Updated AN: Ok Everyone this is super important! I accidentally posted the wrong chapter! The chapter I had posted was from the old story and not the current version! If you have already read chapter 10 this one is completely different! So read it again lol!
Original AN: Hey! So please Don't hate me! I promise I will be so much better! A LOT has happened this summer! Between Camp, then I had to leave camp 3 weeks early because I had to have emergency gall bladder surgery then post-op complications! But, Camp is over, my health has gotten better and the new school semester is starting so I should be ok to update at least every other week like planned if not sooner.
This chapter has not been Beta'd but the next few should be! On the plus side this is probably the longest chapter I have ever written! If you read the previous story before the re-write this was two chapters but I decided to combine them for you lovely people because you deserve it! Depending on the reactions I might post the next chapter pretty soon because I have the next 3 already written! I actually finished them before this one….sorry. I have ADHD so when it hits I have to write it out or else I'll forget it and be stumped forever lol
IMPORTANT: I need some ideas for flashbacks! I have received a few and will be using them and I have most of the major flashbacks but I still need some small ones or filler flashbacks. What are some things you and your significant others do or things you and your friends do? I grew up in a small town and was a theatre junkie so I didn't do much lol I need y'alls life experiences or things you wished you'd done or something you just want to see Rose and Dimitri or others do! There's going to be a lot more chapters than I have flashbacks for so help a girl out! :)
Oh and when it comes to the singing Rose is Italicsand Adrian is Bold Both is Bold and Italics
A few weeks after Rose's date with Reed (Rose a freshman Dimitri a Junior)
A Few weeks later Reed and I were still going out. It seemed like even though Dimitri still didn't care for Reed he had accepted it and was handling it better. He still played the role of my protector which I secretly loved but acted annoyed with all the time. It was nice to know someone had my back and cared enough to want to protect me. Tonight was the night of the Homecoming dance. The game had been yesterday and we had won of course. Lissa and I were getting ready at her house. Her uncle Victor was away on business so it was just me and her at the house tonight. My dad was in town so I was staying at Lissa's tonight.
"So has he tried to do anything?" Lissa asked. She was doing my make up then we were done.
"No, I told him I wasn't ready for that and he said ok and hasn't brought it up since. I'm actually surprised from his reputation I thought he would have pushed harder but he's actually respected my boundries," I told her as she did my eyes.
"That's good. I'm glad to see it's working out for you," she said.
"How about you and Aaron?" I asked.
"It's good, I'm kind of worried though. He's sweet and a really nice guy but I feel like we don't have much in common at all," She said. "There finished. Now put your dress on."
"Well you've only been dating a few weeks. I'm sure it will come with time. Me and Reed don't really have anything in common but we make it work. I bet tonight will change your mind. We're going to have the best night," I told her as I changed into my dress. "Can you zip me?"
"I'm sure you're right. I'm just over thinking it." She said zipping my dress up. I was wearing a purple sleek dress, it had a halter top and stopped at mid-thigh. The skirt was all ruffled and bunched. Lissa was in a pale pink dress that went to mid calf. It was sleeveless and the top was tight but when it hit her hips it flared out in a pretty flowing fashion. We'd both curled our hair and pinned them up half up and half down. Lissa had done our make up. She did a pretty basic purple smoky eye on me with a light red lipstick. For hers she did a light green eyeshadow and pale pink lip gloss.
"We look hot!" I laughed.
An hour later found us walking into the dance. The cafeteria was decorated in school colors with streamers and banners lights were down low and they had colored lights and a disco ball.
"This is so cliché!" I laughed. It looked like every homecoming dance in every movie I'd ever watched. I saw Dimitri across the room. I turned towards Reed. "Hey I'm going to go say hi to Dimitri. I'll be right back!"
I made my way over to Dimitri. He had his back to me. So I tapped on his back. He turned towards me.
"Wow!" he said looking at me. "Who knew there was a girl under all that mud?"
"Jerk!" I laughed and playfully slapped his shoulder.
"Kidding. You look beautiful Roza. Are you having a good night?" he asked.
"Well it just started so yep."
"Where's Reed?" he asked his face turning at the mention of Reeds name.
"He's over there, I wanted to come say hi. Where's your date?"
"She's in the bathroom. He doesn't look too happy to see you over here with me," he said laughing. I shrugged my shoulders.
"Oh well. He'll get over it. I think we're going to Aarons after the dance. Are you going to his party?" I asked.
"I am now," he smirked. He then looked over at Reed. "I have to keep an eye on him."
"Oh whatever. I'll have you know he's been a perfect gentleman all night and every night we've gone out. Maybe you were wrong."
"Oh I'm not wrong but I'm not going to argue with you about it tonight. Go have fun. Save me a dance."
"I have to go back to Reed but find me on the dance floor."
"Have fun but be careful. No dirty dancing, I'm watching," he warned. I rolled my eyes and walked back towards Reed.
"Did you really have to ditch me the moment we walked in?" Reed asked when I got to him.
"I'm sorry I didn't think you'd mind. You know Dimitri's my friend," I said looking up at him.
"I know," he said leaning down and giving me a soft kiss on the lips. "Come on lets go dance."
We made our way through the dance floor to where Lissa and Aaron were. Dimitri's new girlfriend was a cheerleader with Lissa and Dimitri and Aaron are best friends so it was really no surprise that Dimitri and Megan, I think her name is, made their way over to us. Before too long Mason and his date came up beside us. We all danced for a while, somehow we ended up by the makeshift stage they had in here. Before long the 'cupid shuffle' came on and I found myself on stage with Lissa and a bunch of other girls. Somehow I ended up in the front row. Before long I was laughing almost too hard to actually dance. At one point we were facing the left wall of the cafeteria, I was laughing at mason who had jumped on but didn't really know what he was doing so he was making up his own dance moves. We were facing the left wall moving to the right when mason messed up so I started laughing without realizing how close I was to the edge. Before I knew it I was falling. Before I could I got very far though I felt hands catch me. I looked up to see Dimitri laughing down at me.
