by Paris Rose
“I don’t know where you’re getting your predictions from. You’re the one who’s probably going to take down the band, not me. You don’t know me at all. You’re just a bully and you’re looking for an easy target to pick on.” I started to raise my voice.
“I’ll show you a bully.” Vin grabbed my ass with both hands and backed me against the wall.
“Vin stop!” I tried to push him away, but he had me pinned. I could smell alcohol on his breath.
He leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “You scared, Giavanna?”
As I tried to push him off of me, he grabbed both my hands and pinned them above my head with just one of his. He parted my legs with his knee.
“Vin, no!” I screamed.
I closed my eyes tight and held my breath, not knowing what was going to happen next, but I knew it wasn’t good.
“Vin? What are you doing? Get the fuck off of her!” I heard Trevor’s voice get closer. He grabbed Vin from behind and threw him against the opposite wall. Although Vin was bigger than Trevor, Trevor was stronger and more athletic. Trevor punched Vin in the face hard. Both Christina and I shrieked. Trevor grabbed Vin by the collar and punched him again.
“Trevor! Stop!” Christina tried to pull Trevor off of Vin. Vin pushed Trevor to the ground as Christina pulled him backwards. Both Christiana and Trevor toppled down on top of each other. I stood paralyzed with my hand over my mouth.
Vin extended his hand to Christina. “You okay, babe?”
“Yeah, you?”
“No, my nose is bleeding.” Vin wiped his nose with the back of his hand. Christina used the wad of cocktail napkins in her hand to blot Vin’s nose. I cringed, knowing where those cocktail napkins had been.
“Don’t worry. We can put some ice on it,” Christina comforted.
“Thanks, hun,” Vin took the wad of cocktail napkins from Christina and held it to his nose.
“Wait, what?” Trevor looked at Christina, then at Vin, then back at Christina.
“Why do you look so confused, man? Don’t you get it?” A satisfied grin spread across Vin’s face.
“Christina?” Trevor shook his head back and forth as if in denial.
“Don’t look at her man. Look at me. I want to look you in your eye when I tell you I’ve been fucking your girl longer than you have.” Vin laughed.
“Vin, he wasn’t supposed to find out this way.” Christina put her finger to her lips as if she could silence what had already erupted from Vin.
“Why Vin? Why would you do that to me?” Trevor was still shaking his head as if to wake himself from a bad dream.
“You don’t deserve her man. You’re getting soft. You can’t handle a real woman like Christina. I can tell, you’re starting to fall for paparazzi sluts like Giavanna!” Vin glared at me.
“Giavanna and I are friends. But so what if I was interested in her? Does that give you the right to have an affair with Christina? I don’t think so, man. And it definitely doesn’t give you a pass to try to take advantage of Giavanna. Vin, you’re completely worthless.” Trevor shoved Vin against the wall. I flinched.
“Guys, guys. Let’s all go to our rooms and get some rest before somebody does something they regret,” Christina interrupted. “Trevor, it’s not personal, really. I like you and we have a lot of fun together, and I know everyone wants us to be together, but I can’t help it, I’m just really into Vin.”
“Then why didn’t you just tell me that, instead of fucking my bandmate behind my back? What were you thinking, Christina?” Trevor threw up his hands. He was visibly disgusted.
“Trevor, I didn’t want to hurt you.” Christina placed her hand on her chest dramatically, as if she were taking an oath.
“Well, thanks for sparing my feelings by lying to me, and rolling out of my bed and directly into Vin’s. Real classy, Christina.” Trevor ran his hands through his hair.
“I don’t know what you want me to say, Trevor.” Christina’s voice was tense.
“That’s the point Christina. There’s nothing you can say to undo what you did. Why the hell were you just all over me? Huh? Why didn’t you just go straight to Vin?” Trevor paced back and forth.
“Trevor, I’m sorry.” Christina reached out to stroke Trevor’s arm. Trevor quickly pulled away.
“Just go, Christina.”
