Instant Star- Rise Of The Next Generation
Chapter 7- Hollywood Girls
Author's Notes: Hi, everyone! I'm home! Sigh! Seriously, I had a really great and productive vacation. Brought back some nice little souvenirs for all of you- Chapter 7 of this story, as well as the start of a new story. "Holiday" is a nice little "seasonal" tale that I think you all will like. Let me know. Seriously, now that we have the "response" feature on the "reviews" section, I'm thinking of starting something where everyone who posts feedback will get a spoiler for the next chapter (unless of course, you don't want one- then of course, I don't have to send it). So, just let me know what you think and what you want. Believe me, if people are good enough to review, I'm more than happy to "spoil" them in return. It's like writing promos for my own TV show- pure pleasure!
Okay, a few more quick notes- and then on to the story itself. I first want to comment on some of the feedback on the last chapter. As "Supposed Rockstar" noted, this story and it's structure does and was meant to parallel the "Degrassi" shows (both the original and current series). What can I say? It goes there!
Also- I really enjoyed your reactions to Chaz and Justin- you really don't like those guys at all, do you? Although I didn't think the TV version of Chaz was so bad, a little manipulative, but more whiny and clueless... But remember, this is a story full of surprises... people may or may not be who they seem. The mystery heats up in this chapter and the next one. I really expected Chapter 7 to take the story further... but it got too long. So part of Chapter 7 is now Chapter 8. Since the two chapters are so closely related, I'm really pushing to get that one out as quickly as possible- especially since it's a personal favorite. No two week wait there! Oh, and there's a lot of music mentioned in this chapter, Britney Spear's "Lucky", Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" and N Sync's "Tearing Up My Heart" as well as a certain song from IS itself; I don't own any of it, or the show- it's just "borrowed".
Lastly, I want to thank everyone for their support and their patience throughout my little vacation hiatus. I also have to give a shout out to my "Lime Lips" crew of travel companions for their encouragement and not thinking me a total nutcase for doing this- let alone writing on the beach!
This overdue chapter is specially dedicated to all my friends and readers! Enjoy, and let me know what you think.
Chapter 7- Hollywood Girls
As scheduled, Ruby Quincy reported to Q- Records that Monday afternoon, to rehearse the "Music Helps" duet with Stacie Sloan. However, it was the first time ever that she was not looking forward to her time there.
"Me do a duet with her? What are Mom and Dad thinking?" she thought yet again.
The previous day, Ruby posed the same question to Jude and Tommy.
"You want me to sing with this year's bleached blonde Barbie? Tomorrow's nobody! Why? It's not as if we've anything in common. Musically or otherwise!"
"Ruby, I know you don't like her." Jude sensibly began. "I know she doesn't sing your type of music. But you both need the exposure. Besides, you've got to learn to respect other people's sounds, even if they are different from yours."
Ruby studied her mother's face thoughtfully, as Jude continued.
"I had the same problem. It wasn't easy for me either. But sometimes blending two very different people's beats make the best sound. The best music." she wisely counseled.
"Like your duet with Shay." Ruby commented, reluctantly beginning to understand.
"Yes. Exactly. I thought he was just all bling-bling. No substance. But there was a real person there. "Waste My Time" really became a better song because of him."
"And then he became your boyfriend." Ruby grinned knowingly. She knew this story well, but always loved hearing it again.
"Yes. He was my first real boyfriend. I thought I loved him."
"Dad, how did you feel about that?" Ruby asked him, never before hearing his side of this. She was really starting to enjoy herself.
"I wasn't happy. Shay had a reputation. I didn't think he was right for her. I didn't want him to hurt her."
"And he really did. Dumping me on my 16th birthday for Eden." Jude added.
"But there was more to it than that? Wasn't there?" she perceptively asked, catching the looks in both her parents' eyes. She had seen them before when they talked about their past, but never questioned their meaning. Today, she did.
"Yes" Jude cautiously began.
"Tell me. Please." Ruby responded earnestly.
"Well, it's complicated. Your father and I spent a lot of time together, working. We talked a lot, about music and about other things. We wrote songs together."
