Crazy for you

After Dark Series – 01

2nd edition

Copyright © 2013 by A. C. Meyer

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form by any means without the written permission of the publishers.

Copy editing: Laura Pohl

Digital layout: Andreia Barboza

Cover: Fernanda Fernandez

Text revised according to the new Orthographic Agreement of the Portuguese Language.

Translation to American English by: Paulo de Faria Lopes

To my mother. Because no other love in the world compares to hers.

Chapter one
Julie

Can you picture this girl lying in bed? Yes, the thin little blonde one, with glasses on and SpongeBob pajamas, wrapped up in her duvet and hearing the moaning going on next door?

Lovely to meet you, that’s me, and I’m going to tell you my story.

Every night I wake up frightened by the sounds from the house next door. And every night I feel jealous of those moans from random girls that I long to be my own…

I am Juliette Walsh, but everybody calls me Julie. I am 23 years old, and since childhood I have been head over hills in love with this guy that doesn’t even bother to look at me. Worse than that, he sort-of sees me as his younger sister. This is the guy that causes those moans all night long…

I’ve known Daniel all my life. He’s three years older than me, and his sister, the actual one, is my best friend. We were neighbors. Our parents were very close friends and when I lost mine in a car accident at the age of 14, their mother started taking care of me as If I was one of her own children.

I’m an only daughter, so were my parents and my grandparents had already passed on. The Stewarts were the only family I had left. My family from the heart.

My mother was a beautiful woman, with long blonde, shining hair and vibrant blue eyes. I inherited those physical features, but I’m not quite as beautiful. She was one of those people absurdly in love – with my father, of course. The sudden loss of my whole family meant a lot of suffering, but it may have been better that way. My parents were an annoyingly happy couple, and I don’t think one would have survived the loss of the other.

I inherited from them my belief that love must move our lives, and that one day I will also find my prince charming that will rescue me from all my troubles, and will take me along on a sunset ride, towards our happily ever after……

And I found him. First, as a naughty boy, who pulled my braids and made Johanna and I run after him.

Later, in my teenage years, I saw that naughty boy become a charming young man that conquered the heart of every girl from school with a snap of his fingers. Including mine.

After losing my parents, I went to live with the Stewarts – who gained custody of me, something I am absolutely grateful for – and Danny went on to take even more care of me. He didn’t let me date nor go out with his friends because he said I wasn’t old enough to play “grown up games”. I wasn’t the only one under fire, though. He extended this sort of behavior towards Jo as well.

Eventually he went to university to study Management, and I finally got the chance to have boyfriends. Nothing serious. Actually, they sort of paved the way for when Danny would eventually come home for good, and to my arms, of course.

Though that’s not what happened. After graduating, he came back more handsome, alluring and charming, and treating me even more as a younger sister, as if I was still that little 14 year old girl and not a fully grown 21 year old woman, driving me mad with rage.

Danny came back from college with a life plan that fit in perfectly with mine: he decided to start a business in partnership with his two best friends, Rafe and Zach. They owned a bar with live music every day and a group of mega friendly bartenders. Eighteen months later, After Dark opened its doors with thunderous success and became the hottest spot for the youth of Los Angeles.

You're probably wondering how my life plan fit in with his. Simple: what I do best in life is sing. It's the only thing I know I can do, that I dreamed and prepared for... But Danny won't let me do it. How could I handle it?

When they started interviewing the bands for the bar, I offered, asked, and begged for a chance, but Daniel said I wasn't ready to face a crowd, and he barred the guys from bringing it up.

When I said I'd audition elsewhere, there was panic. We argued a lot and I always ended up yielding. Why is that?

Because love is blind, deaf, dumb and stupid.

Since I couldn't follow my dream of singing, I ended up agreeing to work at After Dark as a waitress.

I never wanted to go to college. My life's dream was to live off music. I took countless singing and dancing classes, I learned to play various instruments. So I never prepared for any other kind of job.

Shortly after the opening of After Dark, I decided to move from the Stewart house. I love Daniel's parents as if they were my own, but I wanted to have my own space. Coincidentally, a property next to Daniel's house —who lives alone—became vacant, and he suggested I move there. Thus, he wouldn't have to worry about me, and I'd have a "family" member close by.

All I could think was that he understood that I had grown up, that I wasn't the little girl in braids he knew anymore. I rescued one of the investments that the accountant had made with the inheritance that my parents left and I bought the house, dreaming that if I stayed there, one day Danny would finally notice me.

Did you really think this would work? There you go, I shouldn't have thought it either. That's why I'm lying in my bed, alone, during my Friday night break, listening to the increasingly loud groans of the slut of the day, who is getting on with the man that should be mine.

Danny's house looks more like a brothel. He's an assumed womanizer and is with someone different every night. Fortunately, most of the neighborhood is single too, and they don't care about that. It would be tricky if we had elderly neighbors wanting to watch the soap opera while the porn channel seems to be on live display in the house next door.

The fact that he owns a bar helps him with his conquests. Every day Daniel gets out of there towards his love nest with a girl hanging on his arm. Despite this high turnover and the variety of women, he never gave me a chance to at least experience the taste of his kiss.

Of course not. I sit here panting and frustrated while he gets off with casual sex.

You must be wondering why I don't get out of here, why I don't change my life.

Let me answer that, and I'm sure you're gonna find me even crazier: what keeps me here is hope... That's what makes me remain here and take a job I didn't dream of, let go of my desire, and spend my nights enduring the groans from the house next door. The dumb hope that one day he'll wake up and see that I am the woman of his life. Oh, dear God. That just sounds stupid even to me. But who says I can give up this man?

That's why every night I go through the same torment. It starts with anger and then frustration. I get up and drink water to try to and calm down, because I refuse to touch myself to seek some relief from the torment while he's having sex with some girl. So, I lay down again, turn on the TV, go on to the internet to find something interesting on social media, or at least someone to chat with. I toss and turn in bed. Sometimes I feel inspired and write songs I shall never sing for anyone, and there I tell all the love I feel for this fool. There I am until dawn, the house next door falls into silence, and exhausted, I fall into sleep.

Chapter two
Julie

On the following day, I push myself to get up at seven in the morning to take a shower and prepare for my morning run.

There are two things I never give up in the morning: my giant dose of caffeine and my run. They are essential for me to be able to face the rest of the day, as I am a nocturnal person and I work at night.

Tonight, I'm working at After Dark, and I have to be in a good mood to face the night.

I put on some leggings, shine the sneakers, pick up the smartphone and select the playlist "Pop Divas", with the songs cheering me on to run.

I walk out the door singing ‘Baby one more time’ as I warm up on my way to George’s house, my running mate and best friend.

He knows everything about me — my musical dreams, and my unrequited passion for Danny.

"George, let's go! Wake up!”

I knock hard on the door of his house.

"I'll be right there, little girl," he screams from inside. "Let me say goodbye to mi amor.”

If George wasn't gay and so well married to the handsome Ben, I'd drop that crazy crush on Danny and grab him for myself. He's beautiful, intelligent, successful, smells and dresses well. He has dark hair and deep, blue eyes. He's basically a younger Colin Egglesfield... it would be perfect if he wasn’t into the same thing as me!

"Little girl, what's wrong? It looks like you fell out of a moving truck! What, you didn't sleep again?” As he speaks, George sticks a doughnut in his mouth, without giving me time to complain that he is eating crap. He's on an intense diet because he has a wedding to attend, and he needs to fit into his smart Armani suit.

"Yes, the Playboy TV live special didn't let me sleep again," I reply, trying to find a lighter side to it at this time.

"You need to do something: either jump on Danny Boy, that Greek sex god, or get another mullet to remove the cobwebs and scare away that frustration.”

"If I jump on him, he's going to keep thinking I'm a kid and I want to play catch-up, and that I don't have any attractive friends or acquaintances.” “Come on, turn Rihanna on and let's run.”