"Whoops," I laughed.
"You ok there?" he asked smiling at me.
"Yep, there just wasn't as much stage as I thought there was," I explained. He just nodded making a very patronizing face. "Hey its not as easy as it looks!"
"I'm sure it isn't," he laughed. Right then the song changed into another line dance except this one was a country one.
"Come one," I told him pulling his arm. "You're doing this one with me!"
"Or not." he said looking at me like I'm crazy.
"Oh no, you're gonna laugh at me so you can come dance with me."
"I don't line dance."
"Come on its easy. Pretty much just 4 steps with a few turns," I pretended to pout. "Please?"
"Fine. But you'll regret this!"
"Yes! Thank you!" I said giving him a quick hug. "Now hurry up!"
I got him on the stage and looked to see where they were in the dance. Luckily they were starting the sequence over and hadn't sped up yet. "Ok it's pretty simple."
He caught on pretty quickly but still kept messing up every once in a while. Mason was still up there making up his own dances once he realized he didn't know this one either, making us all laugh. Pretty soon the song was over and a new country song came on but this time it wasn't a line dance. It was a two step.
"Can I have this dance?" Dimitri asked holding his hand out towards me.
"You can," I told him giggling. The dance floor quickly got full so we stayed on the stage. This time he had to show me how to do the two step. I knew the general idea of it but had never done it before.
"It's pretty much. 2 steps forward one backwards. One, Two, back. One, two, back." he told me. I caught on pretty quickly. Halfway through it he surprised me by throwing some spins in.
"Having a good night still?" he asked as the dance was almost over.
"One of the best," told him smiling. He spun me again and as the song ended he finished with a dip. I giggled as I felt a flutter in my chest. As he brought me back up to standing I looked around and saw we had drawn a small crowd of people watching us. Two of which didn't look so thrilled. "Guess we should probably get back to our dates."
"Probably. Thank you for the dance Roza," Dimitri said before kissing my hand and walking off. I rolled my eyes and walked over to Reed.
"Hey! I'm hot, want to go get a drink with me?" I asked him.
"Sure," he said still not looking too happy.
"What's wrong please tell me it's not me dancing with Dimitri? I've told you, were just friends."
"Well it doesn't exactly make me thrilled to see my date all over another guy." He said as we got to the line for water.
"I wasn't all over him. I fell off the stage and he caught me. Then we danced. We didn't even dance close. It wasn't anything romantic at all. We've grown up together. We're friends. We danced. Not a big deal."
"You're right let me go find another girl and act like that with her and see how you feel."
"Ok now you're being crazy. I'm sorry that upset you. But if you want to be in my life you're going to have to accept that Dimitri is my best friend and going to be in my life."
"Look I'm sorry. I get it you're friends. It's just not something I'm used to. I'll try harder to not get upset in the future." He said smiling at me.
"Good. I'm sorry I upset you," I said wrapping my arm around his back in a half hug.
"It's all good. You can make it up to me later," he smirked.
"I'm still not sleeping with you. Sorry I'm not ready for that."
"Hey we're up. Two waters please," he said to the teacher managing the water cooler. She handed him the waters, he handed me one when no sooner Lissa came up to me and grabbed my arm.
"We're getting our pictures done!" she laughed pulling me towards the bathroom.
"Be right back!" I laughed. We headed to the bathroom for touch ups before the pictures.
"Hows your night going?" I asked her.
"Great! How about you?" she said pulling out her lip gloss as I grabbed a paper towel to dab at my face.
"Good I think," I said still confused about Reed's comment. "Me and Reed just kind of had a fight. We're good now I think. But he made a comment that I'm unsure of. "
"Well what'd he say?" she asked passing over the lip gloss.
"I said I was sorry I upset him and he was like 'you can make it up to me later'. I told him I'm not going to sleep with him but I still don't know what he meant by that."
"Maybe he just meant by hanging out with him at the party. I mean you've kind of been everywhere since we got here and it's understandable, maybe he just wants to hang out with you."
"Maybe. I'm sure that must be what he meant. Oh well I'll worry about it later. Lets go get our pictures taken!" I laughed pulling her out of the bathroom.
We grabbed Aaron, and Reed. As we were about to walk into the room I saw Dimitri and mason and waved them to come in. first we did all the couples, then me and Lissa did a few pictures. Then we did a group pic. First we did a serious group picture with everyone smiling. Then we decided to do a couple of silly ones first I did one with my tongue sticking out making a crazy face. Then I jumped on Dimitri's back. I threw my hand up in the air and made a silly face. I saw Reed make a face but then shrugged.
"Are yall ready to leave? I need to get to the house to start setting up for the party," Aaron asked coming over to me with Lissa on his arm.
"Yea I am," Reed said.
"Me too," I agreed.
Present Day~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I walked into the studio to find Adrian lying on a couch looking like he's sound asleep.
"Aren't you supposed to be writing? Or doing something?"
"I am. It's called the creative process." He said not moving.
"The creative process includes sleeping?" I joked sitting in the producers chair behind the sound board looking at Adrian.
"When you're stuck it does. So you and Belikov huh?" he smirked raising an eyebrow but not opening his eye.
