Instant Star- Rise Of The Next Generation
Chapter 6- Let Me Rise, Let Me Fall.
Author's Notes: For once, I actually don't have much to say here (I guess it's a law of averages thing after the really, really long note on the last chapter). This one is pretty clear, just things moving along... and more is actually happening than meets the eye! Seriously, I've been reading everyone's feedback on both this site and the IS TV site (and also listening to those of you "watching this live"). People have all these ideas about what's going on here... what can I say? I'm not giving away squat! I will give you this one hint... I pride myself on being unpredictable... Of course, I could always do the really unpredictable thing here and go for the obvious. Seriously, in one way or another- Expect Surprises! It's what makes this soooo fun!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I know I'm thankful for all of you reading and commenting on this fic, on both sites (I see some of you read it here and post on the IS message board). Please keep the posts and reviews coming- I need to know what people are thinking to know what this story needs to work! Chapter 7 is already in process... it's one that I've been looking forward to since starting this ...
Usual disclaimer still applies... Oh, and thanks to two of my friends- VZ for her professional insights into the music business, and DB for helping me think of the name "Downtown Guyz" (its surprisingly hard to come up with a boy-band name- seems all the good ones are taken!)
Chapter 6- Let Me Rise, Let Me Fall
Ruby Quincy ran her brush through her long auburn hair one last time and flipped it back. She then applied yet one more coat of mascara. She looked in the mirror, desperately hoping for some sort of miraculous transformation.
"Aiggh!" she groaned, completely disappointed. From the neck up, her appearance satisfied her. She was actually having a good hair day, and her dramatic makeup looked well. Her favorite earrings filled the multiple holes in each earlobe. But the rest of her appearance freaked her out.
"Gross! I look like I'm ten!" she griped to herself. "Is there no way to make this dorky uniform look cool?"
Then she was suddenly inspired.
"Or is there?" she thought, grabbing a studded belt and some matching bracelets from her dresser and tossing them in her bag. No time to put these on now; her mother had been calling her for breakfast for the last ten minutes.
Ruby rushed downstairs. Naturally, her brother was already seated at the small round table in the kitchen.
"Keep me waiting. As usual" he greeted her. "Come on. You're gonna make me late!"
"Oh, no, Mr. Perfect! Like that could ever happen!. Besides, you need more time than I do to eat all that" she said, indicating the oversize helping of cereal in front of him. She poured a much smaller portion into a bowl for herself, and added milk. She then reached for the coffeepot.
"Hey! Who said you could drink that?" Patrick commented.
"Mom said I could when I started high school. In case you missed out, that's today."
"Oooh, just look at you. All grown up!" he retorted, sarcastically.
"Yeah. I am grown up. It's great! You really should try it some time!" she shot back at him.
Jude watched her playfully bickering children and shook her head. Those two could go on like this for hours and often did. But today, they had someplace to be, and she had to make sure that they got there. She interrupted them.
"Guys, just finish eating and get going. Besides, don't you have other people to pick up?
"Yeah. We gotta get Caitlin, remember. You promised." Ruby reminded her brother.
"How'd I ever get myself into driving two kids anyway. Seen with freshmen!" he snorted.
"Oh, please. Like your social standing can go anywhere but up!"
"By being seen with my little sister. Like that's ever a good thing!"
"What about Caitlin? Even you admit she's gorgeous!"
"Yeah. But she's almost like another sister. She practically lives here. And right now, I wish she did! We gotta drive outta the way to get to her house. Exactly why am I doing this?"
"Mom asked you to." Ruby replied.
"Yeah. And then we gotta get my friend Harv, too".
Ruby rolled her eyes at that, showing her brother with one quick gesture exactly what she thought of Harv. He ignored her.
"You done? Come on, we gotta bolt."
"Bolt? Oh, please! That expression is so 1980's."
They continued taunting each other inside the car.
"Seat belt" he superiorly reminded her.
"I was gonna do it!" she snapped back, but followed his directions.
They made the necessary stops and then arrived at school.
"Awright" Patrick drawled. "Meet me back here at exactly 3:00 if you want that ride to the studio. If not, you walk. Might do you good, Miss Rock Star."
"Oh, shut up! Just let us outta the car before we're seen with you."
"Heaven forbid!" he replied, unlatching the door.
Ruby and Caitlin walked towards the front of the main building, stopping to stare at it's imposing Gothic facade.
