by Lydia Rose
“You really think so?” April asked as excited as a child at Christmas.
“I’ll get this over to my record company and we can take care of all the legal stuff.”
“Do you think we will be able to perform this song somewhere soon?”
“If it takes off, we can get our managers to get us on some of the shows.” Ashley now wondered if she could schedule these performances with some of Jill’s appearances.
A month later, April called Ashley. Her excitement was evident in her screeching voice. “I just heard the song on the radio. I can’t believe I have a song on the radio.”
Ashley laughed. “Believe it, April.”
“When are we going to finish my album?”
“I’ve talked to my record label, but they want to see how this song does before they’ll offer you a contract.”
“Oh,” April said softly.
“Don’t worry, kid. If they won’t do anything, I’ll release the album myself.”
“You will?”
“Yes. I think what we’ve recorded so far is great.”
“I don’t know how to thank you,” April’s voice choked with emotion.
“You can thank me by both of us making money,” Ashley said with a chuckle.
The next day, Ashley received an unexpected phone call. “Hi, Ashley, it’s Jill Thompson.”
“Hi, Jill. How are you?” Ashley asked as she began to pace her living room.
“I just heard the song. You and April sound so good together.”
“Did you like the song?”
“I already bought it on iTunes.”
Ashley giggled. “I guess that is a yes.”
“A big yes, Ash. I wanted to ask you if I could have April’s number. I want to congratulate her too.”
“Sure.” Ashley rattled off April’s number to her.
“Thanks and I can’t wait to hear more music from the two of you. I guess I’ll see you, Ashley.”
“Thanks for calling. Goodbye.” Remaining Jill’s friend was going to be tough, but not being part of her life would be worse.
*
“Hi, April. This is Jill Thompson. I met you at the showcase with Ashley Rowland.”
“Hi, Jill, I know who you are. Ashley speaks very highly of you.”
Jill laughed at her comment. “I called because I wanted to tell you how much I like the song you did with Ashley.”
“Thank you so much. I can’t believe how Ashley took me from no one knowing my name to having a song on the radio in such a short time.”
“It pays to know the right people. I know that myself.”
“I was very skeptical when she asked me. No one does something for someone else unless there is an ulterior motive.” April giggled. “I thought maybe Ashley wanted me for another reason.” She suddenly sucked in a breath. “I shouldn’t have said that. You and Ashley are friends.”
Jill giggled too. “Don’t worry, April. I won’t say anything. Besides, you’ve spent more time with her than I have. Seeing you at the showcase was only the second time I came in contact with Ashley.”
“Really? It seems like you both are good friends. She talks about you a lot when we’re together.”
Interesting, Jill thought. “I think Ashley is just that kind of person that makes everyone comfortable and you can’t help liking her.”
“True. Hey, Ashley got my boyfriend and me tickets to your premiere.”
“Really?” Jill asked surprised.
“Yes. They gave her four tickets because of the music.”
“What music?”
“Ashley wrote a song for the opening of the movie. You didn’t know that?”
“No. I haven’t even seen the finished project.”
“It’s a great song. She played it for me and I told her she is going to be an Oscar contender with it.”
“What’s the name of it?” Jill asked hoping she could find it on the internet.
“I Have Always Loved You,” April told her. “I can’t wait to see the film, Jill.”
“Me too,” Jill said with a giggle. “I better let you go and I’ll see you at the premiere.”
“Thanks for calling, Jill. It means a lot to hear you tell me you liked our song.”
Ashley wondered who she could ask to go with her to the premiere. She didn’t want to show up alone because she was sure that Jill would be with someone. Besides April was bringing her boyfriend.
“Hello, stranger.”
“Hi, Celine. How are you?”
“Better now that you’re calling me. What’s up, Ash?”
“I’m going to a movie premiere next Friday night. Are you interested in going with me?”
“Will you buy me dinner afterwards?”
“Of course.”
“What film?”
“Legends.” Ashley answered with a roll of her eyes. This was one of the reasons she stopped calling Celine. It was always what Ashley could do for her. Celine had her own thriving music career, but she was always looking to get bigger.
“Oh, I’ve heard of that. It’s supposed to be a big blockbuster this summer.”
“That’s what they say. So?”
“What time are you picking me up?” Celine asked with excitement.
“Seven.”
“I’ll be ready and looking great for you.”
Ashley laughed. “See you.” She knew Celine would be dressed to the nines, but it wouldn’t be for her benefit, it would be for her own.
CHAPTER 5
Ashley had Eddie pick up April and her boyfriend Kevin before he came back to get her. Tonight they were in a limo. “Hi,” Ashley said as she climbed into the car. Her leather pants and boots were topped off with a white flowing blouse and leather blazer. She was the ultimate rock star in her attire.
“Hi, Ash. This is Kevin.”
“Hi, Kevin.” Ashley held out her hand to him. “It’s good to meet you.”
“I can’t believe I’m meeting you.” Kevin had on a suit and April wore a light color dress and strappy heels.
“You both look great. Are you ready to introduce yourself to the reporters and fans, April?”
“I’m terrified.”
