by T Gephart
I had heard the whispers, the jokes about Alex “slumming” with the help. It meant little to me. I didn’t need them to think I was good enough for him. I refused to let the outside world judge my net worth based on a resume and rumours. Alex had had many opportunities to walk away, yet he was still with me. That had to count for more than the fact I didn’t have my own page on IMDb. What we had was real and I certainly wasn’t going to let some B grade starlet trivialize it.
Conscious that the Paparazzi were waiting a few feet away behind the door and that there were other people in the lounge, I deliberately kept my voice low and level.
“You still don’t get it, do you? That while he was fucking you, he was thinking of me. That you were nothing but a distraction and in the end, you couldn’t even fulfil that role. He didn’t leave you for me, he just left you. So go ahead, make your play. You couldn’t keep him when I was gone, you don’t stand a chance now that I’m back.”
Her eyes narrowed as she regarded me. I could see she wanted to say more but had no come back. What could she say? My delivery might have been harsh but everything I had said was true. He had never loved her, and she knew it.
Marcy turned and walked over to the other side of the room where her posse were curiously watching me. I was sure they knew our history, all be it with her slanted view of the events that transpired.
“You are a hundred times hotter than her,” Tyler interjected as he made his way back to my side.
Not really in the mood to flirt with “Free Pass” Tyler, I nodded and walked over to the opposite side of the room and sat down in one of the comfortable, plush chairs.
My phone buzzed from my pocket.
- I’ll be there in 5. I hated waking up alone. Miss you beautiful xx
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as I read Alex’s text. It was almost as if he had some innate sixth sense.
- I missed you too. There are photographers here so check in and come straight to the private lounge. I’ll contact the Airline rep now and have someone come and meet you guys at curb side.
My phone buzzed almost immediately.
- Are you ok Baby? You sound off. I’m guessing you would have been less cranky if you had let me sleep over :-P I love you xx
- I wasn’t aware that txt had tone. In any case, it’s been an interesting morning... Will explain later. Love you too. x
I strolled over to the Airline representative who was sitting toward the back of the room and advised her of the band’s arrival. She promptly organized assistance, her face lighting up with the mention of the Band’s name.
My phone buzzed but ignored it. I didn’t need to look to know it was Alex. My response had been unjustified and unnecessarily bitchy. I hadn’t been able to stop myself. Damn it Lexi. That’s what Marcy wants. Do not give her the satisfaction.
I picked up my phone.
- I’m sorry. I miss you and I love you. Lexi xx
Marcy glared at me as I looked up from my phone, almost as if she was trying to formulate a come back to my earlier words. Go ahead, bring it! Talking is one thing I excel in and I can go toe to toe with the best of them. I really disliked her. It wasn’t just because of her past relationship with Alex, it was more than that. There was something about her, something underlying that I knew was bad news. As I met her icy stare, a sly smile played at the corners of my mouth. I was too stubborn to allow her the knowledge she’d gotten under my skin.
The Lounge doors opened to the flashes of cameras and noise filtered into the room. Tyler herded the boys into the room with the assistance of DarNell and Bear. Photographers and reporters kept trying to get their pound of flesh before the doors closed.
They all seemed relaxed, all except Dan who hated flying. He was looking around anxiously, counting down the minutes until he could pop some Xanax. Alex sauntered over and even though he was casually dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, he looked every bit the Rock Star. His mirrored Ray Ban aviators hid his eyes but his strong muscular jaw was tense. His usual silver dog tags around his neck caught the light as he walked.
As I watched him walk toward me, I couldn’t help but notice Marcy’s mouth drop open as he strode past the entrance and directly to me where he swept me into his arms, kissing me passionately.
“You know I have a hard time resisting you when you are mad.” Alex breathed into my ear.
“I’m not mad,” I lied as I looked over the rest of the band making themselves comfortable on the provided couches.
“You’re lying.” Alex brushed the hair away from my ear.
