I don't own anything
A/N: Alright I hope you guys like this new story; and I want to give you guys some background on it okay. I've been thinking about my stories lately and I've come to realize that I've been doing Troy wrong, for the most part in most of my stories he's been the reason for the Traylor troubles well for this story I'm going to change that. So I hope you all like it and please don't forget to tell me what you think.
Chapter One
She had waited nearly two months to finally make her way back to New Mexico so that she could see her boyfriend. Standing outside his dorm, she turned and thanked one of the guys who had let her in. Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked twice on the door. "It's open." He called out, his voice sounding slightly annoyed. Maybe he was studying for a test or something, Taylor thought to herself as she opened the door and calmly stepped inside only to have her world crash around almost immediately as she took in the sight before her.
"Taylor…Taylor…are you even paying attention to me." Her roommate and friend Denise Copeland asked as she settled herself down on the bed across from her. Taylor blinked up at her friend while mentally shaking the depressing memory from her mind. "Taylor!" she called again impatiently as she continued to watch her.
"What, Nise…," Taylor replied as she quickly got out of bed and walked over to her dresser. Denise watched her silently considering each and every movement. Though they had only been rooming together for about three months, she was at the point now where she could tell if her roommate was upset about something. Usually it was about an upcoming test or grade but that couldn't be not now. Not when she had just returned from fall break. In fact before Taylor had left for her home state of New Mexico, she was excited about seeing her boyfriend again. Oh no. "What?" Denise jumped as Taylor's voice pulled her from her own musings.
"Taylor, what happened when you went home?" Denise asked bluntly, it must have been a family trait because she never really beat around the bush, she just asked her question outright and she hoped that Taylor would appreciate that. Taylor sighed and bowed her head for a moment while placing her hands on the dresser in front of her.
"Nothing happened Nise." Taylor replied softly as she shook her head immediately seeing an image of them lying together in bed, both naked or she assumed both of them naked. She really didn't stick around to see.
"Bullshit." Denise exclaimed with a shake of her head. "You're upset about something and I know it's that boyfriend of yours what happened did he look at another girl…was he talking to another girl…did he-."
"He was dating," Taylor paused and shook her head for a moment before sighing. "He was dating this other girl…he said he was waiting to tell me in person, that I deserved to know in person that we no longer fit." Denise's eyes widen at Taylor's soft declaration, before shaking her head in and getting up off her bed.
"I'm so sorry, Taylor." She whispered as she reached out to place a hand on her friend's shoulder. Taylor shrugged out of her hold and then shook her head. "I'm so sorry."
"Well, so am I," Taylor muttered. "Do you know all I did for him. I trusted him, I let him be my first even when I wasn't sure that I having sex was something that I actually wanted to do at the time but I loved him so I did it," she paused and wiped a tear from her eye and then looked at Denise. "I loved him and then I find out like this, and you know what the sick part is…my friends all knew about it but they didn't tell me. No…no one ever told me while I sat gushing over the phone about how wonderful my boyfriend is or how much I loved him. Ugh! I feel like such a fool." She exclaimed hotly as she looked over at Denise who stood silently by letting her vent all her anger and pain out about the situation.
"No, he's the fool for letting someone like you go…he's the fool." Taylor shook her head and looked over at Denise with a small smirk.
"Thanks Denise, but I'm pretty that won't cheer me up…he's the one with someone that loves him…and to top it all off he's happy, while I'm this." She stated finishing the sentence by motioning to herself. "A lonely ugly mess."
"You're not ugly, Taylor."
"Then why did he leave me…oh and you should have just seen the other girl, she looked at me so smugly like she was secretly stating, 'How dare I, think that someone like him would have ever wanted someone like me,' and you know what she's right."
"No she isn't, Taylor." Denise replied softly. "Don't let them win, they just want to break you…you and I both know it. The best thing for you to do is rise above it and become bigger than the both of them, and we both know that you can do it." Taylor just sighed and looked away from her and walked back over to her bed and collapsed on it. "Taylor?"
"Denise…I'm sorry but I would really like to be alone right now." Denise nodded her head as she looked down at Taylor's figure on the bed. She looked broken, and nothing like the happy go getter that she had been at the start of the semester.
"Okay…I'll go but please don't sit in here beating yourself up over what he did…he's not worth and certainly not worth your tears. He missed out on something great and that's his fault not yours consider yourself lucky that you didn't waste anymore time with him." Taylor didn't say anything, she just shifted in her bed and pulled her pillow closer to herself hugging to her body as if it would protect her from all the pain she was currently feeling at the moment. "Alright I'm going to go." Denise replied as she stepped out of the room.
Once alone, Taylor sat up and then walked over to the mirror above her dresser and just stared into it. Trying her best to figure out what had made him turn away from her…what had made him go to another woman when she was with him. Shaking her head, she couldn't help but feel so stupid. With a sigh she walked over to her desk and sat down in front of her computer, she looked at the blank screen for a moment and wondered what exactly she was going to do. One of her electives for the semester was a music class, where the teacher was teaching them the art of song writing. Taylor pulled up the song writing homework and just sat there and looked at it. She had a 16-bar song due soon, tapping her fingers on the keyboard of her laptop for a moment she thought about her feelings and how she could express them best. After another minute her fingers cautiously began typing out her song.
~*~*~*~~*~*~*~
Darius Combs sighed as he and his best friend Julius McCarthy pulled up outside of the Harvard Café a place where Harvard students and those with invitees could come to show of their creative talents. There was poetry reading, short stories, mini musical concerts…if a Harvard student made it, it could possibly end up on display here in the café, however for Darius Combs this wasn't exactly the place he would to visit especially since he was looking for a talent that could just start his label Dee Records. He was going to finally graduate from the business school and that was going to his job, running his own label. He never liked taking instructions from anyone, which was why him finishing college was such a big deal. Turning off his car, he shifted in his seat so that he could openly glare at his friend. "Look man I know we're Harvard students all, but seriously we should be heading towards New York…to see some real talent." He snapped with a shake of his head. Julius just gave him a smile and opened his car door.
