“Oh no!” Tia cried. “The spotlight going to shine on Aaron.” Tia informed Martin.
“Damn, this isn’t going to be good,” Martin replied shaking his head.
Asia walked forward, her eyes on Aaron. The spotlight shone on him and the women beside him sat with her head on his shoulder. Asia stilled, but didn’t stop singing, tears flowing unstoppable down her face. Even through her tears, her voice didn’t crack, nor did she miss a note, she was perfection. the spotlight shone on Aaron and his date.
“She singing to us Boo,” Shanna cooed.
Brie looked over at Aaron, he lowered is head, noting the disappointment in his mother eyes. The song ended and Asia step back as the curtain closed, the audience came to their feet. The curtain opened again, and she stood there. The curtain closed for the final time. Chez and Wilson ran to her on stage. Asia was frozen, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Honey please stop crying so.” Chez said softly.
Tia and Martin went backstage. She looked at Tia.
“You think I’d be use to being hurt, wouldn’t you,” Asia said cynically walking off the stage.
In her dressing room, Asia stared at herself in the mirror. Tia came in.
“Asia, I’m so sorry,” Tia said sadly.
“Give me a minute, I’ll be fine.”
All her new friends came back stage to congratulate her on her performance. Asia looked up and saw Brie as she made her way to Asia. She hugged her telling her how wonderful her performance was.
“If you need to talk, Asia, just call me, okay.” Asia nodded.
“Asia, we have to get to the after party.” Tia reminded her.
“I can’t go, can I just take me home please?” she stated firmly. She turned and looked at Martin.
Tia looked over at Eddie. “Will you take her home?” Tia asked him
“Of course, you go; I’ll take care of her.” Eddie replied.
After everyone had left, and she was back in her own clothes ready to leave. Eddie took her bag and opened the back stage door. Asia hesitated for a second. She grabbed on to Eddie hand, and held it tightly. Eddie felt her trembling beside them. His last thought was how foolish Aaron was.
*****
Tia convinced Asia to let Wayne produced her. Asia threw herself into recording at his studio, day and night. Wayne and Asia connected musically, a bond forming between them. Wayne took Asia’s music, and turned it into what Asia thought it could never be. They worked very closely, sometimes most days and long into the night and Wayne always there to get her home. Tia explained to him her fear of the dark. Wayne felt instantly protective of her. Aaron was a fool, Wayne thought, the love she had for him, as she sang her song, ‘For You’ portrayed her love in every note she sang.
One night Aaron was riding up the street when he saw Wayne and Asia holding hands walking to his car parked up the street. Aaron watched as she smile up at him, the smile that was only for him, and he became infuriated.
Wayne and Asia were busy talking about the arrangement for a song, when a car came to a screeching halt beside them. Wayne pushed Asia behind his massive body. Aaron jumped from the car confronting them.
“What in the hell is going on!” Aaron yelled. Asia moved from behind Wayne.
“Aaron what wrong with you?” she asked frowning. He glared furiously at Asia.
“Are you fu...?”
“Don’t say it Aaron!” Wayne interrupted, warning Aaron, and stepping to him. Wayne was large men, and knew he could hurt Aaron. Where Aaron was tall Wayne was massive.
“What going on Asia?” Aaron said ignoring Wayne.
“Wayne is producing my music, not that its any concern of yours Aaron,” she stated curtly.
“Who in the hell do you think you are Aaron, asking her anything, you made your choice, so split!” Wayne said calmly as he could but Aaron was starting to piss him off.
“Shut up Wayne, I’m talking to Asia!”
Aaron moved away from Wayne to confront Asia. Wayne stepped in front of her.
“Get lost Aaron!” Wayne said, his temper rising.
“Get out of my way Wayne!” Aaron said through bared teeth.
“Let it go Aaron, she doesn’t want to talk to you!” Wayne said equally as angry. Aaron was in Wayne face.
“Didn’t you hear her; it doesn’t concern you anymore!”
“Stop it you two!” she yelled.
Each man sizing up the other, all Asia knew is she had to stop him before a fight started.