"Oh please not this," I scoffed. "Don't you people have anything better to do than gossip about Dimitri and me?"
"Well you see I've known that man for a couple of years now and I've barely ever gotten that kind of reaction from him and I purposely piss him off for my own amusement. I've even flirted with Tasha and not gotten that reaction from him. So I want to know what the deal is with you two," he said finally opening his eyes and looking at me.
"Yea I doubt that. If anything it's because he still see's me as the little girl that he thought needed protecting, not realizing that I've grown up. "
"Oh no that wasn't big brother protecting little sister that was full on 'ME TARZAN. HER JANE. YOU NO TOUCH!'" he said sitting up and deepening his voice for his little imitation before throwing his fists against his chest like a gorilla.
"Oh please!" I laughed.
"I'm not lying. That was a full on 'she's mine you don't touch' lecture when you were gone without him actually saying those words. More of 'stay away from her and don't pull her into your crap'. So why did I just get threatened by Putin."
"Putin? Really?" I laughed again.
"One of his many nicknames," he smirked. "Now spill."
"Ugh fine." I said throwing my hands up as he smiled and laid back down putting his hands behind his head. "We grew up together. I've known him since grade school. Then when I was seventeen he left for LA to join his band and that was that. Happy now?"
"Nope there's more."
"Yea there is but it's personal so I really don't feel like talking about it."
"Let me guess, you dated all through middle school and were high school sweethearts, prom king and Queen. Then he left against your will and broke your heart. That's so cliché."
"And you're such an ass. We didn't start dating until his senior year my sophomore. We weren't prom king and queen. And I told him to leave. Though I did have every intention of following him until he broke up with me the day he left. Now can we please be done with this?" I asked.
"You know you could always leave," he teased.
"I could but then who would help you write your next stupid pop hit?" I asked sarcastically.
"Rawr kitty's got claws. You think my music is stupid?" he asked sitting up.
"It's not stupid. It's catchy. Just like every other pop song on the radio." I pointed out.
"Well then it's a good thing you came." He pulled a journal off of the ground beside the couch. "I'm wanting to change my sound. Been wanting to for a while. I like this pop stuff and it sells but it's not what I want to do anymore. That's why I asked for your help."
"Why me specifically? You hadn't even met me when you came looking for me in the studio. What if I sucked?"
"Trust me they wouldn't be making such a big deal over you if you sucked plus I watched your video."
"My video?" I asked confused.
"Eddie recorded you the other night at the bar. Didn't he tell you that?"
"No!"
"Oh yea, how else was he supposed to get them to sign you so fast. It was good."
"Thanks," I muttered.
"But that isn't the only reason I need your help. I'm writing a duet. I want to release it and see what the reaction is from my fans. If they like it I'll keep going with that sound, if not…I'll reevaluate."
"And you want me to sing with you?" I questioned shocked he wanted to do a duet with me.
"I figure one your voice is amazing so they'll have to love it. Two this will help skyrocket your career. And third well third I wanted to get to know you," he winked.
"You're relentless," I smiled.
"I can show you just how relentless I can be," he said giving me a playboy smile that I'm sure would melt most girls.
"I'll do the song but I'm not going to date you or hook up with you. Just letting you know up front. We can be friends but absolutely nothing more." I warned.
"Aye Aye boss," he saluted winking at me. "Can I still flirt though?"
"Could I stop you if I tried?" I teased.
"Probably not," he admitted after pretending to think about it for a second or two. "Plus it makes you laugh."
"Ok now about this song…"
An hour later we were pretty much done writing and I was reading through some of Adrian's songs he had written in his journal as he was reading through one of my journals. His idea.
"These are really good Adrian. Why haven't you published any before?" I asked.
"I've tried but the timing was always off. I've sold a few so other singers have released them. That's why I want to start with a duet. I think we need to go celebrate and call it a night."
"Celebrate what? We haven't finished writing just yet."
"Our newfound friendship. Our new partnership with this song. Whatever you want."
"I'm not dressed to go out," I said looking down at my jeans and flannel shirt.
"Borrow something from wardrobe. They won't care." He shrugged.
"I'm not taking clothes from wardrobe!"
"Oh come on Little red you know you've had a hell of a night. You've been stuck working with your first love who broke your heart for hours. Don't tell me you don't need a drink after that. Shit I need a drink thinking about it!"
"I have a feeling it doesn't take much to 'make you need a drink'," I smarted.
"True but tell me I'm wrong," he countered.
"Ugh fine but we're going to my apartment for me to change," I said grabbing my guitar case and heading out the door of the studio.
When we got to the parking lot there weren't many cars left but I immediately guessed which one was Adrians. A bright red Porsche.
"Nice car," I muttered.
"Thank you. I thought it'd be a good car to hide from the paparazzi. Somehow though they still keep finding me," he joked opening my door and walking to his side. I put my guitar in the back seat and climbed in.
"I think the color might be tipping them off. Should've tried canary yellow," I smarted off as he pulled out of the parking spot. "Maybe glow in the dark."
"Oh that's on my lambo," he said non-chalant.
"Please tell me you're kidding and do not have a glow in the dark Lamborghini?" I asked shocked.
"Oh don't I wish," he smiled. I shook my head and laughed at him.
Before too long we were pulling up to my apartments.
"Wait here," I said climbing out and grabbing my guitar and bag. I ran up the stairs and let myself in. I quickly made my way to my closet and rifled through the clothes before deciding on a burgundy dressy tank top that had just enough flow to not be super tight but still showed my curves and matched my lipstick, and black leggings with some burgundy stillettos. I grabbed my black and burgundy clutch that went with this outfit and threw my keys, id, and debit card (though I'm hoping not to use it) into it before looking in the mirror.