"Relax man…I have this friend… um Kimberly well she taking this class about song writing and last week they performed their songs in class, and she told me that this girl could knocks the socks off of anyone and did it to Dr. Kilgore and you know he was a hard teacher to impress." Darius paused as he got out of the car, leaning across the hood he raised and eyebrow.
"This girl impressed Kilgore."
"Yeah, man…in fact he's the reason she's performing tonight. Now this is about as unknown as you can get. The girl has talent that's a given man. She's smart too, so you won't be dealing with any stupid fool that will get in her own way." Julius stated with a smile, "Hell she even showed me a picture of her on a Facebook. She's a nice looking girl, very marketable. Besides you're still looking for that label defining act and I'm telling you, I heard her over the phone, she gave me chills man. Just think about what she could do if you heard her live. She's the real deal, Dee…she's the real deal."
Darius studied his friend; Julius had never really led him wrong. Heck he had been the one to hire Carlos and his girlfriend Alisha as a beat-making team. It wouldn't hurt just to check this one girl out, besides it wasn't like he had any artist to get back too.
"Fine…let's go see her, but she better be good." Julius just smiled and hopped out of the car followed by Darius who was moving at a slower pace.
"Don't worry she's good." They entered the club, and immediately saw Julius' friend Kimberly Smith standing by the door, seemingly waiting on their arrival. Once she saw them, she smiled and rushed over to them latching on to Julius' arm as she did.
"There you guys are…you know I had to ask her to wait a bit just for you two…I didn't want you two to miss a single note, she really is great." Kimberly replied as she led them through the room towards a small booth that faced the stage. It was a perfect angle for them all, meaning that none of them had to turn to catch sight of the stage. Darius settled down beside Julius and looked over at Kimberly. Julius quickly spoke up.
"Um Kimberly allow me to introduce you too Darius Combs, CEO and founder of Dee records and Darius allow me to introduce to you my friend Kimberly Smith." Darius graced the girl with a small smile and extended his hand towards her and shook it loosely before speaking.
"So Julius tells me you discovered this young lady and her incredible talent." He stated, as she nodded her head and smiled brightly at him.
"She's real good…the song almost had me in tears, I felt so bad for her. She has the time of talent that pulls you in and makes you feel what she's feeling every time. Her voice gave me chills, and I'm telling you right now she's amazing. I just know that you're going to love her." Darius quickly bit his tongue, he didn't think it would be right to tell her that he would be the judge of that. Hell, people like different things, for all he knew this girl could sound like a donkey dying in hell. As soon as he finished the thought, lights dimmed and the small band that had gathered on stage started and a young African American woman walked up to the microphone that was covered by the spotlight. Darius took the woman all in, he wouldn't admit to her face just yet but she was absolutely beautiful. He watched silently as she closed her eyes and started the song.
Loving you is... stupid
Because I know that you never really loved me
And you never gave me a sign so I could see
That you and me would never have possibilities
Julius leaned over smiling at Darius silence and spoke up quickly. "So what do you think?" Darius quickly took his eyes off of the stage and shot Julius a look that clearly meant that he should shut up immediately and turned his attention back to the stage towards the young woman who was still singing her song.
And I feel so stupid
After all the nights you left me lonely to die
And you never gave me a reason why
And now I sit all alone and I cry
Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, OhhAm I stupid?
I should have known you were only playing a game
And you and me would never be the same
You made me feel like I'm the one to blame
And I feel so stupid
After all those nights after nights that I tried
And all those conversations of lies
And I'm sitting here all alone and I'm crying
Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, Ohh
I'm crying
Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, Ohh, OhhOhh, Ohh, Ohh babyCan't believe you never knew I felt
All this love and there ain't no one else
Who could ever love me the way that you do, oh baby
You're all I need but you treated me so wrong and I can't believe it
How could you do me like you do?
Cause I've been so stupid for youYeah, yeah, yeah
ooo baby, ooo yeah, youWhy do you do me like you do babe
You baby, you darlin, yooou, hey
It's you baby, yooou, yeah
You baby, you darling, yooou don't take it
I'm stupid baby, I'm stupid darling, for youI'm the one to blame…I'm the one left with all the shame
I'm stupid baby…I'm stupid darling, hey
Stupid is as stupid does
I'm stupid for you baby just because
I'm stupid baby…Stupid darling
As she finished the song, she bowed her head as everyone stood up and started clapping their hands furiously. Darius sat there fixated on her for a couple of more minutes before leaning over towards Julius who was clapping nervously probably wondering if he even liked the young woman. "I want to meet her now." He spoke softly yet with authority as he looked at the stage. Julius smiled brightly at his words and chuckled.
"You got it…man I knew you would like her. In fact I think Kimberly told her that you would want to talk about some things with her." Darius just nodded happy with the news, he quickly returned this glaze to Taylor and took in her form. He could already see it; she would become the flagship for his label. The main reason why people would know his name and the name of his label, he knew he could make her household name and he knew he could do it within the year. There was no doubt in his mind that she was going to be a star and she would make him famous in the process. As Julius got up, Darius reached out and placed a hand on his arm.
"When she comes over I want to have a private conversation with her alright."
"No problem I'll just take Kimberly to the dance floor." Julius replied with a knowing smile, Darius just shook his head as the man walked away with Kimberly in tow. He watched silently as he spoke a few quick words to the girl who had just got finished singing. She looked over in his direction and gave him a quick wave before walking over by herself. Darius took that time to look her over, for a moment. There was one thing he didn't like right off the bat, she dressed to conservative for him. She already dressed like a married woman. Not a woman who was on the prowl for a man to provide for her every needs. He placed a small grin on his face, as she came over towards the table. Getting up he extended his hand towards her and put on his most charming face.
"Hello my name is Darius Combs." He replied as he motioned for her to get into the booth. "Now, what's your name?" Taylor blushed as she got into the booth and watched as Darius followed.