Christina stared back at Trevor, silently before taking a deep breath and turning to Vin. “Vin, let’s get out of here.” Christina tugged Vin’s hand and led him toward the stairs. He glared back at me before he followed Christina’s lead.
Both Trevor and I stood in the dark corridor, speechless for a few moments, before Trevor embraced me. I buried my face in his shoulder. He pulled me close and held me tightly. Being enveloped by his strong, warm body made me feel safe and calm, despite the tumultuous turn the evening had taken.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, I think so. Thanks for saving me. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t gotten here when you did.”
“I don’t even want to think about it. It will make me want to kill Vin.”
“I’m sorry you’re friends with such a jerk.”
“That guy is not my friend. He’s my bandmate, and not for long. I’m sorry that he tried to hurt you.”
“It’s really not your fault. But you know how you can make it up to me?”
“How?” Trevor stroked my face.
“Mimosas in Malibu.” I smiled.
“You got it! Hey, where are you staying while you’re in town?”
“I’m at the Marriott, not too far from here.”
“How about I get us a room at the Four Seasons at Beverly Hills? I don’t want you to have to sleep alone tonight after what happened. I actually have a suite just right upstairs at The Catacombs, but I don’t even want to be in the same building as Vin and Christina tonight. You want some company?”
“I’m a little shaken up from everything that just happened. I don’t want to do anything tonight. I was just going to get a cab back.”
“We don’t have to do anything. We can just sleep. We could even get separate beds if you want. But if you want me to hold you I’d be happy to do that, and if you need someone to talk to I’m good for that too,” Trevor said sweetly. There was no way I could resist him. I could only imagine how amazing it would feel to snuggle under the blankets all night with Trevor Dunaway. I felt warm and giddy.
“Sure, let’s do that. Besides we have a brunch planned for…”
Trevor looked down at his watch. “We have brunch in just six hours. We might as well spend the night together.”
“Exactly.” I tried to play it cool even though my stomach was doing somersaults over the idea of spending the night with Trevor. I couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel and let him be my knight in shining armor.
Chapter 10
After that night at The Catacombs, Trevor and I became inseparable, besides when Trevor had to work, which was pretty often. But I enjoyed our time apart because it gave me the opportunity to decompress and process everything that was happening. I couldn’t think straight when I was around him. His presence was so strong it disrupted my entire nervous system. Every time I was near him, I had to concentrate on breathing and standing upright. In the beginning, the challenge of stringing together coherent sentences seemed almost insurmountable, but luckily it started to come easier with practice.
I had spent most of my vacation letting Trevor wine and dine me at the hottest restaurants and VIP lounges. I hadn’t seen Amber or my other friends since that night at The Standard. I needed to make some time for them, but it was hard to tear myself away from Trevor. I really enjoyed picking his brain about the work that he did. Trevor wore many hats, and he had the inside scoop on everything that went on behind the scenes in the music industry. He schooled me on the creative process of making a hit album, from music composition to audio engineering. He also enlightened me on the magic that went into branding a band and making it
a marketable product, without losing the artistic integrity of the music. He was like an encyclopedia, only much more captivating.
Tonight we were having dinner at a posh five-star restaurant in Studio City. The cuisine was exquisite. I had a lobster and scallop dish with lemon butter, paired with the perfect champagne. At thirty-five dollars a glass, I probably shouldn’t have expected anything less than perfection. I’d never eaten so well in my life. I took a long sip of my second glass of champagne. The bubbles made me feel giddy.
“So Trevor, is there anything you can’t do? You play piano, guitar, and drums. You can compose music. You’re a talented producer that can mix and engineer better than anyone to hit the industry in the past fifteen years. You are an amazing vocalist. You write stellar lyrics. And you had the business acumen to grow one indie label into a powerful music empire. What do you have now, four record labels?” I gushed. All of my professionalism as a journalist had gone out the window. And as for playing the coy role in the courtship game, I had long lost that battle as well. If I had one more glass of champagne, I would cross the threshold from intrigued date to crazed fan, if I hadn’t already.
