Rising Star

by JS Taylor

  I smile at the description.

  “Does it make you sad?” I ask, feeling a little bolder after a few pints of Guinness.

  Adam glances at me, as if slightly surprised by my discernment.

  “Maybe a little,” he admits after a moment. “I was very different when I first came here. Very young. I had a lot on my mind.”

  I hesitate, wondering if now is the time to ask about his brother. But he moves in close to me, and puts both arms around me.

  “But I’ve a lot on my mind now too,” he says, his eyes darkening.

  “Oh really?”

  Somehow, I can guess what.

  “Oh yes,” he says, planting a lazy trail of kisses along my neck. “I can’t stop wondering what you look like, under these clothes.”

  “I thought you looked recently,” I murmur, tipping my head back to absorb the tingle of his mouth.

  “I’ve got a bad memory,” he says, sliding off my top, and brushing his hands across my bra. “I need to remind myself.”

  He unhooks my bra, letting it fall to the floor. Then his fingers trace lightly over my nipples. I feel them harden at his touch.

  Slowly, he walks me backwards into the bedroom, caressing my breasts and midriff.

  Then he unzips my skirt and lets it fall.

  There’s something so gentle about his movements, that I’m desperate to touch him.

  “Wait,” I murmur, unbuttoning his jeans. “I want to undress you too.”

  He groans as I slide my hand into the opening of his fly, feeling his hardness.

  Then I reach up, pulling off his T-shirt, exposing his muscular chest and running my hands over it.

  I glance at his face, and there’s something so vulnerable there.

  A deep love for him surges up. I touch my lips to his mouth, putting my whole heart into the kiss.

  He responds urgently, pushing forward into me, grabbing me tight.

  “Wait,” I admonish, pulling back a little. He’s breathing hard. But I’m loving the sudden control I have.

  Slowly, I remove his jeans and run my hand over the erection straining in his boxers.

  He groans again. And then before I can stop him, he’s lifted me up and carried me to the bed.

  Adam lays me out, running his hands over my naked body.

  Hmmmm. I like gentle Adam.

  His lips make a path from my neck to my breasts. And then his hand is between my legs.

  “You’re so wet,” he whispers approvingly.

  His fingers slide softly into me, and I cry out. He builds on the motion, sliding in and over me, tracing a tantalising path.

  Then he’s above me, rolling on a condom. And I feel his hardness between my legs.

  My arms reach around him, pulling him close. And as his eyes meet mine, my soul seems to surge up to meet him.

  Adam groans, moving inside me, filling me up. I’m breathing hard, taking him all in. The soft movements. The way he seems to be loving me with his body.

  It’s almost too much.

  He’s moving gently, but somehow it’s so much deeper than he’s ever been before. I feel as though my entire body is melded to his. Like I belong to him.

  Slowly, he takes my body with his, with long considered movements, making the moment last.

  “I love you,” I whisper, as he moves inside of me.

  He blue eyes deepen into mine.

  “I love you,” he replies, moving his body intently, building me up.

  His hands stroke along my face, brushing over my lips, and then his mouth is on mine. And in that kiss, our worlds seem to explode together.

  I feel my body expanding, glowing, reaching new heights of pleasure. And this time, as I orgasm with him inside me, it feels different. Deeper. More powerful than anything I’ve felt before.

  My lips move with Adam’s, taking him with me, and I feel him climax, long and deep, sighing aloud.

  I lie beneath him, breathing hard, trying to take in the depth of our love-making. Adam’s blue eyes are on mine, soaking me in.

  “That felt different,” he says. “Stronger.”

  I nod, letting the wash of pleasure seep through me.

  “It was making love,” I say simply.

  Adam kisses my lips gently.

  “Then I plan on making love to you a lot,” he says.

  Chapter 36

  The next morning Adam drops me off early at the house, so I can get in plenty of rehearsal time with Tammy and George.

