We were standing around talking about what was left to do on the album when I saw in the corner of my eye, someone come into the studio.
A voice called out, “Michelle! Hey!”
I turned around and gulped, “Tommy! What are you doing here?”
Tommy walked up to me and asked, “Are you hungry?”
When he said that, I realized just how long ago I’d had a real meal… no breakfast, I was shooting an ad during lunch, and I had a Twinkie for an afternoon snack. I said, “I’m getting there. I think the guys were about to head down to Burger King.”
Tommy smiled and said, “Well, some friends and I happen to have dinner reservations tonight at Geoffrey’s down in Malibu. I thought you might like to join us.”
I looked down at the dress I was wearing and had been in all day, “Ah, well, I’m not really dressed for a night out.”
Tommy shrugged, “You look fine. It’s a casual place. If you need to change, we can stop at your hotel. The cab won’t mind waiting.” I looked at Tommy and he was just wearing a nice shirt and slacks, no tie or tux tonight.
I thought hard. I just didn’t know what to do. The thought of going on a date as a girl made me ill. But we’d be flying home Saturday morning, and here was a chance to hobnob with more celebrities. I knew what Mr. Winters would say. I looked at Mom with raised eyebrows.
Mom hesitated, then came up to us and said, “I’d hate to tell Michelle she shouldn’t go, but I’m not sure if she’s ready for yet another wild Hollywood party. She’s only fourteen you know.”
Tommy smiled and said, “I know. I just turned sixteen. But it’s not a party or anything. We’re going there for dinner. I think she’ll have fun.”
Mom looked at me and asked, “That party was one thing, since there were adults and security and all. I’m not so sure about this. Do you want to go Michelle?”
I wanted to say ‘no’, but the siren call of the paparazzi and hanging around the rich and famous was too much. Softly, I said, “Yes.”
Tommy glanced over at John and the band. He pointed at John and said, “Hey, are you guys the band?”
Mr. Winters said, “Tommy, let me introduce you to the band. Michelle you’ve already met. Ms. Gray is the band’s manager.” He pointed at each and stated their names.
Tommy smiled and said, “It’s great to finally meet you guys. I have to admit, I’m looking forward to hearing your first CD.”
Fritz said, “It’ll be out in July at a music store near you.”
Mom said, “Michelle will have a solo on the CD. We’re hoping it’ll be a cross-over hit.”
“Wow, a solo, huh?” said Tommy with a grin. “Can you sing part of it?”
I looked at him sideways and asked, “Now? A capella?”
Tommy shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”
Sammy said, “Go ahead, Michelle. Show him what you’ve got.”
This was kind of embarrassing. I hesitated, and then said, “Well, okay. I guess.”
Mr. Johnson turned around and said, “Scott, get her a mic.”
“You’re going to record this?” I asked, incredulous.
Mr. Johnson shrugged and said, “If it’s sung in this studio, it’s recorded. Scott, cue Michelle when you’re recording.”
Scott nodded, placed a microphone in front of me and sprinted into the control booth. I watched him flip switches and move knobs, then he pointed straight at me.
I took a deep breath, swallowed, started tapping a beat and then started singing. The sound of my voice, alone in the studio, was unnerving. I was going to just sing through the first chorus, but since they were recording it, I decided to do the whole song.
I’d come to love the song. While it was more of a medium paced Country song instead of a fast rocker, it had enough melancholy to make it a little sad, but fast enough to dance to.
While I sang, I mostly kept my eyes closed. It was embarrassing to sing by myself in front of an audience, but when I did take a peek, everyone was staring at me with the oddest expressions. That was especially true for Tommy. No one moved or made a sound until I finished. Even then, there was silence for several seconds. Then Tommy began to whistle and applaud. The others joined in.
Tommy shook his head. “That was absolutely wonderful, Michelle! Very beautiful!”
Mr. Johnson said, “I’m glad we got that recorded.”
Tommy took my hand and gave it a squeeze, “Count me as your first and most avid fan, Michelle! You have a beautiful voice.”
