The Unexpected Life of Carnegie Lane

by Virginia Higgins

  His first album was haunting. It was strangely sad and then it dawned on her. It reminded her of her book. It reflected the loss. Carnegie lay on the lounge listening to the words, feeling the music, ingesting the beat. It was what she did best, although usually it also cleaned her house. Like a magical fairy.

  She drifted off to sleep thinking about how amazing it had been to meet someone as wonderful as him. Then she thought of how it came about…write this down…the voice had said, gently as she was waking up that morning…..write this down!

  Carnegie Lane fell asleep on her lounge in the middle of the day. It was something she never did, yet the pace of the last few days physically and mentally had left her exhausted. Everything would be better later, she decided as she drifted off to sleep with the sound of Nate’s voice playing softly in the background, enveloping her like a blanket. She was so asleep, she didn’t even hear those kids walk in the door from school, and none of them were game enough to wake her.

  The day rolled into night, and even though she slept through dinner, which the girls managed to provide for the little ones, she still went to bed reasonably early. She was reading through the Publishing offer that had arrived through the day and was left under the mat at her door. It was nearly midnight when the phone rang. She reached over without even thinking and picked it up.

  “Hello?” she said, a little indifferently.

  “Hey.” The voice replied. “It’s Nate…”

  He was quiet, but it didn’t matter. He was there…on the end of the phone.

  “It’s late, why are you still up?” She taunted him a little.

  “Can’t sleep, why are you still up?” He mimicked.

  “Can’t sleep.” There was silence… both of them holding onto the knowledge that the distance between them had somehow disappeared by no more than a connection through a telephone line.

  “Carnegie, I’m sorry...” She cut him off.

  “You don’t have to apologize, there’s nothing to apologize for.”

  “Well, I need to explain it to you.”

  “Nate… you’re not obligated to explain anything to me, really, and I’m so grateful that you came.” She genuinely was grateful. That would never change.

  “Well, I feel like I do, and I will… You know that guy that was there, Tye Markham?”

  “Yeah…” She replied, not seeing a connection and hoping that he wasn’t about to tell her he was gay or something.

  “Well, he was a reporter, an undercover reporter for one of the most ruthless paparazzi teams in England. It filtered back to Kat. I was avoiding conflict, for both of you.” Again…there was silence while she took it in.

  “Why would there be conflict. Conflict from what?” She questioned genuinely

  “From whatever angle they decided to write a story from.”

  “There really isn’t a story. We became friends, you came and played a concert.”

  “And your about to publish a book, and your agent is my sister, which could take credibility away from you all together.”

  Carnegie was really confused. She didn’t understand this industry at all.

  “How could it do that? I don’t get it.”

  “It’s doesn’t matter what the truth is Carnegie…Have you ever really looked at some of the stories on a magazine cover? Have you wondered why they are there? It’s not so you can read the tragic fuckups of the stars, it’s so you will buy the products advertised inside. The more enticing the story on the front, the better the chance to sell the magazine, or newspaper, no matter if it’s real or completely embellished. That’s what the paparazzi is all about. Now, you are a credible writer, the last thing you need is for there to be doubt in your ability.”

  “How, if it’s that good, could it be doubted?”

  “Because… let’s just say, that a story got out that you and I were together or speculated to be together, my fans would buy the book, and not all of them would be happy I was apparently off the market, so internet blogs would spawn all over the net, giving a very false indication of how bad your book was, even if it’s not. I know that sounds strange, but it would happen. Then, you would get the press saying the only reason your book sold, was because of your affiliation with me and Kat, which wouldn’t help Kat either.”

  “But we aren’t together Nate, so what’s the problem?”

  “We don’t have to be…They got the photo, the one where I kissed you on the forehead. Any idea what they could do with that?”

  “No…?” She said, sounding a little bit miserable.

  “Ah…you’re so green.” Nate was smiling.

  “If you don’t want us to come to Brisbane… just say …”

  “NO! You come….Please come…I want you here. We will just be careful what we do.”

  “Yeah…OK. Maybe I’ll get used to this eventually.”

  “Well, my budding little Author. You’re going to have to get used to it to some degree, because your book is going all the way to the top. It’s a great story, and you’re very talented. Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently. But mostly, I want to protect you. I’ve lived this world for a very long time and I’ve got a fairly thick skin as far as the chatter goes, but I wouldn’t have it for long, if it ever hurt you.” He said, gently and genuinely to her.

  “Thanks Nate, thanks for being so kind. But my skin is thicker maybe than you give me credit for. Just wait and see.” She wasn’t sure that it was; only time would tell.

  They talked about different things for awhile, but the best part… Nate sang her a song over the phone. A cure song... One of her favorite songs. She closed her eyes and reveled in the moment. She laughed and gave him requests that he lined up for later. It was like neither of them had ever left that room. If she closed her eyes she could see him back there, the sun going down over the ocean, and if he closed his eyes he could see too.

  It was only later, after he fell asleep that his truth was revealed. In his dreams, he was happy, he had talked to Taylor on a phone. Her long dark hair falling in waves down her back as she rushed out to greet him. They joked and laughed, he played his guitar and she gave him requests…then she kissed him goodbye, got into a car, and died when the car hit a tree before she made it out of the street.

