CHAPTER 11
Hope:
The past few days have been insane. It’s like overnight the world found out about Chase and I, and now every person I know is interrogating me. Not to mention the questions the tabloids are publishing.
“Who is Hope Richards and how did she steal the heart of Rising Aggression’s front man, Chase Franklin?”
“Mixing business with pleasure?”
“How will fans react to the news of Chase and his relationship with one of his managers?”
I’ve been freaking out. I don’t want to have a negative effect on Chase’s career at all. He is reassuring me that everything will die down and it will all be okay, but I still feel a bit uneasy. Because of that I have been avoiding any alone time with Ariel. As soon as the work day is over, I head to my bus. She welcomed me with open arms and she has become a great friend, I don’t want to disappoint her. I’m getting I’m getting ready in my bus and just throwing on some cut offs when there’s a knock at the door.
“One second!” I yell as I hobble to the door, trying to zip my pants and avoid tripping like the klutz that I am in the process. When I open the door and see Ariel, my stomach drops. She gives me a small smile.
“Hey Ariel,” I say feigning enthusiasm and smile, gesturing her to come in. “Everything okay?”
She nods and my heart begins to race. Fuuuuckkk. I’m going to be fired. Damn it…maybe there was a clause in my contract. I didn’t even think of the legal stipulations when I followed my damn stupid heart. I’ve been too worried about what people think instead. I sit down and anxiously wait for her to say something.
“Hope, we’re friends right?” She asks curiously with little emotion showing on her face, causing my heart to race. “I know I consider you a friend, but maybe you don’t think the same? I just feel like you’ve been avoiding me and I… I know why.”
I stand up abruptly. “I haven’t been avoiding you! I – just – maybe I have. I just.”
I stumble over my words, struggling to get out what I’m trying to say. I’m pacing and tears begin to pool in my eyes, causing me to start nervously rambling.
“I love this job. You know this is my dream. I just didn’t want to fuck it up. I never intended for this to happen. My heart was fucking broken when I started this job. All I want is this life and everything it holds. I promise I’ll still work my ass off. I don’t expect favoritism at all. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. Please don’t fire me, I don’t know what I’d do without this job, without you, without this life!”
“Hope!” Ariel yells and I meet her shocked expression in silence, realizing I was rambling like a mad woman, I am embarrassed. “Calm down.” She continues, “Are you nuts!? I couldn’t do this without you. I’m happy for you and happy for Chase. He deserves someone grounded, fun and smart. I told him that too. My only concern is if things end…” She gets quiet for a second and I sit next to her. She nudges shoulder and continues. “If they do end, where you’d be business wise, so all I ask is…you tell me and talk to me if you ever think you need out, because we could work something out for you to be off the road for a bit. I don’t want to lose you, because you’re a great worker and friend. I’m a bit pissed you didn’t tell me, because you’re my friend, but I get where you’re coming from. Just please be honest with me is all I ask. Also, be prepared for tabloids and for your name to now be everywhere. You’ve been warned.”
She laughs and shakes her head. I smile and hug her. “Thank you. Thank you. I’m sorry, like I said, it was just all just so unexpected and I didn’t want to mess anything up. Thank you for being such a great friend. I am so glad I met you. I promise to talk to you if I ever need. You really are more than just a coworker Ariel, you are a friend and I really appreciate everything.” We laugh and head to the stage area. Curiosity gets the best of me and I have to ask. “Ariel, how did you know about us anyway? I mean did you know before the press?” She laughs and nods. “Chase told me a few days ago. I don’t want you to think he just rambled and told everyone, but we are pretty close. He also wanted to reassure me he wasn’t going to make me lose my best worker. He mentioned you probably were scared to tell me, so he did himself. Don’t be mad at him.”
How can I be? He had every right to tell her, I’m just relieved everyone is okay with it. A feeling I have been longing to have for months overcomes me. Calmness and I just know that everything is as it should be. Finally…I’m where I’m supposed to be.
***
I am on a high after the show. Damn the crowd was just full of energy and it radiated through me like never before. I rush Chase as he exits the stage and wrap my arms around him. We haven’t talked yet since Ariel came to my bus this morning, and I’m trying to keep calm, but all the media is making me nervous.