I could feel my face turning bright red again. I looked at the floor and said, “Thanks!”
“Hey, why don’t all you guys come with us?” asked Tommy. “My treat. It’ll be a blast.”
John looked over at Mom. Mom just said, “How could we refuse? Thank you.”
* * *
It was a great place. Great food and a great place for star gazing. I couldn’t believe all the celebrities there.
When it came time to order, Tommy told me it was his treat and to order whatever I wanted; the sky was the limit. To the guys, he just said he was picking up the tab.
While we were waiting for the order to arrive, Tommy introduced me to all his fellow teen actors who were scattered about at different tables. The one thing I didn’t like was the fact that Tommy treated me like a girl instead of just as a friend. He dragged me around by the hand and when we stopped to talk to someone, he’d place his arm around my waist. I really didn’t much like him touching me.
We had a very enjoyable meal and Tommy was very talkative. He asked us all kinds of questions and seemed sincerely interested.
As we were finishing up, Tommy saw the producer of his current movie project come in, and he excused himself for a few moments to go have a private chat. I had to use the “head” as my ex-Navy dad still calls it in the worst way and began to wonder what I should do.
I leaned towards Mom and whispered, “Mom. I gotta go to the bathroom real bad.”
Mom looked at me funny and said quietly, “So go. You’re a big girl.”
“Mom! That’s just it.” I took a quick look around before continuing, “I’m not a girl.”
“Well, Michelle, no one else knows that. Just remember to sit down and no peeking!”
“I can’t go to the women’s room!” I whispered back to her. The thought mortified me.
Mom frowned and picked up an empty glass and handed it to me. “Well, then put this between your legs and use it under the table.”
I looked at Mom sideways as I held the glass in my hand. “You’re not serious... are you?”
Mom took the glass away, “Of course not, silly! Just go. No one will care.”
I hesitated a moment, then looked around. Frowning at Mom, I got up and headed towards the restrooms.
It was a smorgasbord of celebrities along the way. There were comedians, actors and rock stars all doing a normal thing like eating dinner. Even though I was a budding celebrity, I felt so out of place. Then, I mentally admonished myself. They’re just people, I told myself. Famous people... Rich people...
I walked up to the women’s restroom door. I hesitated a second, took a deep breath, then walked in like I owned the place. Crap! I said to myself as I saw the restroom wasn’t empty. It was also bigger than I thought it would be. There was a couch along one wall and a mirror on the other. Several women were standing there checking their hair and make-up. There weren’t any toilets here.
I walked a little further and saw the stalls. I was in luck. There was one open. Mom didn’t need to remind me to sit down. Even when I knew I was by myself, I would always sit down just so I wouldn’t forget and be standing when some girl walks in, like they always do in the movies.
The women’s restroom certainly seemed to be a very busy social experience. It’s not that guys won’t talk to each other in the restroom, but it’s mostly do your business and leave.
And, finishing my business, I stood up, straightened and smoothed my dress and left the stal
l. I had to shoulder my way to the sinks to wash my hands. As I was washing, I heard a voice come up from behind.
“Well, if it isn’t Hal Winters’ latest singing sensation!”
I turned around and it was Julia. My God, if it was possible she was hotter than ever, wearing an extremely short red dress and matching heels, with legs that went all the way up. I should never play poker as I’m sure she read my expression. “Julia! It’s nice to see you again.”
She smiled and said playfully, “It’s always nice to see me! I’m surprised to see you here though. I thought you’d be busy recording.”
Her dark brown, satin-like hair flowed over her shoulders, and her deep blue eyes sparkled in the light; her perfect breasts heaved with every breath... “Uh... well... we’re just about ready to wrap it up. Tommy came by and invited us to come to dinner with him.”
It was for the briefest of moments, but a pissed look darkened Julia’s flawless face, “Tommy brought you? How sweet of him.”
I smiled and said, “Yes it was. He brought the whole band with him, actually.”
