Belonging to the Band

Chapter 5

Chapter Five

I didn’t know much about the band besides an article here or there that I’d caught a glimpse of when I was doom scrolling at night when I couldn’t sleep. Their songs were popular but they were more known for their exploits with groupies and the fact that they performed wearing masks. I wasn’t sure if they took the masks off on stage but I had a vague memory of a conversation with a coworker.

Months ago, when I was still with Scotty, I had been standing in the breakroom when one of my coworkers had come in. Gushing about their upcoming concert and how she hoped to catch a glimpse of their faces. She had said that with bodies like theirs it didn’t matter if they were good looking or not but it would be a bonus.

God, it had been so long since I had thought of a guy as sexy. Thought of anything other than the hurt they could bring. I couldn’t even imagine being with someone right now. The wounds on my heart and soul were still too fresh, too raw.

I had needs. Sure, but nothing that I couldn’t take care of in the darkness of my room. I missed being touched but the thought of it sent a jolt of anxiety through me.

One day, I would be past this feeling and I might want more. But right now that day seemed far away.

Anna led me into a room that looked more like a bedroom than part of an industrial warehouse. The bed had black sheets on it and it was unmade and there was a plush looking couch in front of the bed. A black dresser sat in front of the window and sunlight streamed past heavy looking black curtains.

The room looked like a typical bedroom. Well, half of it did. The other half had several white folding tables setup with a cooler that had a case of water sitting beside it. One of the tables had thick deli style sandwiches on it with bags of chips and a veggie tray that looked mouth-watering. The other table was empty and that was the one Anna stopped in front of.

“You can set everything up over here.” She said, putting the boxes of cookies onto the table before she turned to look at me.

“Thanks. I’ll get everything sorted and get out of here.” I said, shifting the cooler in my arms. “Do you think it would be okay if I could get an autograph from the guys?”

“You’re a fan?” She asked and I shook my head.

“Not really. My boss is.”

“I think I might could get you one. The guys will do anything for a pretty girl.” She winked and shot me a grin before she was called away.

Once the fruit arrangement was out of the cooler and onto the table, I took a little time to make sure the skewers were all in place. I had to hand it to Heather. She did an amazing job.

There were Cantaloupe pieces cut to look like flowers. Grapes, strawberries and honeydew melon were strategically placed on the skewers to create the illusion of a colorful bouquet. It was a work of art, really.

As I completed my tasks, I was vaguely aware of the conversation that was going on on the other side of the room. Anna was talking to the sound guy about the song they were working on. The director was already setting up lights on another set in the warehouse. They finished talking and she came over to me, looking at the fruit bouquet.

“Oh wow, Cookie Blossoms did an awesome job with that one. King will love it.” She pulled out her phone and snapped a few pictures of it.

“Good, I’ll pass that onto my boss.” I smiled, adjusting one of the skewers.

“Hey, Anna.” A guy called out and she looked over, tucking her phone into her blazer pocket.

“Yes, Gav?”

He tilted his head to a teenager who was standing behind him. Her black glossy hair fell down her back, it was sleek and straight. She had those model pretty type features, with a slightly upturned nose and high cheekbones. A short black dress hugged her body, which she adjusted, pulling at the neckline slightly. She was so young, she barely looked like she was eighteen.

Her eyes scanned the room, taking everything in before they flitted my way. She gave me a dismissive look before instantly zeroing in on Anna. She gave her a bright smile and practically bounced as she waited to be noticed.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Anna said, turning away from me and moving over to Gav and the girl. “What’s up?”

“This is the girl the agency sent.”

Anna looked at the girl, pressing her lips together as she took in her appearance. I focused on getting the cookies set up on the table, looking busy while trying not to eavesdrop but I had the feeling that things were about to get interesting.

“Did your agent know the age we requested for today’s shoot?” Anna’s words were careful and measured.

“Yes, when she told me it was for a music video for Midnight Embers I was extremely excited,” the girl replied, her voice high and bright, revealing her excitement. “I’ve always wanted to work with them. I’m a huge fan.”

Anna exchanged a glance with Gav. She frowned before looking at the girl. “We were under the impression that we’d be getting someone older… Like we requested. How old are you?” She asked, and the girl seemed to wilt at her question.

She bit her bottom lip, her confidence wavering. “Twenty-One.”

Anna crossed her arms over her chest, giving the girl a pointed look.

“Twenty?” she squeaked but it sounded more like a question than an answer. She swallowed hard, shifting from one high-heeled foot to the other.