  I’m confident that with a full day ahead of us, we can nail this tune, and I’m humming to myself, as I enter the house and ascend the stairs.

  But as I open the door to the bedroom, I get the sense that something is wrong.

  George isn’t here. And Tammy is sat with her back to me on the bed, her shoulders bowed.

  Did George and Tammy row?

  On hearing the door Tammy turns slowly. Her eyes are red, like she’s been crying, and they narrow when they see me.

  “Tammy?” I say quietly. “What’s wrong?”

  In answer, she holds up a crumpled letter.

  It takes me a full few seconds to realise what she’s holding. And then my stomach lurches.

  It’s the letter I wrote. Saying I was going solo. When Dez was threatening me.

  I have no idea how Tammy got it. But I know almost immediately how she will be taking this.

  I try to explain myself anyway.

  “Tams,” I begin, “Dez was threatening me…”

  But Tammy suddenly erupts.

  “I knew this would happen,” she shrieks, in a half sob. “How could you Summer? I thought George would desert us. But you?”

  “Tams,” I say gently.

  “Just shut up Summer!” she rages. “This is the worst betrayal. How could you agree that George was betraying us, when you’d already written this?”

  “I…”

  “Those bitches from Scandelous found it,” she adds. “They must have been going through our things. So you can imagine how pleased they were to show this letter to me and George.”

  “It’s not what you think,” I protest. “Really Tammy, it’s not.”

  “Just tell me one thing,” says Tammy, “and don’t fucking lie to me. When you wrote this letter, did you mean to leave and go solo?”

  There’s a long pause, whilst I try and think of the best way to put the cold truth.

  “Yes,” I begin, “but…”

  “But nothing!” shouts Tammy, cutting me off. “We’re supposed to be in it together, remember? No matter what!”

  “I had no choice,” I say, “Dez was threatening me.”

  “You always have a choice to be loyal,” says Tammy. Her voice is darker than I’ve ever heard it. “You could have told me. We would have figured it out.”

  “I wasn’t thinking straight,” I admit. “It was never seriously meant.”

  “But serious enough to write it down in a letter?’ fumes Tammy. “Don’t fucking bother to explain Summer. I’m through. I’ve already told George I’m never working with her again.”

  She stands and stalks past me towards the door.

  “She’s All That are over,” she says, sobs rising up. “If you wanted to go solo, you’ve got it.”

  “Tams!” I grab her shoulder but she wrenches out of my grasp, and strides out of the door.

  “Don’t you dare fucking follow me,” she hisses, as a parting shot. “I never want to see you again.”

  I stand open-mouthed as Tammy stamps down the stairs and out of the front door. And then she’s gone.

  I hesitate in the doorway, wanting to run after her. But I know Tammy. If I follow her when she’s asked me not to, it won’t go down well.

  So the first thing I do, is send her a string of texts, apologising and trying to explain. Then I call George, but there’s no answer. I call Tammy ten times consecutively, but she doesn’t answer either.

  Shit.

  I have to arrive at the obvious conclusion.

&nb
sp; My band-mates are freezing me out. And we’ve got a show together in under eight hours.

  Shit!

  I need to speak to Adam.

  My hands are shaking as I phone him and explain the situation. Adam listens intently as I sob down the phone, feeling suddenly overwhelmed with hopelessness. After all the events of the week, this is just too much.

  “Let me try and talk to them,” says Adam eventually, after offering words of comfort. “I’m sure they’ll come around.”

  “Really?” I feel instantly better at the offer. “That would be great. I’m sure they’ll listen to you.”

  A spring of hope is welling up.

  Surely Tammy will listen to Adam?

  “We’ll see,” he says.

  Adam rings off, and I wait a tense few minutes.

  Tammy has to come around. She has to.

  I’m aware that every second that passes is precious rehearsal time slipping away.

  My phone rings and I jump to answer. Adam’s name flashes up.

  I connect the call, almost dropping the phone in my haste.