“That was the best one yet. I swear I could feel the excitement course through my veins. You all did great!” He laughs, kisses my cheek and I wave him off to get ready for the meets. I grab my things and start to head that way myself. My pocket was vibrating so much during the show that I shut my phone off. I figured it was just social media alerts, but when I turn my phone on I realize the notifications are from my family and friends.
“Hope Lynn Richards! How dare you not tell me about your relationship before I had to read about it online!? You need to call me. Is this boy the reason you took this job? Don’t you dare choose a guy over your future! You’re too smart for that. Call me! Love, Mom.”
“Hoooppppee! My sister is officially a bad ass! Dating a rock star!? That’s it, I’m definitely moving with you. Call me! Love you!”
I cringe at my mother’s response, making a mental note to text her later. Definitely not calling her. I text Taylor and Anna who said she’s so happy I’m finally living for me. Also to tell Chase she will end him if he hurts me. I laugh at that. I’m happy they know, but I’m nervous people will think I get favoritism or have an agenda. Will fans hate me? Will this hurt Chase’s career? All of a sudden I have a million questions again. I know this feels right, but I need to make sure there won’t be major consequences for Chase. I have to talk to him.
Chase:
A few days ago I told Ariel about Hope and I because I didn’t want her to think we were hiding it. We’ve been keeping it as quiet as possible for media sake, but Ariel is my friend and Tour Manager, she had a right to know. I know she said she hadn’t told her, but I saw her come out of Hope’s bus this morning and ever since I’ve been on edge. It doesn’t help that the media has found out either, because now everyone knows.
I’m waiting for Hope to seek me out. I’m prepared for her to be angry, but I’m scared I broke her trust already, when we just started. I only did what I felt was right. The only comforting thought I’m holding onto is that she ran ran up to me after the show, wrapping her arms around me. Her publicly displaying even the slightest bit of affection calmed me some. After we went to fan greets, I showered and I’m waiting for Hope to text me after she has everything cleaned up.
“Why are you over there sulking Chase? We just had one of our best shows yet.” I hear Ryker at the front of the bus and I look to see him and Cole standing there with concession food.
I shake my head, “I think I fucked up. Damn, I’m not good at women and dating. Hope and I have only been a thing for a couple weeks and I just don’t want to hurt her, but I’m also focused on making our career successful.”
I rub my head in frustration.
“It didn’t seem like anything was up after the show. She ran right up to you.” Ryker says encouragingly.
“Yeah man, stop being a girl.” Cole says chuckling.
I grimace, “I’m not fucking be a girl, but this is a bit complicated. If things go wrong we could lose an assistant and there could be bad publicity. I also just don’t want to hurt her. She’s been through enough and she’s a good person. Fuck.”
I’m taking my frustration out on them and I know it, but I can’t help it. I knew this would be a little complicated, but I didn’t think it would so soon. I have to find her and talk about this.
“Whoa, sorry. I was just giving you hell, don’t jump my ass.” Cole, apologizes and I flip him off.
“Okay, I’m going to see her.” I stand and head to the door. “Oh, the tour event bowling for a cause thing is tonight. We’re all going, I think we need some low-key fun. Plus it’s for a good cause, it’ll be good publicity and a way to connect with the other bands more. Talk to you in about an hour. Be ready, I’ll text Ariel.” I grab my phone and head to Hope’s bus with new determination to make this work.
I knock and my heart races with anticipation. I hear movement and when the door opens I’m greeted with a warm smile.
“Hey Chase.” Hope steps back gesturing me inside.
“Sorry for just showing up, but I needed to talk to you.” My heart isn’t slowing down and her face creasing in concern when she sits down isn’t doing a thing to help the situation.
“O...kay. Is something wrong?”
I tilt my head in confusion. “Well, I was going to ask you the same question. I saw Ariel leave your bus this morning and I hadn’t had a chance to tell you that I told her about us. I thought you might be angry with me.”
She smiles and puts her face in her hands, easing my worries more.
“Well...I was taken by surprise when she just showed up at my door. I had been avoiding any time with her outside of working, because I was nervous about what she’d say and I wasn’t sure how to tell her or if I should. I kind of freaked a bit and word vomited.” She stops and laughs. “Much like I’m doing now. You had every right to tell her. I was just worried she and everyone else would think I didn’t take this job seriously or that being with you was my intention all along. I just didn’t want to lose my job.”