"Somethings off," I muttered. Looking at my makeup, hair, and outfit. Thankfully with Mia's make over I just had to retouch the lipstick and a little mascara. Hair was good. "Jewelry!"
"I went over to my dresser and pulled out my gold hoop earrings and a dangly gold necklace. I took off the silver chain I had tucked in my tank top earlier before closing it and putting it in my clutch to bring with me. I made my way to the front door, locked it then headed back to Adrian's car. He was sitting on the window of the driver's side with his arms on the hood and a cigarette in his mouth. He grabbed the cigarette and flicked it while he wolf-whistled.
"Hot damn little red. You look hot!" he grinned.
"Shut up and get in the car," I laughed. When I got in the car I could still smell the cigarette but didn't say anything, who am I to judge him for his bad habits when I have my own. When we were both in the car and driving down the road, I turned towards him, "What's with the little red?"
"Well A you're hair, now you're outfit. And B you remind me of little red riding hood. Especially now. You should do a sexy red riding hood for Halloween."
"Little red riding hood? Really? Why?"
"You're just naïve enough to believe the wolf at first but then kick his ass afterwards," he smirked.
"I'm not naïve," I protested.
"Why did Dimitri threaten me today?"
"I don't know. Because he's an overprotective asshole and doesn't want you messing up my future career," I shrugged.
"There it is. That little bit."
"Whatever. Where are we going?" I asked knowing it would be pointless to argue plus I was done talking about Dimitri for a while.
"It's this really cool bar that's half club and half karaoke. I know it sounds weird but the owner wanted to open both and had enough money to do it so one half is a dance club and the other part is a casual karaoke bar. It's the best of both worlds."
"Sounds interesting."
Next thing I know we were pulling up to a building with the sign 'Dhampirs" in big lettering on the outside.
"What's Dhampirs? What kind of name is that?" I asked getting out.
"It's actually kind of funny. The owner is into mythology and stuff and came across this term for people who are half vampire half human. He thought it was fitting since this place is also a hybrid."
I just nodded. As I walked in. Luckily there was no line. As soon as I got inside though I was shocked by how packed it was.
"Want to get a drink first?" he asked. I nodded. We made our way to the bar where we both ordered a shot and a drink at Adrian's insistence. Halfway through our drinks I heard 'Me Too' by Meghan Trainor come on.
"Who's that sexy thing I see over there?" Adrian sang as I started laughing. I pointed to myself and finished.
"That's me. Standing in the mirror!" I teased. Both of us quickly downed the rest of our drinks, luckily mine was small. We then quickly headed towards the dance floor both trading lines jokingly. We made our way to the dance floor and finished out the rest of the song. We danced for the next 5 or 6 songs some with each other and some with other people. I danced two songs with a guy that honestly if I was single and into one-night stands like he's looking for would hook-up with. He was the complete anti-Dimitri, blonde hair green eyes just a little taller than me but muscular as hell. He was medium height but stout with piercing eyes. Then I thought about how I just checked him out, the anti-dimitri...
I shook my head pissed at that thought, Adrian noticing gave me a look asking if I was ok. I shook my head no but shrugged it off. I danced closer to him, closed my eyes and threw my hands up in the air just focusing on the beat of the Miley Cyrus song playing. I'm not a huge fan of her party music but it is good music to play at a club. Towards the end of the song I felt Adrian come up behind me, I could recognize him from the smell of his cigarettes. I leaned into him but didn't open my eyes.
"You ok?" he asked his mouth right next to my ear so I could hear him. I shook my head no again. "Dimitri?"
I nodded. I turned towards him opening my eyes but continuing to dance. By now 'Pillowtalk' by Zayn was on. He smirked at me before leaning in to talk in my ear again.
"Can we go piss off your neighbors?" he asked with a laugh referencing the song. "Cause I'd love to wake up next to you."
I laughed and fake pushed him away. Because the song was a remix, it then morphed into 'Hands to Myself' by Selena Gomez.
"Who can keep their hands to themselves when I'm around," Adrian joked leaning forward again. "I know I can't keep them to myself around you."
He then pretended to slide his hands towards my ass. I tried to raise an eyebrow but failed miserably so we both started laughing as he brought his hands back to my waist where they'd been. At that point I got a weird feeling like I was being watched. I turned and looked around but didn't see anyone looking at me. I shrugged and turned towards Adrian again. He gave me the look asking what was wrong so I leaned towards him.
"I just got a really creeped out feeling."
"Want to leave?" I shook my head no.
"Can we go check out the other part?" I asked him still feeling like I was being watched. He nodded and turned grabbing my hand and leading me through the dance floor until we reached a flight of stairs. When we got to the top he opened a door that led to a small hallway maybe 8 feet long. I closed the door behind me and the hallway got super silent. I could still hear the echoes of the music in the room behind me but it was a fraction of what it had been.
"Damn that's some good soundproofing," I laughed heading down the hallway behind Adrian. He opened the door at the end of the hallway and I heard some guy trying and failing at some rock song. I walked through the door and was amazed at the difference. In here it was like a normal bar with booths against the walls and some tables spread out throughout. To the right there was a bar against the back wall and towards the left there was a decent sized stage with a small dance area in front of it.
"I'll go get some drinks, you go find us a seat," Adrian said letting go of my hand. I made my way over to a booth that was empty and sat down. It wasn't near as packed in here. For this being two different clubs pretty much it was huge. Both sides fit well over 100 people, though on this side I'd say there was about 50. By the time Adrian got over to me a new guy was getting on stage and I heard him start another rock song but this time he was a little better than the guy before. We sat there for a minute before Adrian spoke up.
