Lucky Me

by B. B. Donnelly

  “Are you trying to pick a fight with me? Seriously, grow the fuck up! Your mood swings are giving me whiplash.” I say with a huff.

  The doorbell rings, saving us from killing each other. I don’t know what crawled up his ass, but the jerk needs to knock it off. We need to act professional, not like the high school kids we are.

  Asher lets in two men, a gorgeous woman, and Liz. Asher walks in front of them and they are all talking a mile a minute to each other. One man is on the phone and also talking to the others in the room. There is too many conversations going on at once and I immediately feel overwhelmed and anxious.

  “Can we get this going? I have shit to do.” Asher yells out over the multiple conversations. The man on the phone glares at him but hangs up.

  “Okay, let’s get this going.” Liz commands. They all fall silent and the two men help themselves to the snack tray. The gorgeous woman comes to my side.

  “Hello, Charleigh, I’m Roxy. I’m going to be your stylist for the concert.” She says with friendly smile. I smile back. She gestures towards the other two.

  “The one back on the phone is Henry and the one shoving his face is Ralph.” Ralph gives me a wave. Henry is pacing with the phone to his ear. Asher is talking to Liz.

  “So, do you have any suggestions on what kind of look you are wanting to go with on Saturday?”

  “Um…. I’ll leave it up to you.” I say. She nods in agreement, looking at my hoodie with disapproval. Of course, she is dressed to perfection in a chic rock look.

  “We should cut your hair.” She suggests.

  “No!” Asher exclaims. We both look at him in shock.

  “Don’t cut her hair.” He says and then looks away, continuing his conversation with Ralph.

  “Hmmm…. looks like he likes your hair long.” She says with a twinkle in her eye.

  “It’s not like that.” I say.

  “We’ll see.” She says and then launches into a whole tirade of what my image should be. She is overwhelming, but I trust her.

  She makes a few notes and the guys talk about lighting, staging, sound checks, song lists. It’s so surreal.

  “Okay, we need to have a photo shoot fast. I need pictures of you two together to start promoting!” Liz says.

  “I can get someone tonight. We need to do this pronto!” She says already typing away on her phone.

  “That’s fine.” Asher with a dismissal wave.

  Roxy starts measuring me. When she is finished, she starts pulling my hair up from my face, tilting my head back and forth. I feel like her puppet.

  “Her hair will be down.” Asher demands. She pauses and gives him an eyebrow raise.

  “You’re a hair kind of guy, huh?” She teases.

  “I just think the crowd will like it.” He defends pathetically. Roxy laughs.

  “Stubborn boys.” She mutters and I giggle.

  “You have no idea.” I whisper back.

  “Well, I’m rooting for you.” She whispers. Asher glares over at us.

  “Okay, here’s the address for the photo shoot. Be there at 8:30. Okay, everyone, let’s go! We have a shit ton of work to do to get this ready in two days.”

  I say goodbye to them as they file out of the house.

  “That’s just the first round. Wait until the day of the performance. It’s going to be crazy.” Asher says after they leave.

  “I’m ready.” I say with determination.

  I mean that. This is my time, and nothing is going to stop me from being on that stage….

  Chapter Seventeen

  We arrive at a studio for the photoshoot. There are beautiful models finishing up and I watch as they look at Ash with seductive looks. I wish I could beat their skinny asses, but he won’t let me claim him. Roxy grabs me before I punch them in the face.

  “Come on, girl, I’ve got some kick ass outfits ready for you!”

  “I didn’t know you were going to be here.” I say, excited to see her. I feel really comfortable with her.

  “Liz has hired me as your personal stylist for all events. You are stuck with me!” She says with a smile.

  She pulls me into a small dressing room that has tons of black outfits on a rack. I start thumbing through them. There isn’t a lot of material here. I pull one out that looks like bondage. I look at Liz and shake my head.

  “Now, now, give it a chance.” She says with a smile.

  “I don’t know…”

  “Just strip down and let’s get started. We don’t want to be here all night.” She chides me.

