The Fifty Chemicals of Romance

Chapter One

"Gerard, Frank, welcome!" says Jeff, the band manager, smiling warmly at us as we walk into his OCD office. This is probably the third time I have been in here, since Jeff usually meet us on the tour buses or on neutral grounds. But I instantly remember how uncomfortably neat it is and the overwhelming smell of fresh lilies. In short, it is very "Jeff": clean, organized, and good smelling.

"I hope you two are well. I have some big news for you both!" When his eyes light up like a little kid, it means that he is seriously excited about something. That something was usually a good gig. Nowadays it is probably some mind-numbing interview, with monotonous interviewers, from a dreary "cutting-edge" magazine. Since there is no new album out and we are technically temporarily off tour, it is most probably not going to be a show. Therefore, I prepare for the worst.

"Please, sit. Can I get y'all some coffee?"

He looks at Gerard expectantly as we take a seat in probably the most comfortable armchair I have ever sat in. I am instantly in love, I melt into the leather as Gerard happily agrees to coffee. Shocker.

I rub my hands on the armrests, feeling the quality when Jeff clears his throat and I realize he was waiting for my answer.

"Uh, no thanks Jeff." He nods and then dials three numbers on his phone. A soft voice of a young woman picks up.

"Sir?"

"We need two cups of coffee up here, one with five shots of espresso" He smiles at Gerard, "and one for me, you know how I like it. Thanks Susan."

"Right away sir." Susan replies professionally, before he ends the call.

Jeff sits back on his chair, pleased with himself. He is real young, bright, and full of wisdom. He has been our manager since the very beginning. I admire his wits and success and I am eternally grateful for everything he has done for this band. It is safe to say, we wouldn't be who we are without him.

I watch him as he begins to slowly lay papers out from a thin binder. I draw my attention back to my amazing chair only to be interrupted by Gerard.

"You found a gig for us Jeff?" He asks slyly.

I snicker looking at Gerard who winks at me discreetly.

"No! This is better!" He chuckles. "But first off how is Ray? And have you heard from Mikey and Alicia?"

Ray had gotten a real bad case of the flu at a gig in Seattle and we were forced to cancel the next few upcoming shows. Alicia was in hospital after some weird pains started coming, so Mikey decided to go home as well about two days ago. So it was now just Gee and I.

"Ray is still recovering, but he's better. Alicia is still in the hospital, so Mikey was hoping to say with her a while longer…"

"That's good to hear Ray's coming around! And I'll give Mikey a call this afternoon and tell him not worry. This will only require the two of you."

I sit up straighter and feel Gerard shift in his seat.

"So I got a call from a new cutting edge magazine, and they want to interview the both of you-" I try to choke back my laughter, causing Jeff to pause and blink at me obliviously, while Gerard's eyes flicker to me and back to Jeff with a ghost of a smile on his lips. Of course he knew what I was thinking. "-They want to get to know you, figure out your individual style, and find out what has kept you guys together for so long!"

He awkwardly searches our faces for a reaction. Gerard has his poker face on and I have the hand holding up my chin trying to cover my smile. Suddenly a blonde woman saves the day as she walks through the door carrying two boiling cups of coffee. Ooh.

She was cute, tall and blonde with a grand pair of legs as she skirted between our seats and hands Jeff his coffee. She then turns to hand one to Gerard. Giving me a perfect view of her ass.

"Thank you Susan." I look at Jeff and nearly die when I realize I'm not the only one staring at her gorgeous backside.

"Of course." And with that she exits the office.

"That's not the best part though!" He continues nearly exploding with enthusiasm. Gerard run his fingers through his hair in apprehension and I attempt to stifle another chuckle. "It's a week long and it's in Miami!"

My jaw drops a little even though I am holding it up and I see Gerard's fingers cringe around the coffee cup from the corner of my eye. A week-long interview? Jeff has clearly fucking lost it!

"Jeff…" Gerard begins, his voice sounding strained, but Jeff quickly cuts him off.

"Let me finish Gerard, then I can answer questions. The magazine feels that a twenty-minute interview is not going to capture the chemistry of this band. And I personally agree! It's a good magazine and they really want to document you guys. I think it's a wonderful opportunity to get the band some good publicity! Plus, they are covering all expenses, including the flight, first class I should add, and the hotel. You will be staying at one of the nicest hotels on Miami Beach!-"

First class? Miami Beach?

"-What about Ray and Mikey?" I blurt out.

"Well…" Jeff twists his fingers awkwardly. Geez, Spit it out Jeff. "Well, they want to document the chemistry between just the two of you."

Gerard instantly flushes the color of his hair. What the hell was Jeff getting at?

"Chemistry?" I asked trying to sound amused.

Jeff takes a swig of his still steaming coffee; I imagine it burned the fuck out of his throat.

"Well, see, they like the way you two-interact on stage-and off stage too! And well…" He coughs, confirming the coffee burn. This guy now had me at the edge of my overly comfortable seat, literally. "You guys know what I mean, you guys are good friends. Just say you'll do it?"

Yeah I know exactly what you mean. I feel myself flush and I suddenly can't face Gerard. The seconds tick by and since he doesn't seem to be making a move, I do.

"Where do I sign up?" Leaning forward, flashing Jeff a smile, attempting to appear unphased, but really I am burning behind my cheeks. I muster the courage to peak from the corner of my eye. Gerard is still a little pink but his eyes are glazed, he is clearly in some far off place and no longer here.

"Excellent Frank! Just fill out this paperwork…" Jeff says nervously shuffling the papers towards me; his eyes are on Gerard too.

After a moment Gerard finally speaks, "I need to make a phone call first." Jeff frowns as Gee gets up and walks out.

"Take your time…" Jeff says as was we both watch him disappear surprised and dumbfounded.