by Kylie Parker
“He’s…” Helen faltered. “He’s not going to reveal his identity, is he?”
“Do you even know James?” Olivia spoke in sarcastic tones. “There’s no way in hell he’s ever going to do that. He’ll do exactly what he did that night in their first gig: Wear a hat and pretend like he’s just another pianist.”
“That was some night.” Helen commented. “I’ll always have you two to thank for that.”
“I don’t want to remember it.” Olivia confessed, her voice lowering to a soft whisper. “Too much pain, too much sorrow…”
“Don’t think like that, Liv.” Michelle advised, seating herself beside her. “That night, Mr. Grumpy declared his love for you to the world. It also put me on the map as a singer, not as a joke.”
“He still doesn’t like that name.” Olivia’s lips curled into a sweet smile, as she faced her friend.
“He’d better get used to it.” Helen teased. “Michelle, can I talk to you for a second?”
“Not really.” Michelle’s quick response and her devilish smile intrigued her. Still, before she could speak, Helen’s friend pulled a folded piece of paper out of her right pocket and handed it over to her.
“Oh…” Helen gasped, as she noticed the amount on the check. “Three thousand dollars?”
“Make that six.” Olivia’s words added to her profound shock. “You’ll get that after you guys come back from the tour. James said, --and I quote— ‘I’d still be alone, if it hadn’t been for that blonde girl.’ It’s the least we could do for you, sweetie. He’s right; we’d still be apart if you hadn’t been involved.”
“I can’t thank you enough for this.” Helen spoke in a shaking voice, staring down at Olivia.
“Actually, you can.” Olivia murmured, arising to her feminine, 5’6” stature. “Just be the same, loving friend you’ve been these past few months. You take good care of them in California, okay? Make sure they don’t fool around with each other.”
“Hey, that hurt!” Michelle’s loud voice echoed in the suite, bringing a smile to Helen’s face. “I would never…”
“Oh, stop it, will you?” Olivia interrupted her. “You know I’m just kidding. Get up.”
“Yeah, I do,” Michelle admitted, as she rose obligingly, while Olivia lifted her left arm. Olivia snaked it around Helen’s neck, as Helen opened her own arms. In an instant, Michelle was lost in a group hug.
“Be careful out there, alright?” Olivia whispered; “Both of you.”
“We will.” Michelle declared, leaning back. “Country girl, our flight’s in four hours. I suggest we get ready.”
5
Helen, Michelle and James embarked on one of the most important trips of their lives. James seemed to be the least affected of them all. For some reason neither of them could understand, James was very cool about it. On the other hand, Michelle was very anxious. She kept asking him questions about their venues, almost all the way through the flight. In her opinion, even the tiniest detail mattered, such as the seating arrangements. Helen remained silent and preferred to watch their conversations. After all, she had no idea about anything they were discussing and it was none of her business. Furthermore, although she did understand Michelle’s insecurity, she thought she was being nonsensical. Helen had every faith in her vocal skills; she had a good feeling about her concerts. If she did try to confront her, they very well could argue over nothing and humiliate each other on a plane full of people. Helen would not do that to the woman who had just given her a chance to escape her everyday routine.
It’s amazing how stress can consume people like that. Look at her. ‘Why this, why that’… I’m surprised she hasn’t asked if there are any outdoor bathrooms in those venues. Don’t worry, Michelle. You’ll dazzle them, just like you dazzled everybody, back in Williamsburg.
As soon as their plane landed, Michelle proved to them once more how tense she was. Despite the fact that they had just been through a six-hour flight, she stated her will to visit the first venue. Upon hearing her idea, James burst out laughing and with good reason. Michelle was scheduled to perform at “Rockstars”, an outdoor arena in Santa Barbara, almost a hundred miles away and it was 9pm already. Much to his frustration, though, she insisted. Unwilling to follow her, James notified John Donaldson, the venue manager on Michelle’s decision and went to their hotel. She asked him for directions on how to get there and also requested him to be there. Much to her liking, he was polite and agreed. Helen believed that her friend was being absurd, but she would not leave her alone. So, the two women rented a car and started towards Santa Barbara, on that warm, late-July night.