Ruby nodded, encouraging her mother to continue.
"Writing with someone is a very personal thing. It's a sharing that draws people closer together. I fell in love with your father. And I knew he loved me. I could see it in his eyes. But we weren't supposed to feel this way. There was an age difference. He was my producer. People wouldn't understand. They would make it out to be something nasty, and sordid.
"I tried to do the sensible thing." Tommy began. "I tried to fight it. I went out with other girls. I figured the attraction would just go away. It always did before. But your mother was different.
My feelings didn't weaken. I managed to suppress the emotions, but they didn't disappear. They only got stronger and stronger.
"It was the same for me." Jude added quickly. "No matter who I dated."
"And she dated plenty!" Tommy broke in, chuckling.
"And you didn't!" she threw back at him, joining in his laughter. Then she grew serious again.
"No matter who I dated, he never measured up to him"
"And I couldn't get rid of her!" Tommy said wryly. "Eventually, things worked out for us. She turned 18 and we could finally have what we both wanted. After I convinced her to trust me enough. After I got rid of that month's boyfriend. What was his name again? Beef?"
"You know perfectly well his name was Biff." Jude smiled.
"There's a difference?" Tommy sneered.
"He was very nice and attractive. As we said then, a hunk" she continued.
"A hunk of meat was more like it. I had to steal you back! Just think! You could be married to him!' Tommy recoiled in mock horror.
Ruby grinned. Her parent's love story was cooler than any she'd ever read.
"And you've been married almost twenty years now. That's awesome!" she said to them, mentally noting to talk to Patrick. They needed to plan something extraordinary for their parents' upcoming anniversary.
With that on her mind, Ruby approached Studio B. The tinkling sound of the piano floated from the room, accompanied by a sweet soprano voice singing an incongruous mournful tune. Ruby's trained ear focused quickly on the lyrics.
Early morning,
She wakes up.
Knock, knock, knock on the door.
It's time for makeup.
Perfect smile!
It's you they're all waiting for.
They go...
Isn't she lovely,
This Hollywood girl.
And they say...
She's so lucky!
She's a star.
But she cry, cry, cries in her lonely heart thinking.
If there's nothing missing in my life,
Then why do these tears come at night.
Lost in an image,
In a dream
But there's no one there to wake her up.
And the world is spinning.
As she keeps on winning.
But tell me...
What happens when it stops?
They go...
Isn't she lovely,
This Hollywood girl.
And they say...
She's so lucky!
She's a star.
But she cry, cry, cries in her lonely heart thinking.
If there's nothing missing in my life,
Then why do these tears come at night.
She's so lucky,
She's a star.
"Wow!" Ruby thought, really impressed, as the music trailed off. The singer then turned to face her.
"Hey" Ruby cautiously greeted Stacie Sloan.
"Hey" Stacie replied, equally wary.
The two girls eyed each other awkwardly. Finally, Ruby broke the uncomfortable silence.
"I really like that song. Where'd you get it?" she asked, knowing only that her mother hadn't created it.
"I wrote it." Stacie said evenly.
"Really? It's killer!"
"Thanks"
"I didn't know you performed your own stuff." Ruby had just assumed otherwise.
"I don't usually. My mom and my manager, they don't really want me to. They think the songs are wrong for my image. They let me stick one or two on each CD. But they are never released as singles. Too serious, not dancable. Not what the public wants or expects of me." she explained.
Ruby was quiet, not knowing what to say. She couldn't imagine being restricted like that, it would be like being chained down; it would drive her crazy. Clearly, Stacie Sloan didn't like it either.
Stacie too was silent; her actions already surprised her. Why had she blurted all that out? To little Ruby Quincy, the big boss's daughter, of all people? But as their eyes met, she relaxed. This kid clearly got it. Ruby understood, which was more than could be said for most of the people she knew. Stacie then continued.
"I heard your song, too. Quest was mixing as I came in. It's great, Ruby. Real. I guess you do have talent." Stacie conceded.
"Yeah? Well, you aren't so bad yourself, Sloan." Ruby returned the compliment, then started laughing.
"What?" Stacie asked.
"I'm just thinking..." Ruby paused dramatically.