“Terrif. Maybe you can introduce me to the band.” Julia studied me a moment, then said, “Interesting outfit you chose for tonight. Is that the latest in high school attire?”
Part of me was really annoyed at her remark about my clothes. I said, “As a matter of fact, it is. I was shooting an ad today, and I just didn’t have time to change. Tommy’s invitation wasn’t expected.”
“That’s just like Tommy, isn’t it?” Julia cooed. “Always expecting you to be at his beck and call -- never giving you chance to get ready properly. A girl needs time to get ready for a date.” She took a step closer to me and said, “Tommy just doesn’t understand things like that.”
Her perfume filled my nostrils. In fact, it kind of clashed with my own. I drank in her beauty. But I was nagged by that same stupid part of my brain that asked how she got her make-up so flawless. I said, “Well, he’s a guy. What can you say?”
“That’s right. Girls understand things like that.” Julia took a step closer to me and whispered, “Nobody understands what a girl wants better than another girl. Wouldn’t you... agree?”
In my head, I was crying. The most beautiful girl on the planet was coming on to me, and I wanted to dive head first into her heaving cleavage. But she only wanted me because she believed I was a girl. Before I could think of something to say, a voice came from behind Julia.
“Going after the young ones, now, eh Julia?” said a very catty voice. I looked up and saw the 20-something woman who spoke. I recognized her as one of folks Tommy introduced me to. She was on another soap that was gaining audience over Julia’s soap opera.
Scowling, Julia hissed, “What are you talking about, Kara?”
Kara Dirne smirked as she casually said, “Your latest victim is only fourteen. Tommy introduced us just a little while ago.”
Julia turned to me and asked, “Is this true?” I nodded meekly. Kara walked away holding in a laugh.
Julia’s eyes flashed and she whispered melodramatically, “I don’t give up easily, honey.” She suddenly licked my ear, turned and left the restroom. I don’t know how she expected me to react to that, but I was left feeling extremely dirty.
* * *
We were heading towards the elevators of the hotel. John and company were ahead of Tommy and me. I was walking slowly, deep in thought.
“You sure are being awfully quiet, Michelle,” said Tommy. “You were real quiet all through dinner.” He paused a moment and said, “Is it something I did?”
Before I could answer, we reached the elevators. Mom and John and the others piled into the elevator car. I hesitated a moment.
“You guys go on up. I need to talk to Tommy for a minute,” I said to Mom. I hated having to pretend Mom wasn’t my mom.
John called out, “Hey, thanks Tommy! We had a great time.” The others agreed.
“Hey, any time, guys. Good luck with your album!” Tommy said as the elevator doors closed.
Tommy turned back to me and said, “Is it? Is it something I did or said?”
I let out a quick joyless laugh and shook my head. Looking down at the floor, I said, “No Tommy, it’s nothing you did.” I looked back up at him and said sincerely, “In fact, you’ve been wonderful to me. Thanks for a really good time.”
Tommy smiled and said, “You’re welcome. But... there’s a problem...?”
I nodded. I didn’t really intend to, but I blurted out, “It’s Julia. She came on to me in the restroom. I guess it kind of scared me.”
Tommy frowned and said, “I don’t blame you for being scared. I would be too, with her.”
I smiled weakly and said, “Well, I guess I don’t have to worry about it since we’ll be heading home Saturday.”
Sighing, Tommy said, “I wish you weren’t going so soon. But you’ll be back in a couple of months, right?”
“Yes. We’ll be shooting a video, and we’ll be part of a quick concert tour.”
“Well, I’ll certainly look forward to seeing you then!”
I hesitated a moment trying to think of the right words to say good-bye. I wanted to let him know that I really did appreciate him taking me places I normally wouldn’t have been able to go.
Tommy misread my hesitation and took the initiative to lean forward, take me in his arms and kiss me. It was a long, deep, in-case-I-don’t-see-you-again kiss, tongue and all. I wanted to gag. I wanted to throw up. My mind screamed to push him away, but I fought it down, knowing I had to act like a teen girl. My guess, most teen girls would sell their own grandmothers for a chance to kiss Tommy Kincaid.