Almost two hours later, they found themselves on a narrow, uphill road outside the city. The venue seemed small on the outside, as their car slowly rolled to a halt. John Donaldson, the aging venue manager was at the gate, with a sullen look on his face.
“Good evening, ladies.” He said, his voice firm, as they approached him. “Ms. Adams, I would really like to know what’s going on in that head of yours.”
“Excuse me?” Michelle squeaked.
“It’s rather late for me to be here,” Donaldson explained. “Anyway, follow me.”
Michelle let out an exasperated huff, as Donaldson walked through the gate. Beams of light were coming through the door, as they climbed up the dark stairs. The venue manager stepped outside and went to the right.
“Two thousand seats: about five hundred more on that stand over there;” he informed her, pointing to the left, as Michelle swept the well-lit arena. There were massive lights in each corner. Behind the seats, there was an amphitheatrical, spectator stand. “It’s not much, I know.”
“I wasn’t expecting the Rose Bowl.” Michelle said, with a smile of embarrassment on her face. “I’m so sorry to drag you out here so late. I was just too nervous about it, you know?”
“Ah, it’s ok.” Donaldson waved an understanding hand in front of his face. At that very moment, the ground began to vibrate beneath their feet. In a matter of seconds, the deafening sound of thunder-headers ripped through the air, shattering the silence around them.
“Michelle?” Helen’s voice was filled with curiosity. “Doesn’t that sound a little familiar?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Michelle scoffed, looking at her over her left shoulder. “Besides, all Harleys sound the same.”
Disregarding her friend’s reaction, Helen listened intently, expecting the motorcycle to speed past the arena. She didn’t appreciate Michelle’s tone, but, deep down, she knew that she had a point. Still, the Harley did no such thing. The noise of the exhaust pipes became even louder, as it gradually slowed down. Eventually, it stopped outside the gate. The powerful engine revved, as the biker turned on the throttle.
“It’s him!” Helen whispered to herself, her eyes wide open. Without much thought, she turned her body right. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she rushed down the stairs. Stopping at the bottom landing, she leaned forward and snuck a peek outside. It was Marcus. His motorcycle shone under the light of the tall lamppost hanging over it, as he pulled his helmet up and over his head.
“Marcus?” She cried, locking her eyes on his face as she exited the building.
“Helen Weir.” Marcus’s sexy smile reappeared, as he shifted his gaze to her. “Small world.”
“How…”
“Hop on.” He urged, waving her to the seat of his Harley. “Let’s go for a ride.”
“Could you wait here?” Helen requested, struggling to believe that their meeting was a mere coincidence. “I need to talk to my friend first.”
“We’ll be back in no time.” Marcus maintained. “Come on.”
Simply nodding to him, Helen started towards the motorcycle. She placed her right foot on the foot peg and swung her leg over the saddle and put her hands on the holds under the seat. The deep rumble of the thunder-headers shook through her bones, as Marcus turned on the throttle. Before she knew it, her hair was whipping against her face, as the Harl
ey tore through the asphalt. They were not going fast, but still, this unprecedented experience gave her a unique sense of freedom. Helen closed her eyes, feeling the air blowing right into her face, as the powerful motorcycle climbed the hill.
Quickly, she realized that Marcus had been honest with her. Indeed, their destination was less than a mile away from the venue. He slowed down first and then turned left, onto a wide ledge. Her jaw dropped, as she noticed the thousands of city lights. The entire coastline of Santa Barbara lay before her. As much as she liked the breathtaking view however, the growing number of questions in her mind did not allow her to savor it.
“Now would be a good time to start talking,” Helen said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice, as Marcus dismounted his motorcycle.
“Okay, you got me.” He admitted, slipping his hands into his pockets as he turned around to face her. “I spoke to James on the phone earlier. He told me you were coming.”