  “Summer,” he says slowly. “I’m sorry. It’s not good news.”

  “What did she say?” I demand, needing to know the worst.

  “She doesn’t want to talk to you at the moment,” he replies, and I can tell he’s being tactful. “There’s no reasoning with her for the time being,” he continues. “I don’t know if she’ll come around later…”

  But the tone of his voice says it all. Tammy isn’t forgiving me any time soon.

  “I’m coming over,” he continues. “We need to work on your performance.”

  What?

  “But…” I stammer. “There is no performance without George and Tammy.”

  “Your performance,” he says calmly. “You’ll have to sing alone.”

  “I can’t. Not without the girls,” I protest.

  “If you want to stay on the show, you’ll have to,” he replies. “I can arrange things to give you a solo slot. It won’t be easy. But it’s the best I can do. I can’t hold a space for anyone if there’s no performance Summer.”

  Performing alone.

  All my life I’ve loved taking centre stage. But suddenly the thought fills me with dread.

  How can I perform without George and Tammy? I’d be betraying them.

  “What about George?” I press. “Did you speak to her?”

  Maybe George can persuade Tammy to forgive me.

  There’s a pause.

  “George has already contacted a lawyer about breaking the contract,” says Adam bluntly. “I don’t know if she’ll change her mind. But it won’t be for tonight’s show.”

  I feel my world silently imploding.

  “But… Our song,” I say pathetically. “It needs three people.” It’s the only thing I can think to say.

  “You can sing it,” replies Adam confidently.

  “Not without George and Tammy.” I feel my voice rising hysterically. “We’re a group.”

  “Summer,” says Adam. “You can do this. I’m coming over. I’ll help.”

  I’m a bundle of nerves as Adam arrives. I’ve tried calling Tammy and George again, but there’s no answer. I still haven’t lost hope that they might change their minds and forgive me. If only I can explain things properly.

  Adam walks right up to me and hugs me tight. I’m instantly calmer.

  “Lisa’s coming over,” he murmurs into my hair. “We’re going to coach you for a solo performance.”

  “Lisa? She’d do that?” I’m amazed. “Has she got time?”

  I’m feeling a bud of confidence grow. If Lisa is prepared to help, perhaps I can put a solo performance together after all.

  “Of course Lisa will help,” he says, kissing my hair. “I explained it’s an emergency.” He sighs. “I don’t think you realise how talented you are Summer. All the serious musicians are rooting for you. That includes Lisa.”

  “Oh,” it’s all I can think of to say. “I can’t believe she’d do that for me,” I add sincerely. “I’m so grateful.”

  “She’s doing it for me as well,” admits Adam. “I told Lisa. About us.”

  “You did?”

  “I think she knew,” says Adam. “Don’t you?”

  “Maybe,” I concede. I remember Lisa’s knowing reference to Adam, the last time she helped us rehearse.

  “So she’s helping me out as a favour to you?”

  “Lisa knows how much I care for you,” says Adam simply. “We’re friends. She wants to help.”

  “That’s really nice of her,” I say uncertainly.

  Adam glances at my terrified face.

  “You’ll be fine,” he adds. “You’ll see.”

  “Ok,” I whisper. “Do I have any other choices?”

  Adam shrugs. “You could pull out of the show. But I don’t think you want to do that.”

  I shake my head slowly. After everything that’s happened to get us here. I don’t want to forfeit our place. And who’s to say Tammy and George won’t change their minds? If not this evening, then for the next show? I need to keep the place for them if I can.

  “Ok,” says Adam. “Enough talking. Let’s get you ready for a solo performance.”

  Adam and I begin setting up equipment together, and planning what will be included.

  I decide I’d like to take a guitar on stage – partly as a defence mechanism. It’s comforting to have the instrument shielding my body. But I also know it will calm me to strum my own chords as I sing.

  Adam and I are busying ourselves with a makeshift stage when there’s a shy knock at the door.

  “Come in,” calls Adam without looking up.