"Again, is this a school or a castle?" Caitlin asked, grinning.
"Medieval prison, most likely!" Ruby quipped, grateful for her friend's presence. At least, there would be one person in this place who got it.
Truthfully, Ruby was a little scared. No one at Pendleton Academy looked like they'd be anything like her. Too clean cut. Too pristine.
"Then again, you don't exactly look like yourself, either" she mused, and remembered the contents of her bag.
"Come on!" she bust out, grabbing Caitlin's arm.
"What?"
"I gotta take care of something!"
Ruby dragged her friend to the nearest bathroom. While Caitlin fixed her already-perfect hair, Ruby performed her fashion transformation. She pulled her blouse from the waistband of her skirt and unfastened the top buttons, revealing the white cotton tank top underneath. She then cinched the blouse at her hip with her studded belt and added the coordinating bracelets to her wrists.
"Better!" she grinned happily.
"Whoa, girl!" Caitlin cried out, looking Ruby over.
"What?" Ruby asked. "Doesn't it look cool enough?".
Caitlin just shook her head. She knew her friend always liked to test the rules and see how far she could push their limits.
"Too cool for this school. You actually think they are gonna let you go around dressed like that?".
"Well, the rules don't exactly say I can't! Guess I'm just gonna find out!" Ruby brashly stated.
The two started towards the auditorium, where freshman orientation would take place. Among the last to enter, they slipped into two inconspicuous seats towards the back. Silently, they surveyed the group around them. Dismayed, Ruby inwardly wondered if all her classmates were as dull as they looked.
"Please, no." she silently hoped. "I'll never fit in here."
She noted a frumpy, middle aged woman in an iron-gray suit approach the podium and start speaking.
"Good morning. Welcome to Pendleton Academy. As you all know, I am Mrs. Turnbull, your headmistress..."
Ruby's mind drifted as the woman droned on, giving the typical first day of school speech.
"Boring!" she thought.
Far more interesting to her was her scheduled afternoon session at the studio.
"Q-Records!" she laughed. After all, she was recording a CD at her parent's label. They paid her. Technically, she now worked for them.
"What a trip!" she thought.
The seemingly endless lecture finally over, the students exited the auditorium to locate their first classes.
"Girl, what'cha got?" Caitlin asked.
"Algebra.. "My worst subject. First thing! I'm so dead! I'm not even awake this early!" Ruby groaned.
" Hey, just chill. I'm in that class too. I'll get you through it." Caitlin always got straight A's.
"Like last year? And the year before?" Ruby said.
"And next year, and the year after that..." Caitlin confidently predicted.
"Thanks!" Ruby said, sincerely.
"No prob..." Caitlin started to say something else, but a steely voice from behind intruded.
"Miss Quincy?"
"Yes?" Ruby responded, automatically turning around to face an irate Mrs. Turnbull.
"What is that you're wearing?" the headmistress coldly demanded, pointing a bony finger at the offending garment.
"Uh- a belt." Ruby answered.
"Such a belt is not part of the Pendleton Academy uniform. Please remove it and tuck your shirt in. Take off those bracelets, too"
Reluctantly, Ruby did as the headmistress ordered.
"In the future, we also expect to see more modest makeup and jewelry. Tomorrow, you will arrive here with your appearance up to proper standards. You will report to my office first thing in the morning so we can be sure of that."
Ruby just stared in disbelief.
"Do I make myself clear, Miss Quincy?"
"Yes."
"Good. I know who your parents are. Such apparel is no doubt stylish in their world. However, it has no place at Pendleton. Tomorrow, then." she dictated, finally moving on.
As soon as Mrs. Turnbull was out of earshot, Ruby turned to Caitlin.
"Geez, what's her damage?"
"Probably needs her coffee or something." her friend answered.
"That's not all she needs..." Ruby smirked evilly.
The two girls started laughing, but a loud bell halted their mirth.
"We gotta go!" They raced up the stairs to class.
As Ruby expected it to, the day passed slowly, and excruciatingly. After all, not only was she in school, but she was dying for it to be time to go to the studio. Finally, that hour actually arrived, and Ruby walked with Caitlin back towards the main doors. Caitlin stopped suddenly.
"You coming?" Ruby asked, surprised.
"Nah! Yearbook meeting. You know I'm into writing and photography. May as well check it out."