“You’re ex-girlfriend wants you back.” I motioned to the other side of the room where Marcy was standing.
Alex’s face betrayed nothing as he turned to Marcy who was now walking toward us. He didn’t react when she stopped directly in front of him, her earlier scowl gone and a fake, camera-ready smile plastered across her face.
“Alex, so nice to see you. How have you been?” Marcy reached out to Alex, her arms wrapping around his torso to hug him.
“Marcy. What are you doing here?” Alex’s voice had no warmth as he politely returned her hug.
“Well, it’s such a coincidence! I’m flying to Rome as well. How strange is that? We are shooting some scenes there.” Marcy flirted as she flicked her long blonde locks off her shoulders.
“Yes, a coincidence indeed.” Alex responded drily.
James wandered over to us, his eyes looking from Marcy to Alex and then to me.
“Alex, Lexi. I think we should go over a few things before getting on the plane. Sorry Marcy, I need to borrow these two for a bit.” James shot Marcy his megawatt smile, charming her instantly.
“Of course James.” Marcy drooled before turning back to Alex, brushing his arm. “I’ll speak to you later Babe.”
I seethed as she walked off. Babe? I’d like to slap that stupid grin right off her face.
“Do we have a problem here? What’s going on?” James asked. He was careful to keep his voice low and level.
“No problem.” I lied
“It’s fine, James.” Alex waved him off as he turned back to me.
“Ok, I’m going to make sure Dan isn’t drinking whiskey on top of the pills.” James walked off toward the bar where Dan, Jason and Troy had made themselves comfortable.
“I didn’t know she was going to be here,” Alex whispered, his fingertips grazing my arm.
“It’s ok. Babe” I smarted sarcastically, becoming increasingly annoyed that she had gotten under my skin.
“Lexi, why does she bother you so much? She means nothing to me. I’m not going to be intentionally rude to her but you have nothing to worry about.” Alex pulled me closer, his hands tracing the length of my spine.
“I know it’s unreasonable but I really dislike her and I sure as hell don’t trust her. She wants you back Alex, she just told me.” I left out the part where Marcy had told me that I was nothing and Alex would tire of me.
“She can want all she wants, don’t you think I have a say in it?” Alex removed his Aviators and hung them off his dog tags.
“Ughhhhh just don’t trust her ok. I know her type.” I tried to keep the irritation from my voice.
“There is only one woman I am interested in and it’s not Marcy. Though I think it’s adorable that you’re jealous. It’s kind of a turn on,” Alex smirked.
“You are always turned on. It’s going to be a long ass flight!” I groaned.
“I’m sure we can find a way to make the time pass quicker or at the very least make it more pleasurable.” Alex’s eyes gleamed with mischief.
I knew exactly what he had in mind and it certainly would beat the in-flight entertainment the airline had planned. Hmmmmm it would certainly ease the tension I was feeling. My mile high fantasy was interrupted as I watched Tyler shoot me flirty glances from the doorway.
“Someone you know?” Alex questioned curiously.
“Oh, I’m on his list,” I mused.
Alex’s brow furrowed. “Wh
at list?”
“His freebie list. He and his girlfriend have a list of people they can have sex with and neither gets upset. You’re his girlfriend’s freebie. I’m not entirely sure if he was expecting me to be flattered by it or suggest a partner swap.” It sounded almost ludicrous saying out loud.
“Interesting concept. Of course his taste is impeccable. I imagine you would be on a lot of those lists. Tell me, do you have a list?” Alex asked, his head cocked to the side.
“Well, not anymore but the couple of times I was in relationships I did.” I smiled, recalling the earlier “free pass” I’d agreed to with a previous boyfriend.
“And?” Alex raised an eyebrow, wanting me to continue.
“It was awhile ago Alex,” I laughed, “It’s no longer admissible.”
“So tell me then.” Alex became increasingly intrigued.
