by S. Cruz
I turned back to look and see if Bailey was still there. She was smiling up at me—what a relief!
I smiled back and winked at her, continuing to sing my heart out to what appeared to be a very appreciative crowd. When the song ended, I looked up at John. He had raised eyebrows and a wide grin on his face. I knew he was pleased with our reception. He nodded toward Bailey and hit his drumsticks together, starting the intro to our next song.
He was right; she didn’t run. I was extremely happy.
Four
Bailey
Jesse looked so comfortable up there on that stage, occasionally looking out into the audience with a sexy grin. I was mesmerized by how amazing he was; they all were.
After the older songs they switched to some modern music, “Love Don’t Die,” by the Fray, and “Troublemaker,” by Olly Murs. I was stunned; they were incredible. If I had known what Jesse did, I’m pretty sure I probably never would have gone out with him. I’d heard about rock bands and their crazy lifestyles; that life wasn’t for me.
When they took a break, they all jumped off the stage and walked toward our table. I watched him stroll up to me looking apprehensive as he approached with a sly grin. He reached his arms out for me as I gave him the are your for real look!
“Jesse, why didn’t you tell me you’re a singer? All this time I thought you were a graphic designer,” I said glaring at him as he tentatively pulled me into his arms.
“I was. I mean, I am, but this is my passion. I didn’t tell you because I wanted you to like me for myself. I’ve had enough of groupies that only like me because I’m a singer,” he said, lifting my chin to give me a kiss. Women were swarming all around the guys, trying to get their hands on them. I wasn’t too sure I liked it; it made me feel insecure. Shelly was all over Scott, sitting on his lap and holding him close to her, claiming her man.
“Are you mad at me?” Jesse whispered in my ear as he nuzzled my neck.
“Shocked, yes, but mad, no. You were fantastic!” I said, snuggling into his arms as he greeted and talked with the women that surrounded us.
“Will you stay for the rest of our set?” he asked, holding me tight.
“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it,” I said, smiling at him. He gave me a big grin, his green eyes sparkling in the lights.
“You’re the most beautiful woman here,” he said, giving me his sexy, dimpled smile. The half-hour break went by so fast they barely had time for one beer. The lights flickered, and back to the stage they went. This set Jesse announced they would be performing original songs that they wrote and performed all around the Arizona area where they lived. I settled back in my seat to watch Jesse and enjoy the band’s performance.
Jesse introduced each member of the band before they started this set. Each guy got screams as Jesse said their names. He told the audience that they had been together since high school and were releasing their first album in the spring. I looked at Shelly, surprised by his announcement. I couldn’t wait to hear what kind of songs they wrote.
Jesse started played his guitar as the band joined in. He sang into a stand-up microphone that was brought on stage. Their original song was good; Jesse’s voice sounded beautiful as he played his guitar and sang in that raspy voice. Women were yelling his name as he sang the words.
Now I understood what he meant about groupies. This must have been what he had to deal with all the time, so much temptation out there in his profession. My insecurities were growing. I looked up at him as he sang—his eyes were only on me, as if he were singing just to me and nobody else. I was still in shock that this incredibly handsome, talented man wanted me.
When he finished singing that song, he pulled a stool from out of the wings of the stage to sit on. He strummed a few bars on his guitar, humming a tune. Scott started singing behind him; he had a nice voice, and I reached over to pat Shelly’s hand. She had stars in her eyes as she looked up at him. Keith and Jesse joined him to sing the chorus. Then Jesse sang in his soulful voice about lost love. It was sad, and he sang it beautifully. The whole room quieted down to listen to his every word. My heart was pounding so hard as I watched him sing this sad song with his eyes closed as if it was a painful memory.
Shelly leaned over. “He’s really good.”
“I told you he could sing.”
“Yeah, but I had no idea,” she said, rubbing my back.
The song was beautiful as I watched him sing about a broken heart and wanting to find real love. I wondered if this song was from his own life experience, which made me even sadder to think that a woman would break his heart. The song was soulful and brought tears to my eyes. His eyes were unfocused as he concentrated on the words he was singing.
I was holding my breath, hanging on every word he sang as if he were sending me a message. I wiped away a couple stray tears as they escaped, trying to stay composed but failing miserably. His voice was low and sexy, almost breathless in parts of the song. It was an intimate experience to sit there and listen to him pour his heart out on that stage.
When that song ended, I still had tears in my eyes. He looked at me for what seemed to be an eternity. He moved the stool out of the way, pulling the microphone out of the stand as he talked to the audience, so cool and calm. Obviously he was in his element up there. He walked back toward the band, saying something to John; then he announced the next song was titled “Crazy Love.” He told the audience these songs were going to be on their album. This song was fast with a heavy drum beat. Jesse strutted across the stage, lifting the mood in the room.
He sang: You say you love me; well, that’s a joke,
When you sleep with every guy you meet.
Your kind of love is making me crazy,
Mmmm…just crazy…oh yeah, so crazy.
I don’t know what to do about you,
When you stand there looking so sweet.
I know you’re a liar, and it hurts me so much;
Your love is just too crazy for me.