"My name is Taylor McKessie…so Kimberly and her friend told me that you were a record label executive or something."
"Owner." Darius replied causally as if he was telling her it was only merely raining outside. Taylor smiled at the expression on his face.
"I'm sorry…I think they told me you were an owner of a record label, so why did you want to meet me." She asked, Darius was actually surprised at the bluntness of her statement. Leaning back he wondered if he should start there or go into the song. He wanted her to join the label but he didn't want to come off as desperate.
"Why did you write that song? It seemed to be extremely personal, do you mind telling me why?" he asked again his voice smooth as he leaned over the table trying to seem as interested as he could. He wanted to her to believe that he cared, that was something that mattered to some artist and judging by the way she was acting that was exactly what she needed especially if his thoughts about the song were true. Taylor looked down and then away from him as she answered his question.
"It's a long story, Darius."
"Really, well it just so happens that I have all the time in the world for your story, in fact I have the rest of the night off." He replied smoothly as he looked at her with a smirk across his face. Taylor eyed him for a moment before shrugging her shoulders.
"I guess it's not that long of a story, my boyfriend from highschool…he cheated on me and not one of my friends who knew told me…in fact they claimed that it was his responsibility to tell me," she stated with disgust. "Not one of them were bothered when I called to talk to them about me heading out to surprise him or anything. I just found out, and then discovered that everyone else knew and they were keeping his secrets. I felt…stupid." Darius reached out across the table and latched on to her hand and sighed for a moment.
"I'm sorry," he replied in his most sincere voice, "I'm really sorry that, that had to happen to you but look at it this way. At least you now know who your true friends are…and it certainly isn't them. They hurt you badly, and the only reason for that is because deep down they never cared about you or your feelings." He replied bluntly, as he looked at Taylor. He could tell that his words were hurting her, but he knew he needed to get them all out. "Boy is he lucky I don't even know his name, cause if I did I would go find him and hurt him for hurting you."
"You barely know me."
"And yet I care more than anyone of those fake friends of yours back home. That song displayed your pain and hurt for everyone to see, and for friends to force that type of song out of you is just horrible. They weren't loyal to you, and loyalty is a big thing with me. There's nothing worst than disloyalty."
"You don't have to worry about him or them, they are out of my life for good." She replied hoping that she could for once keep the bitterness out of her tone. Darius smiled and sat back in his chair studying her. Feeling extremely self-conscious as he continued to look her over, she spoke again. "What?"
"Nothing. I'm just sitting here listening to your strength and to tell you the truth, the more I heard you speak the more I want you on the label. So, do you want to finish your degree…believe me I can do that for you we can work something out and I'll make sure it's still a Harvard degree, but Taylor please believe me when I tell you this. You can make something of yourself…you can become more than you ever dreamed of."
"Whew! Boy do you talk a mean game."
"This isn't game…these are promises that I'm giving to you. Give me a year, hell you might need it anyway to recover from what that bastard did to you. Give yourself time, and let me help you become something huge. I'll make you famous."
"Now that right there is a promise of massive…," she trailed off as she thought about everything. She was still her same old boring self; no one who claimed to be her friends cared about her. It probably would be for the best if she actually gave herself a chance at new start, a new life. "Fine, I'll do it." Darius eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you serious?" he asked happily as he looked at her for a moment in complete shock. "I mean for real, are you serious?" Taylor giggled at his reaction and nodded her head.
"I'm very serious…I think it's time I gave myself a new start." Darius calmed down while silently thanking God for his luck in bringing Taylor into his label where he would have no trouble making her into a world-wide star.
~*~*~*~~*~*~*~
Five years later…
Troy sat in his room silently going over his songs again and again in his mind. The representative from Dee records had told him earlier this week a executive from the label would come to see him tonight to see if he was worthy of a deal. He had so much riding on this, he hadn't talked to his father in about two years ever since he quit during his last year of college to focus on his musical talents. He did, however try his best to keep in contact with his mother who kept him informed about the happenings back in New Mexico. The decision he made also drove Gabrielle away into the arms of Ryan Evans. He wasn't bitter anymore but he was pretty sure that because they were currently still living in New Mexico that he wouldn't be returning home anytime soon. He wanted time to develop himself and show them that they were absolutely wrong about him and that he was going to become big star. Picking up his guitar, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Whatever happens…happens." He murmured to himself quietly as he continued to get ready for his set.
Darius Combs walked into the dim light club, and shared a looked with his talent rep who had told him over the phone that he might want to come out to California to see this new artist who he found playing in seedy bars and was a local favorite. Darius gave the room a sniff, and frowned. "Julius, this guy better be great since you want me to view him here in this dump."
"Oh come on man…this isn't that bad, besides it has atmosphere, and it also builds great character." He replied with a smirk, Darius just rolled his eyes and shook his head for a moment before following Julius through the crowd of fully seated tables till they came to a booth that was currently unoccupied. "Now I'm telling you this is probably the cross over artist that you need right here. I mean he'll bring in a whole new legion of fans."
"With the right team behind him," Darius replied not missing the opportunity to toot his own label's employees. "Now seriously what does he do…the suspense, is making me weary." He drawled out lazily as he settled back into the cushion of the booth. Julius just smiled as the house lights dimmed and an older man with a head of white hair appeared before them.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm glad you all could turn out for tonight's entertainment…Troy Bolton is a good friend of mine so give him a round of applause and listen to some damn good music." He stated as he clapped his hands and stepped off the stage.
"Troy Bolton…you know there was a Michael Bolton, and I wasn't too fond of his music." Darius replied with a shake of his head.
"Believe me, he's nothing like him. Dee, just give him a chance alright."
"Fine…but he better be good, or else it's coming out of your paycheck." He replied back with a shake of his head as he looked towards the stage. As soon as he turned his head a guitar riff started up as a young man walked onto the stage playing the hell out of his guitar, at least that was what Darius thought as he shifted in his seat so that he was sitting up a bit straighter while his ears cleaned themselves of any misconceptions that he might have had before the set started. He watched as the man walked to the mike and pulled it towards him just as he finished the riff.