“It was you,” I smirked, after hesitating for a few moments. I wondered if I should feel awkward about owning up to the fact I had been lusting after Alex for years when really I was just amused by the whole situation.
Alex threw his head back in a full, throaty laugh. “Me? Really? That is outstanding! I fully approve.”
“I probably shouldn’t have told you. I can already see your head swelling.” I playfully swatted his chest.
“Oh baby, it’s not my head that’s swelling, I can assure you,” Alex whispered in my ear.
His admission made me laugh uncontrollably, drawing the attention of the band and Marcy.
“What’s so funny?” asked Troy as he downed the drink the bartender had placed in front of Dan.
“DUDE! That was my Bourbon and Coke!” Dan sneered at Troy.
“Last time you drank on Xanax you ended up naked convinced you were invisible. We are still black listed on British Airways. I’m taking one for the team” Troy chortled as Jason nodded in agreement.
“You’re black listed on British Airways?” I stared at James in disbelief before turning to Dan, “Wait... You thought you were invisible?”
James shrugged looking at the men around him and then smiled, “Welcome to a Power Station tour, Lexi. Buckle up, cause it’s a bumpy ride.”
Chapter 8 – When in Rome…
The flight to Rome had been uneventful, given the circumstances. The 9 hour transatlantic flight was a welcome change from the 20 plus hours I would have had to travel from Melbourne. I put Marcy out of my mind, despite the fact she was only seated two rows behind us. Granted, a lot of that time was spent struggling to quell Jason’s desire to draw a moustache on Dan who slept the entire flight. James sat with this laptop, working on new material while Troy was flirting with the flight attendants. Alex and I were too busy to indulge in our mile high fantasy but there was always the return flight.
We touched down at Rome Fiumicino Airport just after noon the following day due the time difference and were warmly greeted by ground crew who directed us through to Immigration and Customs.
“Buongoirno, welcome to Roma!” We were met just after Customs by a large, burly looking man who despite his pleasantries seemed very unimpressed.
“You are the band, Si?” his English was difficult to distinguish through his strong Italian accent.
“Ciao.” I greeted.
This wasn’t my first trip to Rome and I had taken high school Italian so knew my way around a small amount of dialogue. I also knew that his disposition would probably improve if I could converse with him in his native tongue.
“Si, che siamo noi.” (yes, that is us)
Alex and James stared at me with their eyes wide open.
“Parli Italiano?” (You speak Italian?) He smiled.
“Un poco, ho imparato parole sporchi principalmente.” (A little, I learned mainly swear words.) I responded.
The burly man erupted into laughter, his colleagues turned to see what the fuss was about.
“Brava!” (Good Girl) He clapped as he shifted back into English.
“You are a funny girl, you sure you aren’t one of us?”
“Thank you but no I’m Australian. I love Rome though and am happy to be back.” I honestly was glad to be back, Rome had some rather fond memories for me.
“Well please come this way. There are people in front. They try to get to band but we have security there to stop. You have all bags?” His tone had warmed and he genuinely seemed pleased to help us as he directed us to the doors.
“What was that?” Alex looked at me puzzled, “You speak Italian?”
“A little.” I gave Alex a sideways glance.
“What did you say that was amusing?” James elbowed me gently in the side.
“I told him that despite finding him attractive, I didn’t want to sleep with him.” A smile teased the corners of my mouth.
James shook his head as he burst into laughter. Alex, Jason, Dan and Troy, not understanding the joke, looked on confused.
“Huh? Did we miss something?” Jason rubbed his forehead.
“Old joke. The day I met Lexi in the hospital after Mike’s accident, she told me that even though I had a nice ass she didn’t want to sleep with me.” James filled the others in.
James retold the story of our first encounter in the ICU waiting room and my unwillingness to accept his shirt. How much had changed since then.
“You are a constant surprise to me,” whispered Alex, his lips kissing my ear. His kiss stirred up other feelings and I wanted desperately to be alone with him.
“Ok. You go here.” The burly man directed us through the doors.