“Five. I own five record labels. And yes, there is plenty I’m not good at.” Trevor’s tone was jovial. He was obviously flattered by my enthusiasm for his success.
“Yeah right, like what?” I laughed incredulously.
“Relationships. I’m not good at relationships.”
“You’re kidding, right?” I took another sip of champagne. Trevor just looked at me silently. His big, dark brown eyes were putting me in a trance.
“Right?” I prodded through a giddy grin.
“Well, Giavanna, do you think I’m going to air all my dirty laundry right here over dinner? In public, no less. The walls have ears. And anyway I want to keep you around for awhile. Did you want to get dessert?” Trevor smiled as he gracefully changed the subject. Any concern I had over his cryptic disclosure dissipated at the mention of dessert and more time out on the town with Trevor.
“Absolutely.”
Trevor made eye contact with our waiter, and he was at our table before I could blink. I ordered a raspberry torte cake and Trevor ordered French Vanilla ice cream. The thought of watching Trevor Dunaway eat ice cream made me melt. While we were waiting for our dessert, Trevor noticed someone across the restaurant and gestured for them to come to our table. When I saw who it was, my heart almost thumped out of my chest. It was Jade Johansson.
Jade was an actress and a musician that I thought of very highly. She was one of the few female artists who did well on the hard rock scene. And her acting was impressive too. She was always very convincing in the dark and dramatic roles that she played in the movies. I often wondered what she was like in real life. I’d always wanted to interview her but never had the opportunity. She was naturally striking with bright blue eyes, jet black hair and a perfectly proportioned voluptuous figure. She looked particularly stunning tonight in a floor length black dress that reminded me of Morticia from The Addams Family, only much more glamorous. And she was wearing the most breathtaking onyx and diamond necklace. I felt so under-dressed in my white blouse and plain black pencil skirt. She had an older, reasonably handsome guy on her arm that I didn’t recognize. He was dressed in an all black suit and silver tie.
“Jade, Michael, good to see you.” Trevor stood and embraced them.
“Giavanna, this is Jade Johansson. She is the most talented woman to hit the rock music scene since I’ve been in the business. Always a lady, but still hardcore as ever.” Jade flashed a prideful grin. “And this is Michael Whitmore. He is a music television executive at my network, Rock Hard TV.”
“What’s a lovely lady like you doing out with someone like this guy?” Michael joked as he shook my hand. I giggled.
“Oh, Michael, stop it. You’re going to scare her away,” Jade chided. She leaned in close to me and feigned a whisper. “Don’t pay any attention to him, sweetie.”
I couldn’t believe I was being introduced to such important people. I felt like I was officially “in.”
“Giavanna, all I’m saying is don’t put up with any crap from his guy. If he gives you any problems, you call me.” Michael continued to joke as he handed me one of his business cards. Oh my! I had a TV exec’s contact information. Talk about making connections. Score!
“Thank you, but as I’m sure you all are already aware, Trevor is great.” I smiled.
“Yeah, Trevor’s awesome. You’re in good hands, hun.” Jade touched Trevor’s shoulder endearingly.
“Hey, we’re just grabbing a couple of drinks here, and then we’re going out dancing. We’re meeting up with a few other couples. Would you two like to join?” Michael smiled warmly. My eyes lit up. I was praying Trevor would say yes.
“Don’t you two have jobs? Some of us have to work for a living and can’t stay out partying all night,” Trevor teased.
“What? Don’t pull that old man shit on me, Trevor. You’re a good ten years younger than I am, and I know you can party ten times harder, Mr. Hard Rock Legend,” Michael bellowed jovially.
Jade laughed. “He’s right, Trevor. Don’t forget, I’ve been to plenty of Alpha Deity parties. Are you trying to put on airs for the lady?” Jade turned to me. “Don’t let him fool you by taking you to fancy, dimly-lit restaurants. Trevor is hardcore and badass. I hope you can keep up.” Jade winked.
“All right, all right. We’ll join you guys after dessert.” Trevor smiled and shook his head in defeat.
