by Maxene Novak
“What?! When?!”
“College. That's why I wouldn't really talk about school stuff with you. We parted amicably when I graduated. I just didn't want to tell you that… well, I like guys too.”
“Why would that bother me?” I ask him. “I don't care if you're bi. I mean—you still like me, right?”
“Of course, I do!” he takes my hands in his. “I love you, Nova. This is the only secret between us, I swear!”
“So, I'm meeting your ex-boyfriend today.” I pinch the bridge of my noise. “No pressure.”
“He wasn't my boyfriend.” Adam says his face oozing uncertainty. “It was just—okay, he was kind of my boyfriend.”
I nod my head and laugh. Today is really going to be interesting. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this. I mean, I don't care that he's into men too. That doesn't bother me, but I feel like this is something he should have told me from the friend side of things. If I went out and had a relationship with some woman on the sly, I'd probably tell him about it.
“Are you mad?” he asks softly. “Does this affect us?”
“No,” I sigh. “I mean, it hurts that you didn't feel like you could confide in me when it was happening, but it doesn't change anything. You're still my best friend and I want to see where our relationship leads. We're fine.”
He releases a breath and hugs me tight.
“God, I feel so much better,” I see him visibly relax. “I'm so sorry for keeping it from you. It's a relief that someone knows.”
“Don't be sorry,” I reply, bumping his shoulder. “Just remember—nothing you do will ever change what we have. Unless you become some weird creep. Then we'll have a problem.”
“Noted,” he sighs, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “Is it going to be awkward for you? Knowing what you know?”
“Nah,” I reply, leaning back on the couch. “This is going to be fun. I can't wait.”
I smirk at him and he shakes his head.
“What monster have I made?” he moans.
“Is he cute?” I ask, genuinely interested. “Come on. Girl talk time.”
“I'm not a girl,” he says pointedly.
“Yeah, but I don't have any girlfriends and you're the closest thing I've got,” I remind him. “This is your role as my boyfriend. You must also be down for girl talk.”
“Boyfriend?” he asks quietly.
“Well, prospective,” I correct myself, “you know.”
“Girl talk…” He grins and pulls me closer. “I like that.”
I lean into his shoulder and close my eyes. He's warm and comfortable. His arm is wrapped around me almost protectively.
“Get some rest,” he kisses the top of my head. “I'll wake you when he calls.”
“Okay,” I whisper, already drifting off to sleep.
I curl into his chest and he leans against the armrest, pulling me further onto the couch. I don't know when I fell asleep, only that when I wake up, Adam's phone is going off and he's not answering it.
“Adam,” I mumble and I'm answered by a slight snore. “Adam! Get your phone!”
“Huh!?” He jumps and looks frantically for the ringing device.
I grab the phone and thrust it in his hand.
“H-hello?” he wipes at his eyes. “Hey, Dorian. Ha! Well, you know me.”
He walks into the kitchen with the phone when Chad and Kyle walk into the living room.
“Dude,” Kyle moans, “what time is it?”
I grab my phone and glance at the time. “Just nine-thirty,” I reply and Kyle shakes his head.
“Ugh,” he rubs his black and red hair out of his face. “Too early, man.”
“Psh,” Chad comments. He walks over and flops down on the couch beside me. “Nine-thirty is late. Means you might be waking up with someone instead of getting the hell out.”
Kyle and I both cock our heads at him, but Adam rushes into the room.
“Okay, dudes!” he's rubbing his hands together. “Lady! Where's Bryan?”
“He's doing his morning routine,” Kyle replies, rolling his eyes.
“He's on the toilet,” Chad clarifies loudly.
“Thanks for broadcasting it, asshole!” Bryan joins in from the bathroom.
“Right, moving on,” Adam interrupts, getting our attention. “The meeting is set up. For now, he wants to talk to me and Nova.”
“What?!” Chad exclaims, but Adam holds up his hand. “He's got an event coming up tomorrow night that he's invited us to play at. Sort of a local concert for up-coming talent. We've still got the meeting with Century Media, but he wants to see what our live shows look like.”