Mmmm…so crazy, oh yeah, just crazy.
My heart wants to believe you.
But my head knows the truth;
I know I have to let you go,
No more of your crazy love for me.
Mmmm…I’m done, so done with your crazy love.
My friends all think that I’m a fool;
They tell me it’s time to play it cool.
Your crazy love is bringing me down,
So leave; I don’t need you hanging around.
No more, mmmm…no more crazy love for me.
I feel sorry for the next guy you say you love;
I hope he’s stronger than I ever was.
Your love has always been so wrong;
Please leave me now while I’m still strong.
So long, baby, I’m finally strong, mmmm…so long.
I’ve got my friends to keep me company;
I know you’re nothing but poison to me.
I don’t need your kind of love anymore;
Just go away and leave me alone.
Mmmm, yeah I’m strong, so run along.
Mmmm…Yeah no more crazy love for me!
Jesse had great stage presence; he was confident and sexy as he moved to the music. I wondered where he got his inspiration for that song. We were on our feet, dancing in our own little spot by our table. Jesse smiled as he looked out over the crowd, his movements showing off his fantastic body. I could see his abs through that tight shirt as he moved his body to the beat. I knew every woman in the place wanted him. He was hypnotizing to watch, and we were all under his spell as he belted out the words to that song.
Scott was jumping around in the back, sometimes on guitar, sometimes on the keyboard. He was a very talented musician, and his voice complemented Jesse’s perfectly. What a surprise tonight was. I smiled at Jesse as he watched us enjoying the music. I wondered if now I was considered a groupie, because I’d have no problem following this band from place to place. They were fun to be with, and I was falling in
love with the lead singer!
I looked over at Liza and Shelly with their hands in the air, dancing around each other. The band played five original songs. Every song was good.
Everyone in the room stood through the whole set. I was sure this band was going to hit it big one day; they were terrific. Jesse thanked everyone and said good night just as the curtain came down. I excused myself, running for the ladies’ room to fix my face. I didn’t want Jesse to see I’d been crying. When I looked in the mirror, red eyes stared back at me. I tried waving my hand in front of my face to cool my skin down. I needed to get myself back under control. I fixed my makeup and put on some lipstick. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out into the hallway to find Jesse leaning against the wall with his arms folded, waiting for me.
“Hi,” he said, taking my hand and pulling me into his arms. I breathed a sigh of relief when I felt his body against mine.
“Why are you crying?” he asked. “Bailey, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the band,” he said, stroking my back as he looked into my eyes.
“Jesse I understand, I saw that crowd’s reaction to you tonight. You were amazing, this has to be a hard lifestyle for you guys,” I said taking a deep cleansing breath. He’s still here waiting for me, that’s got to mean something, I thought.
“Yeah, that’s why I waited to tell you, I wanted to be sure you liked me first. I’m sorry I don’t want to lie to you, you’re very important to me,” he said taking my chin in his hand to look into my eyes.
“That one song you sang was so sad. Did you write it?” I asked trying to regain my composure. I wiped my eye as a tear hung in the corner threatening to ruin my makeup.
“Yeah, I did. You didn’t like it?” he asked, stroking my face with his finger.
“The song was beautiful; you sounded so broken hearted,” I said as I looked into his eyes.
“I was when I wrote it. I’m sorry it made you cry, I was worried about you.” He said kissing me.
“I’m OK, just a little emotional. You took me by surprise tonight. I never imagined you were a singer in a band. You guys were great; the whole band was really good.”
“I’m glad you liked us. We have to perform two more times before this cruise is over. Will you come and be down front so I can see you when I sing? It’ll be easier to sing love songs, if you’re there smiling up at me,” he said, brushing a strand of hair back from my face.
“Of course I will,” I said, leaning into his body.
“Great, let’s join the others, OK?”
“OK.” I took his hand, and we walked back to the table where everyone was celebrating. The table was surrounded with women talking to the guys. When Jesse stepped into the room, they all rushed toward him, trying to push me out of the way.
I tried to loosen our hands and walk away to give him time with his fans, but he held my hand tight as he talked to the women. I stood there and watched him smiling and listening to everyone. The women had their hands all over him, everyone vying for his attention. He didn’t seem to mind but kept a tight hold on me. I sensed he needed that connection between us. As soon as the path was clear, he pulled me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me, claiming me. I smiled sweetly at all the women, putting my hand on his chest in a protective manner, letting them know he was mine.
When the crowd finally died down, we sat at the table for drinks. Scott was wound up tight and very vocal about the night’s performance. Shelly, of course, was sitting on his lap, her new favorite place to be. John was smiling and drinking his beer as he listened to Keith, Liza, and Scott talking.
I watched them all laughing and talking among themselves, excited that tonight went so well. They deserved to celebrate; they were fantastic! I couldn’t wait to see them perform again. We hung around for another hour before we decided to call it a night. Jesse and I walked on the deck of the ship. He was kissing me and holding me tight. I hung on his every word, happy to be wrapped up in his arms. I asked him questions about the band and where they performed in Arizona. It was obvious he loved every minute of performing, and the audience loved him too. He lit up the room with his good looks and sexy voice. I was in awe of his musical talent.