We ran about three miles together with our pop divas, and on the way back, we stopped at Starbucks. This was a tradition that we couldn’t let go of: having a cappuccino with vanilla and resting a little on one of the sofas at the café.

"Julie, what about the audition to be a backing vocalist of that pop band? When's it going to happen?”

"Next week. But I don't know...”

"No, no, no!”, he interrupts me. “Don’t try to fool me with lies that you don't know if you should go. You've been working at After Dark for years, and the handsome fool never gave you a chance. You’re just not gonna throw that opportunity out the window. You have a phenomenal voice.”

At this point, my phone beeps the sound of an incoming message:

Jo: Any news? Did you talk to him?

She sends me the same message every day. My friend still has the hope that after all these years, one day I'm going to wake up, knock on Daniel's door and declare myself to end this for once and for all!

I: Nope.

That's my standard answer. As soon as I press "send", I get a fright as the phone vibrates in my hand, and I answer without even checking who's calling me so early.

"Hello?”

"Ju, it's Danny.” "He's the only person who calls me that. "Are you out? I'm knocking on your door and you're not answering...”

"Hi, good morning" I answer. George rolls his eyes when he hears my mellow voice on the phone. I give him a little push. "George and I are at Starbucks. Do you need anything?”

"I just wanted to let you know I'm going to take an emergency trip. A property appeared that the broker said would be perfect for the new branch of After Dark. The guys are thinking of expanding to other cities.”

"Oh, it's okay. Are you going to be gone long?”

"I don't know yet. I'm planning to stay there a week to study the place and do some surveys. Maybe a little more, but I'll let you know.”

"All right, Danny. You can rest assured, everything is gonna be okay at After Dark. Are the boys going too?”

“Zach's going, but Rafe's staying to take care of everything. If you need anything, call him. I need to run so I'm not late. Take care of yourself. Hugs.”

"That’s fine. Have a nice trip. Hugs.”

I hang up the phone with a sad face and George raises his eyebrow, questioning what happened.

"He will travel to see a property. I can't believe I'm not going to see Danny for so many days.”

"My God, Julie, get over this man! You need to grow up, girlfriend! I'm going to take you out and you’re gonna meet a hot guy and get Daniel out of your head.”

I laugh at his comment.

"Let it go. Right now, the only hot thing I want is a bath.”

***

At 5:00 p.m., I arrive at After Dark and get ready for my shift. Before starting work, the waitresses always get together to go over the details, listen to the band's rehearsal, and get feedback from the night before.

As I enter the main hall, I am startled by Rafe's screams on the phone.

"Son of a bitch! I can't believe you're doing this to me today!”

My eyes widen as I put my hand over my mouth. That's the kind of reaction - whichever it may be - that I'd expect from anyone but Rafe. He is polite, charming, his tone of voice is ratherhoarse, driving most of the regular party girls crazy and he never curses.

Obviously, just like me, all of my colleagues are shocked.

He hangs up the phone looking as if he had lost his best friend. Everyone scatters, afraid of this new — and frightening — side of him.

Except for me; I am not afraid of danger.

“Rafe, what happened? How can I help?”, I ask without letting his nervousness get in the way.

“No!”, he harshly exclaims, but then, he looks at me and softens his tone. “Sorry. No, Julie.” He passes both hands through his hair, showing all the tension he’s under. “I have to find a new singer within the next two hours. I’m toast.”

“What happened to Snash?”

Snash is the lead singer of “The Band” - a name as stupid as the singer’s - who plays here at the bar during weekends.

“The fool gave up singing. He said he had a vision with some guru who told him to drop everything and travel to India in search of inner peace. Can you believe it?”

No, I cannot. Well, considering that he was always into this inner peace thing, yes I can. What a sod.

“I can help, Rafe. Can you let me sing? Pleeeeeeaaase.” I played out my best version of Puss in Boots to try to persuade this man clearly in need f help.

He gazes at me, brushes hishands through his hair already totally disheveled, and lowers his head again.

“Kitty, you know that’s taboo around here. If I do that, Danny will kill me.”

“I don’t understand why he doesn’t let me perform at the bar. I am a great singer, you guys know that. I won’t embarrass you.”

“He thinks that if you perform here, the guys are going to chase you and you are too innocent to handle these sharks.”

“You guys are being ridiculous. I am twenty-three years old, gosh. I’m not a little girl, I know how to take care of myself. When will all of you realize that?”

“I am aware that you are a woman, but Danny looks at you and Jo as his little sisters. That’s sacred for a guy.”

“That’s stupid and you know it. Who are you replacing Snash with?

“I don’t know Julie, I have no idea.”

I pull away from him, foaming with anger. How can they be such assholes? Something needs to be done about it.

I stay at the bar helping Justin, the bartender, getting the drinks in order, until Rafe comes to me an hour later, seemingly defeated.

"You know when Danny finds out that I’ve let you perform, he's going to finish me off, right?”

"You didn't get anyone?”

"No, Julie. Nobody. Can you do it?”

I scream and jump on top of him.

"Wow! Absolutely!”

He drops me on the floor and shakes his head, rustling out an “I’m fucked”. Afterwards, he goes to the office while I dance away my victory and call Jo and George, asking that they bring me suitable clothes, make-up and their moral support.

Chapter three
Julie

While I wait for my two fairy godmothers, I go to the stage to talk to the boys of the band to find out what is the setlist of the night.

I have good musical memory and zero difficulty reciting lyrics. Besides, I've sung with them countless times during rehearsal—and away from Danny, of course.

"Is our star ready to shine?” Alan, the guitarist, asks. He's the hottest of the three musicians. Tall, very straight brown hair and full of tattoos. I often joke with Jo that he's the embodiment of Kellan Kyle, the good guy from S.C. Stephens' book, Intenso Demais.

"Yesss!” I'm very nervous, but I want to do my best. I want this to be the first of many performances.

"You know that when Danny finds out...”

"Leave Danny out of it. Saturday night people come here because they want to dance to the sound of The Band. We can't let our fans down — I speak with a smile on my face, showing a safety I don't feel while trying to wrap him up.

"That's fine with me," he says, laughing. "It's going to be wonderful to play with you for real. We had this setlist for today, but I think we can make some changes to show a little more of your personality on stage —he says, extending a sheet with the playlist.”

I look through the titles, approving the choices, and thinking about three or four more songs I'd like to include.

"Have you got a pen there? I'd like to add some songs, can I?”

“Of course! You can add and remove whatever you want.”

I sit on the edge of the stage to write, whilst acknowledging this is a wonderful opportunity that I will not pass up.

This is going to be the first of many nights leading The Band, I promise myself.

***

"Bestiiiiie, we're here!” Jo screams, pulling me out of my daydreams.

"Did you bring something nice to wear?” I ask excitedly, already heading to the makeshift dressing room.

The place only has one dressing room and, as it was an exclusively male band, they shared the space. So, I'm going to get ready in Danny's office, since no one's going to be using it.

George hands me three bags full of clothes from a designer store in the mall, which I'm sure I've never been in.

"What is this, George?” I ask, rummaging through the bags. "Didn't you get me some clothes?”

"Baby girl, what clothes of yours did you want me to bring? Your running shoes? Or those yoga pants you‘re always in? Or jeans and a T-shirt? Of course, Jo and I had to go to the mall and do some shopping on your behalf. And we brought some IN-CRE-DI-BLE stuff!”, he speaks excitedly, clapping.

"Go on, friend, try it all on, and we'll pick and choose the outfits for you to perform in!” Jo keeps pushing me while I stare at them stunned.

“But...but...”

“Don’t “but” me, baby girl! You gotta hurry up, we’re running out of time here.”