The darkness started to invade her and she begun to feel the panic build inside her. All she knew was she had to get away. Images of Marcus’s shooting came into her head. Asia screamed and back against the wall of a brick building, tears streaming down her face, trembling.
“It’s dark,” she screamed.
Wayne and Aaron went to her; she fell into Wayne’s arms.
“Please, please stop it, stop it, take me home Wayne!” she cried. Wayne’s arms went around her holding her, Aaron forgotten.
“Come on Baby,” Wayne said softly, leading her away. Aaron stood helpless watching them, his heart pounding with concern for Asia.
“Stay away from her,” Wayne hissed over his shoulder.
Aaron drove to Martin’s house, banging on his front door. The door was snatched opened an irate Marin glaring at the fool who decided to knock at his door at this hour.
“Aaron what in the hell are doing here at this hour, if you awaken my boys, I’m kicking you ass, what do you want?” Martin whispered harshly.
“What going on with Wayne and Asia?”
“You came here to ask me that?” Martin asked agitated.
“Go home Aaron, she doesn’t concern you anymore, your choice remember,” Martin said slamming the door. Aaron stared at the slammed door for a second.
Damn it, Aaron thought walking to his car. What the hell is happening to him, he did make a choice, and so why was it so hard for him to deal with it. When he saw her holding Wayne’s hand holding Asia’s and her smiling up at him, he lost it. He got into his car started it. His head fell against the steering wheel. The thought came to him to ride pass Asia’s loft to see if Wayne’s car was in her driveway. Aaron cursed. What was wrong with him, he had women at his disposal, and if were honest with himself none compared to Asia, she was inside him. He wanted Asia; the times he was out he couldn’t even be intimate with the women he dated. He didn’t have that problem before he met Asia. Aaron shook his head, not believing his own action, since he broke off with Asia, he’s been miserable. He hit the steering with both his hands, put the car in drive, and headed for home.
Chapter Eight
Asia was invited to perform for the for the Bueto’s New Years Eve party. Tracy booked “The Coz” for the evening’s entertainment. Ross Coz, the bandleader, bass player, and lead singer was elated that he would be performing with Asia. He remembered Asia from the cookout. How could one forget the way Asia took a song and make it her own. Both Coz and Asia look forward to working together, so rehearsal started right away. The music Asia composed and sang for the group was impressive.
Wayne stopped by to see how their rehearsal was coming along. With Asia, and ‘The Coz’ accompanying her, it gave her music a totally new sound.
Excited Wayne replied. “Asia, this is the arrangement we’ve been missing; with the band backing you, it gives the songs a more deeper appeal,” Wayne replied jubilantly.
Smiling, Asia agreed.
The band took a much-needed rest, while Wayne, Ross and sat to talked. Wayne suggested The Coz back up Asia. After few minutes of discussion, the three came to a decision.
“So, Ross, what do you think?” Asia asked with anticipation; she really liked ‘The Coz,’ and she recognized the deep musical chemistry they shared.
“We’re in,” Ross said smiling earnestly at Asia.
The other band members were elated with the partnership. Finally, after five years of struggling to stay in the music industry they would have the
ir big break. With Asia as their lead singer, the band had no doubt that they were on their way to fame.
Sincerely Ross thanked Asia. Asia smiled and studied his face.
Ross was medium statue, dark-skinned man of average height, with long thick dreads to his shoulders.
“Don’t thank me, you guys are very good,” she said smiling.
Christmas for Asia came and went as it usually did for her. She was invited to dinner at Brie’s, but declined the invitation, telling everyone she had to work at the hotel. She hated lying to Brie but she didn’t want to see Aaron with his new girlfriend. She opted to stay at home to work on some new music. At the loft, she sat at her piano trying in vain to write, but her mind kept visualizing Aaron with his girlfriend. There was not a day that went by that she didn’t think about Aaron. She wondered if he were well, and if he missed her as much as she missed him. Of course, she realized he didn’t. After the night that he so callously dropped her, he had not tried to see her again. That said it all for Asia. It was time for her to get a backbone where Aaron was concerned. He hurt her with the callous way he told her didn’t want her. Although she had to thank him for making her believe she was somebody and she was pretty. Nevertheless, it still hurt because she still loved him.
