Chapter Three
Zeke wasn't in the business for shattering people's dreams. These damn reality shows did just that. Ask for a bit of honesty and you get blasted. Danielle and Tucker were the least of his concerns, because at least they'd had a decent, civilized conversation, even though Zeke did jump the gun and get defensive.
Jared, however, wasn't impressed.
“You were an ass tonight! Nobody wants another version of Simon Cowell, man.”
“I was nowhere near as harsh as Simon. I stated how I felt. Isn't that what you wanted?” he snapped after the show ended. Jared cornered him instantly.
“You're supposed to be encouraging.”
“Encouraging? I was encouraging to every single contestant!” he protested.
“You made one nearly break down on stage tonight. That song was important to Ariel.”
“Dude, I said she's got talent, and she does. The song choice just didn't show it. That's all I said. Why am I getting flack for it? I figured Tucker would be on my side, since he writes soul deep tunes. It didn't sound like either of them were 100% into Ariel's song.”
Jared let out a sigh. His eyes narrowed, and the look he shot Zeke wasn't a pleasant one.
Zeke paced the office. “Are you banging her or something? Playing favorites? Is that why I'm being slammed for speaking honestly? Because frankly, that's a bunch of bullshit, especially since I wasn't too harsh on her. I was honest.”
“Fuck you, man. She's a close friend of the family, okay? It's not that I'm banging her, because eww, she's like a little sister to me. This goes nowhere, because if people knew I have even the slightest connection to Ariel, her chance would be shot down before it begins. I'm proud of her for getting up here on the show.”
“So tell me the meaning behind the song.” So there was a connection! Zeke still wasn't set on Jared's answer that he wasn't banging her. He'd bet Jared had some kind of feelings for her. Just one of those nagging thoughts in the back of his mind.
Jared turned away. “That's not for me to discuss.”
Exasperation filled him. “I'm not going to be extra nice just because she's a friend. You wanted honesty, and you know that's exactly what I give. It's not fair for you to pull me in the office and ridicule me like I did something wrong.”
Jared pursed his lips. “All I'm asking is for you to go a little easier. I'm not saying cheat. I'm not saying go against how you feel.”
“Oh, for the love of... You're a walking contradiction. We better not have this BS at the end of every show. If you don't mind, I'm going to go now. Have a good night.”
Jared slammed the door on his way out.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
*****
“Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to reveal the singer who will not be returning next week. The fans have voted, and the results are in.”
Ariel fought to breathe. She wasn't ready for the unveiling tonight. By the sounds of everyone's reactions last night, she had a feeling she'd get the boot.
“Judges, before we make the announcement, do you have any other words for all of our singers?”
Ariel sucked in a deep breath, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger. Great. More comments? She'd never worried about them before, but she also never feared being booted off as much as she did tonight.
Danielle cleared her throat. “I hate this part of the show, and I want you all to know you have so much potential. If you go home tonight, go home knowing you made it this far. Keep going after your dream, no matter what.”
And why did she look at her? Ariel smiled weakly. Was this an omen? A sign?
“I know a little of what ya might be feelin' tonight. I went through this every week. I thought 'No way am I gonna make it past this round'. My advice to you is to never sell yourself short. You are worth something. Every door closed is another one open down the line. Keep on dreamin'.” Tucker folded his hands together on the table in front of him. He made eye contact with each and every contestant.
“There are a lot of components that make an artist. Each of you has many of those, and it'll take a lot of hard work, luck, and the right time to make your career. Don't let a no stop you.” Zeke's words surprised Ariel. She'd expected something else from him. To add to the shock, his eyes were directly on her this time. They held an intensity, and she wasn't sure why. Did he expect her to be marked off tonight?
Facing away from the judges, she gathered her composure. Who cared? Let Zeke think what he wanted. This dream wasn't for him. After this show, she would never have to see him again anyway, and she'd be a nameless face in a sea of people he'd dealt with on a daily basis.
“The three singers with the lowest scores are...” The drum roll sound began for effect, and what a damn effect. Ariel couldn't stop worrying. She attempted to keep a straight face and wait.
And then came more waiting.
“Sandrine Wilcox.”
The young Italian teen burst into tears as she moved to stand next to the announcer.
Aww, hell. This was freaking brutal.
“Ariel Lexington.”
Damn! Sure, she'd expected it, but this made it even more real.
I will not cry. I will not fall apart.
She went to stand beside a still crying Sandrine, and damn it, Ariel settled her gaze back to the judges. Tucker kept a neutral face, but compassion shone in his eyes. Danielle covered her lips with her left hand, hot orange nail polish glinting in the spotlights.
And Zeke, damn those sexy smoldering eyes, he still stared at her. What was the deal? Why did he continue to watch her?
“Jake Ellis.” The announcer, a young thirty-something blond by the name of Elliot read off the last name. Jake, a twenty year old prodigy from Florida, stepped up beside the two of them. “We'll be back after the break to announce the performer going home tonight.”