I remain looking from one to the other with my mouth wide open for five seconds. I got it, I’m not the most fashionable one around. I live on my sneakers and leggings or the yoga pants, but I have a little black dress at the bottom of the draw that would be perfect for tonight.

I break free from the shock, grab the clothes they give me - a black miniskirt, made of sequins and a white blouse - and I start dressing.

“This skirt is way too short.”

“No way, my dear. You have to show off your incredible legs.”

“The blouse is tight...”

“The front view has to stand out! How do you want to shine on stage, if you’re not dressed for the occasion?”

I look at myself in the mirror and I like it, but I feel awkward. The miniskirt is really short, but is not too tight and it really seems good for a night show. By adding the blouse, the look is still simple which pleases me a lot.

“Now, put on those shoes!”

I grab the shoes that Jo pushes on to my hands. They are black with very high heels and red soles.

Louboutin, I recognize the brand.

“My God, you must have paid a fortune for this!” I complain, upset that my friends went on to spend so much money on me.

“There would be no match without those shoes. You gotta put them on”, George lets out with a laugh.

While I put the shoes on, they place bracelets and hang a pair of black long earrings on me. The one thing I am thankful about is that my waxing is up to date, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to wear that short skirt with hairy legs.

Not yet pleased with dressing and adorning me up as if I were a real-life Barbie version, my friends put me in the chair that sits in the corner of the room, and while Jo opens a giant makeup briefcase, George begins to loosen my ponytail, studying my hair as if it were a scientific experiment.

"What are you doing?” George, holds my hair back.

"Julie, you have a gold mine in here and I don't know why you keep hiding it. I'm going to show you that we can play with that hair and make you look like ‘come and get me’.”

"Oh, my God...”

"Close your eyes and just take it, friend. It's going to be all right.”

With nothing to do, I sit in the chair and leave the two artists to work. I pray that I will be at least presentable and not look like a clown on the run from the circus.

Half an hour of suffering later, especially at the hands of George—who pulled me, shook, and burned my head countless times—I am allowed to stand up so they can "evaluate me." I feel like a prized horse.

I stand up looking like a giant, as I'm not used to such high shoes that add almost five inches to my sparse five feet.

The two of them are standing still and open-mouthed and I start getting stressed, imagining that I look ridiculous and that we won't have time to do anything different because it's already show time.

“What’s the matter, guys? Where’s the mirror? I wanna see!”

The three of us get startled by a knock on the door and George shouts “Come in!”, still stunned. Rafe comes in and starts talking:

“Julie, it’s almost...damn shit!

This stresses me up even more. I must look awful, because Rafe let out his third swearword of the day.

“What is it? Guys, get me a mirror!”

“Julie, is it you? My goodness, Danny was absolutely right. When he finds out that I allowed this... I am fucked” he says, more to himself than to me.

When George realizes that I am about to crumble in tears, feeling that my “pop diva” career failed before it took off, he takes me to the bathroom so that I can look at myself in the mirror.

I feel just like Cinderella must have felt when she saw the transformation the Fairy Godmother did on her for the ball.

As I look in the mirror, I feel my heart tightening hard. I see myself, for the first time, just like my mother. It’s as if I was seeing her own reflection on the mirror, looking at me, just as I recall from my childhood.

My blue eyes are huge, highlighted by the dark shadow and the eyeliner that Jo had applied.

In the mouth, a pale lipstick, with a slight gloss shine, turns my lips sensuous.

As for my hair, it doesn't even look like the one that is always tied because I think it's dull. I don't know what magic George did, but he left it with perfect waves, with volume and a "pop diva” look, just like we see it on magazine covers.

This is a turbocharged, adult version of the little girl Danny used to see. No wonder he never looked at me in any other way. Before, I seemed to be, at most, nineteen years old. Now I'm a real woman. Beautiful, sensual and adult.

"Did you like it, little girl? Say something!”

"George, I love it. I'd be crazy if I didn't like it. I had no idea I could look so beautiful.”

I leave the bathroom with a giant smile on my face and I run into Rafe, still bewildered.

"Rafe, is it time?”

“Twenty minutes. Are you sure about that? Danny's going to kill me and then kill the three of you.”

I decide to ignore his warning.

"Let Alan know we're going to start with Put your records on — I say, giving him what I hope will be my most sensuous look.

Chapter four
Julie

I leave Danny's office with my head held high and feeling powerful. It's amazing what a new outfit and perfect makeup can do for a woman's self-esteem.

Hey! You don't have to pull a face for me. I know very well that I should not feel safe and beautiful only after going through the hand of the Fairy Godmother ... or the Genie of the Lamp, since the responsibility for my transformation is George's? Well, regardless of who we are, it's very easy to forget our own worth. Especially when you like someone, and that someone doesn't give a damn about you. I promise myself that from today onwards I will have new rules of conduct established for myself and will do my best to comply with them:

Rule #1: love myself more than anyone else;

Rule #2: believe more in myself and value my beauty;

Rule #3: go after what I want and make my dreams come true.

And, feeling strong, safe and invincible, I begin to follow my new rules and take control of my own life and destiny. I give each of my friends a kiss and go to the side of the stage, waiting for my cue.

When they see me, the guys of the band seem surprised. I give a little smile and stand next to Alan, who holds my hand, trying to give me peace of mind.

“Is everything all right?”, he asks me when he feels my cold hand.

"Yes, I'm a little nervous, but fine. “Professional, Julie.” “Be professional“, I say to myself.

“Don’t worry, you look beautiful and everything is going to be just fine.” I asked Rafe to introduce us in a different manner - he can hardly finish the sentence as he announces on stage “Juliette & The Band”.

Wow! Now this band’s name sounds good. With my name upfront! I remain calm on the outside while inside I’m so happily dancing the Macarena away.

We step on to the stage together, waving to the audience. Alan makes a small announcement before we start.

“Good evening, everybody! It’s a pleasure to have you guys here.” The women scream like crazy. “The ones that always come to our shows must have found the call strange, but we want you to know that from today we have a wonderful new boost with Juliette coming to be part of the group. We hope you enjoy the show and have fun!”

He looks at me with a sensual smile on his lips. I smile back, feeling pretty awkward, and wave to the audience, while I place myself in front of the microphone.

The boys start playing the song I chose for the opening. I close my eyes and just shut the audience down. I feel the cold rising in my belly, but in a good way. The best part about singing songs I love is the fact that I get more involved, passing on all the excitement. I hear my cue and start, with a very soft and charming tone, singing the first verses of the song:

Three little birds, sat on my window

And they told me I don't need to worry.

Summer came like cinnamon, so sweet,

Little girls double-dutch on the concrete.

I feel a shiver from head to toe. The audience begins to applaud. The music carries on and suddenly I realize that the bar is in complete silence. I open my eyes and realize that most of those present are staring at me. They're not booing or throwing cans on to the stage. It's got to be a good sign, right?

I break into a half-dull smile, and close my eyes again, dipping into the verses of the song. When I utter the last words, the audience bursts into applause, taking me by surprise and making Alan and the boys proud.

We continue, mixing up slow songs and more lively ones, and the audience doesn’t stop dancing. After we play She will be loved, Alan announces a twenty-minute break, which is super welcome, as I'm dying of thirst and heat.

Away from the public eye, the three of them just embrace me, happily.

"Julie, it was amazing! Our show never had such energy!” Brian, the drummer, says as he hugs me.

"Congratulations." I thought you wouldn't handle it, but you caught me by surprise” Levi, the bassist, throws me a wink.

"You were amazing on stage... and your voice drove all the guys crazy at the bar. Even me”, Alan whispers in my ear and blows a kiss to my neck.

I feel a chill. It strikes a chord why women keep screaming when he shows up. If I wasn't in love with Danny and wasn't 100% sure that Alan would shred my heart after devouring me, I'd melt at his feet and take my place in the line - pretty long, by the way - of Alan Hunt's conquests.