Tears welled into her eyes spilling over. She dashed them away with an angry swipe of her hand. She had been a fool. She really regretted leaving Macon. At least, thanks to Aaron, she had her music. She had been so looking forward to spending Christmas with her new friends. This would have been the first Christmas since her mother’s death that she would’ve shared the holiday with people she cared about. She had become excited with the prospect of having a real Christmas; instead of the past Christmas when she was all alone. Keeping with the spirit of Christmas, she shopped for gift for her new friends, imploring Tia to give the gifts she purchased for them. Tia tried to convince her to come along, but Asia was adamant about her decision. Her gift to Aaron was a small white envelope.
Everyone that was at the Thanksgiving dinner was at Brie’s house. Aaron stayed to himself. Either sitting in the den alone or just staring out of the window. He was miserable. He really loved this time of the year, but for some reason, it wasn’t the same for him this year. It really got on his nerves when everyone asked Aaron of Asia’s whereabouts, and he had the feeling they were doing it on purpose. He would just shrug his shoulders. He wasn’t surprised that everyone instantly liked Asia. Especially Wayne. He wasn’t certain but he had a feeling there was more to Wayne and Asia relationship. What bothered him was Asia wasn’t here and neither was Wayne. He knew his mother had invited Wayne and Asia to dinner. When he asked his mother if Asia was come to dinner, the look she gave him take a step back. She simple said “Boy get out of my face.” Was Asia with Wayne he wondered?
Aaron was sitting in the den when Tia found him. Still not speaking to him, Tia silently handing him a sealed envelope and quickly turned to leave him alone. Aaron watched as she turned from him before glancing down at the envelope he held in his hand.
“Tia,” he called.
Tia stopped turning to face him. “What?”
“How’s Asia?”
Tia eyes narrowed. “What do you care you just…” she paused. “She’s fine,” she said before walking away from him.
Aaron sighed and sat heavily on the couch he early vacated. Opening the envelope, Aaron read the note enclosed.
Thank you Aaron, for all you’ve
done for me, here is your credit card, and
a payment for all the purchases I made
I’ll send more next week.
Asia
He rose moving to the large picture window in the den and just stared out at the gray cloudy sky when his father entered. Trevet looked at his son’s wide back. Aaron was uncharacteristically quiet which was odd for him. He was no longer the high-spirited man he knew and love. One afternoon, Trevet had ran into Martin. After a few questions Martin told him about the argument they had gotten into and the confrontation Aaron almost gotten into with Wayne when he saw Asia and Wayne together one night.
“You okay Son?” Trevet asked coming to stand beside him.
Aaron lifted the folded sheet of paper.
“She paying me back Dad,” he stated absently, not looking at his father.
Trevet frowned. “Who?”
“Asia’s paying me back for the things I had purchased for her.” Aaron turn to look at his father, then at the white sheet of paper in his hand.
“And that bothers you?” his father stated.
“She can’t afford to pay me back, Dad she doesn’t have much.” Aaron said lowering his head.
“Well Son, she has her pride.”
“Yeah, I guess she doesn’t need me anymore,” Aaron muttered.
“Isn’t that what you wanted Aaron; it seems to me she wasn’t as needy as you thought, it appears to me that she loves you.”
Aaron looked at his father. “So she says,” Aaron stated unemotionally.
Trevet sighed. “Now I see why you left her, she said she loved you, is that right?”
Aaron looked over at his father. “I miss her Dad, that’s all.”
Trevet shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry Son, this you have fix yourself; come on your Mother is ready to serve dinner.”