"Yes?"
"Doing this duet may not totally suck, after all!"
"Quincy, you may just be right about that."
"So, where's Quest, anyway?" Ruby asked.
"Oh, he left for a few minutes. Your parents dragged him into some meeting. I think it's with the Blackburns. But he'll be back soon..."
While Stacie and Ruby talked, Quest sat upstairs in Tommy's plush, but sophisticated office with Jude and Chaz. He had been summoned there for Justin Blackburn's audition.
Justin picked up his guitar and began playing the tune his father instructed him to play. The song they talked about that weekend that constituted their secret weapon.
Nobody ever cared as much for me. Nobody touched my heart and healed my pain. You picked up the pieces. And put me back together again.
Tommy lifted his head and glared at Chaz. His picking that song for his son's audition was no surprise. However, despite the predictability, Justin Blackburn's soulful rendition of their old Boyz Attack hit impressed him. It differed dramatically from the upbeat version they performed and popularized thirty years ago.
The youth finished singing and he and his father turned expectedly to Tommy, Jude and Quest.
"Well?" Chaz asked, aggressively.
"Nice!" Tommy snorted. "Try to work me with that old song!"
"But why not?" Chaz stated. "I remember you wanting to re-do that song. Update it. So, do it now, with Justin as the singer. Remakes are hot! Plus, think of the publicity. "Pick Up The Pieces" re-recorded by the son of an original "Boyz Attack" member. It's a sure thing!"
"He has a point, Tom." Jude commented, as her husband focused on her, needing her professional judgement.
"The song could really work now. The lyrics are classic. We just need to modernize the sound. Update the rhythms. Maybe pick up the tempo just a little bit. I can see a hit." Q-Records creative director confidently predicted.
"I agree." Quest added, supportively. "Tommy?"
All eyes focused on Q-Records managing partner as he carefully considered the matter before speaking.
"Ok. I like it. Just one thing. Darius still owns the song. He'd have to agree to this."
"You mean, we'd have to pay him." Quest translated.
"Yeah. And he's not exactly known for charity work. He won't sell the song cheap. Maybe not at all."
"I'll talk to him" Jude volunteered. "I think he'll go for it. It's an ego trip for him, too. Remember, he created Boyz Attack. But he hasn't been doing much lately, he's pretty much retired. Re-releasing that song will put him back in the spotlight. We know he'll love that. Not to mention make him some money. He's never turned that down, either."
"Ok" Tommy conceded. "Let's try it. But don't overpay him."
"As if I would!" Jude shot him a scornful glance.
Tommy smiled. He knew the skillful and tough negotiator Jude was. She scored them some pretty sweet deals, securing the rights for other songs. He knew if anyone could pull this off, she would.
Jude returned his smile with one of her own. She knew what Tommy was thinking, and promised that somehow, she would make this happen. The more hits Q-Records pulled off now, the better he, the new partner would look. She wanted that for him.
She redirected her attention to the matter at hand.
"If it doesn't work out, I can come up with something else for Justin. No problem." she added.
"I'm absolutely certain you could." Chaz said, smiling charmingly at her. "So, it's settled then?"
Tommy and Jude nodded.
"Does this mean I get my deal?" Justin questioned aggressively. He needed things made very clear.
"Yes. Standard contract for new artists. One album, with the option for two more. A small signing bonus, then royalties based on sales. Agreed?" Tommy proposed.
"Fine by me." Justin said.
"You drive a hard bargain, T. But we'll take it." Chaz replied.
A round of handshakes sealed the deal, then Justin asked.
"Since that's settled, do you mind if I excuse myself for a minute?
"Yeah, we're done with you. We'll just work out a few more details with your dad. Quest, you put together a rehearsal schedule for him. He'll be in the "Music Helps" show, too. It's this Friday, which doesn't give us a lot of time."
"No problem. He'll be ready." Quest assured everyone.
"Yeah, I will be." Justin said, then added.
"Thank you all. This is a wonderful opportunity for me. I promise to work hard and live up to it."
"You're welcome". Tommy replied.