"Thank you," I speak to everyone, moving away from Alan's seductive touch. “It was great.” I fail to speak out the words to demonstrate how thrilled and happy I am. I smile at them and ask permission to speak to Rafe, who is coming to meet us.

"Julie, what a show! People are crazy about you. Danny's going to kill me, but I'm sure it was the best decision I've ever made.” He laughs and gives me a very tight bear hug. Rafe's cute, even in his somewhat serious way.

"Thank you! Coming from you, that's a top-compliment. Thank you so much for letting me do this. I need a drink of water and I wanted to talk to George and Jo before I get back on stage.”

“Of course. They're there by the bar. I'm going to go talk to the boys.”

I give a kiss to Rafe and go straight to the bar. On the way, people smile at me and I give it back happily.

I look around and I see George waving like crazy at me. I start laughing. He is hilarious when he does that, he seems like a little girl who just got a new Barbie.

"Little girl! You were dazz-ling! Beautiful! Diva! Everything!” I can’t stop laughing as he hugs me very tightly.

"Thank you, George. Where's Jo? Tell me everything! Did you like it? Did I go out of tune? I was so nervous…”

“Jo went outside to answer her phone. She's a little mysterious with this phone, see? She said it was work.” “Work on a Saturday, almost at midnight?” “I know... but you were stun! You sang perfectly.” They were all thrilled, praising her voice. “Little girl, if I wasn't gay, I'd get you. I never thought you'd be so sexy.”

I smile, thinking about how good it is to realize one of my dreams, until a little dark cloud crosses my mind.

"I hope Danny won't forbid me to carry on singing here. I'd be devastated.”

"He may even try, but after tonight, if you don't sing here, you'll sing wherever you want. I'm sure your performance will be making waves for a long time.”

I nod my head. George is absolutely right. If Daniel doesn't want me to keep singing here, he’ll be the one losing out.

"By the way," he continues, “Alan couldn’t keep his eyes off you. If I were you, I'd take advantage of that hot, tattooed body to get rid of the backlog. I've heard quite a few stories about the way he “plays guitar”, if you know what I mean.”

Damn it! That comment almost makes me spit out the water I was drinking.

"George! Wait for me to finish drinking before you say those things”, I complain, though with a laugh, while trying to get myself together. It's very hard to be a lady around George.

"I shouldn't have even started drinking.” “I told you, drinking without toasting, twenty years without getting. You've been on a drought, who knows since when. Just hold on, I'm going to get some water to save you from this curse.”

He rolls his eyes and goes to the bartender, like he's doing me a huge favor.

I laugh so much that my eyes fill with tears. I need to shake myself to avoid crying and smudge my makeup.

Jo arrives at this moment, her face half red. Is she blushing? Seriously? I've never seen her look embarrassed like this before. Before I open my mouth to talk, she jumps on me.

"Bestieeee! You were beautiful! I even cried when you sang the first song!”, she says, and we happily embrace each other. George approaches and hugs us too. I'm sure we look like three needy freaks in front of the bar.

"Okay, one water for each one, because our pop diva can't drink alcohol so as not to affect her performance.”

We lift our bottles and toast.

I drink the water quickly, before George makes me laugh with some other insane commentary. When I look backstage, Alan makes a sign that it's time to come back.

“I have to go.”

"Little girl, can I order a song? George asks, pulling his really needy face. I can't say “no” when he does this to me.

“Of course. What do you want me to sing?”

"Fever, a classic.”

"Jeez, George. You're so predictable. You could only want me to sing something from Madonna.”

"I Adooooore her! My favorite diva.” He winks at me. "After you, of course.”

I leave them, laughing, and I go back on stage with my bandmates. Before the show resumes, I let Alan know about George's request.

"Perfect, Julie. Are we going to sing like a duet?”

“That’s fine.”

They begin to play Fever, with a more acoustic feel. I stand in front of the microphone and Alan begins to sing the first verses:

You give me

You give me fever

Never know how much I love you

Never know how much I care

Wow! That’s one sexy song! Automatically my thoughts wonder to Danny and his deep green eyes. Alan gives the cue for me to start. With my eyes closed, I imagine myself singing to Danny alone. My voice comes out somewhat huskier, and I’m in awe of my own sensuality.

As I end my section, I tag it out to Alan, and he carries the song looking at me as if he was having indecent thoughts. I look down, embarrassed as I feel my face turn red.

Romeo loved Juliet

Juliet, she felt the same

When he put his arms around her

He said Julie, baby, you’re my flame

He gave her fever

Oh, damn it! I’m going to kill George. I totally forgot that this song mentioned my name! When Alan sings “Julie, baby, you’re my flame”, he winks at me, as if I was his inspiring muse, and the audience goes into a frenzy.

I turn forward and follow the song, holding fingers it may end soon because, with Alan’s excitement as the seductive pop star which he seems to embody so well, he will end up pulling me into his arms and kiss me on stage, in front of this crowd. Then yes, Danny would forbid me to sing!

Just let him try, my rebellious side reacts within me.

We keep on with the song and sing the last lines together. As we finish, we receive a standing ovation. I hear shouts of “handsome” for Alan and “sexy” for me. That may have been George.

Bastard!

The show carries on with no further issues. I’m not used to having a handsome and tattooed man looking at me as if I was a large and appetizing dessert.

At the end of the night, after we close the show, I say goodbye to the band while they disassemble the equipment and I go down to the hall, where I find Rafe.

“Julie, you were perfect. I don’t think we ever had such a lively audience! I made a preliminary survey and we have already broken our billing record. Congratulations! I will close the bills before I go home and tomorrow you can take your fee, OK?

“Oh, do I get that?” The question comes out of my mouth before I could prevent it. “Come on Julie, of course you had to earn something for singing tonight. They always pay the musicians.”

Rafe’s reply just reinforces my naivety

“Of course. Did you think you were going to sing for free?”

I let out a laugh and hug him, thanking him once again for the opportunity.

I go to the bar to find my two best friends, who seem to be very “cheerful”.

“Have a prosecco whit us, Julie Fever”, George let’s out with a silly smile.

“No prosecco whatsoever! I’m finished. I need to go home, have a bath and put my feet up. By the way, you owe me one for picking that song! I thought Alan was going to jump on top of me!”

George and Jo laugh out loud, and he hugs the two of us.

“We all thought so, little girl. Time to go.”

We follow our way home, laughing and talking about the best moments of the evening.

I get home, take a bath and dress a Garfield t-shirt. Then I get into bed and realize that tonight I’ll have a peaceful and happy sleep, as the house next door is in absolute silence.

Chapter five
Daniel

I cannot believe it. After spending long hours visiting properties, having meetings with owners, brokers and investors, and still a business dinner too long for my liking, I finally get to the hotel bedroom to take a bath and rest.

I had to be really focused, as Zach was in and out all the time taking calls or sending text messages. I roll my eyes as I remember the number of times this went on. The guy comes to help me but his mind is elsewhere. I should have brought Rafe along as he is a better planner.

I open into a big yawn, while I stretch, feeling tired. I always worked better at night. That’s why waking up early to travel and go through the day taking care of all those bureaucratic activities knocks me down harder than spending the night at the bar.

I must confess that being far away from After Dark really hurts me. The bar is my life. I don’t have kids and I’m not married (thank God!). My daily focus is my business, which has been growing steadily, and a serious relationship is certainly not in my plans.

Not at all.

Hey, don’t point your finger or roll your eyes to me. My mother’s roasting this morning was sufficient:

“Mother? I’m coming in”, I spoke after knocking on the kitchen door and turning the door knob. As always, it was open.

“Hi, my son! Up so early?” My mother hugged me in the middle of the kitchen and pushed me down a chair, ready to fill me up with morning coffee.

“I only came by to give you a kiss. I’m going on a trip with Zach to see a property. I think we might have found what we were looking for to expand After Dark.