  I take off my sweatshirt and pull off my tank top. I’m standing in just my bra and I take off my leggings.

  “Damn, girl. If I had your body, I would not be hiding it under sweatshirts!” I blush at her compliment.

  She hands me an outfit and I pull on the tight black leather mini skirt. She tosses me some fishnet hose and digs out a pair of spiky stilettos. She moves the hangers across the rank until she takes off of it a black leather crop top. It has a plunging v-neckline.

  “Is that a top or a bra?” I ask, looking at it while struggling with the hose.

  “It’s perfect, just trust me. This will definitely get someone’s attention.” She says with a wink.

  “I think this will get everyone’s attention.” I say, sarcastically.

  “Honey, that’s the point.”

  I finally get the outfit on and I’m feeling self-conscious. There is way more skin showing then I’m used to. She plops me down in a seat in front of a mirror and starts brushing through my hair.

  “Your hair is amazing. I think we should go with edgy makeup. Maybe we should put some purple highlights in your hair when we have more time. I’m going to make this long hair look awesome. He is going to love it.”

  “Are you trying to play matchmaker?” I ask.

  “Maybeeeee.” She drawls out. I give out a short laugh.

  “Good luck.” I say sadly.

  She gives me a sympathetic smile but drops the subject. She lets my hair fall loose and straightens it, so it falls all the way to the curve of my back. It feels funny against my bare skin. Next, she turns me towards her and starts applying a shit ton of makeup to my face. When she is done, she spins the chair towards the mirror with a flourish.

  “Tada!” She says with an excited smile.

  I look at my reflection and my jaw drops. I look like a rock star. A beautiful edgy Rockstar.

  “Wow.” I say.

  “I know, right? Now, get out there and knock his pants off.” She says and I laugh.

  She opens the door for me, and I walk out into the studio on my high heels. I try not to lose my balance, but these shoes are hard to walk in. Asher is talking to some models as they fawn all over him. He catches a glimpse of me and then does a double take. His face is everything I’ve always wanted to see. As quickly as it comes, he masks it. His cool façade is back on. I sigh in disappointment.

  “She’ll do.” Asher says, walking over to where the photo shoot is set up.

  “Let’s get going. It took you forever.” He complains.

  “Sorry.” I say softly. Guilt rushes across his face.

  “Okay, kids, let’s do this. Asher sit over here. Charleigh… sit on the ground and drape your arm over his leg.”

  We do as the photographer says.

  “Asher, lean back slightly, Charleigh, tilt your head this way.”

  “Perfect. Now, no smiling in this one.”

  The shutter of his camera is distracting but not as distracting as the closeness to Asher.

  “Now, stand up and look at each other. Asher wrap your arms around her. Pull her closer.” Asher pulls me close and my breath hitches.

  “That’s it. Look into each other’s eyes.” Asher starts to, but then jerks away.

  “Wait a second, we are not acting like a couple.” He states towards Liz.

  “Well, the label thinks it would be great PR.” She says and shrugs.

  “No.”

  “Asher�
�it’s out of my hands.” She says.

  “We have to act like a couple?” I ask, confused.

  “They believe if the fans think you are in love it would be a great distraction from Michael’s ordeal.” Liz says, giving us a pleading look.

  “Fine.” Asher says with a roll of his eyes. I just look at him.

  “Jeez, sorry to ruin your reputation.” I smart off.

  “Okay, pull her in close. Guys, you look awkward. Make it believable.” The photographer says.

  “Let’s just do this, so we can leave.” Ash mutters.

  “Fine.” I retort back and relax in his embrace. I take advantage of the situation.

  “I bet I can pretend better than you.” I challenge. He snorts out a laugh.

  “Yeah right.” He can never resist a challenge.

  I bring my hand up to his hair, pulling his head down. I don’t break his gaze and I let out all my feelings through my eyes. He looks conflicted, but then let’s down his guard. We stare at each other and his hand reaches to my cheek, caressing it. The shuttering of the camera is the only sound.