“Just be yourself.” As they pulled up to Celine’s condo, Ashley stepped out of the limo as her date walked toward the car. “Hi, Celine,” she said with a kiss to her cheek.
“Hey, Ash.” Celine got into the car and was surprised to see the car held other people.
“Celine, this is April and Kevin. April and I are working on a project together.”
“Oh my god,” Kevin said with his mouth hung open. “You’re Celine Parker. I love your music.”
“Thank you,” Celine said with her phony smile. She turned to April. “What project are you working on with Ashley?”
“We have a hit single and we’re working on an album.”
“How did you manage that? I’ve asked Ashley about collaborating and it never happened.”
April’s eyes went back and forth between Celine and Ashley without answering.
“April is a new artist and I’m mentoring her.”
“I bet you are.” Celine mumbled and Ashley just rolled her eyes looking at April.
Celine was the first one out of the car. Her black dress came down past her knees in points and showed off her shapely legs. Ashley let Kevin and April go next. By the time she got out of the limo, Celine was already speaking with reporters. She stayed at April’s side so she could introduce her to the first set of reporters. Kevin stood off to the side already understanding his role in April’s new life.
“Hello, Rachel. This is April Carey. You may have heard our record on the radio.”
“Of course, Ashley. It’s already number five.” Her attention now went back to Ashley. “I understand you wrote the opening song for the movie.”
“Yes.” Ashley’s attention was drawn to the noise from the crowd. Jill and her date had just stepped onto the red carpet. “We should get moving April.”
They went up to the next reporter and again Ashley introduced her. Once they finished with the interviews, Ashley led April over to the fans. Some of the fans recognized April and shouted her name. They both went down the line signing autographs and shaking hands. Ashley didn’t catch sight of Celine again until she walked into the theatre.
“What took you so long?” Celine asked perturbed.
“The same thing you were doing.” The four of them stood there quietly until Jill approached them.
Jill hugged April and congratulated her again and smiled at Ashley with a warm hello. “April told me that you did the opening song. I had no idea.”
Celine cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. Jill, this is Celine Parker. Celine, this is Jill Thompson and…”
“Peter Walters,” Jill filled in.
“How do you know Ashley?” Celine asked narrowing her eyes.
“Who doesn’t know Ashley,” she said with a laugh. “Actually, we met at a benefit.” One look at Celine and Jill knew Ashley had a thing for blonds. She went back in her mind of Ashley’s girlfriends and didn’t remember any of them not being blond. The blond was in varying degrees, but they were all blond.
If Jill recognized Celine she didn’t let on which only caused her to become indignant. “I think we should find our seats.” She turned and walked away from them.
“It was good to see you again, Jill.” Ashley followed Celine into the theatre.
April leaned over to Jill and whispered, “I can’t believe Ashley is going out with her,” she said with a shake of her head.
Jill threw her head back and laughed. “I think we’d better get in there too.”
Jill and her date’s seats were actually right in front of Ashley’s group. Celine continued to complain. “I thought they would have given you better seats since you are part of the movie.”
“There is nothing wrong with these seats. If you are unhappy, I can get Eddie to drive you home.” Ashley didn’t hide her regret in asking Celine tonight. Jill now turned and winked at Ashley. They smiled at one another before she turned back around. She now leaned toward April. “You can get much further in this industry if you don’t act like Celine.” April nodded her head in acknowledgement.
Thankfully the movie began and tempers cooled in the dark theatre. As the lights came up when the film finished, Jill leaned back and said, “I like the song, Ashley.”
“Thanks. You were good in the film too.”
“You didn’t have a very big part,” Celine said grinning.
“It wasn’t, but I was happy to be part of the film,” Jill said sweetly as she worked her way out of the aisle.
When Jill was standing next to Ashley, she said, “I’m sorry about Celine,” she threw her head over her shoulder. “I can’t take her anywhere.”
“Why would you?” Jill said seriously. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t criticize your date.”
“She won’t be my date for very long. I was supposed to buy her dinner, but I’m going to drop her off. Are you having dinner with the cast?”
“No.”
“I’m going to take April and her date out. Would you and Peter like to join us?”
“I’ll ask him and call you while you drop Celine off.”
“Good idea.” Before Ashley got into the car, she whispered to Eddie.
“So where are we going to dinner?” Celine asked smiling.
“I’m taking you home, Celine.”
“Why?”
“I’ve had enough fun with you tonight,” Ashley answered curtly.
“Just because I said something to your friend Jill. What, are you interested in her or something?”
Eddie pulled up to Celine’s condo and he opened the door. “Good night, Celine.” She didn’t acknowledge anyone before she huffed away. “I’m sorry about that.” Ashley’s phone began to ring. “Hi, Jill.”
“Hi. I made reservations at Hilltop. Once I gave them your name, we were in,” she said with a giggle.
“We will see you there in a few minutes.” Ashley disconnected the call. “Eddie, we’re going to Hilltop.”
“Wow. I’ve heard about that place.” Kevin was very impressed with the choice of restaurant.
Once the group was seated, Jill looked at Ashley. “So did you like the movie?”
