Come on. Let’s get some coffee and we can talk about this.”

Crossing my arms, I looked away from him. “She’s mad at me for it so no. And anyway, I’ve got work so I have to go.”

I said good bye to him and ushered him out the door.

Why did this seem unfair? Yeah, okay, fine, I did agree with him. Kristie getting mad at me for stealing her crush is just beyond petty. A part of me wanted to rush back and tell him I didn’t care about Kristie getting mad but the other part needed to at least make up with her.

But what did it matter? He was just some overconfident jock who always got his way with women. That much I could tell. I’d be just another notch in his jock strap. And besides, he wasn’t my type. Why fight for something that wouldn’t work anyway?

Zachary

Fucking shit! This wasn’t right. No way in hell was some catfight going to get in the way of me dating Cheyenne.

What was this? High school? Since when can a girl exert power saying she had first dibs on a guy?

I wasn’t giving up.

I had no clue where this chick Kristie was. Like I didn’t even know her last name. I knew Cheyenne’s. She was Cheyenne Day, theater and music major, with a voice that could win Sim Idol. That girl was special. And she caught me in her net somehow. I’d be the first to admit, this wasn’t like me. Usually, I’d have given up by now, but it was a quest. I could tell Cheyenne was making excuses. She wanted me as much as I wanted her. Now it was time to find Kristie and talk some sense into her.

Walking down the steps, I found one of the other dorm mates who came into the front door.

She arched an eyebrow. “Hello…can I do something for you?”

“Hi, yeah, so I was wondering if you knew where I could find Kristie. I was supposed to meet her about thirty minutes ago, but she’s not in her room.” Totally hoped that didn’t come off creepy.

“Oh, yeah, she’s at the commons. They’re having a debate championship there. It’s starting in about ten minutes.”

Bingo!

After I walked a ways, I saw the little devil sauntering down the sidewalk in front of the commons park.

She noticed me and a huge grin spread on her face.

Normally, I’d think of at least ten different lines I could fling at her to make her melt in my arms. Most pretty girls did that to me, but not now. I was so angry that I couldn’t even appreciate her beauty.

“Hi, Zachary, what brings you to Britechester?”

Throwing on a fake smile, I answered, “Yeah, um, I was looking for you, actually.”

When she looked like she’d just won the lottery, I decided to let her know why. “Listen, Cheyenne won’t speak to me because you’re mad at her. And I’m honestly having a hard time understanding why. You and me were never a thing. So, can you let her know you’re cool with it? I mean, cool with me and Cheyenne dating. She won’t see me because you’re angry.” God that sounded so fucked up coming out of my mouth. I’m sitting here begging a chick to let me date her friend. And she wasn’t even my ex!

Her demeanor instantly changed and she drew into herself. “I’m not mad about that. I mean, yeah, I am, but…it’s complicated.”

“Well, can you help me out then? If you don’t care just let her know you don’t. It’s a win win for everyone.”

“Zachary, I’ve been friends with Cheyenne for a long time and…she just seems like…she doesn’t care. She parties and gets out of control and I’m just…done. Go out with her. I really don’t care. But I’m not talking to her. Not for a while. I need a break.”

She turned and stormed off without a glance back.

This seemed hopeless. But for some reason, I wasn’t going to give up.

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Zachary

The frat party was going along like I’d expected. After Van and I won at beer pong with Kristie and Cheyenne, I decided to hang with Kristie. After all, she was the hottest girl in the room. Like a blonde angel. And her eyes…they were the prettiest I’d ever seen.

It didn’t take long–people were getting trashed. One girl (who I found out later was Phoebe Reynolds, one of Cheyenne and Kristie’s best friends) was being held by a dude (Phoebe’s boyfriend) and downing a shit ton of beer.

It didn’t end well. But everyone got a laugh out of it.

Even Phoebe.

Then Kristie asked if I wanted to do some karaoke.

I said yes. This should have warned me that I was verging on shit-faced myself, but wtf. It was a party and I’d hoped I was going to score with this beauty later on. Why not humor her?

I noticed Cheyenne getting her party on as well, swilling loads of beer. I knew Van wanted her so I didn’t really think about what she was doing.

Grabbing a mic, Kristie and I started on a country song. Honestly, Kristie couldn’t sing even with autotune. It almost made my ears bleed.

So I tried to sing a little louder. I had my pride to think about. But most people were drunk anyway and probably wouldn’t remember how awful we were. I could see it now in the school newspaper: FOXBURY QUARTERBACK KILLS PEOPLE WITH DUET.

I wasn’t going to take that chance. But it didn’t help. We were killing it. Literally.

On our next song, Kristie invited Cheyenne to sing with us. I was kind of worried. Cheyenne looked all wobbly from the booze, and I had no idea if she could sing or not. I’d decided this would be my last song.

But on her first note, I was amazed. She had the most incredible voice I’d ever heard.