  “TAYLOR!!” he called out as he sat up in his bed, sweat dripping from his brow, his breathing labored like he had been running.

  “Carnegie” he whispered gently as he lay back down and closed his eyes, still haunted from where he had been… “Carnegie Lane.”

  The night before had all but been forgotten by Nate as he began his media rampage with television interviews for the local Rock Shows that played his videos on TV. There was no time to be lost in the memory of the past, or to look at the possibility of a future, outside his present career.

  Nate Bowman had to be the confident, charismatic and invincible force that the world believed existed. The untouchable perfection of sound in motion. The extremely good looking Adonis that the girls of the world swooned over, and most importantly, happy.

  For two days he played his part and put on his face. It was only the morning of the first concert that he gave a solid thought to the guests he had arriving and the empty rooms he had booked that would be filled with the faces he was desperate to see. Nate had gone to the airport himself to greet them. He no longer cared what his sister thought. He didn’t care what the press had to say, he would deal with it somehow.

  All he wanted was to get them off the plane and safely back to the hotel. The cameras stood waiting, occasionally taking photos of him. Then, as the gates opened and the people flooded out of the arrivals door to the baggage terminal, they readied themselves to catch the first shots of who he was picking up of the plane. Carnegie Lane and the children saw Nate and began walking over to him. He picked up Sienna and kissed Carnegie gently on the cheek. The cameras were in full motion. The photographers called his name and asked him questions about who they were, none of which he answered.

  “D
on’t look at them, just ignore they are there, or try to.” He said gently to them all as they made their way through the media onslaught. Sobian and Olivia loved the attention, Connor didn’t care and all Sienna wanted to do was pull faces. They grabbed their bags and made their way to the car that was waiting.

  “Wow…we have a welcoming party.” Carnegie said as they jumped in and began driving back to the hotel.

  “Yep…you certainly do.” Said Nate, defiantly not caring about the outcome.

  All that mattered to him, was she was there. The media didn’t slow down when they made it to their destination. Getting out of the car at the Hotel was just as big a fracas, with the paparazzi waiting for them, calling out to Nate and asking for names and a statement.

  The girls, having been on the front page of the local Bundaberg news lately were the key, so headlines and photographs were being sent out to buyers. Still none of them knew the truth or the connection, not yet. Right now, it was a story in the making. It had happened quickly, just as Leonie knew it would. She was ready for the fallout whatever way it came and was sure that Katalie would call sooner or later to get an update. Right now, all she had to do was prime Carnegie a little on what to do and what not to do. As long as she had no scandals in her closet, everything would be fine.

  Katalie had seen the pictures published through the Australian papers, as they began to hit the internet, she had a bot program on her computer that would alert her to anything regarding Nate. She had recently updated it with Carnegie’s name, and her kids, just so she wouldn’t ever be the last to know, where all of them were concerned. The story was headlining the two of them along with the children at the airport and she knew he wasn’t going to stop. In a way she now understood why, but she also knew he was playing a game that if he lost, would possibly break him, and damage Carnegie’s career forever. Kat bit the bullet and sent an email to Richard Toll. Now was as good a time as any to give him the statement they had promised. Especially since he had way more insight into what had been going on than any other reporter so far.

  Dear Richard,

  Re: NATE BOWMAN AND CARNEGIE LANE

  In reference to your questions asking who Carnegie Lane is in association with my brother Nate Bowman I offer you the following statement:

  “Carnegie Lane is an Australian Author, who has a book soon to be released in the UK, Australia and subsequent associated territories. She is a single mother of four, who has proven herself to be a very exciting new addition to the literary world. She is my client who also has developed a personal friendship with my brother of her own accord, which is separate to the working relationship between this office and Carnegie Lane.”

  As far as the individual relationship between the two, I suggest that you ask them directly, for as far as I am aware, they are just friends.

  I hope this answers your questions.

  Regards

  Katalie Bowman

  Richard Toll received her email. He was slightly disappointed at her angle, yet, he knew that he could use it. He had a plan forming. One that would sell headlines and bring in the dollars he wanted. With Tye still on the prowl, and another two photographers working for him in Brisbane, Richards’ headline would show a different angle, one that was bound to be interesting. Especially to those who wanted nothing more than to see this new friendship ripped apart.

  Carnegie Lane was once Carnegie Blackman. She grew up on a small rural property in rural NSW. When she finished school, she moved to Sydney and became engrossed in the underground scene of live music around the inner city. She was arrested for drug use once, that he was aware of, and the only photograph of her that had been published was taken outside of the Horden Pavilion in Sydney, hanging around with some members of the Band “Stickerman”.

  They were a successful local punk-rock band at the time, yet their involvement in drugs had ultimately led to the demise of their career when the lead guitarist overdosed before a show. There was even speculation of foul play although no one was ever charged. Over time it faded away like so many other band tragedies, into history forever forgotten, yet in this case, not far enough. Richard Toll had decided that Carnegie Lane was a professional groupie, one that had somehow managed to slide her way to the top of the pile, and land herself in rather elite musical company. It wasn’t the truth, yet it would sell.

