Chapter 6
I step into the lounge and see him right away. He’s sprawled out on a couch in the corner, looking out the window at the city below. He’s wearing an oversized hoodie and a pair of old, worn jeans. Exhaustion is written all over him but there’s something else there, too. For a minute, I think it could be joy but he doesn’t strike me as much of a happy person.
His phone is resting on his leg and his ear buds are tucked neatly under the hood of his sweatshirt. I never pictured him as someone who could just chill but he’s proving me wrong. This is the second time I’ve seen him relaxing with some music and just taking in the world around him.
I pull out my recorder and take a deep breath. Here goes nothing. I just want to get this interview behind me so I can move on to one of the other guys. The last thing the world needs is any more Chance. He’s so full of himself and I know he’ll eat this shit up. I don’t want to feed into his ego and it burns my ass that I have to do this.
I walk to the corner and for the first time, I notice his eyes are closed. I panic for a second thinking I’m going to wake him but his eyes pop open and lock with mine. There’s no expression on his face. I hate that I can’t ever tell what he’s thinking but I imagine it’s something along the lines of this being beneath him.
“King,” he yawns and points at the couch across from him.
“Let’s get this over with.” I throw myself into the cushions and glare at him.
“I find it fascinating that you’re so put off by me without even knowing me.” He sits up a little straighter and tucks his ear buds into his sweatshirt pocket.
I laugh. “I know your kind. I don’t need to know you.”
“My kind? Sexy, self-assured, honorable, gorgeous?”
“Self-absorbed, thinking the world owes you something. Proving your power with different women every night and not able to make a commitment to anyone who counts. I’ve met men like you my whole life.” The words are out of my mouth before I know what I’m saying and for a minute, I feel bad.
“Listen, Princess. I want to be doing this just about as badly as you. But I won’t be used as your punching bag or as a scapegoat for some asshole in your past who hurt you. I don’t think you’ll be able to be objective with me and I’m not going to be a part of this.”
He stands up and slides his feet back into his flip flops. His hands tuck into his pockets and he looks down at me. I’m used to him being a dick and that’s not the Chance standing in front of me. He’s right. If I want to keep this job, I need to get my emotions in check. I don’t have any idea why he makes me angry the way he does. He’s never done anything to me and the things that spill out of my mouth when he’s around me scare me.
I put my hand up in surrender. “Wait. I’m sorry. Will you sit?”
The look on his face confuses me. When he looks at me, I feel like he sees through me. “Careful, Princess. For a minute, you sounded human.”
I roll my eyes and press play on the recorder. “How do you feel after tonight’s performance?”
His eyes shoot to the windows and he takes a seat. “I’m not much of a feelings person, as you’ve pointed out so eloquently.” He thinks for a minute. “There’s always a rush when we’re on stage. You can feel the energy of the crowd and there’s nothing like it. It’s like a high and it takes a while to come down from that. You feel on top of the world after a show.”
“Then why the women?”
“Have you had sex before? I think the why is pretty obvious.”
“So it’s just about getting off and feeding your ego?” He’s so frustrating.
His eyes meet mine and the anger is apparent in his face. But he takes a deep breath and when he speaks, his voice is calm. “It’s nice to have companionship. You really should try it. I think you’d find yourself a little less angry at the world.”
“I do just fine in that department.” I shift in my seat. I’ve never been in a relationship for more than a few weeks. I’ve certainly never been in love. But I have a friend who is a constant and provides me with anything physical that I need.
“So, you’re in a relationship? I can tell how fulfilling it must be. You seem incredibly happy. He must be a real winner.” He zings me and I deserve it.
“You said it was nice to have companionship. Are you close to your family? Don’t they provide a little of that for you or is something you missed out on during childhood?”
His eyes glass over and he focuses his attention back at the city. “I’m afraid you’re digging where there’s nothing to find, King. I had a pretty normal childhood. I was just your average kid in an average family. Dad worked and Mom was home every day when I got home from school. It’s hard to see them much when we’re on the road but we stay in touch. That part of my life is boring so I’m sure that isn’t what the readers want to hear. I don’t have the big victim story like the other guys.”
I have no idea where I’m going to go with this article. “Have you ever been in love?”
He shrugs. “Once.”
“And?”
He shakes his head. “And nothing. I was just a kid and it lasted a total of about a minute.”
“Where is she now?”
He takes a breath and a look of peace comes over his whole face. He smiles to himself and I know I’m witnessing a private moment. “I don’t have any idea. It’s been years and I’m sure she wouldn’t even remember me. Hell, I can’t even remember her last name.”
An idea forms in my head. I need to find this mystery woman. Reuniting them would be the story of the century. Finding the woman who the biggest playboy in the country fell for could change everything.
“What about you? You love this guy who makes you so happy?”
“I don’t believe in love.”
“You don’t say,” he laughs and stands back up. “I’m exhausted and ready to hit the sack.”
“Alone?”
He smirks at me. “Are you offering?”
I want to punch him. “Never going to happen.”
“Never say never, Princess. Sometimes, you just need to take a chance.” I groan at the awful play on words. He just nods at me and walks out of the lounge.
“How’s the article on Chance coming along?” Joshua takes my hand and helps me onto the bus.
“I’m afraid it’s not. There’s not much of a story there unless we talk about the women. But you said it needed to be positive so I’ve got exactly zero.”
He sits down next to me and sighs. “I don’t know what the history is between you two. I can only imagine. But I promise you that there’s a lot of good in him. He writes most of our music and he’s a rock for these guys when they need it. He saved Harley. He was the one who finally convinced him to head into rehab. He’s got a reputation but it’s never hurt the band and I know he’d give up the women in a second to keep this group together. Dig a little deeper. I think you’ll find he’s a good guy, despite whatever happened with you.”
“You have the wrong idea about us, Joshua.” I turn my whole body toward him so he knows I’m serious. “Aside from the few times I’ve stalked him for the paper, I’ve never spoken to him.”
“Then why the anger?”
“I don’t know. I guess he just reminds me of someone. You hired me to do a job and I promise you that I’ll do it to the best of my ability and try to keep my feelings to myself from now on. I know I’ve been less than friendly with him and that’s my baggage, not his.” I lean my chair back and get comfortable for the ride to Portland.
Joshua doesn’t move. He settles into the seat next to me and it gives me a chance to really look at him. My roommate, Ray, is obsessed and I can see why. He’s gorgeous. Freckles sprinkle his cheeks and his bright eyes are kind. He’s tall and fit with an air of mystery about him. I don’t want to let him down with this assignment. These men have been to hell and back and I want to make sure they get some positive press. I can’t imagine how they’ve survived but looking at them, I’m in awe of how close they all are. This is a family and I am witnessing just the beginning of their greatness.
I glance behind me. Chance is sitting with Harley and they’re laughing. They both look so happy. I won’t give up on the idea of finding his mystery woman but I finally know my angle. I’m going to tell the story of how Chance saved him. I’m going to make him the hero.