“I did,” Ashley answered with a smile.
“I thought it was great,” April’s boyfriend said leaning toward Jill.
“We both did,” April said taking Kevin’s hand. Kevin and Jill’s date, Peter got into a discussion about the film.
“Was Celine angry that you took her home?” Jill asked.
Ashley nodded and April chuckled. “She was steaming,” April added to Ashley’s shrug.
“She got out of me what she was looking for. She got to get her face in front of reporters being seen at this year’s blockbuster.” Someone walked over to their table and Ashley looked over her shoulder. “Hi,” she said seeing the young man standing there.
“Can I get a picture with you, Ms. Rowland?” he asked shyly.
“Sure, but please call me Ashley.” The young man blushed deep red. “Jill, would you do the honors?”
Jill took the young man’s phone and held it while he and Ashley posed. The camera clicked and he said, “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. What’s your name?”
“Bill.”
“Have a good evening, Bill.”
When he walked away, April leaned over. “That was so nice of you, Ash.”
“I can’t be rude to my fans. They keep buying my music so I can’t be anything other than appreciative.”
“She’s amazing,” April said looking at Jill. “Just amazing.”
Jill wanted to agree with April, but she was afraid her face would show just how amazing she thought Ashley was.
Kevin laughed. “Hey, Ash are you trying to steal my gal?”
Ashley giggled. “I don’t think I stand a chance, Kevin,” she said with a wink at April.
“I don’t love anyone else but you, honey.” April kissed Kevin’s cheek.
“Young love,” Ashley said looking at Jill. “Ain’t it grand?”
CHAPTER 6
The next morning, Jill was lying in bed with the morning news on when her cellphone began to ring. She looked at the screen. This can’t be good. “Good morning, Marion.”
“Maybe for you.”
“What’s going on?” Jill asked sitting up.
“How come I am looking at a picture of you having a cozy dinner with Ashley Rowland?”
“I don’t know why that would interest you,” Jill said with a snicker.
“The caption says Jill Thompson having dinner with legendary rock star Ashley Rowland out in Hollywood.”
“So we had dinner.”
“I thought you wanted to keep your sexual orientation out of the papers?” Marion asked perturbed.
“When did I come out?” Jill asked starting to lose her patience with her manager.
“You having dinner alone with Ashley is a big rainbow flag going up.”
“I wasn’t alone.”
“You weren’t?”
“No. I was there with Peter, Ashley’s friend April and April’s boyfriend. So how is that announcing to the world that I’m a lesbian?”
“Uh,” Marion began to backtrack. “What do you want me to tell the press?”
“Nothing. There is nothing to say.”
“What are you going to say when the press asks you about dinner?”
“The truth.”
“Okay. Enjoy your day,” Marion said before disconnecting the call.
Ashley was walking into the coffee shop when reporters stopped her. “So how long have you been dating Jill Thompson?”
“What?”
“You had dinner with her last night.”
“I did. Along with her boyfriend and two of my friends.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. You guys should get your information straight before you jump t
o conclusions.” Ashley walked into the coffee shop and got in line. A few people nodded at her, but didn’t approach. She ordered her coffee and left the shop. In her car, she took her phone out of her pocket and began writing a text. You may be questioned about us having dinner last night. I told the Paparazzi that just asked me that you were with your boyfriend. Sorry, Ash. She quickly hit the send button.
Jill heard her phone chime signaling a text. She read the screen and began to laugh. There is also a picture of us on the web too. I had fun last night. Jill.
Ashley read the text and smiled. She drove over to the studio to have a meeting with her producer. Ashley found him with one of the new groups that had been added to the label. She didn’t make her presence known while she listened to the music. Once Charlie Davis began to speak to the band, Ashley moved closer. “Hey, Charlie.”
“Ash. What did you think?”
“I think they’re good.”
“Yeah, me too. Take fifteen minutes,” Charlie said into the microphone. He turned to Ashley. “So you’re dating Jill Thompson?”
Ashley rolled her eyes. “No, Charlie I am not. You know I don’t go after straight girls. I had dinner with her and her boyfriend last night.”
“I saw the pictures of you and Jill.” Charlie shrugged. “I just assumed.”
“Yeah. So is everyone else,” Ashley said with a sigh.
When Ashley left the studio, the paparazzi were outside waiting.
“So you and Jill Thompson?” one guy asked.
Ashley wanted to stop and correct the photographer, but decided not to respond. Ashley got into her car and drove off.
CHAPTER 7
It had been two months since Ashley had seen or heard from Jill. She put her out of her mind since she was now dating a woman named Rachel. She met Rachel at the record studio as she recorded her new album. Rachel was the new receptionist and the moment she saw her sitting at the desk, Ashley made her move.
“Hi,” she said standing in front of the desk.
“Oh, Ms. Rowlands.”
“Ashley,” she said looking down into Rachel’s dark eyes. The first thing she noticed was that she wasn’t the typical woman that Ashley was usually attracted to. Rachel’s brown hair worn in a short layered look and smoky dark eyes smoldered as she stared at her.