“You live here?” She asked.
“I live in L.A.” Marcus responded. “Hop off. The view’s great from up here.”
“I’m good, thanks.” Helen muttered, dropping her gaze from him. “You still haven’t given me your last name.”
“Hurst.” He was quick to answer. “I was in a hurry that night. James said you’d be here for a while.”
“It’s true.” She confirmed, looking down at the saddle. Marcus’s short steps led him closer to her. Bending down, he tipped her chin up. His sky-blue eyes sent shivers down her spine, as their gazes met.
“It took a lot of guts to do what you did, back in Barbados.” He spoke in his deep, masculine voice. “I have a thing for gutsy women.”
“Gutsy?” Helen gasped in surprise. “I was just wondering why you were leaving so soon.”
“What are you doing tomorrow night, mountain girl?” Marcus made his voice sound sweeter, running his fingers along the line of her jaw.
“I’m sorry, I’m not available.” She whispered. “The concert’s on tomorrow night.”
“The show starts at nine. How’s eleven o’clock?” He lowered his tone.
“I think it will be over by then.” Helen smiled.
“Eleven it is, then.” Marcus winked at her. “The main gate will be too crowded. I’ll be waiting for you at the side exit.”
“Okay.” Her smile widened, as he tilted his head down. Marcus’s lips pressed gently onto hers, as he cupped her cheek. The contrast of his beard grazed her soft chin, as their mouths joined in a long, tender kiss. Helen reached up and circled her arms around his neck, letting his manly scent flow through her, as a strong gust of wind blew through her hair. His hot breath against her face sent her pulse rising, as he caressed her skin. Marcus laid a short kiss on her upper lip and slowly leaned back, as Helen opened her eyes.
“Tomorrow night, mountain girl,” he said, his voice but a whisper. “Now, let’s take you back to that venue.”
Helen gave him a broad smile, her vision still blurry from his intense kiss. Marcus turned around and mounted his motorcycle. This time, the thunder-headers did not bother her. If anything, she enjoyed that deep rumble, her heart beating fast as they rode off.
Okay, this is just unbelievable. I mean, what are the chances of that biker actually living here? God, that kiss was so good. Nice and firm, not too demanding. And those eyes gave me goose bumps. They’re like tiny blue seas. I think I’m going to like it here.
The sight of Michelle, standing next to their red Toyota, with her hands on her waist, snapped Helen out of her thoughts. She saw anger in her eyes, as the motorcycle slowly rolled to a halt. Swinging her left leg over the saddle, she stepped off the Harley, as Michelle shook her head in disapproval.
“Goodnight.” Helen smiled down at him.
“See you tomorrow.” Marcus nodded to her.
“Why the hell did you ditch me like that?” Michelle yelled, leaning towards her, the noise of the thunder-headers still hovering in her ears.
“Did you see who that guy was?” Helen spoke, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
“No!” Michelle shouted. “Does it matter?”
“Look, I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have left, okay?” Helen changed to a more non-emotional tone. “Let’s just get out of here.”
“Do you know why I gave you this job?” Frustration was lingering in Michelle’s voice.
“Why?”
“Because I need a friend,” Michelle explained, trying to control her short breath. “Because I knew how nervous I’d be. This is my first gig outside of New York, Helen. It has to be good.”
“It’s going to be great!” Helen put a little more force in her voice. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“Do I?” Michelle sighed, shutting her eyes.
“Are we still talking about…” Helen paused, reaching her hand towards her friend’s hand. “…the same Michelle Adams who rocked Williamsburg, back in February?”
“Huh,” Michelle snorted. “That was a beautiful night.”
“Exactly,” Helen used an emphatic tone, wrapping her fingers around her friend’s hand. “I believe in you, Michelle. It’s okay to be nervous, but, trust me, you’re going to be amazing tomorrow night. You’re a fantastic singer.”