"Yeah." Chaz grinned knowingly. "Now, beat it! Go see your girl. Tell her the news. If that's okay with the bosses here?" he questioned.
Justin ignored his father's innuendo. Stacie was not who he thought of right now. That honor belonged to someone else, if he could just find her. Ironically, Quest's next statement contained exactly the information he needed.
"Ruby and Stacie should be in Studio B, downstairs, all the way to the left. You can go there. Tell them I'll be right down. Those two really need to get to work."
"Sure!" Justin agreed, more than satisfied.
He strolled down to Studio B, finding it easily, lured by the sound of the two female voices. One, a lighter, sweeter sound he knew well. The richer, dulcet tones of the second he assumed belonged to Ruby. He heard singing, but also conversation, and surprisingly, laughter. The two girls stopped what they were doing as he entered the room.
"You and her? All alone? And you didn't kill each other?" Justin asked. He heard earlier from Stacie about their instant mutual dislike.
"No. Not yet." Ruby grinned sweetly.
"We've actually been practicing. This kid actually has talent. Maybe even some taste." Stacie said, matching Ruby's teasing look with one of her own.
"Well, I'm not surprised. That was always obvious to me." Justin smirked, eyeing Ruby's slim body up and down.
She considered his actions. Clearly, Justin was checking her out. His penetrating glance unnerved her and warmed her insides. But she wasn't going to let him know that, and played it cool.
"I'm sure that's not the kind of talent she had in mind" Ruby responded.
"Oh, I bet you have all kind of hidden talents." Justin insinuated.
"Stick around and maybe you'll find some of them out for sure." Ruby flirted back.
"Well, Ruby Q, it looks like you got your wish. Meet this label's newest and hottest male solo act."
"That's great, Justin" Stacie said, and hugged him. He then looked at Ruby.
"So, it looks like we'll be seeing a lot of each other." he continued, as his dark eyes deeply penetrated her blue ones.
"Maybe. If you're very lucky." she replied coyly.
"Good. Well, I gotta go. Meeting my dad outside. And you know how he is about waiting. But I'll see you. Both of you." he said, giving them a lascivious wink, before turning and walking out of the room.
Ruby looked at Stacie, to find her snickering.
"What?" she asked.
"He's some piece of work, isn't he?"
"Yeah. If you're into that. How'd you guys meet, anyway?"
"Believe it or not, his father used to date my mother."
"No way." Ruby replied in disbelief. She had seen Amanda Sloan. Stacie's mother was a virtual clone of her daughter, just a little older, and a lot sexier.
"Way." Stacie replied, understanding Ruby's skepticism. She explained.
"Hard to believe, I know. Chaz is not exactly a hottie. Far from it! But he was famous once. He manages people now. My mom went out with him, cause she thought he'd help my career."
Ruby looked at Stacie, absorbing her words. Having grown up with the music business, Ruby was not exactly naive. She knew that in this profession, attractive women traded on their looks and could use sex to get ahead. What Stacie just told her did not shock her, but she was thrown by the casual, matter-of-fact tone of the older girl, as if her mother doing that didn't bother her at all. She stayed alert, listening carefully, as Stacie continued.
"Hey, it's no big deal. It's not like she had much choice. My mom dropped out of high school when she had me and married my dad. He split when I was five; we haven't seen or heard from him since. She had no job skills, and couldn't support us. So I started working. Modeling, acting, and now singing. It's all I ever wanted to do, anyway.
Ruby nodded, intrigued. She felt comfortable enough now to ask.
"So, what's the deal with you and Justin. How long have you two..." she began.
"Been a "two?" " Stacie grinned. "It depends. I guess we've been on and off since I was thirteen. I mean, it's not what people think. We're not exclusive. It's really more of a publicity thing for both of us. Giving the public what it wants. You know."
Ruby nodded again, understandingly.
"I guess you could say we're more good friends. With benefits. He's good that way. Although personally, I like older men. They are more appreciative and have more to offer. More mature... they treat us better. You know what I mean."
Ruby tried to look knowledgeable, but it was all foreign to her. She'd never even been on a real date, let alone been kissed.
Stacie considered her, not fooled for a second by the blase look on Ruby's face.