This means nothing to me
'Cause you are nothing to me
And it means nothing to me
That you blew this away
"Well, I guess you did pick right huh." Darius replied with a smile as he started moving his feet to the music. Julius smiled mainly because he was relieved to see that Darius actually liked the young man for the past few months every talent that he had brought to the table was immediately shot down for whatever reason Darius could find. Thankfully this time he delivered, and Darius seemed extremely pleased.
'Cause you could have been number one You could have been number one
If you only found the time
And you could have ruled the whole world
If you had the chance
And you could have ruled the whole world
And we could have had so much fun
But you blew it away
"Wonder who he's singing about," Darius replied with a smirk as he rocked his head to the beat as the man stepped back and started another solo with his guitar, "Whoever she is, she's about to feel pretty bad when she's her ex on the television screen rocking out and bringing in the dough." He stated finishing his statement off with a bright smile.
"You know he plays all of his instruments…the background music you here, he made that as well. Apparently he picked up a number of skills at his college while he took theater, and he just recently graduated."
"He didn't pursue acting?"
"No, he just likes singing." Julius stated with a shrug, "Besides I thought one of your rules were to never look a gifted horse in the mouth."
"What I can't ask questions?"
You're still nothing to me You could have been number one You could have been number one You could have been number one
And this is nothing to me
And you don't know what you've done
But I'll give you a clue
If you only had the chance
And you could have ruled the whole world
If you had the time
And you could have ruled the whole world
And we could have had so much fun
But you blew it away
And you could have ruled the whole world
And we could have had so much fun
But you blew it away
As the song ended, Darius along with Julius stood up and applauded with the rest of the crowd while the young man bowed his head. Turning to his employee, Darius spoke while not even breaking his stride with his clapping. "I want to meet him now if possible; I figure we better jump on this before someone else comes along."
"Already got that settled, he'll be coming over here after he packs up." Darius smiled at him and just nodded his head.
"You keep this up and you'll be looking at a promotion." Julius nodded and moved away from the table while silently thanking God that the band had impressed Darius, for the last few months he had been bombing his presentations constantly, and at the same time pissing Darius off again and again. McKessie was their leading superstar, but all she had at the label surrounding her were acts that weren't even half as big. Darius was looking for that next great band, the one that he could place in a tour with McKessie and have it sold out by day one.
"Hey, Dee do you want anything while I'm up." Julius asked as he looked at his friend, Darius shook his head for a moment before speaking.
"Naw, just make sure he comes and talks to me…right now, I think I need get him before someone else gets them." Julius nodded his head and walked away. Leaning back against the sofa, he watched as Julius spoke to a brown headed young man who then made his way over to the table. He graced the man with a smile and then motioned towards the space opposite of him.
"Hello sir, my name is Troy Bolton." The brown haired young man stated with a confident smile. Darius sized him up silently while lifting his hand up off the table and extending it towards him.
"Hi, my name is Darius Combs, Troy." He replied, "Please have a seat, and please don't call me sir…I'm not that much older than you." He stated with a chuckle as he looked at him. "
"So, Darius… Julius told me an executive would be coming to see me but I never expected the owner of Dee Records." Darius leaned back then and waved his hand for a moment before speaking.
"Look, I know it's not conventional, but I've been doing this since day one…for every artist that is on my label, I've viewed them personally before signing them. My motto is if you want something done right you better do it yourself."
"Sounds lonely."
"It works. Let's just say when it comes to my artists I like to be intimately involved." Darius replied quickly, almost snapping at the young man who dared questioned his style of doing things. He looked at Troy for a moment and chuckled. "Look let's talk about what I really want to talk about and that is signing you to my label."
"You seriously want to sign me to your label?" Troy asked stunned, he had spent months sending out demo tapes of his work and he had always ended up being rejected. Not one executive liked his approached to music which was basically delving into whatever style he believed would be best for the song. "You do know that I really don't have a set genre."
"And that makes you unique and I always like selling unique acts believe me that's not a problem." Darius replied with a small smile on his face. "We'll make it work, especially for a talent like yours…I mean seriously I have a feeling that you could be one of the great artist of our time, it's about time someone else came along that can move millions of people with his music."
"Thank you."
"So what do you say…will you join Dee records?" Troy looked at him for a moment before nodding his head and moving his hand across the table.
"I would love too."
"Good welcome aboard." Darius replied as he shook Troy's hand with a smile. "Julius will be in contact with you with more information now if you will excuse I need to get going I have some things I need to take care off, however I don't think it would be to much of a stretch if you were to come out to the annual label concert we put on every year as a charity event."
"That sounds fine…just tell me the time." Troy replied anxious to begin his journey as a label artist. Darius looked at him for a moment and then motioned for Julius to come over. When Julius was standing at the end of their table he spoke again. "Julius will arrange everything…just bring yourself, oh and I hope you're prepared to make the move out to New York. I'm more of an east coast type of guy myself." He replied with a bright smile as he turned towards Julius.
"Get him first class tickets and anything else he needs…and I'll see you both at the concert." Darius shook hands again with Troy and then gave a nod to Julius before walking out of the room. Troy turned towards Julius and nervously rubbed a hand through his hair.
"That went well right."
"Oh yes it did," Julius gushed as he looked at him for a moment. "Darius hardly ever extends an invitation to new artists, he really likes you and your style." Troy just nodded his head for a moment as a brief smile appeared on his face. It seemed that finally all of his hard work was going to pay off. "Oh and what's the name of that song?"
"Uno…um, I made it for a girl I used to date, she dumped me for another guy." Troy replied with a shrug, if Julius had asked him this question months ago around the time that it had happened he would have went off into an entire story about how he had followed her from their high school to college only to have her dump him later on for one of their old high school friends who had gone to Julliard.
"I bet once she sees you on television and hears you on the radio she'll feel like she missed out on something." Troy quickly thought about her and her family and shook his head.