"Want to tell me what happened out there?" I shrugged.
"I will if you agree to answer my question," I challenged.
"What's your question?"
"I'll tell you after you agree."
"Deal. I'll answer."
"Fine, who's the girl?" I asked leaning towards him putting my arms on the table.
"What girl? I'm single," he said smiling.
"The one that broke your heart. And don't lie. I read your journal. There was a girl that broke your heart and that's why you've become a player." I stated.
"There was a girl," he admitted shrugging. "I wouldn't get that deep though. It's more of after her I realized one no one would compare to her and two it's pointless to trust any girls being who I am. They all want something from me. Whether it's money or fame."
"Ok so tell me about her," I encouraged.
"Her name is Sydney. Sydney Sage. She was amazing but she couldn't get through her issues with her family and in the end she picked them over me."
"Why does her name sound familiar?" I asked.
"She's a singer now. She's not very mainstream. Like they don't really play her on the top 40 stations but she's making her way up there," he said wistfully. He got a sparkle in his eye talking about her like he was proud of her.
"Did she use you for fame?" I asked confused. The way he talked about her you can tell he's still in love with her so I wouldn't think she did.
"Sydney? No she was too nice to use people. Hell I almost wish she did. The reason we broke up was because her family are a bunch of chemists and wanted her to follow in their footsteps but she wanted to be a singer. She just didn't tell them that and in the end she had decided to follow her family's footsteps and broke up with me because according to her I was a bad influence."
"Apparently she changed her mind. Why don't you reconnect with her? Try to get back together?"
"She dumped me. She said I was bad for her and she's right. I'm an alcoholic player. She's doing her own thing and I've moved on. I'm proud of her."
I admired the look he had on his face. He was still obviously so in love with her and just letting his pride and self-deprecation get in the way. Who would've thought that I'd be sitting in a karaoke bar with Adrian Ivashkov one of the richest playboys in America only to find he's nothing like what I thought just yesterday.
"Anyways. Dance floor. What happened?" he asked. Since he'd been so honest with me I decided I would be as well.
"You saw the guy I was dancing with right?" I asked. He nodded. "So I was dancing with him thinking if I wasn't taken I could see me hooking up with him. Then I thought the reason I would hook up with him is because he's the anti-Dimitri. Like what the hell? I'm dancing with a hot guy at a club and comparing him to my ex from five years ago? How pathetic is that? Then when we were dancing I started feeling like someone was watching me but when I looked I didn't see anything. It creeped me out. But it could also be because I now know Dimitri is in LA so I'm probably expecting to see him everywhere now."
"Ok so two questions. What would you do if he came up right now said he was sorry and wanted you back? Begged to get you back?"
"Nope. Not going to work. He and I are finished for good. Like book closed."
"Why?" he asked raising an eyebrow and taking a drink.
"There's just too much that's happened. I am a completely different person than when he last saw me and he's changed too. He's not the same person I knew. And even if he came begging, which he would never do by the way, it's too late. There's too much hurt and too much pain. Even if I forgave him I wouldn't date him again."
"So you haven't forgiven him?"
"No. I want to but I just can't not yet."
"It's been five years."
"I know, and I've tried. But let's just say that's a work in progress I need answers first."
"What if you never get them?"
"I don't know. What about you? Have you forgiven her for breaking your heart?" I challenged. He looked like he didn't want to answer. "Exactly. Not so easy huh?"
"I have to an extent. I understand why she broke up with me. Her family was too important to lose. Some people actually like their family, who knew. But if she was going to just be a singer anyways why breakup with me. Then again she was right too. So I don't know some days I have, others not so much."
"Exactly. What was your second question by the way?" I asked changing subjects.
"Oh, if you were thinking about having sex with a stranger, why weren't you thinking of sleeping with me? I'm hurt Little Red!"
"Him, I could leave before he ever woke up and never see again. You, I work with so it's not going to happen. Ever!" I laughed.
"I'll quit tomorrow!"
"Still not going to!"
"Damn worth a try!" I rolled my eyes at him and took a drink of my drink. About then a guy came on stage and started singing a country song.
"I love this song come dance with me!" I said excited they played a country song I actually liked.
"I don't know how to dance to this," he admitted.
"I can teach you. I'm amazing at it. Come on!" I said hopping up and pulling him with me. We went to the edge of the dance area, not that there was really anyone else dancing to this, besides us and two couples. I guess two-stepping isn't that popular here.
"Ok so you take two steps forward and a step back. Here I'll lead until you get it. Follow me," I told him putting a hand on his shoulder and grabbing his left hand with my right, he put his right hand on my waist. "Ok now, one, two, back. One, two, back. Don't look at your feet. Look at me and feel it."
By the end of the song Adrian had it down really well and was actually able to spin me a couple of times. When the song was over I saw the singer head off stage and high five one of the guys that had been dancing as he went up on the stage. Another country song started and I cheered. That's when I noticed the guy that had been on stage was the Anti-Dimitri from the dance floor earlier. He came over to me.
"Can I have this dance?" he asked in a nice southern drawl. Adrian nodded and walked towards the girl that had been left by her partner so he could sing. I nodded to Mr. southern drawl and saw her start dancing with Adrian.
"I would have never guessed you were southern!" I laughed.
"I would never have guessed you could two-step," he teased. "Texas. You?"
"Georgia." I replied. "So glad you're from the south. I've been dying to two-step!"
"Glad I could be of service," he laughed. By then we got sucked up into the fast pace of the song. He was really good and had me spinning and laughing the whole dance. When it was over he dramatically bowed.