“Grazie.” I took a moment to offer him my hand to thank him.
“The pleasure was mine, Bella.” He took my hand and kissed it.
~~~~~~
Lights flashed and the noise was deafening as the band entered the public arrivals area. Fans tried to break away from the security barriers as they waved signs declaring their love and adoration for the band.
Marcy’s people had decided to let Power Station exit first, knowing the bulk of the people were here for them. (I honestly doubted any one from the screaming horde was here for a B grade soap actress, especially one as talentless as her, but hey maybe it was just me.)
DarNell, Bear and two new additions to the security team, Brad and Jake, had joined us on the flight and had surrounded us to help clear a path through the crowd to the waiting cars.
“Make a hole,” shouted Jake, a recent honourably discharged Navy Seal who took his job very seriously, as he pushed through the throng of people.
Fans pushed and pulled, desperate to get closer. Some were crying as they made the slightest contact with their idols who were hurried past and almost hurtled into the car.
“Sorry Ma’am.” apologized Jake grabbing my ass in an over zealous effort to help me into the car.
It was intense. While the band enjoyed huge success in America, they were still able to walk around the streets relatively safely. Of course they were constantly being photographed and fans approached them regularly for their autograph, but for the most part they could still enjoy their lives. Here they would be lucky to make it out the front door without being attacked. The hysteria was overwhelming.
We were split into two groups with DarNell and Jake joining Alex, James and myself in one car, while Bear and Brad rode with Troy, Jason and Dan.
The drivers carefully pulled away, beeping their horns to clear the traffic of bodies in front of them.
“This is crazy!” I turned to Alex and James who had relaxed into their seats.
“Yeah, European fans are pretty energetic,” shrugged James. “We always get an intense reception.”
“Don’t worry Ma’am, there is no need for concern. You’re safe with us,” Jake interjected.
DarNell who was sitting beside him smirked, in anticipation of my reaction. He knew that I despised being handled and more importantly that I hated being called Ma’am.
“Jake, you’re new so I’ll give you some leeway. I am sure you are extremely capable of your job or Chris w
ould not have hired you, however, if you call me Ma’am one more time, navy seal or not I’m going to guarantee you, you will never father any children. We clear?”
“Yes Ma.... I mean Yes Sir....I mean...” Jake stuttered awkwardly.
“Lexi is a perfectly acceptable response, Solider.” DarNell offered.
“I wasn’t a solider Sir, I was a Navy Seal. Therefore I was a Sailor.” Jake clarified, clearly offended at DarNell’s faux pas.
“My apologies, Sailor.” DarNell shook his head as he returned his attention to the passing landscape.
“You like making men squirm, don’t you? The kid has served countless tours behind enemy lines and it’s you who gets him pissing down his leg.” Alex’s low amused voice filled my ear.
“Just doing my part for his personal development. It’s kind of like basic training for the real world.” I whispered back.
I settled into Alex’s arms as we rode the rest of trip in silence. I watched as the historical sites of the city came into view. The Colosseum, catching the afternoon sun was breathtaking.
Our hotel, St Regis Grand Rome, was situated in the heart of the city. It was a luxurious and elegant landmark hotel, which had undergone multi-million dollar renovations in the late 90s.
The cars entered through a side street, which took us to the back entrance. As expected, there were people waiting here as well, though they seemed less fevered than those from the airport.
We filed out of the cars and into the hotel, its opulent decor engulfing my senses as we wandered down the hall and into the main lobby. Influenced by Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles, it had earned its reputation for being one of the finest hotels in Rome.
“Lexi!” shrieked a voice from across the lobby.
“Is there anyone you don’t know?” sneered Dan, still groggy from the after effects of the Xanax.
We looked over to the direction of the voice to see a petite, well endowed, brunette walking toward us.
“WOW what a knockout! I call her,” blurted Troy, barely able to pull his eyes away from her curves as she strutted over in her obscenely high heels.