"I'm not in this for the revenge factor, and besides I'm pretty sure she's happy." Just like I want to be, he thought as he turned and picked up his guitar case that he had set down during his talk with Darius. Julius watched him for a moment, before speaking.
"I'll call you with the information." Standing up with his case in his hands, Troy nodded his head and gave Julius a brief smile.
"I'm looking forward to the concert, will I get to meet the other artist on the label."
"Yeah, and you're probably even work with Darius' top prize project McKessie have you heard of heard her." Troy nodded his head, almost everyone had heard of McKessie. She was an extremely seductive artist whose voice could practically make any man break out into a cold sweat. Her body was banging, and there wasn't a man alive him included who hadn't at some point thought about what it would be like to get with her. Even though he couldn't help but feel something like déjà when he watched her videos.
"Yeah, she's a great artist."
"Darius has been looking for someone to sing this song he has for her. And so far no one has measured up to his expectations…maybe you'll be that guy." Troy nodded his head as he thought about the actually buzz that would come out about him if he could actually pull a duet like that.
"I certainly hope so, look I better get going. I just want to thank you for believing me and giving me this opportunity, Julius." The older man nodded his head.
"Believe me…if this works out we just helped each other." With that said, Julius turned and left the bar, leaving Troy alone inside the bar, so he could talk things over with his band mates and then greet his fans.
~*~*~*~~*~*~*~
Taylor groaned as she felt the rays of the sun land on her face, with a small moan she blinked and lifted a hand, rubbing her eyes open she felt a heavy weight on her abdomen. Turning her head slightly she paused as she saw Jamal Westland lying beside her in bed. Rolling her eyes in annoyance, she glared at the muscular brown arm that was slung around her middle as if it belonged there. That alone, the idea that he could think that he belonged with her pissed her off, another wave of annoyance hit her as she realized that he had listened to a word she had said the night before. Obviously he thought he knew better, well she was going to give him a rude awakening…and she meant that literally and figuratively. Moving quickly she pushed herself up into a sitting position not caring one bit about her nakedness as she shoved his muscular arm off her body, while fuming over the fact that he hadn't left after their encounter the night before. It had been quite pleasurable but he was completely ruining his worth by remaining here after the deed had been done. "Jamal, get da hell up." She shouted angrily as she reached down and slapped his shoulder. Jamal awakened with a grunt, and turned his head so that he was looking up into Taylor's face with for some reason looked completely furious. He searched his mind for a reason as to way she would be looking that way and decided that the best to counteract a sour attitude was with a good one.
"Good morning beautiful…I just know it's going to be a good day since I'm waking up with you right next to me." He replied with a chuckle hoping that his kind words would pull her from the bad attitude that was now upon her. Pushing himself up off the bed a bit, he sent her a small smile full of nervousness. Narrowing her eyes at him and feeling more than a little angry Taylor resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his corny line and spoke.
"It would be a good morning if you weren't still in my bed…at this very moment." She snapped out angrily displaying every ounce of annoyance she was feeling towards him while completely making the smug nervous smile disappear as he heard her words. Shaking his head in shock, he pushed himself up fully and looked at her with stunned disbelieving eyes.
"You've got jokes, I always have been a sucker for girls with a sense of humor, ha ha baby it was real funny," at Taylor's silence he continue on his own anger over the situation coming out in his voice as it grew deeper. "I thought you enjoyed last night, since you were screaming my name like nobody's business and aren't we in a relationship." He asked snappishly as he watched her silently daring her to say different. Taylor merely smirked at his statement and threw her head back laughing. It always amazed her that when the tables were turned men sounded exactly the same. They sounded stupid, just like she did all those eyes ago.
"I don't date, Jamal…and we certainly aren't in a relationship. Sex doesn't constitute a relationship especially with me." Jamal stared at her in stunned silence as she got out of the bed. Not caring that she was naked at the moment. He watched as she moved across the room before speaking.
"I can't believe you just said that to me." He exclaimed shocked, Taylor turned and gave him a patronizing smile while shaking her head and clicking her tongue in disappointment with a hint of dark humor.
"You sound…so…weak, I mean isn't this what you say to women all the time, isn't that what you men do. You use women…and then you discard them. I bet you don't like things being shifted to the other foot huh."
"Does Darius know you act like this?" Jamal sneered angrily.
"I'm not dating Darius; he looks after me…especially after what happened to me. He makes sure I only get involved with people that will actually care about me, just like he does." She snapped not like the fact that he tried to bring the only family she has left into the conversation…into their own personal situation. Jamal realizing to late that he had made a mistake stood up and walked towards her with his hands held out hoping that he could really talk some sense into her.
"I'm sorry…it's just that all of this is coming out of left field and I'm losing my cool." Taylor crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head.
"I told you quite plainly to leave last night."
"And I thought you were joking." He all but shouted as he shook his head in disbelief, Taylor watched him for a moment before shrugging her shoulders.
"Look, Jamal I'm not going to stand inside of my own bedroom which resides in my own home fussing and fighting about what you thought I meant last night when I told you as plain as day that I wanted you to leave." Jamal watched as she moved about the room calmly picking up his clothing. She walked over to him, and tossed them into his arms, before going back to her pile of clothing and picking them up as well. Lifting her head slightly she watched him for a moment before groaning. "Are you slow or something…you need to get dressed and then get out of here. I'm not going to tell you again."
"Fine…but don't you come crawling back to me, when you want me again." He snapped angrily as he looked at her while pulling on his pants. "I don't want to hear a damn thing."
"Believe me, I can get what I need from anyone," she replied with a wide smirk while biting back a laugh as she looked over at him. "You're not the only man I know or the only man I can get." She reached into a drawer taking out a soft towel. As Jamal stood up and began putting on the rest of his clothing. Taylor watched him as he did so, until he was finished.
"Do you want me to leave out the back door too?" he snapped furiously as he studied her for a few moments. Taylor just shook her head and sighed as she stepped towards her bedroom door.
