“As you can see, I’m still alive. I’m tough as nails, girl. I’ll only have a tiny scar on the back of my leg when I’m better.”
“That’s great. I had no idea what to expect. Did you talk to your mom? She’s frantic.”
“Pffft. Yeah right.”
“You should call her. Anyway, before I get ahead of myself, I got you something. Hang on.”
She left the room and returned with something behind her back.
“Tell me you brought me cookies from Gilly’s Bakery, Eva. I’m craving sugar.”
“Of course I did. It’s in the kitchen. I’ll bring you the box in a minute, but the surprise is something else.”
“Show me.”
“I had to go to your place for it, but…”
She slowly moved her hand from behind her back. It was the portrait of my dad.
“Awww. Girl you’re so sweet for bringing it. I missed it like crazy. Oh, yes. Remind me to show you the locket Johnny gave me. He had a picture of dad made to fit inside.”
“How sweet! You’re lucky, girl. He seemed like such a nice guy from the phone call. I’ll get to meet him! How freaking awesome is that! Wait. I’ll get to meet him, right? He does live here, so someone better put ‘meet Eva’ in his schedule.”
I laughed and placed the framed photo of dad on my night stand. “You’ll meet him. Just don’t start acting like a fan girl or I’ll have to tackle you too.”
“I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try. There’s one more thing I got you! Two actually.”
“What?”
“Wait a minute. I’ll get it.”
She was gone for much longer this time. When she returned, she shouted from outside the door where I couldn’t see her. “Ready, Amanda?”
“Yes. What is it?”
I couldn’t believe it. She wheeled in a mid-sized aquarium filled with water. Trevor and Lulu were inside.
“Oh goodness! My babies! Bring them over here. I’ve missed you two so much!”
She wheeled it to the side of the bed I was facing at the moment.
“How did you get them here?” I asked, staring into the tank.
“Easy as pie when money is no object, darling,” she said, giggling. “No really. I put them in breathable travel bags for fish yesterday, and sent them ahead with the airport pet service. It was pretty simple.”
“I don’t even know how to thank you, Eva.”
“It wasn’t my idea. You can thank Johnny for that too.”
“Really?” I was gushing. “God, he’s been so kind to me, Eva.”
“You deserve it. I’m glad you gave him a chance. Otherwise I’d have to secretly schedule a commitment-phobe intervention, and put you in the hot seat.”
“I wouldn’t put it past you.”
“So tell me, missy, what time are we going out for drinks? First round is on me!”
Eva was a PR genius and seemed to have more money than there were designer shoes to buy. She always picked up the tab, so her offer was more of a running joke than anything. I rarely let myself go crazy with a credit card. Eva, on the other hand, lived to shop. We made an odd set of friends. Her life was glamour, fashion, and parties—while I tended to avoid those things for the most part. As part of her job, she kept one perfectly manicured finger on the pulse of the celeb scene, so it was no surprise she had figured out about me posing as Johnny’s girlfriend back when she did. She was going to shine during her time here in LA, drinking or not.
I laughed at her eager question. “I’m stuck in bed for another day, Eva. After that, I can’t drive, stand or sit on my ass for a few more days. I doubt alcohol will help me get better.”
“When can we go, then?”
“How long are you staying?”
“As long as you need me. I told my boss he could handle things for a week or so.”
“Okay. So as soon as I’m moving around a bit, the three of us can go. You don’t mind if Johnny comes with us, do you?”
“Hell no. I put up with Adam, didn’t I? After his uptight ass, everyone else will be a breeze.”
“Okay. So we’ll go out for drinks then.”
“Excellent. When can I go for a walk? I did some Googling of the celebrities who live around here. The Rock is only three blocks down the hill. I am so gonna run back and forth in front of his gate wearing a bustier, stilettos and Daisy Duke’s.”
I couldn’t stop laughing. “I don’t know about your Dwayne Johnson shenanigans, honey. If you want to go out, I’ll need to see whether we’re still on lockdown from the stalker. I’ll ask Fred or Larry.”
“Wait. What lockdown? And who’s Fred and Larry? Are they cute?”
“They’re FBI.” She just looked at me. “Yes. Welcome to the Twilight zone, Eva.”
* * *
While Eva and I were catching up in my bed, I got a call back from Gary. I had a guess about what was so urgent—striking while the media frenzy was hot. In the spirit of moving on with my life, possibly without Johnny, I was eager to find out.
“Amanda! Good Lord, it’s been forever!” He greeted me.
“Hi Gary.” I smiled, energized by the excitement in his voice. I had not seen him in a long time. He would be one more familiar face to keep me grounded if I returned to Miami. The more reminders I gave myself, the less the sting would be if leaving LA became a reality.
“So, tell me, where on earth have you been hiding?”
I sighed. “Don’t give me that, Gary. Kevin told me he phoned you and you had a long conversation.”
“I was giving you a chance to tell me, Roxy. Or should I call you Rachel the rock star girlfriend hero now?” He teased.
“You’re right. I should have told you.”
“Damn straight. Anyway, I’m glad things have been hopping, but how are you feeling? That picture of you the media’s been blitzing looks like you may have been clinging to life.”