“That’s excellent, love. Drink your coffee and eat that warm sandwich combo.” She pushed the dish with the sandwich and placed the cup full of black coffee right in front of me. “You don’t eat properly and stay awake all night long...My son, you need to look after yourself. To look after yourself, grow up, start a family...”

“Mother...”

“Don’t “mother” me. You’re almost twenty eight years old. Don’t you think you are running late to find a good girl? Marry and give me grandchildren? You’re not getting any younger.”

“Mother, I already told you that I don’t want to get marri...”

“Daniel, it’s time you think your life over.” “Oh, damn it.” “That’s my full name. Sit down and listen. Those girls that hang on to you at the bar will not be around when you turn fifty. Listen carefully to what your mother is telling you. Now, you better eat as I know you are going to spend the day running around and you’re not going to feed yourself.”

Even with all her allegations that I'm getting old —at twenty-seven, for God's sake—I’m still not looking for a serious relationship. After Dark is my life and I'm not willing to share my time with anyone in pursuit of success.

I'd rather leave this grandchildren and wedding chat to my sisters, Jo and Julie.

Yes, I know, Ju's not really my sister, but she grew up with me and was raised by my parents since hers passed away. Ever since, she became as much my responsibility as my own sister. I must confess that when we were younger, I had a special feeling for her, until John, my best friend from high school, caught me looking at her like a dog that looks at a roasted chicken, and told me it was disgusting what I was doing, that I should protect her from guys like me, and stop drooling over her. After all, she was my sister. He was very persuasive. In the end, I felt like a pervert as I was attracted to the girl who lived under the protection of my parents. I had to choke my wish and did what any older brother would do: I protected Julie as much as I could.

So far, it's been working.

I turn on the computer while I take off my shirt and shoe. I really need a good bath. I go through the suitcase looking for underwear when I hear the e-mail sound letting me know I have unread messages. I get a fright when I see the amount of notifications from the bar's Facebook page. Oh, boy! Did some sort of a bomb go off in there?

I open Facebook, already anticipating a headache. I'm rolling the screen as I go into a state of shock. The amount of check-ins made at the bar is infinitely higher than any other night.

I keep scrolling the screen and read the comments:

Lucy Smith: Wonderful night with the gals! After Dark rocked with the handsome Alan.

Michael Lewis: Today's show was excellent! Congratulations, AD gang!

Anne McCarty: Best night ever!

Luc Robs: What's with the voice of this hot chick who's singing in AD?

Hold on. Hot? There's something wrong. Snash and The Band don't have any hot chicks on the front line. Would they have invited anyone to play with them tonight?

I go down the page a little more and find a publication of the vocalist:

Snash: Friends, I’m saying goodbye to AD. On my way to India to find my inner balance and peace.

Oh, fuck! We lost the band’s lead singer and Rafe didn't even call me? And who's the hot chick who was singing instead? I immediately take the phone to call Rafe and see five unread text messages:

Rafe: Dude, call me. Problems.

Rafe : Danny, I'm going to have to take extreme action. Snash pulled out of the show at the last minute. Call me!

Rafe : Call me, DAMN IT!!

Rafe : Fuck it. When you guys come back we level it up. You’re going to lose it but I had no other option. I found a replacement for that SOB, Snash.

Rafe : I’m the man. Full house. What an achievement. You guys should stay there because I manage this place better if you keep away. :D

Now I’m curious. I wonder who he booked.

There’s a link in the bar timeline that draws my attention. “Juliette & The Band singing Fever at After Dark.” Excellent, someone recorded the new band’s show.

The video is not that good, it seems to have been done with a smartphone. The person that made the footage was very close to the stage. It zooms on that idiot Alan who’s the first to sing. He is unfortunately an idiot I have to bear with, despite acting like an asshole, constantly throwing charm at the fans and always taking one of them to the dressing room. How can someone believe that an asshole with such hair has fans?

The video carries on until a female, hoarse and sensual voice begins to sing. The camera turns towards her and... Holy shit! A beautiful, hot and sensual blond is (with) her eyes closed, swaying her body to the rhythm of the song as she sings.

I feel a shiver go through my spine and the excitement taking over. I haven't felt this way in a long time. I don't even know if I've ever felt this way. Actually, yes, but I had to smother it. It would never work. Of course I've had many liaisons, I go out with a lot of beautiful women, but this kind of lust, one that leaves a knot in the stomach and seems to have knocked me right in the chest, is rarer. The feeling I have is that she's singing just for me. I'm sure every man at the bar tonight felt the same way. The song carries on and while the blond sings the sensual song in a duet with that jerk Alan, I can't help myself and imagine the things that mouth should be able to do.

I keep staring at the screen and frown. She seems vaguely familiar to me. Would she have been at the bar before? I don't think so. I would never forget seeing a woman like her. The blond continues to sing, with her eyes closed and a little smirk on her face, pouring her sensuality in a subtle way, almost as if unaware of what she can arouse in men.

The music comes to a close and so does the video. Now, besides being tired, I'm excited and bothered. I get up from the chair, take off my pants and go to the bathroom. Now, more than ever, I need a bath. Cold, preferably.

Chapter six
Julie

Sunday arrives and I wake up feeling happy in a way I haven’t been in a long time. There’s a mix of excitement for the epic show and the feeling of a real good night sleep, in spite of missing the naughty boy from the house next door.

I sit on the bed, stretch my body, and hear the message tone on my mobile.

Daniel : Good morning, Ju. Did things go well last night at AD?

Oh, damn it! And now? I’ll have to act silly so that he doesn’t suspect anything.

I: Hi, Danny. All good and you? The venue was pretty full. When are you coming back? Kiss

Daniel: Saturday. Kiss

Men are so thrifty with words... Phew! Fortunately! I got away with this one!

Just in tandem another message comes through. Oh, God!

George: Little girl, I’ll be there in 15 to take you shopping. Be ready. You’re not allowed to wear leggings. XXXX (Kisses) from your personal stylist, best friend and producer.

All men are thrifty with words, not George. I stand up and run to the bathroom as I type the answer.

I: Okay. Can I put on the yoga pants? ;D

George: Nooooooooooooooooooo :@ :@

I: What are those :@?

George: My angry face for your lack of style, sweetheart. MOVE OOOON!

I laugh and get in the shower fast, because I know he's probably knocking on the door in a little while.

***

"At last you dropped those hideous clothes you used to wear, huh?”

George speaks, glancing at me from head to toe with contempt.

He's absolutely right, but I can't help but pick on him.

"Friend, but it's so comfortable...”

George seems to shoot me with his eyes.

"If you went through one of those transformation programs, like a Fashion Squad, you'd be humiliated on national television in all those horrible clothes.

"Julie, how do you want to make out with Hot Alan dressed like that?” Jo asks me, very serious.

I let go of a laugh in the middle of the mall.

"Does he go by a new nickname now? Who says I want to make out with Alan?”

"Little girl, if you don't go for him, I'll slap your face! He's going mad, freaking crazy to play guitar on your seductive body.”

George moves his hands, as if describing a body in the form of a musical instrument. I roll my eyes.

"For God's sake, George! You sometimes vent out such goofy stuff! He doesn't want to touch anything. That was just a stage scene!”

George's mouth opens like I told him there's no Santa Claus.

"What?! You really think that was a stage scene? My dear, I know the look of a male very well when he’s getting ready to take his prey. Hot Alan wants you bad and you should want him too, because he's soooo hot!”

"But, George...”

"If you come up with the story that you love Danny Boy, I won't listen anymore.