"Not unless you parked there, don't worry Maria will show you out. You must have obviously forgotten the way since you didn't get the hell out last night." She replied as she motioned for him to walk through the door. Jamal gave her one look, and then slipped by her and walked down the stairs. Wrapping the towel and her body, she followed behind them.
"You don't have to worry; I'm not going to make a detour." He snapped over his shoulder when he noticed her following close behind him.
"Doesn't matter…I just want to make sure you get out of here without incident Jamal, which would have never happened if you had listened to me and actually done what I had asked you." He turned to glare at her, but Taylor seemed completely undisturbed as she looked at pass him towards an elderly black woman. "Maria, could you please show Mr. Westland out."
"Certainly." The older black woman replied as she looked expectantly at Jamal who descended the stairs. Taylor watched as Maria led him into the hallway. She waited till the door closed before taking a deep calming breath, just as Maria walked back into view. "Tay-Ann, he certainly did look like a nice young man."
"He served his purpose." Taylor replied with a bored expression. "You know I am not looking for a commitment." Maria gave her a sad expression for a moment before reached out and placing a hand on the young woman she had come to see as a daughter.
"But still you shouldn't be doing things like this, people will talk." Maria replied the concern dripping off each and every word. Taylor paused at that and looked at her. Ever since Darius told her what her family did to her, she had always thought of Maria as her mother.
"People already talk…look, Maria, …Darius texted me last night and said that he would be over this morning. If I'm not done with my shower by then, could you please sit him in the living room." Maria gave her one more concern look then nodded her head. "Maria, don't worry about it." Taylor replied again before turning around to head back into her bedroom. Stepping inside, she closed the door and headed quickly over to the bathroom while unwrapping the towel from her body. Stepping into the cool bathroom, she walked over to the shower stall and turned on the water till it was steaming hot. Getting inside, she stepped fully underneath the spray and closed her eyes. Just like always she was immediately haunted by the vision of the two of them. Shutting her eyes tight she leant forward resting her head against the shower wall while the hot scolding water rushed down on her as she trained to wash away the sounds of his laughing voice the one that mocked her daily. Sometimes it didn't matter how badly she treated a guy, it still felt like he always would have the upper hand.
After getting cleaned up and dressed, Taylor headed downstairs and instantly heard Darius in the kitchen with Maria. She should have known that he would show up early and hit up her maid for some food. Strolling into the kitchen she was surprised to see Darius behind the stove moving the pans over the open fire and Maria sitting on the stool behind the counter laughing at something he had just said. Leaning against the doorframe she watched silently. "Why, don't you come on in Tay besides I'm cooking this delicious meal for you." Darius replied without even looking up from his task. "Maria told me what happened this morning, and I thought you would like to taste my breakfast specialty." Climbing onto a stool that was connected to the breakfast nook, she smiled.
"And what specialty would that be, Dee…burnt egg with a side of coal."
"Hardy har har." He replied, "You are so damn funny, Tay-Ann," he picked up a pan and placed his creation on the plate and slid his creation easily onto the plate. "How about a three egg omelet covered in cheese, filled with hash browns, onions, and ham. I call it the country omelet in honor of my deep southern roots."
"Maria, are you sure you didn't cook it, it looks to perfect." Taylor replied as she looked over at her personal housekeeper and chef. Maria just chuckled at the question while Darius instantly replaced his smug smile with a pout at her words. He shook his head as a hurt extend appeared on his features.
"Wow, are you serious…you're going to stand there to my face and doubt me like that." He exclaimed as he reached out to grab the food. Taylor playfully pulled it back and giggled as Darius made a face at her.
"You children are really too much…I'm going to leave you two alone before you involve me in one of your famous food fights." Maria stated with a shake of her head as she exited the kitchen, as soon as she was gone the smile on Darius' face dropped as he circled the counter.
"Tay-Ann, Maria told me that you had a guest this morning." Taylor looked away from him for a moment, but he reached out and grabbed the bottom of her chin. "Talk to me." He implored as he bent his knees slightly so that he was looking her directly in the eyes.
"Well I didn't want him here." She replied back angrily as she shook her head in disgust. "He was just here when I woke up, acting like I never asked him to get the hell out after we were finished last night." Darius placed his hands on her shoulders and spoke softly.
"Are you alright." He asked knowingly, Taylor looked down for a moment before nodding her head, however after spending years together as friends, and practically as play brother and sister. He was the second half to her two person family, the other being Maria. She had a mother and a brother and that was all she needed. Darius took in her nod and silence and instantly knew that she was voicelessly lying. "Tell the truth."
"I…I had a flashback, and I saw them again…and then you know what follows. God that time had to be the worst time in my life, and I just feel like everyone I cared about turned around and supported him in disrespecting me and as you know it was everyone. Not just my friends…but my family as well." She whispered brokenly, Darius quickly pulled her into a hug as she whimpered against his chest.
"You know I would never do anything like that too you. I'm the only person that truly cares about you Tay."
"And Maria." He chuckled at that.
"True, I along with Maria we are the only people who really care about you." She tightened her hold on him and murmured.
"I know." He pulled back away from her and lifted his thumbs to brush the tears away that had fallen on her cheeks.
"Good, eat your breakfast…we have a studio run, and then a photo shoot, and I do not want you getting sick." Taylor playfully rolled her eyes and hopped onto the stool. As she began digging into her meal, she looked over at him.
"So how was your trip?"
"Uneventful…but I did pick up an artist so it seems like Julius will be keeping his job this go around." He replied dismissively, Taylor shook her head and pointed her fork at him before speaking.
"Julius is a good scout; he's the best you have…and he's your friend."
"Business and friendship…well sometimes, Taylor that doesn't mix well. I could have a better scout but you know I believe in loyalty and I'm going to remain loyal to Julius but let's be real, I've found all my biggest talent with you being my number one talent." He replied with a smile
"So you don't like the new guy." She knowing that he did, because if he didn't he would have never said uneventful, instead he would have went right into a tirade about how awful today's rising stars are in the music industry and how everyone whose new is fake and has to engineered by a sound director to at least sound decent.
