“So, let’s jump right to it. Many of our fans are wondering if it’s true about Michael Black being in rehab?”
“Yes, it is true. We are praying for a quick recovery. Michael will have more to say soon, but we want to take this opportunity to talk about addiction. We understand how hard it is to get help or to even ask for it. Michael would like to encourage anyone that has an addiction to get help like he is. He misses his fans and you are the motivation he needs to get through this tough time. Send him letters and write to him on social media, send him love and encouragement! We hope to have him with us soon!” Asher says.
“We wish him the best!” The radio announcer says.
“Moving on…. We know you have some performances lined up. Are the fans going to be disappointed? Are you canceling?” He asks. I close my eyes. Here it is….
“Actually, we are so excited to introduce Charleigh Matthias to the world. Charleigh is our songwriter. She wrote all the songs that have made us famous. We couldn’t disclose this information because she was underage at the time. She is an amazing singer and we are excited for her to join us for the performances.”
“So, she is taking Michael’s place?”
“Only for the few performances and maybe more. Trust me, fans, you will not be disappointed! Come out and hear her perform.”
“I’m happy to say that Charleigh Matthias is with us today! Hello, Charleigh!” The announcer says. I look at Asher and he nods at me. I take a breath.
“Hi, everyone!” I say.
“Charleigh, do you mind if I ask you some questions?”
“Of course not, fire away!” I say and he chuckles.
“So, is it true that Michael is your cousin and you guys started The Orphans?”
“Yes, and yes! Michael and I grew up together. We were going through a rough time and decided to start a band. We named it The Orphans.” I answer. I try not to give away too much personal information.
“How did it feel when The Orphans became famous off your songs.”
“I was excited and happy for them.” I reply and Asher gives me a mocking look. I roll my eyes.
“Didn’t it bother you?”
“Maybe a little.” I say with a laugh.
“Are you writing any songs for them now?”
“She is writing some amazing stuff right now that we are hoping to add to our new album!” Asher jumps in and I look at him in shock.
“That’s some exciting news!”
“We miss our fans so please come out and support us at these performances!” Asher says, trying to end the interview.
“You heard him, guys! One last question!” The announcer says.
“Are you guys an item?” He asks. We look at each other.
“Um…” I start without meaning too. Asher starts laughing.
“Nope, we are just friends!” He says with a chuckle.
“I don’t know, sounds, like Charleigh may think something different.”
“No, we are just friends!” I insist.
“There you have it! Asher Stewart is still single, ladies!”
“Thank you, Charleigh and Asher, for your time and we can’t wait to hear you guys perform!”
“Thank you all and remember The Orphans love you!” Asher says. We end the interview and I relax.
“You did pretty good!” Asher says.
“Thanks.”
“We need to start practicing for the performances.”
“Okay….” I say unsure.
“We will do the old stuff that you wrote and throw in some of our other stuff. You will probably have to learn those. We won’t release anything new until Michael comes back.” He says.
“I know all of your songs.” I say, embarrassed.
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“I just assumed you stopped listening to us.”
“How could I? You guys were on the radio, television, social media… you were kind of hard to ignore.” I say with sarcasm. He laughs.
“Thank you for doing this.” He says seriously.
I take a chance and grab his hand. He looks down at our clasped hands. He stills for a second and then rubs a thumb across my hand. We don’t look at each other, but stare at our hands. He doesn’t stop and I hold myself still as possible. Finally, he drags his eyes up and I fall into his eyes.
“Charleigh…” He whispers with want.
“Hey kids, what are you up too?” Tammy asks, coming into the kitchen. Asher jerks his hand away.
“Hey, Mom.” Asher replies.
“Hey, Tammy.”
“Are you staying for dinner?” She asks me. Asher looks away from me.
“Thanks, but I better head home.” I say. Asher looks up at me quickly.
“Are you going to be okay?” He asks, worried.
“I’ll let you know if I’m not.” I say. He nods and Tammy looks between us.
“Is something going on?” Tammy asks.
“Mom and Tim are home.”
“Oh honey. If you need us, we are here.”
“Thanks Tammy.” I give her a hug and say bye to them. I walk over to my house and take a breath.
Here we go again….
Chapter Fourteen
The next few days fly by and I’m surprised at how busy I am. There are more interviews done, but we are getting ready to do a performance on Saturday night. I haven’t told my mom about it yet.
She was surprised when she heard me on the radio. We haven’t talked about my future. She is consumed with Tim and I’m okay with that. Tim has kept his distance, but he has calculating eyes. I’m waiting for whatever he has planned. I lock my door and put a dresser in front of it every night. So far, he hasn’t tried anything. I make sure I’m not alone with him in the house. I stay out in the treehouse a lot.
I miss Michael and I miss Asher. I’m with Asher all the time, but he is so distant towards me. He treats me like I’m an employee. We rehearse the songs we are going to perform, but he is emotionally detached. It’s so hard to feel the music when he is like this.