“I hope he's prepared,” Chad laughs. “Our crowds go crazy.”
“Yeah and we need to make them go really crazy tomorrow,” Adam continues. “Spread the word, blast it on social media. We need our fans’ support and to really bring the heat. How are we doing on that new song, Nova?”
“Almost finished. Are you sure you want to try out something new on them tomorrow or maybe we could do that cover—save the new song for Century.”
“That might be better,” he replies. “Give us time to perfect it.”
“How long is the set?” I ask, grabbing my pen and paper.
“We get a whole set,” he takes a deep breath. “So, while Nova and I are gone, I want the rest of you guys to sit down and put together a set list. I want the best of our best on there. Look to YouTube and check our stats, see what the people like and want to hear. Hell, do a post on our page.”
“Good idea,” Kyle responds, pulling his laptop out of his bag. “What time do you two leave?”
“He wants to meet at Shaw's by eleven.” Adam looks at me. “Need to go back to your place and get some clothes?”
“No. I have clothes here.”
“Oh, right,” he shakes his head. “Is it a girl thing?”
“Eh. It might just be a me thing. I don't know.”
I get up and walk into the spare room. I open the dresser drawer and pull out a black blouse with a pair of dark denim jeans. This should work. It's just Shaw's so nothing too fancy. Nothing wrong with a girl looking nice though. I wish Bryan would hurry up and get out of the bathroom. I want to get a shower before I go.
I sigh and search around for my underwear. It's hard to tell what the hell has happened to them in this place. The boys are ruthless and just wrong sometimes. So, I've had to kind of hide them.
I walk over to the bookshelf and pull out a box of cleaning supplies. Right behind it lies my undergarments neatly folded. Of course, they would be. They avoid the cleaning supplies like the plague. Sometimes, I'm a genius.
I take my things and walk out to the living room. Bryan is still in the bathroom it seems. Oh well, I'm sure Mom won't care if I use her facilities. I go to the front door and open it.
“Where you going?” Adam asks with concern in his voice.
“Just going to get a shower. Mom won't care, right?”
“Oh, no,” he replies. “Just use the one in my room.”
“Okay,” I smile at him.
I walk outside and head for the house. Mr. Rose smiles at me, giving me a wave from across the pool as he cleans it out.
“Good morning!”
“Morning, Dad!” I wave. “Adam said I could use his shower, is that okay?”
“Sure, kiddo!” he says, waving back. “You don't want to use that shower.” He flips his head toward the pool house. “It's a mess in there,” he says, shaking his head.
“Yeah, I try to keep it clean,” I apologize awkwardly.
“How can you with four boys running in and out?” He laughs. “Go on inside! Gretchen is making breakfast as we speak.”
“Thank you!” I grin and he gets back to cleaning the pool.
His parents have always been sweet to me. My family isn't as fortunate as the Roses, but they're comfortable and I love the way we all get along with each other. They never shove their money in our faces. I guess, coming from nothing and building your suc
cess gives you some empathy.
I walk inside and the smell of fresh coffee blasts me in the face. I need to grab some of that on my way out. They have the best coffee.
“Hey, sweetheart!” Gretchen says brightly. “Are you getting tired of smelling all that testosterone?”
“Yes,” I reply with a grin. “In fact, I think I'm starting to smell like it too.”
“You can use the shower, dear,” she sips at her coffee. “You couldn't pay me to shower over there. Whoever does is very brave.”
“Agreed.”
“You go and get washed up. I'll have a cup waiting for you.”
“Thank you,” I say and head up the stairs to Adam's room.
His room isn't like a typical guy's room. It's neat and tidy, but with all the rock star posters on his wall that you'd expect. Guitar picks and drum sticks lay on his bedside table beside an electronic percussion pad. I love playing with it.