Little girl, you know that I love you. I really wish, from the bottom of my heart, that you would come right with that idiot.” He turns to Jo with an expression of sorrow and squeezes her hand lightly. "No offense, dear.” Jo nods, as if she agreed that her brother is really an idiot. Geoge turns to me and proceeds with his enthusiastic speech. "He's hot, I’ll give you that. But, as an idiot, he scores top marks on a scale of one to five. You've been in love with him for yeaaarss and he doesn't give a damn about you. He can't even see how much you've grown. You need to get someone. Hit the road before you get old, crazy and surrounded by cats!”

"Not full of cats, full of books," I answer, sulking.

"Girlfriend, George is right. You deserve to find someone to love you. I really wanted it to be my brother, but after all this time...”

I hear the words of my two best friends and my eyes fill up with tears.

I know they're right. I just think it's so unfair. My life was anything but easy... As much as the Stewarts may have given me all the love in the world, losing both parents at the same time is a pain that will never heal in my heart. Though I never complained, moaned or played a victim. I accepted my fate and tried to do everything I could to be happy. The only thing I wanted was the opportunity to show Danny how much I love him.

I keep thinking about last night. I fulfilled my dream of singing. I felt great on stage. I felt alive. Beautiful. Wanted. I remember the rules I set for myself. I close my eyes, take a deep breath and make a decision.

"George? Jo?”

"Yes, little girl.”

"Let's go shopping. It’s time I become a new woman. If, with my new look, I can't get Danny to wake up, at least I’ll get a boyfriend. I don't want to become a crazy old woman, alone and full of cats.”

“Now you’re talking!” George claps while he speaks. "Are you going to play with Alan's guitar?”

Jo and I burst into laughter. George knows how to cheer us up.

***

The day goes by and George takes us to several different stores. I can't take it anymore. We've bought shorts, blouses and dresses —lots of dresses. He decided that my show look will consist exclusively of items that leave my legs out. Now I have an astonishing amount of ballad dresses, glittering skirts and low-cut blouses. They match shoes so high that if I lose balance and fall, I run the risk of breaking my neck.

"Come on, pussycats. Let's go into this one”, he says, pulling me toward a store. I look up and get stunned to see the sign of a famous lingerie store.

"Friend, what are we going to buy here?”

"Definitely not bread! You need a lingerie that will pick you up.”

Jo looks scared. She's been acting weird. She’s always distracted, and spends all the time exchanging text I just don't know who with.

“Guys, I'm going to pop in quickly to the leather bag store on the second floor. I need to buy a new briefcase.”

"Go, my darling. Anything, just call.”

"But, George...” I am interrupted by the saleswoman who comes close and offers help.

Obviously, George takes over and parts the sexiest pieces from the store. I frown on every item he picks up. I'm not used to so much lace.

An attendant serves us candy and prosecco. We make our toast, and I take my mind off and eat while George seems to be on a war mission.

Forty minutes and a few glasses later, I'm pushed into a fitting room with a pile of panties, bras, corsets and other pieces I don't even know what they're for.

I start trying them out, and the prosecco gets to me, leading me to do a parade in the fitting room. George goes on indicating to the saleswoman the pieces he approves so she can separate them. If we were at Victoria's Secret, I'd say I felt like an Angel so much that I shook my butt back and forth.

While I take a look at a corset, George mutters something to the saleswoman, who returns a few minutes later with a pile of sweaters and babydolls.

“I don’t need pajamas, George!”

“Of course not.” That’s not pajamas. You're going to throw away those garbage you sleep with and start sleeping like a diva.

Immediately, I remember the countless times Daniel showed up at the house first thing in the morning for coffee and I was wearing one of my cartoon T-shirts.

I break into a smile as I picture his face when he sees me in a black sweater like that.

I tried all the pieces and bought things that, if it wasn't for prosecco, I would never have agreed to try. I'm not much of a drinker because, with my size, anything knocks me down. However, the drink makes my head lighter and, apparently, my hand much more open as my credit card can tell!

"George?”

"What is it, little girl?”

“I'm drunk. I need to eat something.”

George laughs and takes me to a restaurant in the food court. As we sit down, he calls Jo.

“Where did this girl end up? We spent two hours buying lingerie, long enough for you to get drunk, and she's still picking out a briefcase?”

"She's been weird...”, I say it with a little smile on my face.

"She’s not picking up. I'm going to text her.”

I stretch my neck to see George type:

George: Beloved, where are you? We're at that restaurant you love. Julie's drunk on prosecco and needs to eat something before she devours the hot waiter attending us. <3 ;)

Damn it! Did he notice I'm drooling over the waiter who came to serve us water? I look again at the cellphone screen and smile at the many happy faces in the message. I love getting messages from George. They're always full of fun stickers and emojis.

A shadow draws close to me. I look up and I see the hot waiter. Yummy yummy.

We're almost halfway through lunch - and I'm already much less affected by the drink - when Jo arrives with a guilty face.

"Friend, where were you? You missed all the fun!”

"I went to the bank," she looks away as she speaks, as if she were... embarrassed. George doesn't let go.

"Jo, my angel, three and a half hours to go to the bank? You walked out the door of the lingerie store saying you were going to buy a briefcase and you come back saying you were at the bank. You went to dance the Macarena on the manager's desk?”

I spit some of the soda on George. It's really funny to imagine Jo, a very serious lawyer, dancing like Psy on a table.

"Argh, Julie. Not again!

"I'm sorry," I say, wiping it with the napkin. "But it's your fault, you say these things while I'm drinking.

Jo's still quiet, looking at the menu. George and I exchange glances.

"Aren't you going to tell us what's going on, Jo?” George sniffs. "I thought we were best friends. I really feel so devastated by your attitude. Julie and I tell you everything, and what do you give back in return?” He looks at me and takes his hand to his chest before looking back at her. "You ignore us and push us away from your life. It's too much for a poor heart, you know?”

I support his words, holding George's hand and patting it lightly. Jo looks at us, raises an eyebrow holding a look on her face like she can’t believe what she’s seeing, and becomes the lawyer in the courtroom.

"You're taking it way over the top, George. I went to three stores to look for a new briefcase because mine looks terrible, but I didn't like any. Then I went to the bank to make some payments. I ran into a lawyer on the way and we chatted for half an hour. If you still want to measure my time, I stopped about ten minutes to pee and came to meet you.”

"I don't know why, but you didn't convince me," George says, looking at me. "But it's okay, I'm going to let it go. I'm going to respect your moment.”

***

We left the restaurant and made a stop at Starbucks. A cup of coffee is gonna go down really well to remove the rest of my hangover. Reminder: never drink more than two glasses! While we wait for the barista to call our names, Jo takes her Kindle out of the bag and starts reading.

"Which one are you reading now?”, I ask, stretching to see.

“A reason to dream, from Jennifer Van Wyk”, she smiles at me.

"Ohhh... Captain James...” George and I sighed at the same time.

"Have you read? It can’t be! You didn't even wait for me”, she looks at both of us, pouting.

"Jo, my dear, I'm sorry, but I could never leave Captain James waiting for me," George replies, and we both laughed.

The three of us love reading, and we're always exchanging reading tips.

At this time, our names are called.

We stand up to get our cappuccinos when I hear behind me:

"Well, well. What a delicious surprise. Juliette, the hottest singer of the moment.”

I turn around and meet Alan.

"Alan! Hey, what a surprise.” I approach to kiss him on the face. Wow, how nice he smells and... Ops! How cheeky! He turned his face and almost kissed my mouth! I push away a little, but he pulls me hard and whispers in my ear.

"Babe, this time was on the edge of the mouth, but next time, you won't escape me.”

Oh my God! I'm sure I'm red as a chili.

"Did you know that our duet has become a hit on YouTube? There’s already been a staggering number of views. I talked to Rafe today, and he told me that a critic is going to After Dark on Friday to meet us. Cool, huh?”

"Wow, Alan! That's great news!” I answer as he passes his arm by my waist and pulls me against him. He squeezes me hard and I feel protected in his arms. All right, he's not as strong as Danny. He has a thin structure, yet he’s still muscular. I try to get away, but he squeezes me a little more.