My heart raced with excitement. Jade and Michael excused themselves before making their way to the bar. Just when I thought this night couldn’t get any more perfect, I got invited to party with the music industry’s upper echelon. Dessert was delicious, but my stomach was too tightly wound with excitement for me to finish. Trevor took care of the bill before I could see the damage. I couldn’t even imagine. I could tell Trevor was a big spender by the way the entire restaurant staff catered to him tonight and every other night that we had been out. He was treated like royalty everywhere we went. I loved getting the princess treatment. L.A. was already magnificent, but experiencing it while being on the arm of a billionaire music mogul was nothing short of magical.
Trevor stood and extended his arm to me. He looked smashing in a perfectly tailored black suit and black dress shirt, no tie. The top button was undone, and a little bit of his chest was exposed. It made me want to kiss his neck and run my tongue across his perfect ivory skin. I averted my eyes so that he couldn’t read the naughty thoughts running through my head. He escorted me out to his Maybach Landaulet, where his driver was waiting.
The Landaulet had a clean white exterior, with a soft white leather interior, black trim, and dark tinted windows. It had a fully retractable roof. I had never been in a luxury vehicle quite like this one. It came equipped with a mini fridge and a television. There was a bottle of chilled Cristal Brut waiting for us in the car. I was beyond impressed. I had always wondered what Cristal tasted like. At twenty thousand dollars a bottle I was certain it tasted like liquid heaven. Trevor poured a glass and handed it to me before pouring a glass for himself.
“May I propose a toast?” Trevor held his glass up.
“Absolutely.”
“I would just like to say I am honored to be in the company of the sweetest, cutest, most awesome girl in Southern California tonight. Giavanna, I hope that you are having the vacation of a lifetime. Cheers to living like a rock star!” Trevor brought his glass to mine before taking a long sip and emptying half the champagne flute. I don’t know why, but I cringed a little bit when he referred to me as ‘sweet’ and ‘cute.’ I don’t think Trevor knew what he was getting into when he asked me out. I wanted to do very naughty things to him, but we had spent most of our time together out on the town. I was hoping tonight was the night we would get to know each other on a more intimate level.
“Cheers to living like a rock star!” I took my first sip of Cristal ever. Liquid heaven was
an understatement. “This champagne is excellent. I always thought Cristal was just a rapper thing, but I see it’s not a rapper thing, it’s a delicious thing.” I giggled as the champagne started to go to my head. This was my third glass of the night, and I was a lightweight.
“Cristal is not a rapper thing, it’s a rich people thing.” Trevor laughed before finishing his champagne in one gulp. “I’m glad that you’ve taken so well to luxury Giavanna. I encourage you to get used to it.” Trevor poured himself another glass.
“Well, it’s pretty easy to get used to. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“For the first time ever, I’m actually going to have to disagree with you.” Trevor took a long sip of champagne. “As strange as it sounds, I’m not fully comfortable with luxury yet. I’ve only been a billionaire for a couple of years, and I’m still getting used to it. Of course I really enjoy the fact that I’m able to show a nice lady like you a good time, but part of me feels guilty for having so much. Sure, I have multiple successful businesses, but I still don’t see myself as a businessman. I see myself as more of an artist. I love being out on the town doing extravagant things, but I’m happiest and most comfortable when I’m in the studio mastering another artist’s track, or creating my own.”
“So if you could go back in time and be a starving artist again, would you?” I leaned in inquisitively.
“Pfffft, of course not.” Trevor scrunched up his face at the silliness of my question. “Once I started making real money, I finally got my parents’ approval. You know, my dad is one of the top surgeons in the country, and my mother is a pretty powerful lawyer, so I had big shoes to fill. All my life they pushed me to be perfect. They put me in glee club when I wanted to play in rock bands. They shamed me for being attracted to girls who weren’t perfect ladies. And when I only made six figures they said I could and should do better. Once I made my first hundred million, not only did my parents approve of me, but it seemed everyone started worshipping me. Growing up I was always the outcast that wore black nail polish and listened to loud music. People picked on me and called me names. Even when I got my first record deal, I was still excluded from most circles.”