"Thank you for the dance! The only thing that would make tonight better is copperhead road!" I laughed mentioning a popular line dancing song from the south.
"I might be able to fix that," he laughed.
"Really?" I asked. He nodded. I hugged him before pulling back quickly. By this time Adrian was back over to me. I turned to him as the guy walked away. "He's going to do a song called 'Copperhead Road' It's a line dance. Let me teach it to you! My best friends Lissa and Vika dance to this all the time back home. I've been missing it when I go out with Mia."
"Ugh, I'm not even getting laid for this," Adrian teased. About then the music started playing. I moved over by the other people on the dance floor as he asked, "Bagpipes?"
"Yes. Now shut up and do what I'm doing. You're going to kick 4 times. Then cross and cross. Then kick 4 more times," he looked confused. "Just copy me. It's easy."
"Kick, kick, kick, kick. Cross, cross. Kick, kick, kick, kick. Now turn, stomp, stomp!" I instructed. He picked it up pretty easily. Pretty soon there were some other people that had joined us and were trying to learn it as well. Halfway through it though there was a part where you stomped a bunch of times then picked back up in the dance just faster making it to where you jump a little with every kick and move. Adrian started to get it but on the second turn tried to kick and turn at the same time and fell. I busted out laughing as I reached over to help him up. About then I felt like I was being watched again. I asked him if he was ok and we picked back up in the dance again with me still laughing at him. I looked around as we danced but didn't see anything or anyone. There were a few people watching us dance but no one that gave me the feeling I was getting. I shrugged and tried to ignore it as I was dancing. About then there was another series of stomps.
"Faster?" Adrian yelled shocked. I laughed and nodded.
"Don't fall on your ass this time. It takes away from your pretty," I teased. He didn't do it very pretty but he made it through. Luckily that part was the last part and didn't last very long. I was laughing when the song because he had almost fallen again right as it ended.
"You ok?" I laughed.
"Shut up," he pouted. "That shit's hard!"
"That's like the easiest line dance besides the cha-cha slide!" I laughed. The feeling was still there but I was trying really hard to ignore it. About then the guy from the stage came off and came over to us. I turned to him. "Thank you! That was so much fun."
"Speak for yourself!" Adrian teased.
"Shut up!" I laughed before turning to the other guy. "I don't know your name."
"Mark. You?"
"Rose."
"Ah beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Glad I could help you out. You're a good dancer," he said nodding his head towards me.
"Thank you, you too!" by then his friends were hollering for him.
"Well that's my cue. Thank you for the dance. Nice to meet you Rose," he said extending his hand. I shook it then he walked away. Adrian and I turned the other way and went to the bar to get another drink. As we got to the bar I realized that feeling had finally gone away and sighed in relief.
"Water for me," I told him. He raised an eyebrow at me. "I have a two drink limit."
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I don't like to get drunk anymore," I said as if that was explanation. He shrugged got himself a shot and me a water.
"I have an idea," he said handing me my water. He took his shot, put his glass on the bar and then turned toward me again. "I say we try out our dueting chemistry."
"You want to karaoke?" I asked.
"Yes. I think it's a good way to test it out. Plus what better place to sing then at a karaoke bar?"
"Why not." I shrugged. "What song are you wanting to do?"
"Have you heard the song 'I hate you, I love you'?"
"Which version?" I laughed.
"Which one do you want to do?" he asked surprising me.
"Surprised you know more than one," I joked. "Just do the normal one. Sounds good after a night like tonight."
"Alright then lets go," he smiled grabbing my hand and walking to the stage. We walked onto the stage and he grabbed a mic and handed it to me before grabbing one for himself. He told the guy running the music what song we were doing and as the guy pulled up the song he addressed the crowd.
"Hey everyone, I'm Adrian and this is the beautiful Rose. Rose here just got signed to a pretty hot record label yesterday and we were thinking about releasing a duet," the crowd cheered at his words. "First we were thinking about trying it out on all of you? Now we're not going to do our song but try out someone else's so tell us what you think."
"If you hate it blame him," I teased pointing at Adrian as the crowd laughed. By now the music was starting so I didn't say anything and just listened for my cue to jump in.
Feeling used
But I'm
Still missing you
And I can't
See the end of this
Just wanna feel your kiss
Against my lips
And now all this time
Is passing by
But I still can't seem to tell you why
It hurts me every time I see you
Realize how much I need you
As I was singing I started to get that feeling back. I tried to ignore it but eventually gave in and looked around. That's when I found Dimitri and Tasha sitting in one of the back booths across from the bar. Dimitri was staring right at me. Luckily Tasha either hadn't noticed me or was just ignoring me. She was talking but it was obvious Dimitri wasn't listening. I couldn't look away as I sang the chorus.
I hate you I love you
I hate that I love you
Don't want to, but I can't put
Nobody else above you
I hate you I love you
I hate that I want you
You want her, you need her
And I'll never be her
I pulled my gaze away and looked at Adrian as his part started to come up. He gave me a knowing look telling me he saw them too. I shrugged and smiled softly as he started to sing. I could feel Dimitri still watching me but I kept my eyes on Adrian as he sang.
I miss you when I can't sleep
Or right after coffee
Or right when I can't eat
I miss you in my front seat
Still got sand in my sweaters
From nights we don't remember
Do you miss me like I miss you?