She exhales and her worried, blue eyes search my face for reassurance. I sit down next to her, turning her face to me.
“I’m sorry for not telling you I was going to tell her, but I just felt she should know. It was only a matter of time before the media had pictures and said something, so I wanted her to know. As far as anything else, I promise you that no one around here thinks that. Ariel said she knew a little about you before hiring you. Also that you talked before she offered you the full time position. She knows this is what you want in life and that your career is first. As far as the public, let them say what they think, trust me they will anyway. We can make a statement confirming things for just let them keep seeing us together. I have no plans on keeping my distance from you. Hope, I want this to work. I need to focus on making my career advance, yes, but we can make this work, okay? One step at a time. It’ll be okay, people will see we’re professional when it comes to business. It will work out.”
I reach up and brush her cheek. “Trust me, please. Just keep doing what you’re doing work wise. You’re really good at this. The fans like you, I see it and so does everyone else. You fit here.”
She smiles and lays her head on my shoulders. “Okay, just promise me you’ll help me adjust and be honest about anything that is said okay? I just want us to talk to each other. I love this job, I don’t want something stupid to mess it up. To mess us up. I also don’t want us to overreact over stupid things said, so we just need to stick together. Maybe we should say something small.”
I nod and smile. “Deal. We will figure it out later tonight, but for now you need to grab your things and if you’re ready come with me. All of us are going to the tour bowling for a cause event. I just want a fun night for all of us. Plus, like I told everyone else, it’s for a good cause. I think we should use this to connect with the other bands too. So if you need to change go and I’ll wait. Ariel and the rest of the guys are meeting us in thirty minutes at my bus.”
She grins wide and kisses me hard. I fight the urge to pull her to bed as my pants get tighter when my need to touch her grows. “On second thought, I can think of something to occupy us for the next thirty minutes.”
I raise my brows and try to pull her to her bed. She laughs, “Mhmm, I’m sure you could think of something, but I need to change. Sorry.” She winks, sticks her tongue out and goes to her bathroom. I readjust my jeans and make a mental note to make her pay for that later.
***
We’re at Striker Bowl and it’s overflowing with tour members, media and fans outside. As we walk further in Hope grips my hand tighter and looks at me nervously. I squeeze her hand twice for reassurance.
“Okay,” She says loudly over the music. “I know it’s not a normal bowling night and this is an event but I didn’t expect it to be this busy. This is nothing like bowling at home.” She laughs as we reach the counter to get our shoes.
“It’s been awhile since I’ve been one of these things.” I say quietly, not trying to bring up bad memories. “But, yes it seems to have grown from past years. Let’s just have fun, looks like we’re over there.” I point to where I see Ariel, Mike, Ryker, Cole, Aiden and The Destroyed.
“Umm...I should warn you.” Hope says with concern. I look at her curiously and she is bright red.
“Whaaatt??”I ask curiously.
“I’m.” She mumbles quietly and so fast I couldn’t understand anything she said.
“Speak up, I couldn’t hear you.” I laugh and she punches me.
“I suck at bowling, once I threw the ball backwards.” She shakes her head in embarrassment and I can’t help but to just laugh louder.
“Well...I’ll just catch it if that happens.” I wink and everyone greets us as we get to the lane.
Hope hugs Ariel and sits to put her shoes on.
“Ready for this?” Ryker asks.
“What do you mean? It’s bowling.” I retort.
“I mean all the cameras over there. You know at some point there will probably be questions.” I mouth silently to shut up because I don’t want Hope to hear. She’s already worried enough about this relationship.
“It’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it. If someone tries to ask questions, I’ll make sure its regarding business only.” Ryker nods and Ariel stands.
“Alright, I say rock stars versus us measly workers. Hope, Mike, Ian and I versus you four.” She wiggles her eyebrows trying to intimidate us.
Cole looks at us guys and shrugs. “Fuck yea, that’ll be easy.”
“Ready to lose?” I whisper in Hope’s ear and kiss her cheek.
“Fuck you.” She laughs.
We bowl, eat, sing along to the music playing and just have a great time with everyone. Hope definitely isn’t the greatest bowler, but seeing her laughing, carefree and just having fun makes me almost forget that it’s not just us all hanging out as friends.