“I’m fine. I’ll be good as new in a few days.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“So what’s going on?”
“How soon can you be up and ready for a face-to-face meeting?”
“I’d say about a week. I haven’t been cleared to fly yet, though.”
“Not a problem, because I may need you to stay put in LA.”
My heart started to race, double time. “What? Why?”
“Well, you want to meet the producers for Tough Sports Live. They sponsor and host the MMA show we were talking about. If you’re still interested, you’ll need to go to their studio, within the week.”
“Just for the interview?” I asked, silently pleading he would say no.
“Not quite. There’s some travel involved, as you’ll be on the MMA circuit. They want you stationed in LA and Las Vegas, with travel across continental USA. Would that be a problem?”
A job out here would mean I could find my own place and get to know Johnny better. Who was I kidding? He made it clear he wanted me here, in his house, in his bed. No matter the outcome, at least the job in LA would make it easier to spend time together.
“It sounds perfect.”
“Excellent. Although, there’s already been a few other promising leads since that person slashed and trashed you in San Diego.”
“Like what?”
“You name it, it’s on the table. An exposé on Johnny, an exclusive with the two of you, heck, someone called today about a biopic. They all want you, and they want the story now. For big money, too. You know the game. Take it when it comes, right?”
“Yeah. I know it, except I’m not interested in doing anything that puts Johnny under the microscope. He’s got enough of that.”
“I hear you. I think you should meet the producers in LA in a week, and if anything better comes up, I’ll call you.”
“I agree, Gary.”
“Great. I’ll make some calls and get back to you. Take care of that stab wound, Amanda.”
“Bye Gary.”
It seemed that the odds were back in my favor ag
ain. Now it was just a matter of getting to that interview, and talking to Johnny about everything.
Unless he raised it first.
Ideally, I was hoping for the latter.
Until then, everything that mattered was already here in LA.
Chapter 18 - Johnny
The joys of Kevin’s sudden shift may have come to an end. There were two days left to the Rock Hits Video Awards. He would not let me forget it. This morning, we were finishing up breakfast to get down to the basement gym for the dance rehearsal.
“Remember,” he said. “This is the most important show of your life. Alessio is a stickler, but don’t get hotheaded. He’s here to help.”
I grunted. I had been up early to have some alone time with Amanda. That’s where I wanted to be right now. I was not in the mood for Kevin’s orders—or Alessio’s. He was a well-known choreographer that Kevin hired to help me get ready for the RHVA performance. We had been working with him off and on since before the tour, when I filmed a few music videos. The name Alessio invoked fear and loathing among my dancers. The man was a hardass.
“Johnny,” Kevin said in a stern voice, his left eyebrow raised at me.
“I’m listening. Don’t worry, I’ll be your trick pony.”
I finished the last gulp of my coffee and set down the mug.
Kevin tilted his head sideways. “Don’t start. I’m doing this for you. Come on, let’s get down there.”
* * *
For most guys, being surrounded by hot girls in barely-there workout clothes would be a dream come true. Add in the fact that they were bumping and grinding all over me, and it was the stuff of pure fantasy.
All I wanted was to get back to my woman.
Upstairs.
It was an odd realization. The Johnny that most people knew would have already picked out which girl, or set of girls, he would be inviting up to get banged for one night. That time had passed.
“No, no, no!” Alessio shouted as he marched across the room. He stopped the music then came over to me, poking and prodding, trying to correct my steps. Or was it my form this time? I wasn’t paying attention. “All right, again!”
The music cued up and we started again. My focus was shot.
“Stop the music, Alessio.” I waved to get his attention at the ending part of the routine. “Carry on with the backup performers. I’m taking a break.”
“Johnny, I could stay late and help you, if you want,” one of the dancers said to me.
She had blonde hair pulled back into a high school inspired ponytail. Her cutoff shirt barely covered her breasts, and every time she moved, I caught a flash of her black and pink bra top underneath. As I considered her offer, I felt nothing. Not even a hint of temptation. My former band members would probably tell me I was losing my edge.
“I’m good,” I told her, heading for the door.
She raced after me. “Really. I don’t mind. I could…stay late and show you some extra moves,” she said, winking at me.
“Thanks, but I’ll get it. What’s your name?”
“Molly. Want my number for later?”
“I think Alessio wants you in there,” I told her, pointing in his direction.
She returned to her spot in the dance sequence. I went upstairs for a break and returned about half hour later.
As the rehearsal wrapped up, Alessio approached me. He gave me a long lecture about my posture, wearing the proper shoes, and how I needed to be more “on” in my dancing. I looked at him and nodded.
“Were you even listening to anything he said?” Kevin asked as he walked in with Fred.
“Yes. I’ll be on for the show. Nothing to worry about.” The three of us left and took the back staircase to the kitchen. “Kevin, there was a dancer in there named Molly.”
“Yes? What about her?”
“Is she new?”
“Yes. Sabrina got a gig in Europe. Why?”
“Someone needs to give her an orientation or something.”
“What? She tried to hit on you?”
“Yeah.”
“And you never approached her?”
“Hell no.”
