Loren and Eddie are having a good time eating in private and happily at in n out until Kelly walks in.
Kelly: Well isn't this nice. You're eating fattening crap instead of rehearsing. See, this is why you need me.
Eddie drops his burger
Eddie: What the hell are you doing here Kelly?
Just checking how horrible you're doing without me.
Loren: Kelly. Please. Don't do this. I never meant to hurt you.
Kelly: Oh trust me. I won't be the one hurting.
Security: Do we have a problem Mr. Duran?
Eddie: Can you please nicely walk Kelly out of here.
Security: Yes sir.
He puts his arm out to lead Kelly to the door.
Kelly: Good luck. You'll need it.
Security pulls her away. Eddie sits back down and Loren looks nervous.
After their un-delightful encounter at lunch, Eddie and Loren reside back to their hotel room. Loren is panicking.
Loren: If she goes to the press, they'll eat me alive and call me a drama queen, or… or bitch queen, queen of bitchiness…
Eddie: Hey… hey.
He puts his hands on her shoulders
Eddie: You're spiraling again. It's all going to be ok. I promise.
Loren pushes his hands away
Loren: You don't know that. When they find out…
Eddie: If…
Loren: My career and everything could be ruined!
Eddie: It's all of our words against hers. If we have too, we'll ask some of the dancers or producers to speak on your behalf.
Loren: I can't ask them to do that.
Eddie: You don't have to. I will. Anyone that has known you, even for all of 5 minutes, knows how ridiculously loving you are.
She slightly smiles.
Eddie: Don't worry about it, ok? Please. Just go back to being the happy, caring, sexy Loren Tate. I miss my girl.
She smiles and they kiss.
Loren: I love you.
Eddie: Back at ya beautiful.
Jake: Ok Loren we have to get you ready if you're gonna join this one on stage tonight.
Loren: You're right.
She fixes herself up.
Nora: Mom can you help me?
Nora: Of course sweetie.
Loren lets go of Eddie's hand and the women retreat to the bedroom.
Eddie walks up to Jake and softens his voice.
Eddie: Well something needs to be done about Kelly. Loren's really scared.
Jake: Just leave it to me and the lawyers alright? Don't get all heated. That's the last thing she needs.
Eddie: I can't.
Jake: Don't get all riled up again man. Loren doesn't need that again either.
Eddie: I can't sit back Jake. Please do something about this, fast. Either beg her to stop or pay her off. Just get this over with as painless as possible.
Max: Let's stop talking about this right now, ok? Tonight, we focus your great performance.
Eddie nods
Jake pours three glasses of bourbon and hands them to Max and Eddie
Jake: to another stellar show
They all laugh and clink glasses. They chug the drinks.
Suddenly Loren and Nora reenter the room. Loren is dressed up with a slight touch up to her makeup.
Eddie is speechless.
Loren: So… how do I look?
Eddie: Uh… you uh…
Mel: Hey rock star. Get a bib. You're drewling.
Loren laughs
Loren: I'm going to take that as I look good.
Max: You look beautiful Loren.
Loren: Thanks Max.
Jake: Ok
Jake claps his hands
Jake: Let's go. We've got a killer show to get to.
Everyone nods in response. They all walks out, leaving Eddie and Loren last.
Loren: Are you ready?
Eddie: I… I uh…
Loren: Ok. Don't forget you kind of need to be able to speak tonight. How about we use some actual words.
Eddie: I'm sorry. It's just… how did I get so lucky?
Loren: Aw
She kisses him
Loren: I ask myself that same question.
Eddie: We should probably go before Jake has a panic attack.
Loren nods and they walk out hand in hand
An hour later everyone is backstage watching Eddie perform
Max: I love watching him up there.
Loren: Me too.
The song finishes and the crowd cheers
Eddie: Thanks guys. So for my next song I need a very special lady up here
The crowd starts chanting Loren's name
Loren is blushing and steps on to the stage. Everyone gets louder.
Eddie: I think they're happier to see you than me. (He says into the mic)
She laughs
Eddie: Ok so we're going to do a cover for you guys tonight. It's a song that we came across about a week ago and knew we had to preform it. So sing along if you know it.
Loren takes a mic and the music starts and Loren begins singing
Now I'm about to give you my heart
But remember this one thing
I've never been in love before
So you gotta go easy on me
I heard love is dangerous
Once you fall you never get enough
But the thought of you leaving
Ain't so easy for me
Don't hurt me
Desert me
Don't give up on me
What would I wanna do that for?
Don't use me
Take advantage of me
Make me sorry I ever counted on you
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
Understand I've been here before
Thought I found someone I thought I finally could adore
But she failed my test, got to know her better so I wasn't the only one
But I'm willing to put my trust you, baby you could put your trust in me
Just like a count to three, you can count on me and your never gonna see
No numbers in my pocket
Anything I'm doing girl I'll drop it for you
'Cause you're the one I'm giving my heart to but I gotta be the only one
Don't hurt me
Desert me
Don't give up on me
What would I wanna do that for?
Don't use me
Take advantage of me
Make me sorry I ever counted in you
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
I really hope you understand
That if you wanna take my hand
You should put yours over my heart
I promise to be careful from the start
I'm trustin' you with lovin' me
Very, very carefully
Never been so vulnerable
Baby I'll make you comfortable
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
One, two, three, four to the five what would I wanna do that
One, two, three, four to the five baby, I'm counting on you
One, two, three, four to the five
No I'm about to give you my heart
So remember this one thing
I've never been in love before
Yeah, you gotta go easy on me…
They kiss and the place erupts
Eddie: Loren Tate everyone!
Loren: I love you
Eddie: I love you baby
Loren: Thank you guys! Enjoy the rest of the show.
She waves goodbye and exits.
Nora: Another wonderful performance Loren.
Loren: Thanks Mom.
Jake: Do you think you're up for another one?
Loren: It's Eddie's show Jake. I don't want to impose.
Jake: Are you kidding? Dude would love it if you stayed up there forever
She laughs under her breath
Jake: One more?
Loren nods her head yes.
A little while later Eddie has an intermission. He comes backstage and starts high fiving everyone and then scoops Loren up and hugs her.
Eddie: You were perfect.
Loren: Oh please. It was one song.
Eddie: Maybe but you were still great.
Jake: Which is why I brought up one more duet. Maybe a new one?
Eddie turns to Jake
Eddie: When do you ever like it for me to perform a new song?
Jake: It's a special night. I figured it can't hurt too bad, right?
Eddie and Loren laugh
Eddie turns back to Loren
Eddie: Babe?
Loren: Sure.
Jake: Great. I'll go tell the band.
Max: Why don't you guys go get some water?
They nod and walk to the dressing room.
Max: See. I told you once she got here she'd be fine.
Nora: I know. But once the shows over I'm scared she'll crawl back into a hole.
Max: We'll cross that bridge when we get there, ok?
Nora nods her head yes and hugs him.
Max: Everything will be ok. I promise.
End of chapter.
You guys, I am so sorry. I know I've been horrible. I just finally figured out college stuff and now im trying to write more for you. I so appreciate your continuous love and support. It truly means the world. Thank you for continuing to read. I promise I will try harder to write. Xoxo -F