“Hey, I’m going to grab some more drinks and food. You all need refills?”
“Yes!” Ariel says and the guys all nod in agreement.
Hope smiles and nods.
“Okay, I’ll be back.”
I order refills from the concession stand and hear a cheer from the lanes. I look to see Hope and Ariel jumping and dancing when Ian strikes.
I can’t help but laugh and as my body swells with happiness. reword?
“Chase Franklin! Chase, hold up!” I hear a man’s voice call from behind me and I turn to see a reporter rushing up with his phone reached out.
I sigh, I don’t want to interview, but the band could use some good publicity.
“Hey, man. How are you?”
A blonde hair man in jeans and a tight polo, with dark, square framed glasses approaches.
“Great! I’m fantastic. How are you? I’m Dean, from Don’t Miss A Beat, an online music magazine. Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions? I’d love to get the inside scoop on the Rock star rising from the ashes.”
I try to refrain from rolling my eyes. “Sure, but I’m about to be up bowling so just a few okay?”
“Sure, let’s get started then. How does it feel to be back on tour, living out your dreams again and how are you doing things differently this time around?”
I nod with a smirk on my face, such a typical question, one I’ve answered so many times before tour even started.
“It is the best feeling. I mean music is what I’m supposed to be doing and my wreck was a low time in my life, I’m so grateful to be back here doing what I love. As far as doing things differently, I’d like to think I’m more mature. I learned from my mistakes and I am solely focused on making our music better. The band and I are working our asses off.”
I smile and look back to our lane where Ariel, Hope and everyone are looking at me being interviewed. Ariel gives me a thumbs up and smiles. She knows we need this.
Dean nods with excitement and smiles, bringing his phone closer to him as he asks the next question.
“So and don’t take this the wrong way, but when you say focused on the music, does that mean no drinking or partying?”
Anger surges through me and I try to contain it, I knew these questions would come up, so I try to stay professional.
“Right, that means no drinking or partying. Like I said, nothing but the music.”
He nods, “Great, learned from your mistake did ya? Good to hear.”
I’m getting more agitated with each question, but I just hope he wraps it up soon.
“So, Hope Richards. What can you tell me about her? She’s the new tour assistant right?”
Oh, Dean has my attention now and by the look on his face he knows it. I’m a little unsure what to say, but we said we’d make a statement. I know we said we’d talk about it tonight, but if I don’t say something they’ll look deeper into it, making it a bigger deal.
“Hope is the new assistant. She was hired just before tour started. She is a great addition to our team. Everyone loves having her around, plus she works her ass off.” I breath to relax a bit, that wasn’t that bad. I didn’t say too much.
He nods and looks across the room to Hope, smiling. “You two looked a little close over there. Does that mean the rumors that you’re dating are true?”
There’s the question I’ve been waiting for. I look back to Hope who is nervously biting her nails.
“I-um..”
Before I can answer he throws another question out.
“Do you think dating a good, down to earth, nobody will better your image?”
Now I’m angry and there’s no hiding it.
“Look, watch what you say. That girl over there is one of the most kind hearted people I’ve ever met and she brings out the best in me. So, there. There’s your answer.”
He smiles and just when I think he’s satisfied he points his phone back in my direction.
“So...what you’re saying is Lauren… your ex was the reason you partied so much? That Hope is good for you? I mean it was Lauren you were with the night of your wreck right?”
That’s it, I can’t control the anger rising inside of me anymore. Where the fuck do they get this stuff?
“You know what buddy, fuck off. Interview’s over.”
The guy laughs, knowing he hit a sore topic and I walk off.
“Hey... are you okay?” Hope asks, concern written all over her face. I wrap my arms around her and squeeze tight.
“What was that about?” Ryker asks.
I shake my head, “Nothing, just a fucking prick that’s all.”
“What happened, it looked good at first. I thought some positive publicity would be a good thing.”
I nod, “I did too, until the guy wanted to bring up my wreck and kept pushing me. Just forget it. Let’s play another game.”
I smile to Hope, “You’re up first this time. Don’t throw it backwards.”
I wink at her and she sticks her tongue out.
The mood lightens, but I’m still steaming from that interview and now I’ll be anxious until it’s released.