Messed around and got attached to you
Friends can break your heart too, and
I'm always tired but never of you
If I pulled a you on you, you wouldn't like that
I put this reel out, but you wouldn't bite that
I type a text but then I nevermind that s***
I got these feelings but you never mind that s***
Oh oh, keep it on the low
You're still in love with me but your friends don't know
If u wanted me you would just say so
And if I were you, I would never let me go
I don't mean no harm
I just miss you on my arm
Wedding bells were just alarms
Caution tape around my heart
You ever wonder what we could have been?
You said you wouldn't and you went and did
Lie to me, lie with me, get your freaking fix
Now all my drinks and all my feelings are all freaking mixed
Always missing people that I shouldn't be missing
Sometimes you gotta burn some bridges just to create some distance
I know that I control my thoughts and I should stop reminiscing
But I learned from my dad that it's good to have feelings
When love and trust are gone
I guess this is moving on
Everyone I do right does me wrong
So every lonely night, I sing this song
I hate you I love you
I hate that I love you
Don't want to, but I can't put
Nobody else above you
I hate you I love you
I hate that I want you
You want her, you need her
And I'll never be her
All alone I watch you watch her
Like she's the only girl you've ever seen
You don't care you never did
You don't give a damn about me
Yeah all alone I watch you watch her
She's the only thing you've ever seen
How is it you never notice
That you are slowly killing me
As we started the last chorus I finally gave in and looked at Dimitri again. This time Tasha had noticed me and was glaring daggers at me. I smiled and winked at her before turning back towards Adrian. As we finished the last chorus we faced each other and sang it as if we were singing to the other.
I hate you I love you
I hate that I love you
Don't want to, but I can't put
Nobody else above you
I hate you I love you
I hate that I want you
You want her, you need her
And I'll never be her
As we finished, the crowd started clapping I smiled and turned towards them. I saw some people with phones out taking pictures and figured they'd recognized Adrian by now. I knew it would probably happen sooner or later. He is one of the most popular pop singers in the country if not the world.
"Thank you all. I take it that wasn't that bad then?" Adrian said asking the crowd. They cheered. "So can we do one more?"
"What song did you have in mind?" I asked as the crowd cheered.
"It's a surprise. But I'm sure you know it," he winked. The music started and I laughed.
"You know country?" I stage whispered.
"I'm full of surprises little red," he winked. I laughed as we both turned towards the microphones. I was kind of glad Adrian picked this song but kind of annoyed at the same time.
I kept waitin' on a reason
In a call that never came
No I never, saw it comin'
Somethin' in you must have changed
All the words unspoken, promises broken
I cried for so long, wasted too much time
Should have seen the signs
Now I know, just what went wrong
As I sang I couldn't help but look over at Dimitri. Tasha had gone from glaring at me to trying to get Dimitri's attention again. In his defense he'd been looking at her until I looked over at him. It was like he could also feel my gaze on him. Good. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one affected.
I guess I wanted you more
And lookin' back now I'm sure
I wanted you more
I guess I wanted you more
As the chorus ended and Adrian started his verse, I drug my gaze away from Dimitri and looked towards the crowd. Mark was looking up at me from his booth with his friends. When he saw me look his way he smiled and gave me a thumbs up. I smiled and gave him a small nod as if to say thank you. I looked back over at Adrian as he said the last line in his verse and I started mine.
My heart was open, exposed and hopin'
For you, to lay it on the line
In the end, it seemed
There was no room for me
Still I tried, to change your mind
I guess I wanted you more
And lookin' back now I'm sure
I wanted you more
I guess I wanted you more
As I got ready to sing the next part I looked back over at Dimitri. As soon as my gaze hit his I started singing knowing he would understand I meant it. I don't need him anymore. I don't need him to protect me or warn me against guys or anything else he thinks he's needs to do.
Oh, I don't need you
I don't need you anymore
I guess I wanted you more
And lookin' back now I'm sure
I wanted you more
I guess I wanted you more
I don't need you,
I don't need you anymore
As the song finished I saw Dimitri and Tasha get up and Dimitri follow her to the other part of the bar. I breathed a small sigh of relief glad to not be singing in front of him anymore, even if it wasn't my own music this time. The crowd cheered and I smiled. I said a quick thank you in the mic before heading off stage. Adrian followed and slung an arm around my shoulders.
"You realize the only reason they loved it so much was because THE Adrian Ivashkov was performing right?" I joked with him.
"Yea right they loved the both of us! Who could blame them, we were pretty fantastic!" He said with a wink.
"Not conceded at all are you Mr. Popular?" I teased.
"Why Ms. Hathaway I'm offended!"
About then a group of women came up to tell Adrian how amazing he was on stage and how they loved his new sound.
"See I told you," I told him as they walked off.
"Fine I'll make you a bet. If at least five people compliment you, you have to go back up there and sing solo of a song I pick," he smirked.
"I'll take that bet, but I guarantee it will probably be mostly guys complimenting me on my looks," I replied.
"Hey that's still a compliment," he joked. By now we were at the bar again. Adrian grabbed another drink as I ordered a soda this go around. We decided to just sit at the bar. Within twenty minutes Adrian had won the bet, even though I was right and three of them were on my looks, he said I still had to sing. When he told me what song he wanted me to sing I got annoyed.
"Why this one?" I asked him.
"Because he's here and so is she and I think it's funny to shove it in her face because she's a bitch and deserves it," he smiled. I rolled my eyes. "Relax it's a beautiful heartbreaking song but also one of empowerment. He might be with her but you're better and you're going to let the world know so go sing!"
I shrugged and made my way to the stage again. I told the DJ what I was doing and he told me he'd turn the mic on by the piano on the stage. I went and sat on the piano stool and turned to address the crowd.