  It opens slowly and Lisa steps inside.

  “Hi,” I say shyly.

  “Hello Summer,” says Lisa. She looks at me with sympathy, and then moves to give me a warm hug.

  She is so nice.

  “I heard what happened,” says Lisa, drawing back. “I’m sorry. It’s shitty when bands argue. But you’ll do a great job solo. Maybe they’ll be back with you next week.”

  I smile at her comforting words.

  “In the meantime,” she adds, Adam and I will help you rehearse. She gives me a warm smile. “You’ll be great. Better than great.”

  With Adam and Lisa both here to help, the idea of performing tonight seems less insurmountable.

  I manage a weak smile.

  “Thank you both so much,” I say with feeling.

  “Never mind that,” says Lisa, her tone brisk. “We don’t have much time. Let’s get this performance ready.”

  Chapter 37

  Lisa, Adam and I discuss my performance. And the first decision, is whether to sing the planned song or go with a new one. At first I’m against the idea of using our upbeat pop song. Not only is it not how I’m feeling right now, but it seems wrong to sing the song that She’s All That should have performed together.

  “You can’t go out there like a girl who’s lost her band,” says Lisa. “You need to go strong. Pick a song which shows your confidence.”

  I consider this. It seems like good advice. Though frankly, right now, I feel so lost I appreciate anything to steer me through the next day.

  “The song we were planning to perform was upbeat,” I admit. “It’s about taking the nerve to approach a guy on the dance floor.”

  “Well, that sounds perfect,” says Lisa approvingly.

  “I don’t know,” I say. “I’m not sure I want to sing it without the girls. It seems… wrong somehow.”

  Lisa moves a little closer, and takes my hand in her pink fingernails.

  “Listen to me,” she says, her soft blue eyes intent. “Bands break up. It’s hard. But you are too talented to waste. You got that?”

  I hesitate, blushing a little under the praise.

  “You already told me, it was misunderstanding,” Lisa continues. “If they’re true friends, they’ll come around.”

  “I hope so.”

&n
bsp; “Well I know so,” says Lisa determinedly. “You go out and give it your all. Tammy and George will realise, you’re not doing it to hurt them. You were made to be a star Summer Evans.”

  I’m blushing even harder now.

  “Thank you,” I manage. “That means so much.”

  Lisa is telling me I’m going to be a star.

  On one level I’m incredibly flattered. I still have that deep dead feeling in the pit of my stomach. That my two best friends can’t forgive me. But I’m growing in confidence that I can do a good job of performing solo. Even without much rehearsal.

  After seven hard hours, we have my performance down. I’m so grateful to Lisa and Adam, that it’s hard to put into words.

  “Thank you,” I say to Lisa. “I’m sorry if I haven’t seemed so cheerful. But really, I am so, so grateful you took the time to help me.”

  “It’s my pleasure,” smiles Lisa. “I know you’ll give a great performance. And I’ll make sure your styled to suit,” she adds, with a wicked smile.

  Her eyes drift up and down my body.

  “We’ll arrange something to show off that cute little figure,” she decides.

  “Nothing too revealing,” growls Adam.

  Lisa winks at me.

  Then she plucks out her phone.

  “I’m ready to make the call to production,” she says glancing at Adam and then back at me.

  “It’s do or die Summer,” she adds, “I need to tell the production crew how to arrange the stage. Once I’ve made this call, you’re performing alone. No pulling out.”

  I nod sadly, unable to resist checking my phone again. The display is empty.

  “Make the call,” I say. “I guess I have to accept it. They’re not coming back tonight.”

  Lisa makes the call, and Adam studies my face.

  “You made the right decision,” he says firmly. “You’ll be great up there.”

  “I guess I don’t have time to think about it,” I sigh, checking my watch. Time has flown so fast with our tight schedule.

  “I’m on stage in under an hour,” I add.

  I pull out my phone and compulsively check the display one last time.