  “Those are brilliant! Now, Asher sit down on the chair. Charleigh straddle his legs and loosely wrap your arms around his neck.”

  The chair is sideways to the photographer so at least my ass isn’t going to be spread out for the world to see. I crawl on Asher and let my legs dangle. I wrap my arms around his neck and look at the photographer.

  “Charleigh scoot up on him.”

  I start scooting, but then Asher grabs my hips and pulls me on top of his crotch. He won’t look at me but is controlling his breathing with his eyes closed.

  “Charleigh lean into him. Now, both look at me.” Asher didn’t realize how close I was because when he whips his head to the side his lips graze my cheek.

  This is fucking torture.

  “Charleigh, your body is too far from his chest. Quit arching away from him, arch into him.” I relax my body and do as I’m told. My nipples graze his chest. Ash lets out a harsh breath.

  “Quit moving.” He whispers.

  “I’m doing what I’m supposed too.” I whisper back.

  “Charleigh, pull your legs up a little higher, try not to let them dangle. Actually, Asher, hold her thigh.”

  I adjust on his lap, but I can’t get back into position.

  I keep moving around and suddenly, I feel it. Asher groans out and I realize I’ve been moving up and down on a certain part this whole time. I still and then I settle right on top of it. Clothing is the only thing separating us. I close my eyes to the sensation. Asher’s hand on my leg becomes sensual.

  “Okay, now look at each other.”

  I slowly look into his eyes and I see lust reflecting in his. Our breathing is heavy, and I want more than anything to move to see him lose control. I remind myself we are in a room full of people.

  “Perfect!”

  “Now look at me.” We tear our gazes from one another and do as we are told.

  “That’s the look. So sexy!!” The photographer exclaims.

  Great, I probably look as horny as I feel.

  “Okay, now stand up.”

  Asher stands up and dumps me off his lap. Some of the models who stayed to watch Asher giggle. My face burns in embarrassment.

  “Are you okay?” The photographer asks.

  “I’m fine.” I say, getting up, glaring at Asher, and adjusting my little pieces of clothing.

  “Asher, stand behind her with your arms draped over her casually. Charleigh, tilt your head and lean it back on his chest.”

  Asher’s hands come over my breasts and I know I’m flushed. I lean back and realize that my boobs are plumped up and he can totally see down my shirt if he looks.

  “Charleigh, lean back and wrap your arms around his neck. Put your faces, cheek to cheek. Yeah, that’s better.” My top creeps up and my stomach is on full display. Asher’s hands rest on my bare skin. Goosebumps rise up where he touches.

  The camera goes crazy and then stops.

  “I think we are good. Liz take a look at them and let me know which ones you want.”

  I drop my arms and Asher let’s go of me. He takes off towards the models, leaving me standing there alone.

  Roxy comes over to me.

  “Girl, that was some hot chemistry.”

  “Yeah, well, it was pretend.” I say, gesturing where Asher is slinging in arm around one of the girls.

  “You can’t pretend that kind of chemistry. He is pushing you away, but let me tell you, that boy wants you.”

  Asher comes walking over to us with the girl at his side and tosses me his keys.

  “I’m going out for a while. Go on home.” He says and walks away. I watch as he wraps in arm around her waist and they leave together.

  “Still think that?” I ask Roxy. She looks downright confused.

  “What an ass!” She says, glaring at the door where they left.

  “Charleigh, is it okay if we get some shots of just you?” The photographer asks.

  “Sure.” I say.

  “New outfit!” Roxy exclaims and drags me back into the dressing room.

  She pulls off the rack a beautiful black tulle dress that is short in front and poofs out in the back. It has a corset black top. I swear it’s a gothic wedding dress. I pull it on, and she adds awesome black lace up boots to it. She lets my hair hang but adds shiny silver flowers sporadically throughout and adds a few to the dress.

  “Perfect.” She says. I walk back out and the photographer has pulled out a silver and black chaise.

  “Lay back on it and bring your knee up slightly. Let your arm fall to the side and put the other over your head casually.”