"So thanks to a bet I lost, I have to come up here and sing you one of my original songs. Now please bear with me because I just finished this song tonight but I like it and want to try it out. Sorry it's a sappy song. I didn't actually pick this song out but it was originally two parts and I'm combining it to be one tonight. I originally wrote the first half a long time ago and wrote the second part a little later but I never finished it until tonight so if it sucks it won't hurt my feelings if you say so," I laughed and so did the crowd. I took a breath and started playing.
She doesn't love you, like I do
She doesn't have my name
However she tries to act like it she'll never be the same
But she's new and she's beautiful
You've never been in a fight
Oh it's awfully perfect now
But you just know deep inside
She's not me
She's not me
She's not me, baby
She's not me
Unfortunately as I was singing I got the feeling of being watched back. It's like he has a sixth sense and just knows when I'm singing. Since he was here I took advantage and looked for him to sing the next part. As our eyes met I started singing wondering what he'd say later.
Does she make you feel wanted like I did
Make you feel like you're the one thing that matters
You let her head rest on your chest
but when you close your eyes
You'll be seeing my face again
I'll be crossing your mind
You'll be dreaming of places we went
And then you'll wake up to find
She's not me
She's not me
She's not me, remember
I pulled my gaze away as I looked back at the piano.
She's not me
She's not me
I said I wonder now yea I wonder how you been
Are you happy?
Is she still the one
Are you having fun, is it for real. Baby
Cause I been waiting here another week, a month, a year
If youre lonely
God I wish I knew everything but the two of you
Wont you tell me
Does she have any humor, does she laugh at your jokes
Can she look past the rumors, does she know how it goes
Eh Or is it none of my business
As I got to the 'none of my business' part I looked back over at him and smirked. That's what he'd been telling me all day. It's none of my business. I looked away again and glanced over at Adrian. He was smirking at me causing me to smile.
Do you go to the movies, do you make out at the park
Do you stay up for hours, just talking to talk
Eh Or is it none of my business
Does she know about the bracelets that were two of a kind
Did you save did you save it like I did mine
Eh Or is it none of my business
I looked down at the thin bracelet on my wrist that I have only ever taken off once. I hadn't noticed if he had been wearing his and honestly didn't know if I wanted to know if he still had his. I almost checked earlier but purposefully looked away so I wouldn't see.
Would it make any difference if I got you alone
If I call would you listen would you hang up the phone
Eh Or is it none of my business
None of my business (X5)
She's not me and she'll never be
Never be
Never be
She's not me and she'll never be
Never be
Never be
She's not me and she'll never be
Never be
Never be
She's not me and she'll never be
Never be
Never be
Yeaaaaaaaa yeaaaaaa yeaaaaa
As I finished I smiled and thanked the crowd before walking back off stage and towards the bar where Adrian was. As I walked over I checked my phone and noticed Mia had texted. That's when I realized what time it was.
"Shit, I need to head home. I have to work early in the morning," I told Adrian as I approached him.
"Why do you have to work early?
"Well not early but at 11," I smiled. "It's early for me. Would you mind if we went ahead and split?"
"Nah it's good, it's almost closing time anyways," he said flagging the bartender down. He gave her a $100 dollar bill winked and told her to keep the change. I rolled my eyes. Wouldn't that be nice?
"You're a pig," I teased as we made our way to the exit.
"Hey I just helped a working girl out. She was a good bartender," he smirked.
"Let me guess you also got her number?"
"She may have written it down for me but that doesn't mean I'll use it," he smiled.
"Whatever," I laughed pushing the door open. Unfortunately for me Tasha was standing on the other side of the door.
"Nice to see you're making new friends," she smarted off obviously trying to imply Adrian and I were hooking up.
"Aw are you jealous because I made a new friend? Maybe if you weren't such a raging bitch you'd have some too!" I smirked.
"You're a terrible singer."
"Yep, that's why I got a record deal and that's why your boyfriend is begging to work with me," I exaggerated knowing it would piss her off. "I'm just that horrible."
"Whatever you ugly bitch, don't you have another bed to go crawl in?" she asked trying to imply I was a slut.
"Yea actually I do. Mine, and I can't wait. Did you hear my song in there? Think about that tonight while you're trying to sleep. You're not me and you'll never be," I told her referring to my solo song I did. I knew it was a low blow but damn she just pisses me off. I turned towards Adrian and nodded my head towards the parking lot, done with this conversation.
"Damn little red, you got some fire!" Adrian laughed as we approached the car.
"Ugh she just pisses me off!" I exclaimed getting in the car. "She's such a bitch and I have no idea why he's with someone like her! Like I get that it's been 5 years and he's moved on, so have I. but he moved on to that?"
"Definitely not his smartest move. In his defense she wasn't always so bitchy. And she mostly hides the bitchiness for when he's not around. Still you're ten times better than she will ever be," he smirked.
"Thanks," I laughed feeling foolish for going off like that. "New subject."
"Ok," he laughed. "So Anti-Dimitri tonight…"
15 minutes later I found myself sitting outside of my apartment laughing with Adrian about to go in.
"Thanks for tonight. It's been fun. You were right. I needed this after tonight. Though it would have been better if they weren't there," I told him honestly. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Don't sound too excited Little Red, I might start getting the wrong idea," he winked smirking at me. I climbed out of the car and turned towards him before shutting the door.
"In your dreams!" I smarted.
"Oh you'll definitely be in my dreams tonight," he winked. I rolled my eyes.
"Friends! That's it!" I laughed. "Bye!"
I turned and made my way towards my apartment. As I entered I looked at my phone and saw what time it was. I made my way to my bed and plugged my phone in as I quickly looked up a number and pressed talk immediately regretting it.