"I guess it would all seem a little strange to you. You've never had to deal with anything like that. Everyone knows about your parents. Tommy and Jude Quincy. G-Major's own fairy tale. Completely in love with each other. Won't even look at anyone else. Still faithful after all these years. In this business, you know how rare that is? And you know, it doesn't have to be like that."
Ruby shifted uncomfortably.
"What are you saying?" she asked.
"Nothing" Stacie said, trying to reassure Ruby, but squirming herself. She hadn't meant to disclose so much, but something about Ruby provoked it. Her earnest, interested gaze invited confidences. She regretted going so far. But Ruby would not just let the topic go.
"Talk!" she demanded
"It's nothing. Your father wouldn't go for that. I know. My mother tried." she admitted.
"What?" Ruby started to angrily react, but Stacie broke in.
"You don't need to go all postal on me. She got nowhere. Your dad cut her off at step 1. Trust me. He's whipped!" she said, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah. But he likes it that way!" Ruby replied, finally relaxing, as Quest entered the room.
"Ok. Sorry to keep you waiting." he apologized, looking them over carefully, relieved to see no signs of injury on either one.
"It's cool. We've been practicing." Ruby responded.
"Good. So, let's get to work." Quest directed, and they did.
As Ruby and Stacie rehearsed, Chaz and Justin continued their drive home.
"See, I told you. A sure thing! Knew that song would get to Quincy!" Chaz gloated.
"Yeah, Dad. You were right. You always know everything." Justin replied sarcastically.
"Shut up! You ungrateful kid! I made you! Without me, you'd have nothing! Be nothing! Just remember that!" Chaz threatened.
"Whatever, Dad." Justin said blandly. However, he silently reflected.
"You'll see, Dad. I really will make it on my own. I don't need you. Someday. Soon." he vowed.
The three youngest artists at Q-Records spent a busy, but enjoyable week preparing to perform at Friday's "Music Helps" telethon. Ruby was surprised by the friendship she and Stacie developed; the "teen princess" was actually fun and irreverent, a real blast to hang out with. Her feelings towards Justin were less clear. She didn't see as much of him, but the attractive guy clearly sent mixed messages. One minute he laid it on thick, totally flirting with her, the next he barely spoke to her, almost icing her. It confused Ruby, so accustomed was she to being able to read people. His behavior drove her crazy. Then she admonished herself.
"Why do you even care about this? You don't like him. He's an arrogant, ex-boy band member. A complete pop music cliche! Everything you hate. Plus, his sort-of girlfriend is your friend. You are so not going there!" she cautioned herself.
However, despite all that, she still found herself thinking about him. Ruby tried distracting herself by pouring even more time and energy into her music. With Quest's help, she and Stacie perfected their duet, a rendition of an "old" 1980's classic called "True Colors". In contrast, Justin would not disclose what he would perform. All she knew was that with the rights to "Pick Up The Pieces" unsecured, it would be something else.
Friday afternoon arrived and found the threesome standing together backstage, waiting, amidst a frenzy of publicity. Justin would perform towards the middle of the program, while Ruby and Stacie landed the much-coveted finale slot.
EJ hurried over to them.
"Sorry, Stacie. We need you for one more interview."
Stacie shrugged her small shoulders and followed EJ.
Justin stood calmly, surveying the pretty redheaded girl at his side. He had been wanting time alone with her, waiting for his chance. Now he had it.
"Nervous, Ruby Q?" he tenderly asked her.
"Nah!" she replied, trying to sound cool and confident. Truthfully, she was scared. But there was no way she'd admit that to him.
Her blase stance didn't fool him for a second.
"I can tell that you are" he answered, with surprising gentleness. "Come on. You can tell me about it. I still get nervous when I perform. I really did, when I first started." he confided.
Ruby searched his face; his sensitivity appeared genuine. It both pleased her and threw her off guard. She responded.
"Ok. I am nervous. A little." she admitted.
"You're going to do fine. More than fine." he whispered, leaning close to her.
A strange heat flushed her skin, and she babbled, trying to regulate her surging emotions.
