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Chapter 1 – New Girl

The sun kissed my fair skin as I made my way to the front doors of the Palmwoods Hotel. Palm trees lined the walkway and the air smelled of summer flowers. I definitely wasn't in Toronto anymore. Entering the building, I was met with an array of activity.

Sitting on a couch to my left were a group of three girls, dressed to the nines, all staring into their respective compacts. A small redhead boy in a striped polo ran by, closely followed by a larger woman yelling something about an audition. And in the corner, by the vending machine, were four boys. Four very attractive boys.

Suddenly, one of those four very attractive boys looked up and our eyes met for a fraction of a second before I quickly looked away. Grabbing hold of my suitcase, I headed for the front desk, behind which stood a large man with greasy hair and glasses. His name tag read 'Bitters'.

"Ah, Miss Sawyer! Yes, we've been expecting you," Bitters welcomed me, handing me a room key and a folder. "Here's your card and billing information; you're in room 5D. I hope you enjoy your stay here and have a Palmwoods day!"

"Thank you," I smiled before grabbing my things and making for the elevator. I looked down at the folder in my hand. In there were the bills that I would be paying for on my own, without any help from my ever so loving parents. They didn't support my dream of becoming a Hollywood actress.

I was broken out of my reverie when I walked straight into someone, falling backwards. I sat up off the ground and felt my head. Looking up, I recognized the boy from the vending machine.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry," he said, holding out his hand. I gingerly took it, letting him pull me up. Even standing up, he was a lot taller than me, maybe 6'1, 6'2.

"No, it was my fault. I should really watch where I'm going," I said, stooping back down to collect the contents of my folder, which were now scattered around the floor. He picked up a few stray sheets and handed them to me.

"Thanks," I muttered, looking down.

"Anytime," he smiled. "I'm James, by the way, James Diamond." He once again offered me his hand, still crouched on the ground.

"Rebecca," I answered. "Rebecca Sawyer." I put my hand in his and felt a sort of spark fly through them I hadn't felt during out first contact. I gasped and pulled my hand back. We stared at each for a second longer. "Well thanks," I said lamely and stood up. I was halfway to the elevator when I heard him call back to me.

"I'll see you around then?" he called. I thought I could detect a slight trace of hope in his voice.

"Maybe," I answered and entered the elevator. I watched him disappear through the crack in the doors as the elevator closed. Once alone, I leaned back against the wall and let out a sigh.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

James hadn't moved an inch in the last five minutes since the girl had left. Suddenly, his best friends and band mates came over to him.

"Hey, did you check out the new girl?" Kendall Knight asked. "She's pretty hot, man."

"Yeah," Carlos Garcia agreed. "She seems really nice." The others rolled their eyes at the naïve boy's comment. They decided to go upstairs for some food, and walked to the elevator. James, however, remained in place, as in glued to the spot where they had met.

"Rebecca," he said softly to himself, a smile on his face.