"I love your spontaneity. And perfume”, he says and licks my neck. I hop off him stepping away slightly.

"Well, Alan... It's really great news. We need to go, don't we, George?” I look at George, who is standing still with our cappuccinos in hand and open-mouthed. I look at Alan again. “It was good to see you. E-mail me the songs you guys want to play on Friday!”

He looks at me with a mischievous smile and nods.

"Sure, pretty girl. I'll send it over. And Friday, you're going to be mine.”

I grab my glass from George's hand, give a wry smile and go out dragging my two friends behind me. After climbing the escalators to the fourth floor of the parking lot as if being chased by the ten plagues of Egypt, George stop me, laughing in my face.

"Well, well, well. What was that?”

"What?” I ask, trying to talk my way out of it, but my tone comes out a little louder than I intended.

"He licked you! Jo, did you see that? A lick on the neck!”

“Of course I did.”

"Me, if I were her, I would have licked him in full, every inch. And I'm sure that in some places, he has several centimeters!”

“George!”

"Whoa, I'm just telling you the truth. You're red.”

"What? No, I'm not!”

"Yes, you are. Jo, how does she look?”

"On fire!” my friend replies, looking at me. They burst out laughing.

I turn around and go to the parking lot, with the two of them laughing their heads off behind me. I have to go home. Now. Take a shower.

A very cold one.

Chapter seven
Julie

After the shopping marathon, my week was pretty quiet. I rehearsed quite a lot the setlist of the show on the stage of After Dark that we would present on Friday. Daniel hadn't come back from the business trip yet, which reassured me. Rafe said he should only really come back on Saturday and didn't bring up any obstacle for me to rehearse at the bar. As they say, as soon as the cats get out, the rats throw the party!

Finally Friday arrived. In the afternoon, Jo and I go to a salon near After Dark to fix the hair and get the nails done.

I put on denim shorts and a loose blouse that falls on the shoulder leaving it exposed. On the feet, flat sandals. I let my hair down, even though I can't fix it the way George did.

Yet. Learning to groom myself is among one of my goals for the next few weeks. I hold the makeup case and apply mask on the eyelashes and a gloss.

When I finish, I look closely in the mirror and feel different. It's not just the clothes or the loose hair. It's like there's a different glow in my eyes. A greater awareness of who and what I am, and the certainty that I need to make changes to my life.

The loss of my parents in childhood was a huge impact on my life. The longing and sadness of not having them by my side knows no limit, of course. But more than that, the feeling of being alone in the world, of not having any blood bond with anyone else —even with the Stewarts being amazing people—and losing the key life references that a child may have inevitably influenced me to become the person I am today. Yes, I'm proud of myself, but I'm also fully aware that I need to work on my self-esteem.

As I look towards my reflection in the mirror, I see the face of a person eager for a life change. Of a woman reaching her maturity and achievement. And that awareness makes me feel safer.

With a sigh, I pick up my cell phone and call an Uber to go to Mary and Paul's. I arranged with Jo to have coffee there before we went to the salon.

In the car, I hear my stomach growling and I can barely contain a little smile. I didn’t eat anything beforehand, as Mary is one of those mothers who makes a point of feeding the family. And when I say feeding, I mean really stuffing up. It takes a 14-hour fast to be able to cope with your following breakfast. I don't know how none of us had problems with hormones in our teens.

As soon as I get out of the Uber I see Paul, who's already at the door waiting for me. I run up to him and he gives me a super hug.

"Julie, it’s been so long! We missed you.”

"Me too, Paul," I speak with a smile on my face, showing all the affection I feel for him.

"Let me see you. You’re looking beautiful!”

At this point, Jo comes out of the house and smiles.

"Dad, you didn't see anything. She sang at AD last week. George and I fixed her up and she turned out really hot. She didn't look the same person. Just look at it.”

To my surprise, she opens a picture on her cell phone that I hadn't even seen it had been taken. I recall the exact moment of the photo. I was backstage, next to the guys of the band. George had been kidding with me, talking rubbish, as usual, and I had a big smile. I am surprised by my expression of cheer joy in the photo.

"Jo, you're absolutely right," Paul agrees. "My dear, you look beautiful. Mary's going to be thrilled to see you like this.”

I smile again and hug him once more.

"But, daughters, did Daniel allow it?”

My heart gets warm every time Paul calls us daughters.

"Gee, Paul, that's a long story. Let's go inside and have coffee”, I say, pulling them both into the house.

***

We had a strong coffee made by Mary while we told everything about the show. After stuffing ourselves, Jo makes a sign that it's time to go.

"Oh, no, Jo. Let me stay quiet for a minute. I just wanna roll until I find a bed “, I say, moaning.

"None of that. You better find strength as we have to go to the salon. And we're still going to pick out your outfit”, she replies, pushing me on.

"Julie?” Mary calls me when I'm about to get up from the table. "Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Of course.” Would she be upset because I sang at AD and disobeyed Daniel?

We walk to the garden, where we can talk privately.

"You know I regard you as a daughter, don't you?”

"Yes, I know.”

"So I'm going to give you some advice your mother would give you.” I nod, feeling curious, but I cannot prevent the tears growing in my eyes.

Just remembering my mother makes me feel a huge grip in my chest. "Although I regard you as a daughter, every day I thank God that you are not. I know about your feelings for Daniel. I see it in your eyes every time someone brings up my son's name, since you were a little girl. And I'm sure you're perfect for him. I wouldn't choose anyone better than you to take care of and love him”, she says, and this time, I can't hold back the tears, like the cheesy one that I am. "My advice to you is: believe in yourself and your potential. Have faith in love. And don't give up.”

I raise my eyebrow as I snuff. She laughs.

"It's not going to be easy. Neither to win your much deserved spot at After Dark, nor my son's heart.

You have a long way ahead”, she squints her eyes. "Do make Daniel suffer a little bit, okay? Not much, I'm his mother and I don't want to see him devastated. It's just that he needs to wake up and understand that life isn't about one woman a day and taking care of the bar. And that you have every right to do whatever you want. To be whoever you want.”

We both laughed as I wipe away the tears, trying to piece myself back together. As we go back to the kitchen, I tell her:

"Mary?”

"Yes, dear?”

“Thank you. I love you.”

She smiles at me.

"I love you more.”

***

To my surprise, Jo marked a spa day for both of us. We start with a relaxing massage, ofuro tub bath and then relaxation with hot stones. I was so relaxed that my body seemed to float. I should have suspected. It was too good to be true.

"Miss Walsh? Tsuki, our beautician, is waiting for you in the waxing room. At the end of the hall on your left.”

"In what room?” I ask, with an open mouth. I'm not so sure I want to go through a torture session.

"Waxing. Your friend scheduled a full waxing session for you.”

I'm gonna kill that bit... Damn it. I cannot swear at Mary, not after today. But still, what Jo did wasn't cool.

I thank the lady and follow her directions. I knock on the door and a short Asian lady welcomes me with a reassuring smile.

"Miss Walsh, welcome. You can take your clothes off behind that screen and put on your robe. When you're ready, lie down on the gurney.”

I go where she indicated and change clothes. Boy, I'm really nervous!

I lie down on the gurney and wait for my torturer, I mean, epilator.

"Rest assured. It won't hurt at all," she says calmly, as if talking to a child.

"All right," I answer, without being able to draw up a complete sentence out of shear fear. "I've never done this before.”

"Let's start the Brazilian waxing, okay?”

"Okay...”, but what is that? It can’t be a good thing. Something seems wrong. I barely finish my thought as she opens my robe and applies the wax. Hold on a minute and...

“OAHHHH!” I scream in pain. Holy shit! She pulled it! I’m gonna kill Jo with the utmost cruelty.

“Madam Tsuki, well done, thank you.”