He finally pulled away and I tried to regain my composure as I pressed the elevator button. We stood there in silence as we waited for the elevator to arrive. The door finally opened.
I stepped inside and looked at Tommy. Still not fully composed, I said in a breathless voice, “Good-bye, Tommy.”
I’m sure he misread the tone of my voice, as he said as the door closed, “See you soon, Michelle.”
On the ride up, I wondered where I could find some gasoline to put on my tooth brush...
* * *
We all stood in the lobby of LAX. Mr. Winters and Brooklyn had come to the airport to see us off.
“Mr. Johnson said you guys really came through the last couple of days. He really does think the CD will be a big money-maker,” Hal Winters said. “I think you guys did a great job.”
Brooklyn suddenly reached out and gave me a big hug, saying, “I’m gonna miss you, girl. To me, you’re not just another client.” She looked up at the rest of the band and said, “Good luck to all of you. It’s been a fun week.”
I hugged Brook back. It’s not every day I get to hug such a beautiful woman. I said, “I’ll miss you too, Brook. I’ve forgotten how to dress myself!”
Brooklyn laughed, “You’ll do fine, I’m sure. You have a good head for fashion.” I heard John stifle a chuckle.
Mr. Winters turned to me and said, “Oh, I almost forgot. Congratulations, Michelle. You’re the new teen spokesgirl for Tampax.”
* * *
Chapter 7
“What do you think you’re doing, Butthead?”asked John as he stepped into the bathroom with me.
“I’m getting ready for school. What does it look like?”I snapped.
John laughed, “Well, if you really want to go to school like that, be my guest.”He reached across me and picked up his toothbrush.
I’d just finished brushing on my mascara. I stood there staring into the mirror for a second at the freshly made up teen girl in her bra and panties, then shouted, “Aw crap!” I spun around to the towel cabinet and grabbed a washcloth. “Why didn’t you say something?”
Taking the toothbrush out of his mouth, John said, “I just did.”
I quickly and I hoped thoroughly, washed my face. When done, I stared at my face and cocked my head at different angles to ensure all the make-up was gone. My hair still had
a feminine appearance and I brushed it into something I hoped would look less girlish.
I was quickly running out of time as I rushed back into our bedroom. I unsnapped my bra and tossed it on the bed. I started to take off my panties, and then decided what the hell. I started rummaging through my closet, looking for something nice to wear. I stopped and scolded myself. This was school and I’m a boy. I grabbed a t-shirt and some jeans.
As I dressed, I noticed my nails. Crap! My nails! I looked at my hands. I didn’t want to cut my nails. I rushed back to the bathroom and pulled open the drawer and removed the nail clippers. I hesitated as I placed the first nail inside the jaws of the clipper. God and Hal Winters only knew how much these nails had cost to have shaped. Nails grow back… clip!
I slid into the kitchen and had discovered Mom was up and had just made some French toast. As I sat down at the table, I said, “Wow! Thanks Mom!”
Mom smiled and said, “I thought you might need some extra energy this morning.” She looked at me for a moment as she set down a glass of milk on the table. Frowning, she took the end of a dishtowel and wet it in the sink, then came back to the table.
I was surprised when she rubbed the wet towel on my face. “I don’t think you want to go to school with eye shadow on.”
* * *
Mom dropped me off and I walked slowly to the entrance of Elizabeth Borden middle school. It seemed like a life-time ago that I was here last, but it was only a week. I looked at the other kids as we filed in through the door to the school. I smiled to myself as I thought how none of them knew what a wild and crazy week I’d had. Not only would the guys not believe me that Julia Briggs had come on to me, or the girls believe that I had been kissed by Tommy Kincaid, they’d all think I was a complete weirdo.
As I approached my first period class, I saw Kayla McIntire talking to some other girls outside the door. I waved at her and she waved back. I’d known her since the first grade and she was actually my best friend. She was very cute, but I thought of her as only a friend. Most of the time, anyway.
I'm with the Band Page 8