"Ok, cool. Talk to you later." Ruby replied.
As agreed, she met Patrick at his car.
"So, brainiac. How'd it go?" he asked sarcastically.
"Okay"
"Heard Turnbull already nailed you. Didn't like your oh-so-stylish outfit!"
"Yeah. I guess she's like you. No taste. Speaking of..." Ruby rooted through her purse, re-doing her makeup and fixing her hair as her brother drove.
"Should have brought some jeans. Next time." she promised herself, as her brother pulled up at the record company.
Ruby joyfully leaped out of the car.
"Don't say thank you or anything." Patrick arrogantly corrected her.
She just turned her head towards him, giving him one of her famous "Whatever!" looks before resuming her path inside. Rushing, she didn't even notice the equally oblivious blonde girl coming closer and closer to her, until they collided.
"You lost or something?" Ruby asked her, angrily.
"Nice outfit!" the girl smirked.
Ruby knew who she was. Stacie Sloane was the latest teen princess. Physically, she suited the role perfectly. Sixteen years old, with the regulation long blond hair, winsome smile and angelic demeanor. Clearly, the latter was an act; Ruby could always tell. The girl obviously needed her attitude adjusted.
"Nice CD" Ruby retorted. "What's it called again? Cheesy Pop?"
"Jealous, much!" Stacie smiled winningly.
"Yeah, right!"
"Look here, little Ruby Q. I know who you are. I don't care. There's only room here for one #1. Me. That's the way it is. And it's gonna stay that way! Got it, wannabe?
"Excuse me? What did you say? I'm sorry, but I don't speak airhead!" Ruby snapped back, borrowing one of her brother's sarcastic comebacks. She looked viciously into Stacie's green eyes, before turning away and moving on to meet Quest.
The remainder of the week was less dramatic. Ruby started to acclimate to her new school. She didn't like the snooty air of Pendleton academy, but except for the uniforms and slightly stricter rules, it really didn't differ much from her previous school. However, her classmates still seemed alien to her. In contrast, Caitlin appeared to fit in extremely well. While Ruby headed off to Q-Records every afternoon, Caitlin joined the yearbook staff and the photography club. Now, she even talked about auditioning for the school play. Ruby's eyes widened with disbelief when she heard this.
"Who are you? What have you done with my friend?" she teased lightly.
"Just trying to have some fun. Why should it always be about you." Caitlin shot back, angry eyes blazing pure fire.
Her irate response shocked Ruby.
"Chill." the redhead female said, smiling sweetly, knowing her friend could not resist it. "I'm just surprised, that's all" she added.
She managed to avoid further argument with Caitlin. But Ruby hadn't seen much of her, either; they were both so occupied with their individual interests. Even when they were together at school, other kids always competed with her for Caitlin's attention. Including several guys, none of whom impressed Ruby. They were all so immature. But at least her friend appeared to share this sentiment. It was fun watching these boys showing off for her, while she remained completely unmoved by their efforts.
"At least, we'll get to hang out tonight." Ruby said, after reviewing the events of the past week, as she again primped before her mirror. Saturday night had finally rolled around. She looked at and approved of her reflection. She wore a sleeveless, black T-shirt, and a distressed blue denim miniskirt over black leggings. Chunky black shoes, and her studded belt completed the look.. Incredibly, EJ insisted on meeting with her to approve the outfit. Tonight was not only her father's partnership party, but her own first "official" public appearance since signing her recording contract. EJ expected "Ruby Quincy of Q records" to attract considerable press. She carefully prepared her for this, coaching her on exactly what to say and what not to say in interviews. EJ not only insisted on helping choose her wardrobe, but even wanted to send over a hairdresser and makeup artist. While Ruby liked that idea, her mother vetoed it.
"EJ, I think that's just a little much" Jude said to her. "We can handle this. It's just a casual party after all."
"Ok" EJ deferred. "I'm gonna trust you on this one. Just make sure she looks good!"
That promise had definitely been kept. Satisfied with herself, Ruby went downstairs to meet up with her family.
While Ruby dressed, Jude and Tommy also readied themselves for the party. Finished with her preparations, Jude turned towards her husband.
"Ready?" she asked.
He nodded, a relaxed, confident look on his face. Dressed in his black jacket, plain T-shirt and jeans, he looked the epitome of the successful music executive he was. His appearance captivated Jude, who could only move closer to him.