“No, no, no way. We still have a lot of work,” she pushes me back to the gurney and I just feel like I’ve been condemned to the gallows.

***

I reunite with my ex-best friend again in the manicure room. When she sees me with a red face and walking in a funny sort of way, she starts laughing.

“You can stop laughing. Right now, I hate you.”

“My friend, don’t be like that. This was for your own good. See it as a gift. Next time Alan decides to lick you, he may want to do it somewhere else, right?

“Johanna!” I shout. There. Now I really look like a red bell pepper.

“What! Imagine that you take a chance on him! Even though you still have Danny up there... Gee, I can’t think of my brother licking anybody!”

“Jo! Where did you come up with this stuff? Who’s been licking you around?”

It’s her turn to go purple. Caught red-handed!

“Me? Stop being silly. So one can no longer make a treat for a friend without raising your suspicion.

Sit down as Mimi won't wait for you much longer.”

Mimi takes the cue and leads me to sit in the chair, handing me a suitcase full of colored glazes while she starts with my foot. After much fiddling, I choose a light pink.

"No way! You're not going to put that color on! If I let you paint the nails in pink, George will kill me.

"And what color would the madam suggest I paint my nails?” I ask, frowning.

"Lend me that.” She doesn't even wait. She gets the case out of my hand hard, making Mimi miss and get a steak off my foot. Oh, damn it. "Not this one...Neither that one... No...Here! Perfect!”

She extends a metallic red enamel, almost the color of a love apple.

"But it's so red.”

"Now you’re a new woman. Forget the pink and throw yourself in the red. You're going to look great in tonight’s dress. Don't come fighting, girlfriend. Take it.”

“All right.

I know it’s no use trying to argue.” I sit back on the chair while Mimi takes care of my feet. I try to relax by going over the songs for the show in my mind.

***

Once again and since Danny is away, I use his office as a makeshift dressing room.

This time around, I’m putting on an all-black glittering dress, with a back neckline so deep that I cannot wear a bra. My lingerie is nothing but thong panties in black lace which I bought while shopping with George. He just knew it. I needed a piece of lingerie that took care of my self-esteem.

High sandals and a pair of long earrings complement the look. Once again, my hair is loose, with large curls and the makeup enhances my eyes.

When I finish getting ready, I seize the emptiness of the room and think about my life. I need to toughen up and face Danny or just forget him for good. I know Alan’s very keen, but, though I like him, deep down, the guitar man of The Band doesn’t arouse that sort of feeling in me. Without mentioning that he’s even more of a womanizer than Daniel. The amount of women holding on for him at the end of each show is ridiculous.

I walk about the room, looking at the photos on the shelves, and I find a photo of us, when I was sixteen years old and Danny, nineteen. He was already quite tall at the time. It was when he came back from college for his first summer vacation. I spent the whole month stuck upon him like a piece of gum. He seemed to be happy with my presence. He kept hugging and cuddling me. Back then, I really thought something else was bound to happen. However, suddenly, he changed. He got more serious, farther and more... protecting, I think. I don't know what happened that summer, but something had changed in Danny's behavior toward me.

A knock on the door pulls me off my memories. I put the picture in place and I go and open it.

"Oh, you look beautiful!” George walks into the room, all excited. I smile at him because it's impossible not to smile when George is with me.

“Thank you. Is it time?”

"Ten minutes left. Do you want anything? Water? Champagne? Candy? Alan's licks?”

“George!” I scold him, but I'm interrupted by Rafe's entrance, who came to call me for the show.

I find it amazing that Rafe hasn't been hooked by anyone yet. He's a beautiful, serious, mature guy. That guy who takes responsibility. He's not a womanizer, quite the contrary. He’s got the "perfect guy" style. He and Jo would make a lovely couple, but should it cross Danny’s mind, it will be a problem. What a jealous man, hey?!

"Julie, you look beautiful. Are you ready?”

"Thank you, yes I am.” I smile and he gives me his arm as the perfect gentleman he is. We walk backstage and Rafe excuses himself to go talk to someone. I look forward and see Alan coming towards me and looking me up and down with a malicious expression.

"Do you want me to ask him if he wants mayonnaise to go with it? Because those eyes are eating you up...” George whispers in my ear.

"George, my God!”

"Maybe I should offer condensed milk instead. It's tastier when you li...”

“George!” I scream and he gets a fright. Wow, he’s obsessed with Alan's lick!

"Hi, babe!” Alan speaks as he approaches.

"Hi!”

He gets even closer.

"You look even more beautiful than last time. How’s that possible?”

If he gets any closer, he's going to be glued on me. It seems like our guitar man hasn’t got much of a notion of what is private space.

“Thank you.” I smile and push him away slightly. “Are you guys ready? Shall we start?”

“Beautiful, I’m always ready.” He winks at me and goes on to stage. God, these men want to drive me insane.

I take a long breath and hop on to the stage. The bar is full and people start clapping at us. I smile at the audience and place myself in front of the Mic.

We chose to open the show with a more romantic ballad. Alan starts playing the first chords of “Come Away With Me”, by Norah Jones.

I close my eyes, immersing in the song. Once again my thoughts wander off towards Danny.

Come away with me in the night

Come away with me and I will write you a song

Come away with me on a bus

Come away where they can’t tempt us with their lies

Daniel

I park in my spot at After Dark. Zach and I got back from San Francisco a day earlier than expected. The return was quite troubled, because of a lot of turbulence on the flight. And Zach was a lousy traveling companion. He barely opened his mouth to talk, all the time paying attention to his cell phone. Just to make matters worse, our bags ended up on the treadmill on the other side of the airport.

I got home, took a quick shower and put on jeans and a black T-shirt. I was late, so I didn't even shave my untrimmed beard. A week away from the bar left me quite anxious. And, I must confess, I’m hopeful to see the hot blond singing tonight.

I get off the bike, a BMW 1600 GT. I'm not the flaunting type of guy, but when After Dark started to thrive, I allowed myself the luxury of investing in the bike of my dreams.

I walk through the parking lot and, as I approach the door, I hear the first chords of “Come Away With Me” being played on a guitar. I open the door and I'm surrounded by a hoarse voice that's singing.

I feel a shiver from head to toe. I look at the stage and see the silhouette of the blond in the video, swinging in front of the microphone to the same slow pace of the song. I feel dazed, like never before... Or rather, as I feel when... My subconscious pushes away those thoughts and I center all my attention on the blond.

She moves on in the song and I feel trapped. I can't look away, and I can't stop myself from moving further to get any closer to her.

It's like I'm being pulled by an imaginary rope without being able to look away from the stage. She's even more beautiful live. She’s fair-skinned, her body is breathtaking, with a thin, marked waist and breasts that would fit perfectly in my hands. She subtly turns to the side, turning her back slightly to me, and I see the perfect butt emphasized by the deep neckline of the dress.

I feel numb. As she sings, her voice seduces my senses, and all I can see in my thoughts is her image, lying on my office desk, naked, whispering this maddening song in my ear.

I hear the champagne burst open and try to remove that thought off my head. Stop it, I scold myself. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I go to the bar counter, trying to regain control. I wave to the bartender, and all of a sudden I realize Ju's not at her post today.

"Justin, where's Julie?” I ask the bartender, who doesn't take his eyes off the blond on stage. He moves his chin forward without saying anything. I hear the blond sing. This woman's voice is driving me crazy that I can't even think straight.

I turn myself to the stage again. She holds the microphone and her lips pout a little, whispering the song.

I feel excited. A whole lot. Rather more than that, I'm overwhelmed by the seductive magic of this woman's voice. As if I were a mermaid at sea, her singing surrounds me and I barely realize that I'm walking towards the stage.

That moron Alan plays the final chords of the song and the blond whispers Come away with me ending the song. She turns towards me, opens her eyes, smiles and... Holy shit!

It's Ju!

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