"Don't like him…I love him, believe me, my mind is already running wild with the marketing ideas on how to package this guy and sell him to the masses." Darius replied his eyes lighting up like they usually did when he talked about business. Taylor giggled at his excitement and shook her head.
"Oh boy, do I get to meet him."
"He should be here for the annual charity concert, I'll introduce you too, now finish up we have a busy day ahead of us and I know how much you value having your nights free when they can be." He stated giving Taylor a knowing look. She looked back sheepishly and nodded her head as a small smile appeared on her face. Darius raised an eyebrow and motioned towards her breakfast plate. Taylor smiled and then picked up her fork and started digging in. Darius watched her silently for a moment before leaning back and flicking on the television she had mounted on the wall.
~*~*~*~~*~*~*~
After finishing her breakfast, Taylor and Darius drove downtown to his company studio one that he had purchased a few years ago after Taylor's second album went platinum. Darius always drove with a lazy disposition. Leaning back in his seat, he glanced over at Taylor with her hair blowing in the wind. He always liked to drive with the top down in car when he could. "So, Carlos tells me you have a song that you wrote." Taking her attention away from her iphone, Taylor looked up at him in surprise before nodding her head slowly as she met his glaze.
"Yeah, I was feeling sort of down and I wrote it the other day. He thinks its good enough to make the album cut." Darius just nodded his head as he tried his best to suppress the frown that was desperately trying to reach the surface. He didn't like not being involved with the intimated details of his artists'' creations. He simply didn't like not being in control. Taylor shot him a look and then slid down in her seat. "You're mad." She stated more than asked, he looked over at her quickly before shaking his head.
"No, Tay-Ann…I'm not mad…just…just a little upset, you know how I get."
"I do…but seriously it's really good and I'm not just saying that because I made it. Besides you told me I would have some say in this album, and besides this song talks about some things that I've only talked to you about. It actually let's me get off some frustration over several things in my life."
"All I want to know is have you found a singer for the duet." He replied back with a sigh, deciding that a different direction in conversation is needed at the moment, turning off the road and into the parking garage directly below his studio. Unbuckling her seatbelt, Taylor sighed and shook her head.
"Darius, you know I haven't…I don't think anyone has really experienced what I've been through, at least not the way I did." Shaking his head, he looked over at her as his mind went back to Troy Bolton and his singing voice. Almost immediately he was glad he had signed the young man and his band.
"I think the new boy will be perfect." Taylor looked at him for a moment before shaking her head. The song was incredibly personal to her, it had taken her at least a year to get it just the way she wanted. It was perfect and she wasn't going to let some fresh wet behind the ears singer to come in and ruin it with over singing while having absolutely no feelings towards the subject.
"Darius I really don't think that will be a good idea."
"Oh come on, Tay-Ann have I ever led you astray?"
"Well, yes there was that one time that you told me-." Darius cut his eyes over at her and Taylor shook her head realizing how serious he was trying to be. "No, Dee." He nodded his head calmly as he looked over at her.
"Good, now come on and let me hear that song and I'll tell you how I feel about it alright." She nodded her head and followed behind him into the studio. As they entered the main recording studio, Carlos, Darius' lead musical engineer stood up and walked over to them to embrace Taylor and shook Darius' hand. "So Tay tells me that you and her worked on a song." Darius asked raising an eyebrow.
"That's right Dee, man…Tay really out did herself with this song, I was pleasantly surprise." Carlos boasted as he rocked back and forth anxiously on his heels while beaming. Darius nodded his head and looked over Carlos' shoulder at his wife Alisha.
"Is the song really all dat?" he asked her with a smirk; as he lifted his head to move the in the motion of air quotations. Alisha looked at him and shrugged her shoulders.
"From what I've heard it has great potential…just depends on the marketing." Darius nodded and then looked at Carlos with a fake smile spreading across his face.
"Well I want to hear it." Carlos nodded and chuckled nervously as he headed over to the recording board. He looked at Taylor and then motioned her towards the recording booth. Taking off her jacket, she entered the booth and picked up the ear phones.
"I think you should hear it live." He replied as he studied the face that Darius was currently giving him. Crossing his arms over his chest, Darius sent him a look as the music started.
"This better be good Carlos." He walked over to him and sat down heavily. "I mean it." He finished his voice colder than ice, however his face still held its smile. Carlos stared at him for a moment totally stunned by his words before clearing his throat and starting the music. He shared a look with his wife before motioning for Taylor to begin. She closed her eyes, and started the singing.
I remember way back way back when Chorus But I will never be your stepping stone Verse 2 Chorus No I will never be your stepping stone Never be your stepping stone
I said I never wanna see your face again
Cause you were loving yes you're loving somebody else
And I knew oh yes I knew I couldn't control myself
And now they bring you back into my life again
And so I put on a face just like your friend's
But I think you know oh yes you know what's going on
Cause the feelings in me oh yes in me are burning strong
Take it all or leave me alone
I will never be your stepping stone
I'm standing upright on my own
You used to call me up from time to time
And it would be so hard for me not to cross the line
The words of love laid on my lips just like a curse
And I knew oh yes I knew they'd only make it worse
And now you have the nerve to play along
Just like the maestro beats in a song
You got your kicks you get your kicks from playing me
And the less you give the more I want so foolishly
But I will never be your stepping stone
Take it all or leave me alone
I will never be your stepping stone
I'm standing upright on my own...
Take it all or leave me alone
I will never be your stepping stone
I'm standing upright on my own
Take it all or leave me alone
I will never be your stepping stone
I'm standing upright on my own
As she finished her song, Darius unfolded his arms and started applauding as Taylor came out of the booth smiling brightly. "That was absolutely wonderful…beautiful," he gushed. "I can see the video for this right now you know that don't you." He exclaimed his mind already working out a way to make this as sexy as possible. He could see this being an anthem for women around the globe, the selling points on this song were truly remarkable.