"You like?" he said, smugly.
"Yeah" she replied, noting the small flicker in his eye. "Nervous?" Jude asked him.
"Well, yes, a little. But don't tell anyone. Only you can know the truth." he sweetly teased her. Then Tommy became serious.
"It's a big night for us, Jude. The partnership. Ruby's signing. You know."
" I know" she sighed. The tone of her voice told Tommy everything.
"You're nervous, too" he said softly.
"Yeah! But I'm also really excited. You know how I get."
"By now, I would think so." he whispered lovingly, as he took her hand. "Come on. Let's move. I heard Ruby already head downstairs. Our daughter, actually early for something. You know this is big!"
They joined their son and daughter, who patiently waited for them in the foyer. Parents and children exchanged smiles, greetings and compliments.
"Congratulations, Dad! Patrick was first to say.
"Yeah, Dad! It's soooo awesome!" Ruby cheered.
"Thanks, guys. Ok. Let's go!" Tommy directed, ushering his family out to the waiting car. A quick ride brought them to the newly re-christened G-Major/Q Records.
"Thanks, man." Tommy said to the driver, as he and his family exited the automobile. He inhaled deeply, as he stood outside the building, surveying his company. He then looked at his family- Jude right beside him, and his children scampering up ahead. Overwhelmed, he again reached for his wife's hand, whispering.
"I'm so lucky. I have everything."
"You?" Jude responded. "What happened to "we"? We have everything."
"Yes. That's exactly it." he easily conceded.
"Hey mom, dad" Ruby called playfully. "You just gonna stand there?"
"Yeah. Let's party!" Patrick added.
Their kids' enthusiasm was contagious and Tom and Jude hurried to catch up with them. Together, the foursome entered the doors of the record company. The decor inside lived up to this momentous occasion. The large reception area was brightly lit and festively decorated. A DJ spun the label's biggest hits, including many of Jude's songs, both classic and new; "24 Hours" played as they entered. Waiters and waitresses in sharp black and red uniforms threaded through the celebrity-studded crowd, serving fancy canapes, finger foods and cocktails. Naturally, all the staff and performers employed at the label were present, as were key industry professionals and members of the press. Gravity seemed to shift as the Quincy family entered the room, instantly becoming the center of attention.
"Ah, the guest of honor finally has arrived!" Georgia called out, immediately joining them.
"Well, you know Tommy. He just couldn't decide what to wear." Jude responded, earning a chuckle from Georgia, Patrick and Ruby. Her husband remained unamused.
"Yeah, right!" he said, affronted by the slur to his manly image. But everyone knew Jude spoke the truth.
"Hey, it's okay." Georgia soothed. "This is a big night for you."
"And for you too, Georgia." Tom added.
"Exactly. The rise of a new generation. A new beginning for us all. Especially for you, Ruby." Georgia smiled at their newest and youngest performer, who grinned cat-like back at her.
No one had a chance to say anything else. With her uncanny instinct, that of a hunter stalking prey, EJ approached them, saying to Ruby.
"Come on, kid. You got work to do. There's some people you gotta meet. I want you to charm their socks off!"
"No problem" Ruby confidently replied. Her smile widened still further as EJ led her away.
After ninety minutes of forced mingling, she finally got the chance to rest.
"Whew!" she said, collapsing into a chair next to Caitlin's. "My jaw hurts from smiling. I think my lips are gonna be stuck in that position."
"Now, that has possibilities..." Caitlin wickedly insinuated.
"So, what's been going on? What have I missed?" Ruby asked.
"You? Miss anything? That will be the day. Anyway, nothing exciting happening here. Just your typical celebrity party. So terribly dull." she drawled, affecting a bored, haughty tone.
"Speaking of boring, where's Pat?" Ruby questioned, curious.
" Right over there. Talking with that new intern, Brian somebody."
"Typical. A whole party full of beautiful women and he holes up with some guy all night."
"Yeah, well, you know he's shy."
"I know. So any interesting guys here?" Ruby said, scanning the crowd.
"Well, let's see. There's that one." Caitlin answered, indicating a plump, forty-something male with a receding hairline.
"Funny!" Ruby replied, but looked more closely at him. "Seriously, he looks familiar, but I can't remember who he is."
She mulled it over for a few minutes, before the realization hit her. She involuntarily snapped her fingers.