My voice blended with hers so amazingly that I couldn’t even hear Kristie’s off tune warbles.

After another song, I was mesmerized by our harmony and basically forgot about my infatuation with Kristie.

I saw Cheyenne in a whole new way. I didn’t know if it was the liquor or her singing but when I compared the two, Cheyenne outshined Kristie in every way. Kristie was like this pretty boring Barbie doll, but Cheyenne was a sexy rocking goddess. I couldn’t help the attraction. Sure I felt the cold stares Kristie was throwing at me during the song, but I was overwhelmed. Could anyone blame me?

On our last song, I didn’t even realize Cheyenne and I had totally taken over as a duet. The crowd was going wild, hooting and hollering for us. God, it was such a fucking high. I’d never forget it.

Cheyenne was such a party animal though. I thought she was sexy as fuck, too, but I kind of was getting nervous for her when she started singing and dancing on the tables in the kitchen. She was going to break her neck like that.

So, I stepped in. “Cheyenne, hey, don’t you think you should dance on the floor where it’s safe? I’ll dance with you.”

That made her stop. She bent down and said, “You will?”

I chuckled. She was so much fun but seriously, she was crazy drunk, she probably needed to go back to her dorm and sleep it off. “Yeah, I’ll dance with you.”

Then she grabbed onto me wrapping her legs around my waist, staring into my eyes. I felt this instant bond with her like I knew she was something special. Like I’d found this one in a million girl.

“I…think I love you,” she whispered.

Now when a girl says something like that half drunk, I wouldn’t think anything about it. Just an inebriated jag, but there was something in her eyes that made me believe her.

I didn’t know what to say. “You do?”

In answer, she pulled my face to hers and pressed her lips to mine in a delicious kiss that got me instantly aroused.

Damn.

Before I could stop it, we were all over each other and I was trying to figure out how I was going to get out of this. Trust me. I wanted her. And not just for a one night stand. I, Zachary Hawthorne, two-time All American quarterback, slated to be a first round draft pick, sworn lady killer and bachelor, wanted to become this girl’s boyfriend after spending only a few hours with her.

I had to be fucking crazy.

Cheyenne

Today was the worst.

The worst morning. The worst hangover. And I’d been the worst friend to Kristie. She wouldn’t even pick up when I tried to call her. It just automatically went to voicemail like I was blocked.

I walked over to Phoebe’s room to see if it was my imagination or was Kristie really trying to avoid me.

“It’s not your imagination,” Phoebe said, making a plate of pizza pockets. “She’s mad.

“I mean, like, you were all over him in the kitchen, Chey. Everyone saw. And then you guys sneaked up to your room and we didn’t see you again all night. Like what is she supposed to think? I mean, she’s been crushing on him all semester, too.”

I shook my head. “How was I supposed to know he was the Foxbury quarterback she’d been gushing about? I don’t follow football.” But even that sounded like lame excuses to my ears. I should have known.

My drunk self saw Kristie making goo goo eyes at him.

He was HER type. Not mine. So why did I end up in bed with him? Why did I not want to release myself from his grip when I sobered up? And why did I desperately want to go to a football game and meet back up with him?

“I’m not going to see him again, so you can tell her that for me,” I said, weakly, sitting on the couch. “Then maybe she’ll unblock me from her phone.”

Phoebe peered down at me imperiously. “Damage has been done. This is about trust and you’ve broken it.”

When I didn’t say anything, she said, “But you’ve been friends for too many years for her to throw it out over some guy. He’s not worth it and since you’re not going to see him again, maybe she’ll forgive you.”

“You think so?” I said, grasping at any shreds of hope.

My brother stopped working on his graphic design project. Both Phoebe and he were art majors–he’s going into graphic design and Phoebe hopes to do app design. After camp when we were twelve, Phoebe shattered her mother’s dreams of her starring on the stage and told her she was an artist, which amazingly the woman took pretty well. She now believes Phoebe will be a famous illustrator one day even though Phoebe has no intentions of doing that.

“Look on the bright side, sis, if you do hook up with him again, he might give us free tickets to his games. I love football. And you know Britechester sucks. I’d rather root for the Lobsters.”

Phoebe glared at my brother. “That’s not helpful, Kian. We don’t want her to go out with him again. Think about Kristie’s feelings!”

“Oh yeah. Sorry.”

I wasn’t about to tell my brother I already had two box seat tickets to tonight’s game. I felt guilty enough that I really wanted to go.

I decided I needed to sleep off the anguish that was in my heart and the stabbing headache from all the alcohol I drank last night.

But when I saw my bed, I couldn’t get Zachary out of my mind.

He’d towered over me as he cradled my body, not wanting to let go, and I succumbed, promising him I’d see him. Thank God I didn’t give him my phone number.

I just wanted to hide away from everyone and everything.

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