  The fact that she had a documented connection to the music industry in the 80’s gave his theory some credibility. The fact that there were drugs involved, a death and a possible murder twist would only boost it, regardless if she was involved in it or not.

  He was waiting for the right moment and for more exclusive pictures he could use to build on his theory. Already, by involving a private investigator, he knew more about Carnegie Lane than anyone else. It didn’t matter what statement Katalie Bowman put forward, the squeaky clean single mother doing it tough and managing to write a successful book, who just happened to be an unlikely friend to Nate Bowman was suddenly, blown completely out of the water. It’s amazing how your past has the potential to come right back at you and bite you on the ass… In ways you never saw coming.

  Carnegie Lane, mother of four, idol to inanimate objects and almost Author. Suddenly and unexpectedly, was about to get her first taste of tabloid fame. Ready…or not.

  I’m looking at you through the glass

  Don’t know how much time has passed

  Oh God it feels like forever

  But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home

  Sitting all alone inside your head.

  “Through Glass”

  Written by Corey Taylor

  Stone Sour – Come What(ever) May Album 2006

  12

  Back at the hotel, Carnegie and the kids were watching the fuss just outside the glass doors. The security had the paparazzi well under control. They weren’t allowed to trespass onto the premises so outside on the footpath they remained, while inside, the family was checked in and given their rooms. Leonie was now down in the foyer talking to Nate. He hadn’t told her he went to get them on his own. She was now dealing with the emails, texts and phone calls she wasn’t expecting because of his deliberate oversight.

  “We could have just sent a car Nate. What are you trying to do?”

  “I just wanted to go greet them. Don’t you get it yet? I don’t care what anyone thinks.”

  “Well, what do I tell the press?” She huffed at him, defeated.

  “Tell them the truth. Carnegie Lane and her family are personal friends, and they are staying at the hotel with us while we are in Brisbane...Too easy.”

  He turned and went to the elevators and pressed the button to go up. Leonie followed him, deciding to take some time out and just hang in her room for a while. Neither of them spoke on the way up. There really wasn’t anything to say, without it becoming a challenge between the two of them. Leonie had worked with Nate and the band for seven years. She knew their personalities better than anyone. She also knew when to stop trying to change something when they made up their minds. The bell signaled they were at their floor and both got out, going separate ways. Nate headed to Carnegies room and knocked.

  “Hey!” She said as she opened the door. “This is so nice here.”

  In the background the kids were going between the two interconnecting doors. Sienna was jumping on the bed.

  “It’s not bad. My room is number 209, I’m three doors that way.” Nate pointed to his right. “Wanna come see?”

  He asked with a smile on his face.

  “Yeah!” Said Sienna. She was having so much fun. She had no idea why her family were suddenly surrounded by cameras and rocks stars, but it didn’t matter why. All that mattered was it was the best fun she had had in ages. Starting with the flight to Brisbane.

  They walked down the hall and Nate opened his door. They walked into a room that was three times the size of the one they were in. The view of the city was amazing. He walked over to the bar and poured himself a red wine and o
ne for Carnegie. Then he pulled out cokes and handed them out to the kids.

  “Err…Sienna goes a bit mental on that stuff.” Carnegie said, cautiously.

  “She’ll be right. She has a concert to go to so I’m sure she’ll burn it off.”

  He went over and handed Carnegie her glass, looking into her eyes as he did. Nate just stood there, smiling and looking at her. She remained curious and allowed him to do it without questioning why. Somewhere in her eyes, was a connection to his past. Somehow she held a key, one he didn’t believe possible to exist. Her eyes were blue. Her hair was dark, her skin was pale, untouched by the sun. Even though he had never asked himself the question. He felt comfortable with her because she represented what he could no longer have.

  Taylor had blue eyes, dark hair and pale skin. She would have been the same age as Carnegie, if she had lived. The connection was there, but the reason he felt something was still trapped in his sub conscious. What he was doing on one level, could have been viewed as insane. What he was really doing, was trying to set himself free.

  “Carnegie…” he broke the awkwardness.

  “Yes?” She questioned. Wondering exactly what he had been looking at for so long, presuming it was the wrinkles next to her eyes. If he suggested Botox…she was going to hit him.

  “Thanks.” Was all he said. He continued to look at her.

  “Thanks for what?”

  “For being here, for coming. It means a lot to me.” He clinked his glass up against hers and both of them turned to watch the sun begin to shift in the sky. It was now 4pm. Nate had a sound check in one hour. Then he had time to come back for an hour or so and get ready to go back to the Brisbane Entertainment Center ready for the first of his shows.

  About twenty minutes later, Leonie walked into the room with a schedule in her hands, she said hello to Carnegie and the kids, then started directing Nate in what to do.

  “Nate, you go now to the sound check, and I’ll organize Carnegie and the kids so go ahead without me. Oh... and someone will be there from a radio show, have fun with that. And… you will have to talk to them at some stage, don’t ignore them.”