I fight the temptation and go into the bathroom. As soon as I turn on the light, I'm taken by surprise. It's neat; I expected something close to the pool house, but everything is in order here. I open the bathroom hutch and grab an oversized towel, holding it up to my nose.
I love whatever detergent they use. It always smells like fresh flowers on a summer day and the towel is so soft. I place my clothes and towel on the rack and start the shower. I get it to the right temperature and begin removing my clothes.
I shower quickly and get dressed. I didn't bring any makeup with me and I don't even try leaving it at the pool house. I look around for something to at least make my hair presentable.
“Geez, get a blow dryer?”
Why would he have one? He's got short hair. I look in the cabinet and grin. He's got hair gel. I can work with this. I put some leave-in conditioner in my hair and brush it out, then add some gel. I brush it to the way I want it to set and then tie it up loosely. Maybe I should wash it out and just go natural.
No, it's fine. It's not like my hair is unmanageable—today. I'm sure it will be fine. I didn't put too much in. I grab my dirty clothes off the floor and put them in Adam's hamper. This is how clothes end up at your friend's house.
I walk downstairs and my other mother is waiting for me. She holds out a cup of coffee that I gratefully accept. I'm literally running on two hours of sleep today.
“You look adorable!” she says as I sit at the table with her.
“Thank you!” I reply, grabbing an apple tart from the plate at the center of the table.
“You eat up!” She looks out the window as if checking for company. “Before those boys come in here and eat the kitchen.”
I snicker with her as Adam bounds up the back steps.
“Hey, Nova,” he says as he opens the door, “are you ready to go?”
“You're going looking like that?!” his mother exclaims.
He's in blue jeans and a faded black, holey band shirt.
“What?” he asks looking at himself. “Oh, geez. What am I thinking?”
He runs upstairs and his mother looks at me shaking her head.
“He's twenty-five years old,” she says, sipping her drink. “You'd think he could dress himself by now.”
“He still has me pick out his vests,” I remark and she rolls her eyes.
“Better get used to it,” she glances at the newspaper in front of her. “If you two get married it's only going to get worse. His father has me pick out his socks to this day.”
Adam comes bouncing down the steps in his light blue jeans tucking in a black button-up shirt.
“Tuck or no tuck?” he asks, giving me and his mother a questioning glance.
“Half tucked,” his mom and I reply simultaneously.
“Right,” he gives his hair a quick glance in the mirror. “How do I look?”
“Like a rock star,” his mom says and I nod. “Both of my children look beautiful. Now, get out the door. If you leave now you'll appear enthusiastic but not a kiss ass.”
“Yes, ma'am,” I giggle.
She points at the counter and winks at me. It's a thermos of coffee. I lean over and kiss her forehead.
“You're beautiful,” I follow Adam out the door. “Thanks, Mom! Wish us luck!”
“Break legs,” she calls as I shut the door.
Adam grabs my hand and walks me to the truck. Once we're safely inside, he takes a deep breath.
“Are you ready for this?”
“More than I'll ever be,” I reply sighing, “Let's do it.”
He leans over and gives me a sweet kiss. “You look beautiful,” he says, making me blush.
“So do you,” I reply awkwardly.
He grins and starts up the truck. We're off to meet his ex-boyfriend for lunch to talk about our band's future. It's going to be great. Right?
Chapter Five
When we get to Shaw's, we take a seat at the bar. He glances at his phone anxiously and repeatedly looks down at his watch.
“We're twenty minutes early,” he comments, looking around. “Should we wait outside?”
“No, we're fine,” I put a hand on his arm. “I'm sure he'll call when he gets here.”
“Yeah,” he sighs. Sweat beads at his forehead. He's really nervous.
“Adam, breathe, drink some water.”
“I don't want water,” he replies with a pout. “I want to get this over with.”
“Me too, but saying so isn't going to make it happen any faster.”
“Fine,” he huffs and holds his hand up to the bartender. “Two waters, please?”
The bartender nods and hands us two bottles.
“Happy?” he takes a long drink and I nod. “I'm drinking. It's not helping.”