"I mean, I have performed in public before. There's no reason to go crazy over this." Ruby said rationally, trying to still her pounding heart.
"Maybe it's not just performing. Maybe there's something else. Do I make you nervous Ruby?" Justin said softly, his mouth grazing her ear.
"No" she denied, but felt herself trembling.
"You wish, Blackburn!" she threw back at him, attempting to maintain her composure.
"Maybe I need to try harder, then" he said, leaning even closure, his lips just inches from hers.
Suddenly, the stagehand called his name.
"This one's for you, Ruby" he whispered seductively, before turning away to confidently strut towards the stage. Piercing screams emanated from the females in the studio audience as he took the microphone.
It's tearing up my heart when I'm with you,
And when we are apart, I feel it too.
And no matter what I do, I feel the pain.
With or without you.
Baby, I don't understand
Just why we can't be lovers
Things are getting out of hand.
Trying so much
But baby, we can win
Let it go
If you want me, girl
Let me know.
I am down, on my knees
I can't take it anymore.
It's tearing up my heart...
Ruby stood stage left, watching him. His charisma was undeniable, as he expertly played to his audience, knowing just how to sell the song and himself, punctuating his words with perfect gestures and dance steps. His fans responded with even more hysteria. While he appeared solely focused on the crowd in front of him, he also took every opportunity to glance sideways and lock eyes with Ruby. His brief, but intense stare consumed her, completely melting her insides. She was only grateful that the eye contact couldn't last long. Finally, a female voice penetrated her thoughts.
"So? What'd I miss?" Stacie asked.
"There's your boy out there." Ruby commented, glad to see her friend. Surely Stacie's presence would cool things down a bit.
"Don't call him that! I told you, we're just friends. It's just a media thing. You know we both date other people."
Ruby nodded, but she was anything but reassured.
The remainder of the show quickly passed. Soon, the stagehand summoned Ruby and Stacie onstage for their duet; it was a huge success. Thunderous applause followed the girls after they finished.
"Excellent!" Jude beamed proudly at them.
"Really killer!" EJ agreed.
The two women walked off to take care of some business matters, leaving the girls with Justin.
"Awesome!" he said. "So, what do you say we go out and celebrate tonight? All three of us."
"Depends. What do you have in mind?" Stacie questioned him.
"You know. The spot"
"Perfect! You in, Ruby?"
"Depends. The "spot"? Care to elaborate?"
"Yeah. I guess you've never been there. It's a club. Really cool. It doesn't have a real name, people just go there. Famous people." Stacie informed her.
"I think it used to be called "Club Nightingale", like a million years ago." Justin added.
"Yeah. My mom had her 21st birthday party there." Ruby commented
"So? You in?" he asked her.
"Ok" she responded, with more bravado than she felt.
"Excellent. I gotta go. Later then" he answered, quickly walking away.
"If they'll let me in." Ruby mumbled.
"Hey, I heard that!" Stacie said.
"I'm 14. Who says they gotta let me in? Aren't there like laws or something about that?"
"Haven't you ever been to a club before?"
"Well, no. Not unless it was a record company thing, with my parents." she admitted.
"You really don't know, do you?" Stacie replied, amazed.
"Know what?"
"You're famous. Rules don't apply to you. You can have anything you want. Go anywhere you want. Especially now!" she grinned and continued.
"Tonight, you'll see! But just to be sure, I'm coming over to help you get ready. Clear?"
"Crystal!" Ruby beamed back.
While Stacie and Ruby laid down their plans, another beautiful woman hatched a scheme of her own. The tall, shapely blonde stood with her male accomplice, an old lover. That man carefully reviewed the terms and details of their conspiracy.
"So, it's agreed?" he asked her.
"Sure. Like I would turn this down. Tommy Quincy. Oh, I can do him really good. Plus, the price is right."
The middle aged man lustfully eyed the woman's generous curves.
"You're definitely worth it." he confidently said, knowing that from personal experience.
"You really have it in for him, don't you" she asked.
"Yeah. Him and Jude. It's payback time" he replied, handing her the small recording device.
"Ok. Go get him"
"Don't worry. I'm real convincing" she promised, sealing their deal.