Additional disclaimer: No disrespect or infringements are intended by the use of the RL actors and rock groups contained in this chapter and all others.
Chapter Twelve
"It's nice to meet you," Keith greeted, extending his hand to Donovan.
"You, too," he replied coolly, shaking the extremely tall, dark and muscular actor's hand. So, this is the man Monica and Sashka had been discussing the other day, he thought.
"What's been going on, Min? Listening to the news, it sounds like World War III is passing through your life," Keith observed.
"Something like that," she replied, shrugging. "Frank and his crew are here to try to stop the creep that's stalking me."
He turned to Donovan. "I hope you succeed. Minya's very important to me."
"We'll do our best," he replied tersely.
"Hey, get off the stage, we need to rehearse!"
Minya swung around to meet the rude man to whom the voice belonged and began to laugh. "Scott, why would you need to rehearse? You're perfect."
"Of course," he replied, laughing. "No really, mind if we check things out?"
Minya shook her head. "Nah, go ahead. I was late anyway." Minya heard Alex clear her throat and glanced over at her. She smiled at the "I want to meet him" look Alex had on her face. "Alex, come here a sec...there's someone I want you to meet."
"Scott Stapp, meet Alex Cross. Alex, this is Scott—the lead singer of Creed," Minya said, making the introductions.
Scott took Alex's hand and shook it gently. "I don't think I've ever seen eyes that color blue before; they're beautiful."
Alex blushed. "Thank you. Do you mind if we hang out while you rehearse? I love your music."
"Sure! Hey, Min...wanna join us in rehearsal?" Scott asked.
"Jake, too?"
"Jake?" Scott asked, perplexed.
"Jake's my partner in the duet for the show," she explained.
"Cool. Let's do it." The group was joined on stage by guitarist Mark Tremonti and drummer Scott Phillips.
She and Jake excused themselves from their friends and co-workers to join Creed on stage.
Sashka guided everyone to the side of the stage and handed out earplugs that muffled the sound slightly to prevent hearing loss. When the agents frowned at her she explained they would appreciate it when the music started.
Minya took the earplugs that Scott handed her and gave a set to Jake. "Just jump in wherever you want," she said before he put them on.
He nodded his understanding and took the microphone that Scott handed him, as did Minya. Two studio musicians joined them, one on acoustic guitar and the other on keyboards. The music started softly at first with the acoustic guitar and streamed quickly into their known harder sound.
Scott, singing to Minya: Hello my friend we meet again
It's been a while where should we begin…feels like forever
Minya, facing Scott with her eyes on Frank:
Within my heart are memories
Of perfect love that you gave to me
I remember
She noticed Frank's eyes soften slightly. She hoped he understood that whatever was between her and Keith had never been serious; although she also knew that whatever was between her and the agent was more than likely going to fall into the same category. No matter how intense the sex had been.
Scott: When you are with me
I'm free…
Minya: I'm careless…
Jake, moving between them: I believe
Scott: Above all the others we'll fly
Jake: This brings tears to my eyes
Scott: My sacrifice
Donovan and the others watched with interest as Jake and Minya blended well with Creed's front man. He stopped the smile that was forming on his lips while watching Minya dance around the men, tossing her head to and fro, her hair flying in all directions. She looked very much a wild child.
Scott bowed slightly to Jake letting him know to sing the next verse. He was intrigued by Jake's sound, which was slightly similar to his own.
Jake: We've seen our share of ups and downs
Oh how quickly life can turn around
In an instant
Scott: It feels so good to reunite
Within yourself and within your mind
Let's find peace there
Minya laughed at Scott's attempt to out-sing Jake. He must think Jake as awesome as she did. Good.
Scott: 'Cos when you are with me
I'm free…
Minya: I'm careless…
Jake: I believe
Scott: Above all the others we'll fly
Jake: This brings tears to my eyes
Scott: My sacrifice
Scott took Minya's hand in his and smiled.
Scott: I just want to say hello again
Minya leaned over and kissed his cheek.
Minya: I just want to say hello again
Scott made a slashing motion across his throat and the musicians stopped playing. "That's good! No need to go any longer."
"Thanks for letting us join you," Jake said, removing the earplugs.
"It's cool," Scott replied. "You've got a great voice. Why is it I've never heard it before?"
Jake laughed. "Singing isn't my chosen field. I'm just doing this as a favor to Minya."
"That's too bad. You could be big."
"Thanks, really." Jake couldn't help but smile. He never would have thought he would have so much fun singing on stage. Funny where life takes you, he thought.
"Wow, that was fun," Minya added. "Jake, you were awesome!" She saw Scott frown and laughed. "Scott, you know you're the best." She hugged him and his frown turned into a smile.
"Great job, Jake," Alex said.
"Sure was," Monica agreed.
"You were all fantastic," Keith added, walking up to stand beside Monica. "Min, are we still on for tomorrow night?"
Minya shook her head. "I don't think it's a good idea, Keith. I need to keep these people—" she motioned to Frank and his crew "—as close to me as possible. I think it would be best if Jake were my companion tomorrow. I hope you understand."
He smiled slightly. "Sure. Well, I'm sure I'll see you around anyway. After all, I am presenting best female vocalist."
Minya smiled at the implication. "I don't count my chickens, Keith. See you later." She kissed him on the cheek.
"Later, Min. Take care of yourself." He touched her cheek gently before leaving the stage.
"Anyone in the mood to eat? I'm starving," Scott asked.
"I could eat," Jake admitted.
"Us, too," Alex said, hooking her arm through Monica's.
"Sounds good to me," Sashka added.
Minya shook her head. "Can't. I have company and need to get back to the apartment."
Donovan arched an eyebrow. Was she was giving him an out so that he could get back and spend time with his daughter? Or her? Perhaps both. "I'll take Minya back to her apartment. You all go to dinner. "
"Cool, thanks!" Alex exclaimed.
Donovan ushered Minya off the stage. "I think Alex has the hots for Scott," she whispered once out of earshot.
"I would say that was obvious," Donovan agreed. "You should have gone out with your friends."
Minya shook her head. "I really didn't feel like it. I begin rehearsing for a new tour in a couple weeks. I need as much down time as possible. Besides," she said, twining her fingers through his as they walked. "there's someone very important waiting for you to return."
He laughed warmly. "Yes, but I have the feeling she's looking forward to seeing you more than her father."
"Aww....poor daddy. Well, I'll have to find a way to make you feel more wanted," she teased, bumping her hip into his.
"All the more reason to hurry back, then," he replied with a wink.
To be continued...
***The lyrics contained in this chapter are from the song "My Sacrifice" by Creed on their 2001 CD "Weathered". Written by Tremonti/Stapp. Tremonti/Stapp Music/Dwight Frye Music Inc (BMI)