The night of the Bueto’s New Year’s Eve gala affair promised to be the party of the new year. Asia and “The Coz” had already arrive, setting up and doing sound checks. Wayne arranged for Royal Records CEO to attend the gala to observe Asia performance, hoping they sign her. Asia was in the dressing room preparing for the performance while the band dealt with the other details. She couldn’t help but wondered if Aaron would be here this evening. She told herself, it didn’t matter. It’s already been a month since she had last seen him, and as usual he was always there invading her thoughts. How many times had she cried herself to sleep, praying fervently for God to heal the hurt that course through her whenever she thought of Aaron. Taking one last glance at herself in the mirror, she was glad she let Tia talk her into purchasing the red Kaufmanfranco silk jersey dress. The halter looking gown plunged low in the front, and bare in the back except for the wide straps over her shoulders attached to a large ring at the base of her spine. She felt sexy. She loved the way the cut of the gown emphasized her curvaceous body, and with her hair loosely curled, draping her shoulders, she knew looked good.
“Asia,” Wayne called through the door, “You ready,”
Asia opened the door. Wayne whistled. “You’re beautiful.”
Asia gave him a small smile. Putting his elbow out to her, Asia took it and he lead her to the side where the band was set up.
Asia looked out at all the people dressed in their finery, feeling a little nervous. Wayne patted her hand. “Relax Asia, your going to be great,” he reassured her.
Asia nodded. “Is Aaron here?” she asked looking up at Wayne. He nodded.
“With his girlfriend?”
“Asia I don’t think she’s his girlfriend,” Wayne replied in Aaron defense.
Asia shrugged. “It doesn’t matter,” she replied but in her heart it really did mattered.
The band had started playing, a fast upbeat instrumental, which was their opening number before her introduction.
She had a few minutes before she was to go on stage. She asked Wayne to bring her a glass of white wine. She attached headset microphone around her head.
This was her first public debut with The Coz and the butterflies moved wildly in her stomach. Wayne returned with her glass of wine and she took as sip. Asia looked up at him, “Do I look okay?” she asked nervously. Wayne smiled. “Your beautiful and don’t worry your going to be great.”
She swallowed the glass of wine, handing the empty glass to Wayne when Ross started the introductions.
“Welcome ladies and gentlemen, we are here to get you on your feet, seduce you, and just have a great time as we countdown to the New Year. First let us make an introduc
tion. This lady has the voice of a thousand angels, not only can she sing, women hold on to your men, cause she beautiful, our newest member the beautiful Ms Asia Brooks.”
Wayne offered her is elbow; she looked up at him and smiled, already the wine started to relax her. Wayne lead her to the small steps that lead to the bands platform and kissed her gently on the cheek.
Her first number was “I’m Every Woman,” after adjusting her headset Asia strolled on to the platform all nervousness gone. While she sang she step down to the dance floor, the tempo picked up and she started dancing and singing. She strolled over to a table where four dateless men sat. She extended her hand to one of them, pulling him to his feet. He stood grinning like and idiot as Asia danced around him singing. The other guest clapped to the music as the others laughed at the man uneasiness.
Aaron sat at the table with Martin, Tia, Tracy, Calvin, and his date Shanna, and watched as Asia danced and seduced her audience with her provocative moves. Aaron eyes hardened, his teeth clenched as he watched Asia moved. He didn’t care for the way she flirted with the men at table. She moved through the table, dancing, and singing.
Aaron looked over at Martin with question in his eyes. Tia noticed the hardness set of his face.
“Oh didn’t I tell you, Aaron, Asia’s with The Coz now?” she said sweetly.
Aaron looked at Tia dumbfounded, and then turned his head, looking at Asia as she performed. Tia smiled smugly.
She walk through the tables, stopped to sing at a table where another group of single men sat, she pulled one to the floor with her. The large fullback was grinning from ear to ear, allowing her pull him with her. She danced around him her body rubbing on him, he pulled close into him, she leaned back, still singing, she straighten, kissing on his lips, and left him. Tia watched as Aaron hand formed fists.
He had to admit, she looked beautiful, in the sexy red gown; when she turned her back Aaron’s breath caught in his throat. Tia and Tracy looked at each other smiling, nodding. Aaron rose as if entranced and watched her walk seductively back to the stage.
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