His singing was very sensual, and his smile melted hearts. I fell in love with him tonight and didn’t want the night to end.
Jesse seemed to be content to hold me and kiss me. Our kisses were getting more intense, and my body was craving more, but he remained the gentleman. I realized that I was disappointed, wondering if a more experienced woman was lurking in the wings somewhere. I thought about him with other women, knowing how attracted women were to him. It only justified my fears about my ability to hold on to him. I suddenly felt very inadequate and needed to get to the safety of my room.
The stars were twinkling, and the air was warm. Jesse held me, nuzzling my neck and kissing me sweetly.
“I’m so glad you liked our music. I was worried that you’d be mad at me for not telling you,” he said with his body wrapped tightly behind me.
“Jesse, I loved your music; you’re so talented, and your voice is amazing. You were right not to tell me. I’ve read all the horror stories about rock bands and their wild lifestyles. I probably would never have given you a chance,” I said, chuckling but meaning every word.
“I was afraid of that. I didn’t dare look at you tonight,” he confessed.
We made plans to meet for lunch tomorrow and spend the afternoon together. He walked me to my door and kissed me one more time. Then I watched him walk away, leaving me breathless and quivering with need. This man definitely had me under his spell. I couldn’t get enough of him! When he disappeared, I went into my room to get ready for bed. I was definitely dreaming about my rock star tonight!
Jesse
It felt good to see the audience enjoying our music. I could see Bailey smiling up at me, but when she got up and danced, my heart practically jumped out of my chest. When we took a break, I tentatively approached her, pulling her into my arms. She kissed me, and I knew everything was going to be all right. She asked me some questions about the band, which I gladly answered. When the lights flickered, I had to tear myself away, making her promise she’d stay for the last set.
We were going to perform songs I had written, and I needed her there as my focal point. I introduced each band member before starting the first song. The second song was a ballad I wrote back in high school when a cheerleader broke my heart. She left me for the captain of the football team. He was a big jock, and I was a scrawny teenager that played the guitar. Scott and I were both scrawny, so after that, we started lifting weights, which kept me from being depressed. That whole year we worked out, lifting and running to get into shape. I got my revenge though, because when I started singing in the band, all the girls were after me, and she was eating her heart out. That was when I became a man whore, not caring about the feelings of the girls I dated. Love ’em and leave ’em was my motto, and I was damn good at it.
I realized that girls were all too anxious to date me. I didn’t have to try anymore; they came to me with open arms and open legs. I grew my hair longer, getting a shaggy haircut and wearing tight shirts to show off my abs. Scott and I were scoring more than the jocks on the field. As we became more popular, we were invited to all the parties. All the girls wanted us. It was fun, and I started writing songs like crazy, enjoying my life as a rock star. My wise father would leash me in every summer, making me work for his company to keep me out of trouble—very smart of him, because I was getting way too cocky.
Scott’s mother talked us into performing in a talent contest in school, and that was where John discovered us. I remembered John from high school; he was a couple years ahead of Scott and me. He was a jock who also had a band. He was a good-looking dude and always had a chick on his arm. Keith was quiet; I didn’t remember him, but I knew he was a guitarist in John’s band. Keith graduated at the top his class; he was very intelligent and quiet and calm, just what the band needed. Two of John’s
band members his lead singer and guitarist went off to college, so he came to the talent show looking for replacements. He was impressed and asked me to be the lead singer in his band, I was thrilled. Scott and I were welcomed with open arms, and the rest is history. Now we were a popular band in Arizona. But as the years went by, the thrill of loose women and booze lost its attraction, and I lost my focus. I still got up on stage and performed, but my life felt empty.
I sat on my stool and sang “Broken,” my song of lost love. It had always been very cathartic to write my feelings down in a song.
I had to close my eyes to reach deep inside to remember how I felt when I wrote the lyrics. It always took me back to high school and how devastated I felt back then. I looked up at the end of the song to see Bailey crying. It ripped my heart out to see her in tears. I walked back to John, telling him I wanted to pick up the tempo and sing “Crazy Love.” He nodded and started the intro as the band joined in with the chorus.
I told the audience we’d be cutting an album when we got home and that the songs we sang tonight were going to be on it. I needed to see her smile again, so I danced around to the beat as I started to sing the song. Scott and Keith were singing the chorus about one of my crazy love experiences. It was fast and always got Scott motivated to do his wild dancing moves behind me. I knew it would get Bailey, Shelly, and Liza laughing. When I looked at Bailey, she was smiling and clapping her hands to the beat—mission accomplished.
I was writing a song about her, and the guys had promised to help me get it ready to perform before the cruise was over. Actually, I had several notes for songs about her, but one in particular I wanted her to hear. I wanted to surprise her and let her know how I felt about her while she was still there with me. We went through some of our original songs. The audience was up on their feet. I loved to see everyone dancing and clapping to our music. This was what I enjoyed, and I was excited to make a living doing this for the rest of my life, hopefully with the woman I loved by my side.