“Leave it with me. I’ll take care of it. And if she tries it again, I’ll Donald Trump her ass.”
* * *
The dance rehearsals went from bad to worse. By the day before the RHVA performance, I was more exhausted than ever.
“This is our final run-through,” Alessio announced as things picked up after lunch. “Think of it as a dress rehearsal.”
I did what I could. When we wrapped up, I went up to the kitchen. Kevin and Fred were talking over security plans.
“Johnny. Get over here.”
“What’s up?” I said, grabbing a sports drink from the fridge. “Is it something about the case? Have there been more messages?”
It had been days since anyone had even mentioned the stalker.
Fred set down the file he and Kevin nay have been going over. “Things have gone silent. There haven’t been any messages since before Amanda was hurt.”
I nodded. It was a relief to hear the nightmare might soon be over, but if they didn’t get her put away before the RHVAs, what would happen once the FBI left? This had to end eventually. I was not going to be a prisoner in my own home for much longer.
“Have they tracked the woman down? I thought we had a name and all her details now.”
“All signs point to her going underground. A team raided her home in New York. It was already emptied out. She has no prior record, and no employment to speak of. We’ve questioned relatives, friends. Nothing.”
“Christ. Do you think she’ll show up tomorrow night?”
“I don’t know. My gut says this thing isn’t over yet. Don’t worry. We have the best of the best on the job. We know what she looks like now.”
“Didn’t Amanda say the woman looked different? Like her eye color was off or something?”
“Not to worry, Johnny. If she shows up, she won’t get past us.”
“And what if she doesn’t turn up at all tomorrow?”
“What do you mean?”
“What involvement will you have after the tour is over? Who’s going to be searching for her?”
“She’s wanted for attempted murder, with both local police in LA and San Diego, and the FBI. Eventually, we’ll find her.”
“And your team?”
“Formally, the case will remain open. Unofficially, we’ll all be reassigned to high-priority files.”
“So we’re on our own after tomorrow.”
Kevin looked up at me. “We’ll keep the private security we have. You know how these things work. It’ll be back to business as usual. What are you worried about?”
“Just a gut feeling.”
I left the kitchen to check up on Amanda.
* * *
“Hi beautiful,” I said from the door.
“Hi baby. How’s it going out there?”
“Not bad.” I stepped into her room, which was quieter than it had been since her friend from Miami came to visit. “Where’s your friend?”
“Shopping on Rodeo Drive. I would have gone too. but stepping out in heels and crutches sounded a little risky,” she joked.
I smiled at the image. “No doubt. How are the crutches working out?”
“Good. I can’t complain.”
“Great. I’m just heading upstairs for a shower. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Get over here and kiss me, Lorne.”
I snuck into bed beside her, pulling her in close for a kiss. “Do you know how hard my cock is for you right now?”
“Mmmm,” she groaned, reaching her hand down between us. She snaked it under the waistband of my sweat pants, and wrapped her hot, tiny fingers around the shaft. “I want to feel it inside me so bad, baby. Just another few days, and you can fuck my brains out.”
“I can’t wait,” I whispered, distracted by what her hand was doing to me. My cock was hard like granite from waiting for
her wound to heal. My hips tilted forward, enjoying the effect her skillful fingers had on me. I nipped at her ear lobe. I kissed across her neck, taking in her scent, biding my time until I could have her again. “I’m gonna grab a shower, babe. Before I blow a gasket.”
Chapter 19 - Amanda
I awoke from a catnap. The house was quiet. The RHVAs were just hours away. Johnny and his entourage had gone down to the event location to set up. They were the first big act of the night. Eva had gone to the spa, and promised she would be back in time for the show.
I got up and grabbed my crutches to get a bottled water from the kitchen, nodding at the three private security guards who had stayed behind with me. When I got back to my bed, I scooped my tablet off the night table. I open it and automatically logged onto Johnny’s fan page. It was partly habit, but mostly curiosity, because I was not working the gig anymore. The page loaded and I scrolled down to the newsfeeds, scanning through the most recent messages.
I told myself I was just making sure he was all right, and that the stalker was not stirring up trouble again.
“Right,” I scoffed out loud to the empty room.
We still had not talked about what would happen after tonight. I stared blankly ahead and let my warring mind duke it out with my heart. In the end, I had to admit, I was just afraid of another rejection. Every time I came to that raw truth, my heart pounded. I pushed the device aside and buried my face in my hands. What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just ask him? How long would he take before asking me to stay?
I stopped myself. I was being an idiot by waiting for him to raise it. I would talk to him tonight.
I grabbed the tablet again and resumed the search.
“What the hell?” I sputtered, as the tab marked News opened. At the top of the page, there was a picture of Johnny and me at the last concert, with a black jagged line down the middle, between us.
Johnny and Rachel Split.
My eyes tore through the article. I didn’t know who had written it, but it was on Johnny’s official website. Kevin or the social media firm had to have approved it to be posted. It explained that Johnny and “Rachel Preston, the lady of a thousand aliases” had parted ways after his last concert. I read some more. It seemed to subtly suggest my poor performance and injury led to the breakup.
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