"So you really liked it?" Taylor asked nervously as she shared a look with Carlos who stood by silently. Darius stepped forward and grabbed the small beard at the bottom of his chin and chuckled.
"Like it? No I didn't," he trailed off at the look of disappointment that splashed across her face. "I loved it…I can seriously see that as a single, what do you think Carlos." He asked directing his attention towards his producer. Carlos cleared his throat and nodded his head.
"Yeah, Tay it does have single strength." He stated with an affirmative nod of his head. Taylor smiled at that and then look back at Darius.
"Are you serious?"
"Look, I know that's not your normal style, but I think you audience…your fans would love it. It's almost like an anthem song, you know how Beyonce came out with 'Single Ladies' well this is another anthem joint right here, and you're just saying look… I'm not going to be your stepping stone. I love it." Darius pulled Taylor into a hug and chuckled good naturedly. "This is going to be a hit, congrats Tay you just wrote yourself a hit." They stayed there a few more hours talking about other songs for her upcoming album and once that was finished Darius took her to her photo shoot as usual Darius' one demand was that they make Taylor look as sexy as she could look with as little clothing on. Bending down slightly so that he could see the same photograph that the photographer was looking at he spoke out over the small din in the area. "Tay, lower that shirt a little…give me more of that back." Darius called out. Taylor looked over at him briefly and when he gave her a small nod she did what he had suggested. She had learned years ago that he usually knew what he was talking about; despite her discomfort she lowered the shirt and peeked over her shoulder at the camera.
"Damn!" One of the light men muttered as he took in Taylor's appearance. Darius smirked at the reaction and rocked on his heels as he watched Taylor take picture after picture looking absolutely delicious, this was all going to go into promotion for her upcoming album and he knew that these pictures would cause quite a buzz.
"That's great, Tay…keep giving us more of that." Darius replied with a bright smile as the photographer continued taking pictures. The photo shoot lasted for at least another hour, before Darius claimed that they had enough pictures. As he and Taylor walked back outside towards his car, he looked at her for a moment before speaking his voice taking on it's usual brotherly tone.
"You did really good today, Tay." He replied as he opened the passenger door to his car and helped her inside. "You're nothing but a star baby…but just remember I care about you more than anyone else, don't let people take advantage of you." He stated with a wink just before he closed the door. Taylor smiled as he closed the door, with a sigh Darius walked around the car and got inside and the drove off.
~*~*~*~~*~*~*~
A week later…
Troy checked himself over nervously as he sat in the back of the spacious limo next to Julius looking at Julius he motioned to his clothing and asked the question he had been asking all night. "Jules, do I look alright?" he asked as he looked at his friend who just smirked and nodded his head.
"I swear you ask me one more time, I'm kicking you out of the limo." Yolando chuckled jokingly. Looking at Julius who was sitting next to Troy he spoke. "I really don't know how many times I've told you, you look okay, but believe me, Troy…you are certainly are going to spark some interest. They'll be looking you up to see exactly who you are. Its good buzz, you wouldn't want to look plain cause then they'll just dismiss you," he paused for a moment as the limo rolled to a stop. Gracing all of them with a smile he spoke up smoothly. "Now just follow behind me, we're going to head up to the V.I.P. booth." Troy just nodded as the limo door opened. Julius slid out, and Troy followed him out. As soon as Troy stepped outside of the limo the camera flashes nearly blinded him. Now he knew why Julius wore his sunglasses, for the evening. Troy could hear the paparazzi calling out to him, Yolando and Oliver. However he didn't acknowledge them instead he just followed behind Julius. As soon as the doors opened the loud bass of the music seemed to shake Troy's soul, as he slipped through the bodies that seemed to go from wall to wall. Julius turned to him with a smile on his face.
"You're not use to this are you?" he asked with a chuckle as he reached back and patted him on the back. "Come on we gotta go upstairs." Troy watched as his friends nodded and then disappeared into the crowd, then he turned and followed Julius. Julius led Troy upstairs into a lounge which was crowded with cheering people. Troy looked around and noticed several rappers and singers and then he saw Darius chatting up a young very small black woman. "There's Dee, come on." Julius replied with a smile as he walked over. Troy cautiously followed behind him. As they neared them, Darius looked up and the woman left.
"Julius…Troy…good you're here I was just starting to wonder where you guys were." He replied with a smile, it was at that moment that Troy realized that Darius was smoking a cigar and drunk. "Where are the other two…two guys."
"Downstairs mingling."
"Good…good." Darius replied as he threw his arms over their shoulders. Looking at Troy, he spoke. "Man, I've been thinking about all the things we can do with your upcoming album, I got plans for you guys." He replied with a hearty slap on Troy's back. "Come on let me show you around." Julius and Troy shared a look as they both came to the conclusion that Darius was drunk. Darius, however not truly paying attention to their concerned looks glanced around the V.I.P. section till he saw who he was looking for. "Tay!" he yelled out excitedly. Troy looked up at that, and saw a slender black woman with long hair chatting it up with a Hispanic man and another black woman. "Tay, I know you hear me." He called with a chuckled as he puffed out some smoke from between his lips. "That's the one and only McKessie right there." Darius replied with a smirk, and Troy felt his heart jump in his chest. The woman shook her head and said something else to the people she was talking to before turning around. Troy's eyes widened as he took in the woman who he could easily admit to dreaming about mostly four times a year. A dream for each season. Her outfit was a standard McKessie outfit. She wore a small black suit that stopped well above her knees and highlighted her beautiful curvaceous body. Then he lifted his eyes from her body and looked into her face and froze just as her footsteps stumbled on her way over to them. He knew that she recognized him just as much as he now recognized her. As they continued to stare at each other silently, Darius' spoke in a drunken slur. "Tay-Ann McKessie…if you want to be nasty."
A/N: I know it was long, but please tell me what you guys think and should I continue.