Mr. Brown is thrilled with our song for nationals. The chorus is coming along, and we stand a really good chance of winning. But even Mr. Brown has noticed the lack of passion between us. He keeps giving us confused looks. It breaks my heart. Just when I start reaching for my dreams, Asher pushes me away.
I need to confront him about it, but…. I don’t know what to say. Sometimes I think I feel him staring at me, but when I look over at him, he looks away quickly. He is so frustrating!
“Do it again, dig deeper at this part.” Asher demands.
We are practicing at his house and we have been over the same song for over an hour. My voice is taking a beating, but I keep pushing it. I need a break. I sing over the same line again.
“No, not like that!” He says and then sings it. I think my way is better, but I try again.
He starts shaking his head, annoyed.
“Asher, I need a break.” I say. He runs a hand through his hair, frustrated.
“Fine….” He says and gets up. He starts pacing and I stare at him.
“What’s wrong with you?” I ask. He stops and looks at me.
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know…you seem…different.” I say.
“I’m just stressed.” He answers honestly.
“It will be fine.” I reassure him.
“It’s just going to be weird without Michael.” He says, softly.
“Are you worried I’m going to suck?” I ask teasing, but part of me is serious.
“Of course not. You are great, but a lot is riding on these performances.” He says. I give him a confused look.
“What do you mean?”
“We haven’t been at the top in a while. We know that. We are getting a lot of pressure from our managers and the label. Michael being out is not helping matters. I told you that our songs have sucked lately.”
“They seem pretty popular to me.”
&nbs
p; “They are to an extent, but they are not selling like they used too.”
“I don’t understand. You are performing to sold out stadiums.” I say, still confused.
“We need something new and great!” He exclaims.
“Okay, well…”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to unload on you.” He mutters.
“It’s fine. Maybe I can help you with it.” I say, testing the waters. I know Michael wants me back in the band.
“What do you mean?”
“I can help with a song. What about the song for nationals?”
“I don’t know….”
“It’s our song, Ash.” I say with more intensity than I should. He looks me in the eyes, searching.
“I’ll think about it. It would need to be approved by the record label.” He says, thinking.
I get distracted by how good his hair looks tousled. It makes me what to mess it up even more….
“I think we should run it by Michael.” He says, suddenly. I’m jerked out of my fantasies of running my hands through his hair.
“Sounds like a plan.”
“I’m expecting a call from him on Sunday.” He says. My heart hurts just thinking about my cousin. I wish he was here. I miss him more than I ever have.
“Anyway, we better get back to work.” He says, grabbing his guitar.
He starts the song from the beginning, and I take a deep breath. I start singing and try to give him everything he wants. There is no eye contact or connection. It literally is just a song.
Silence follows after the last note is sung. I wait for his response. He closes his eyes and I can’t help but think how beautiful he is. He looks like a tortured soul and I would do anything to be his salvation.
“It will be fine.” He states, opening his eyes.
“Can I make a suggestion?” I wait for him to look at me.
“You need to feel it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You don’t feel the music anymore.” I say, biting my lip.
This gets his attention and he focuses on my lips. I start to lick my lips and he watches the motion. His eyes darken and I lean slightly closer. My movement breaks the spell and he stands up quickly.
“That’s enough for tonight. Get some rest and we can rehearse sometime tomorrow.” He says, not looking at me.
I stand up and grab my stuff. I walk to the door. My hand is on the doorknob when I turn back to him.
“Hey, Ash, think about what I said. You would be surprised at how much better everything sounds when you start loving it again.” I don’t wait for his response and walk out the door.
I walk towards the back door of my house, but I stop in my tracks. There is a cherry red BMW in our driveway. On top of it is a big red bow. My stomach drops. I run around to the front of the house. My truck is gone! I run back around in shock. Where is my truck?!
I start to freak out! I think I’m having a panic attack. I slam into the house, almost breaking the fancy door.
“Where the fuck is my truck?!” I scream into the house.
“MOM!!!!!” I scream, running through the house.
“What in the world?” My mom asks, walking into the kitchen tying her robe.
“Where is my fucking truck?” I yell.
“Will you calm down! Jesus…”
“Where is my truck!” I ask, coming towards her.
“Did you not see the car out there?”
“You mean the car that is not my truck with a big ass bow on top! Yeah, I did, now where is my truck?”
“You could be a little more grateful. Tim bought you the car for your birthday. I told him you wouldn’t want it.”
“I don’t want it! I want my truck!”
“The truck is gone. It’s on that used lot across town.” My heart breaks in half.
“How could you?”
“I never did understand why you were attached to that piece of shit.”
“It was my dad’s.” I say, pleading with her to understand.
She crosses her arms and looks at me like I’m pathetic.
“Daddy issues, much?” She says with a roll of her eyes.
“Please, just get my truck back.”
“Tim sold it. You can talk to him about it.”
“I’m your daughter! I just want Dad’s truck back. That’s all I have ever wanted from you!”
“You know, I should probably tell you that your dad died two years ago.” She drops that bombshell and struts out of the room like it’s no big deal.
I collapse on the ground and hug my stomach. I’m sobbing so hard that my body is hurting. I feel like my whole body is going to fall apart.