"How weird." she commented.
"What?"
"That's Chaz Blackburn. You know. He used to be in Boyz Attack with my dad. But they haven't spoken in ages. What the heck is he doing here?" she wondered.
Those same sentiments and questions echoed inside Tommy's head, as his once-friend and former bandmate walked over and greeted him.
"You look good, T. Really good."
"Thanks" Tom responded, not knowing exactly what else to say. Chaz rescued him.
"I know. I haven't aged as well. But I haven't been as lucky!" he said, warmly. "Look at you. Your own record company, two great kids, and as always, you are with the most desirable woman in the room" he continued, glancing flirtatiously at Jude.
A rare blush colored her skin as Chaz continued.
"Only this time, you were smart enough to marry her."
"No arguments there." Tommy smiled, slipping an arm around his wife.
"No arguments tonight, period. It's all in the past. I just wanted to see you. Wish you well."
"Thanks."
"So what have you been up to Chaz?" Jude asked politely.
"Not much. I'm divorced. But you've probably heard of my son, Justin."
"Justin Blackburn. Of course. From the band "Downtown Guyz". Like father, like son". Tommy quipped.
"Well, formerly of that group. I manage his career now. We've decided that it's time for a split. For him to go solo. Hey, he's 17 now. If he doesn't make it soon, he never will."
"Yeah. 17. Ancient!" Tommy responded.
"Careers are short in this business, T. You of all people know that!'
"Yeah." he acknowledged. Time hadn't changed their profession and probably never would. The music world was and likely always would be youth-oriented and fluid, driven by what- and who- was "hot" at any particular moment.
"He's really good, Tom. Better than I was." Chaz began, sincerely.
"I can't believe you're actually admitting that!" Tommy replied. The comment was deserved. Back in "Boyz Attack's" heyday, Chaz had been notorious for his extremely large ego, which even surpassed Tom's not so small one.
"Yeah. But, after all, he's my kid." Chaz said. "You understand".
"Yeah. Exactly. You're asking for something. Same old Chaz. Always working an angle." Tommy said, starting to fume.
"Just give him a chance, T. Let him audition. Your kid did."
"Oh, that's weak." Tom glared at him.
" He could have a huge solo career. Come on. For old times sake!" Chaz persisted.
"Ok. Bring him in on Monday at 3:30. But I'm not gonna promise anything."
"Hey, fair enough! You won't regret it. But right now, I just want you to meet him."
"Fine by me. Where is he?"
"Probably where you and I would've been. Scoping out the prettiest chick in the room".
Two sets of eyes swept the area.
"Hey, I was right!" Chaz grinned, pointing out a handsome dark-haired boy standing next to a redheaded girl.
"Except that's no chick! That's my daughter." Tommy said, protectively.
"Ouch! So, let's go interrupt them?"
Tom saw the way Justin leaned over Ruby, and gladly agreed.
"Okay"
The men started across the crowded floor to where Justin Blackburn stood with Ruby. He had approached her only minutes ago. Engrossed in conversation with Caitlin, she failed to notice him, until he was right in front of her.
"Ruby Quincy." he said, phrasing it as a comment, not a question.
"Yes. Do I know you?" she bluntly asked.
He flashed his famous smile, revealing strong, pearly-white teeth.
"Don't you know me? I thought everyone did. Well, then you've been missing out!"
"Wait, you do look a little familiar. Aren't you that kid from that so-called singing group Downtown Guyz?"
"Ex-group member. And certainly ex-kid."
"Could've fooled me" she said, raising an eyebrow. He was arrogant, but very good-looking.
"Seriously. I'm not into that whole boy-band thing." Ruby stated
"Neither am I. I do my best work solo." Justin flirtatiously replied.
"Well, I guess I'll just take your word for that."
"If you're lucky, you won't have to"
"Really? I don't think so!" Ruby tossed back at him.
"Seriously. I'm Justin Blackburn. My dad is Chaz Blackburn. Maybe you heard of him?"
"Oh, yeah. He was in "Boyz Attack" with my dad. A long time ago."
"Well, he's talking with your dad about me signing here."
"You mean about Q-Records deciding to sign you."
"Okay" he conceded. "If you want it that way."
"I don't know that Q-Records has any more room for anyone else. They just started with a great new artist." Ruby snapped back.
Caitlin's eyes widened, watching the obvious chemistry between the smooth ex boy-band member and her spunky rebel friend.