“Thanks.” Michelle uttered, turning her gaze back down to Helen’s face. “I’m sorry I snapped at you like that.”
“Don’t be.” Helen urged. “I dumped you; I deserved that.”
“So, who was that guy?” Michelle asked, as her gaze shot up to meet Helen’s.
“I was right.” Helen declared, as a smug smile spread across her face. “It was Marcus.”
“You’re kidding!” Michelle exclaimed. “How did he end up here?”
“Let’s get in the car.” Helen suggested, nodding at the same time. “I’ll explain everything on our way back.”
6
Michelle was just as stunned as Helen. She found it hard to believe that the same, mysterious biker they had run into in Barbados, happened to be living in Los Angeles. However, it wasn’t long before she changed the subject. She was not so anxious about her performance anymore; Helen’s pep talk had boosted her confidence. Amazingly enough, Michelle chose not to bring up work at all, during their drive to their hotel. Instead, she chose to gossip about Gina and Rick. Understanding that such a topic would help her friend relieve her stress, and eager to find out more details about the new couple, Helen listened to everything she had to say. The two of them had a wonderful time, laughing about Gina’s bossy attitude.
The following night found Helen, Michelle and James in a small dressing room in the backstage area of the venue. Olivia’s husband was anxiously flipping through the pages of his sheet music, while Michelle was busy fixing her makeup. Helen remained silent, unwilling to address his nervousness. James had not been famous for his cool temper. There was always a chance of him snapping at her; she was not going to take any chances. So, she chose to focus on her friend.
“You look wonderful,” Helen complimented Michelle, standing behind her.
“Thank you, darling,” a bright smile lit up Michelle’s face, as she eased the eyeliner down on the dresser. Noticing a big, black hat and a pair of sunglasses next to it, she turned to James.
“Are you sure the sunglasses are a good idea?” Michelle inquired. “Will you able to see anything?”
“I tried them on earlier.” James declared, reaching down to pick up his hat. “I could see just fine.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Michelle added, as he put his hat on. At that moment, a hard knock on the door, followed by a loud, hoarse voice drew their attention.
“You’re up in two!”
“Oh, my God,” Michelle spoke too fast.
“It’s all going to be alright,” James made his voice as calm and steady as possible, maintaining eye contact with her as he put his sunglasses on. “Tonight’s your night.”
“Yeah, go get them,” Helen encouraged, patting her on the back; “Both of you.”
&nb
sp; “Okay…” Michelle sucked in a deep breath, closing her eyes. “Let’s do this.”
James started towards the door, as the two women followed. Upon opening it, he turned left and into a narrow corridor. Multiple, red, green and blue lights were lit, as he walked on stage. James settled his gaze on the piano across from him, as Michelle made her way towards the center of the stage. Helen stopped just before the exit and folded her arms across her chest, as a long round of applause filled the air.
“Good evening, everybody,” Michelle spoke through the microphone. “I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight. Now, let’s have some fun. Three, two, one…”
James put his hands over the piano keys, shutting his eyes, as she gripped the microphone. The first song they would play that night was the one that had sent shockwaves throughout the music industry: “Olivia”. Helen watched, as the two artists joined each other, proving to her that she had been right to believe in them. Michelle sang with presence and passion, her smoky voice rocking the arena to its core, as James’s fingers danced slowly over the keys. Each and every lyric exploded out of her mouth, sending the audience into a flurry of emotion. James sang his wife’s name for the chorus, the echoes of his loud, powerful voice ripping through the air…
Was it a dream – Was it a lie
An illusion of a life so far away
A whisper of fate – A breathless sigh
Or a tiny spark in my lightless day
Frozen inside my love you found me
Broken heart in a world of pain
Shadow of the one I used to be
A shattered wolf, howling in the rain
Olivia, my heart’s on fire
Olivia calls out my name
Olivia, my burning desire
Olivia, my dying flame
Your eyes like a river they flowed
Love so strong in my aching soul
Blinded by greed this love you sold