“You know, I’ll get it back for you.” Tim says, leaning against the counter. I didn’t even hear him come in. I hurry to my feet. I swipe the tears and wipe my nose on my sleeve.
“Then do it.” I sob out.
“Not so fast, princess. What will you do for me?” He says with a sleezy smile.
“You are disgusting.” I say. I turn around and run as fast as I can to the tree house.
I sob for I don’t know how long before I succumb to my dark vices. I pull out my joints of weed. A couple of hours later I’m seriously baked. I can hear my mom screaming my name from the backyard, but I ignore her. I doze off for awhile until someone starts shaking me.
I blink my eyes and focus on the face. Asher. He is so beautiful. I put my palm against his cheek. He lets me. My hand drops weightlessly to the ground.
“Jesus.” He mutters.
“Charleigh, come on.” He says, pulling me up into a sitting position. My head lolls and I start rubbing his cheek again. So smooth….
“What happened?” He asks, but I get lost in the different colors reflecting in his eyes.
“So pretty.” I say out loud.
I snuggle against his chest and listen to his heartbeat. I wish it would beat for me. Did I say that out loud?
“Maybe it does, maybe it always has.” He says softly. I did say it out loud! He loves me! Well, at least I think he does.
“What happened, Charleigh?” He asks again, but I don’t answer. I’m too comfortable. I doze off in his arms. I don’t know how long I slept in his arms, but I wake up to my mom yelling my name again. Asher moves me to get up.
“Don’t tell her where I am!” I exclaim, finally coming down from my high.
“What happened?”
“They got rid of my truck. It’s on a lot for sale across town. Tim bought me a BMW, but I told him I wanted my truck. He said he would get it back for me if I did something for him. I can’t do that, Asher! I don’t have enough money to buy it back. My mom would never loan me the money. She also informed me that my dad died two years ago. She never told me.” I sob out.
I grab onto him and he wraps his arms around me. He kisses my head and let’s me cry.
My mom’s voice fades away.
“How did you know I was here?” I ask.
“Your mom came over to my house looking for you. You used to come out here when you were upset so I took a chance.”
“Look, Charleigh, it really sucks what your mom and Tim did, but it’s not a good excuse to use drugs again. Think about Michael.” He says.
“I know…. I just lost it.” I say, feeling horrible.
“You are better than this. Be the fighter you always were.”
“It’s stupid how much I cared about that truck…” I mutter.
“It’s not stupid.” He says, rubbing my back.
“I don’t know what to do.” I mumble into his chest.
“I’m right here with you.”
“Are you?” I ask, looking up at him.
He looks down at me and I know that I look like hell. My eyes have to be bloodshot and my hair is crazy, but in this moment, he looks at me like I’m beautiful.
“Always.” He says with intensity.
He leans down and gently kisses my nose. I squeeze my eyes shut, savoring the feeling of his lips.
There is a hesitation and then he gently kisses my lips. I grab the back of his head and pull him close. He deepens the kiss with a groan.
I moan and turn to face him, never breaking our kiss. He grips my ass and hoists me so that I’m straddling his waist. His hands creep up the back of my shirt and I love the feel of his hands on my bare skin.
We break apart briefly and I pull my shirt over my head. I’m straddling him in a pink lacey bra. His hands start moving all over my body. I kiss him, pressing my chest into his. Suddenly, I feel my bra fall loose. I yank it from my body and grab at the hem of his shirt. I start tugging, but he takes over. It’s off in less than a second.
We collide our bodies together and both moan in unison. My hands are all over him. I feel his back muscles and I swear I’ve never been more turned on. The guy is ripped. I drag a hand down his chest and lower….
He grabs my hand, stopping me, but in the next instant he flips me onto my back. He holds himself up on his elbows, staring down at me. He swoops down and kisses me with so much passion, I swear my toes are curling.
His hand moves up around my ribcage and then he hesitates. I grab his hand and place it where we both want it. He cups my breast and thumbs my nipple. I’m not a virgin by any means, but the way he is making me feel…. I’ve never felt like this.
I’m so lost in the sensation; I throw my head back and arch my body towards him. He swoops in and his tongue replaces his thumb. I moan out loud and he grunts in satisfaction.
“God, you are so fucking beautiful.” He whispers against my breast.
My heart races even more at his declaration. This is everything I have always wanted. Thank you, lord, for answering my prayers. Finally, something good….
“Asher?” I hear a voice that I was not expecting. What is Natalie doing here?
We both freeze. Suddenly, he is off of me and sitting with his head hanging. He is breathing heavily.
“Ash?” I whisper. Look at me. Why won’t he look at me?
“I’m sorry.” He mutters, still hanging his head.
“I don’t understand.”
“Look, Charleigh, that shouldn’t have happened.” He says, finally facing me. I see regret on his face. What the hell?
“Why not?” I ask, hurt.
“It just can’t.” He says.
“Asher, are you up there?” Natalie calls out. She is close. I watch as he pulls on his shirt and then tosses me mine. So that’s how it is.
Lucky Me Page 13