"And who would that be?" Justin asked her.
"Me" Ruby boasted proudly.
"Hmmm. Well, someone clearly had excellent taste there. Normally, I don't like sharing the spotlight. But for you, Ruby, I might make an exception."
"You might. But who says I will!" she grinned.
"Confidence. I like that. Very sexy. We'll just see..." he started to say, when a voice interrupted him.
"I see you've met my daughter." Tommy said loudly, looking at Justin.
"Yes. And it's a pleasure to meet you too, sir." he said, as Chaz introduced them. "My father spoke so well of you."
Ruby rolled her eyes.
"Really?" Tommy responded, surprised. He and Chaz did not part on good terms.
"Surprised, T? Don't be. From what I remember, the old days were mostly pretty damm good. Yeah, we ended badly. But we shared something great. And no one can deny you've done real well for yourself. You always had it, T. That's why I want Justin to sign here." Chaz went on.
"Me too, sir. I can't think of a better place to be, led by a better person." Justin flattered.
Again Ruby's eyes rolled, as she and Caitlin exchanged a look. Junior and senior Blackburn men certainly laid it on thick. It seemed more than a little phony. Unfortunately, her father did not appear totally immune to their saccharine charm.
"Speaking of fake" Ruby thought, noting the pretty blonde teenager approaching.
"Stacie! Hey, babe!" Justin said, putting an arm around her tiny waist, and kissing her cheek.
"Hi, Jussie!" she cooed. "Hi, Mr. Blackburn!"
"It's Chaz, honey. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
"Hi, Mr. Quincy" Stacie went on, completely ignoring Ruby.
"Hello, Stacie. Having fun?"
"Oh, yes. It's just the best party ever! Congratulations! This must be soooo wonderful for you!"
"I think I just threw up in my mouth." Ruby whispered in an undertone, just loud enough for Caitlin to hear.
"Did you say something, Ruby?" Stacie asked sweetly.
"No" she said, matching the girl's fake smile with one of her own. She could play this game, too.
"So, you two have already met?" Tommy said.
"Yes" they both replied.
"Good. Cause I've just come up with a great publicity idea for the both of you. Chaz, you still produce the "Music Helps" telethon on TV?" Tom began.
"Of course. Why didn't I think of that? You two will sound great together." he easily agreed.
"You mean..." Ruby said, in trepidation.
"Us? A duet?" Stacie finished, equally displeased.
"Yeah"
"Of course, I'll sing with your daughter. How could I say no?" Stacie purred. Tommy nodded.
"Good. And what do you say, Ruby?"
"Sure. You're the boss. Besides, anything for those kids, right?" she answered, as cheerfully as she could.
"So, it's settled. You two will start practicing with Quest, Monday afternoon. Justin, you can come see me with your father that same day. We'll talk. See where we wanna go."
"Yes, sir." Justin again flashed his perfect teeth.
"My boyfriend will make you proud, Mr. Quincy. He's a wonderful singer. He'd be a real asset to Q-Records."
"Boyfriend?" Ruby wondered.
"If you'll please excuse us. Come on, Jussie. I'm thirsty."
"Anything for you, babe." he said, saying polite goodbyes to the adults, but leaving Ruby without a backwards glance.
A few hours later, Justin Blackburn cheerfully drove his red Porsche up the hill to his father's home. He whistled as he climbed the stairs, satisfied with how his night had gone. He entered, surprised to find the downstairs lights still on.
"Dad? What are you doing still up?" he asked.
"Can't a father wait up for his son?" Chaz asked, swirling his brandy.
"Since when do you ever..." Justin began.
"Ok. Drop the attitude. Everything went according to plan. Quincy's gonna give you that contract."
"You sure about that?"
"Positive. It's been a while. But I can still read him like a book. We were like brothers, once. Plus, I've got another little incentive tucked up my sleeve."
"What?"
"You'll see. But you'll get what you want."
"Yeah!" Justin agreed. He then thought of Ruby Quincy- so young, but so sassy. She was innocent, but still, so hot. Unlike most girls, she didn't fall swooning at his feet; she was a challenge. Just the way he liked it. Oh, there would be more benefits here than his father could ever realize. Justin Blackburn had his own separate agenda. He thought
"Yeah, Dad. I'll get what I want, all right. But that's not exactly what you think it is..."