  I do as he says, and he makes sure my hair is falling over the chaise in waves.

  “Now look at me like I just broke your heart.” He says so I just imagine he is Asher leaving with another girl.

  “Damn. This is beautiful.” He says looking down at his camera. We do a few more shots. Some I’m smiling, but mostly I look edgy or heartbroken.

  “You should really consider modeling. You did an amazing job for your first time.” He says and I thank him.

  I follow Roxy back into the dressing room and take off the beautiful dress. I pull on my hoodie and leggings. I feel more myself. I take off my makeup with a wipe and try to hide the tears that are forming.

  “Are you okay?” Roxy asks, hanging everything up.

  “Yeah. I’m used to it.” I say.

  “Come on, let’s go get a coffee. You look like you could use some company.” She says. I give her an appreciative look.

  “Thanks.”

  We leave and go to a diner that is open all night. We talk about the concert and other things. I try to avoid conversations about Asher, but I knew she wouldn’t let it go.

  “How long have you known each other?” She asks.

  “Since we were teenagers. Michael and I started The Orphans. Asher joined a year later when he moved next door. Everything was great until it wasn’t. Some personal shit got between us and now I feel like he is punishing me for something that wasn’t my fault. I don’t know… it’s hard to explain. Some days he is awesome, other days… he pushes me away.”

  “Maybe he is pushing you away because he loves you.”

  “That doesn’t make sense.”

  “Maybe not, but maybe it does to him.”

  “I don’t know, but I think it’s time to cut my losses. He will never stop pushing me away and my heart can’t take being broken anymore.”

  “It will be hard; you are going to be with him a lot. My suggestion is to make it hard for him to push you away.”

  “What should I do?” I ask confused.

  “Maybe give him a taste of his own medicine.” She says with a wink.

  “Ugh, I hate playing games.”

  “I get that but the question you have to ask yourself…is the prize worth playing?”

  I think about what she says, and I think Asher is worth it. The
Asher that I remember, the Asher that I love.

  “I really liked the shots you did by yourself. You have a gift, girl.”

  “Thanks. I was really nervous about it. I’ve never done anything like that.”

  “Seriously, you have it all. You can sing and your gorgeous. Plus, you have the love of a sexy man even if he is too stupid to realize it.” She says. I just shake my head.

  “What about you?”

  “Me? Well, I’m in love with my job.” She says and I laugh.

  “It is almost impossible to be in a serious relationship. I meet so many amazing people. This lifestyle is difficult. I’m not a Rockstar, but it can get crazy on our end too. It’s so busy and full of excitement. I can be sent off at any second to get a celebrity ready for a last-minute event. It’s hard for people that are not in the industry to understand that kind of schedule or deal with the jealousy. Are you ready for that? Everyone wanting a piece of you?”

  “That’s how Asher described it, but I’m ready. I’ve wanted this for a long time.” I say to her.

  “Well, then, good luck my friend because after those photos are released…. you are going to need it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Sweetheart, you are going to become famous.” She says and I just laugh.

  “I doubt that.”

  “Oh, trust me! I’ve been around this industry a long time and I know a star when I see them.”

  “You really think so?”

  “Honey, I haven’t even heard you sing yet and I know it. Just don’t forget me when you are getting ready for your first Grammy’s.”

  “Deal.”

  We chat for almost two hours about other stuff and all the people she has worked with. This girl has connections! She has me laughing with celebrity gossip and I really like her. When we part ways at two in the morning, I feel like I left a newfound friend.

  As I drive to Ash’s house in his car, my emotions start to get the best of me. How could he leave with someone else? Why would he do that? What is he trying to prove?

  I can’t help but worry as I pull into the driveway. Is he home? Did he stay out all night with her? What if she is inside? What if she is in his room and I have to hear them? I don’t think I can handle that.

  I quietly open the front door with the code Tammy gave me. The house is dark, and I make my way into the kitchen. I’m tiptoeing to the fridge when the lights in the kitchen suddenly turn on. I jump in surprise