He puts the bottle on the counter with more force than I think he intended, gathering some looks from a few patrons.
“Yes,” I reply, “I'll be even happier when you're not being so moody.”
“I'm not being moody!” he hisses and I glare at him.
“Oh, really? Then why am I irritated?”
He opens his mouth to speak, but I give him a warning look.
“Adam, people are staring!” I whisper to him and he immediately relaxes.
“Okay,” he takes a deep breath. “You're right. I'm moody.”
“I know.”
“I'm sorry,” he responds sullenly, “I just—haven't seen him since college and I guess I'm a little more nervous than I thought.”
“Adam Rose is nervous?!” a deep cheerful voice says from behind us.
When I turn and look, my jaw hits the floor. This man is beautiful. Piercing blue eyes peer at me through long, sandy blonde hair. His slight five o'clock shadow accents his perfectly chiseled jaw. Damn. I don't know what I was expecting, but this definitely wasn't it.
He's dressed in plain blue jeans and a slightly unbuttoned white dress shirt. He smiles and I swear, everyone in the room has turned to look at him. His teeth are so white. He opens up his arms and approaches Adam.
“Dorian!” Adam greets him happily.
The men hug each other briefly and shake hands.
“It's good to see you!” Dorian responds then glances over at me. “This must be the Nova of Nova Rose! A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
He takes my hand and kisses it politely.
“Pleasure is mine,” I reply shyly.
I'm not entirely sure how to act right now. He's so handsome. I don't know if I should be flattered or damn jealous.
“I've got a table reserved for us in the back. If you'll both follow me, we can discuss things more privately.”
“Sure,” Adam comments and lets Dorian lead the way.
Adam reaches back and takes my hand. I can't help but notice that even this guy's backside looks good.
“Good God, Adam,” I whisper to him. “He's got an ass like a marble statue.”
“You have no idea,” he replies and I look up at him in shock.
We're quickly ushered to a quiet table far enough away from patrons to not be di
sturbed. Dorian pulls out a chair for me and waits until I sit to seat himself. Adam sits across from me while Dorian sits beside us both.
“I'm sure you're anxious to talk business,” Dorian says clasping his hands, “so, I won't hold you up…”
“No, it's okay…” Adam swallows hard. “It's been a while. Let's catch up.”
Dorian smiles and shakes his head. “Sure, why not?” he says, leaning back in his chair. “If you don't mind, Ms. Pierce, is it?”
“Yes. Please, just call me Nova.”
“Nova it is,” he says sweetly. “Is that your real name?”
“Yes. Completely original.”
“It's perfect! Nova Pierce! Wow, I haven't heard that name in years! How could I forget it?”
I give Adam a confused look, but Dorian continues.
“He used to talk about you all the time,” he says, taking a drink of what appears to be tea. “So much, in fact, I thought you were already a star.”
Adam blushes but Dorian waves his hand.
“I'm sorry,” he says, “I shouldn't embarrass you, Adam.”
“No, it's fine,” Adam replies, taking a deep breath. “So—how goes life after college?”
“I should be asking the same thing about you,” he says, placing his glass of tea on a napkin. “I was the professor after all.”
“How does one go from professor to talent scout?” I ask out of curiosity.
“Oh, that's simple,” he replies, leaning back in his chair. “My cousin, Sean, got his foot in the door at Century and he offered me a job—right around the time you left my class.”
“What did you teach?” I'm genuinely interested.
“Only the best class ever. He's the one that taught me what I know about production. He's the best. Literally. I'm surprised you're not the one in the office yet.”
“Oh, I will be,” he says confidently. “Just give it enough time. I'll be in the studio with the next great star in no time.”
“I wish I had that confidence.”
Dorian leans forward and winks at me. “It's not confidence,” he says lowly, “I'm just that good.”
“He's renowned for his over exuberant narcissism,” Adam remarks, rolling his eyes.
“I think I taught you that big word,” Dorian simply smirks.
“Ha, ha!” Adam responds.
