Chapter 9 –
I've missed 3 days of practice. The guys told me that they were okay with me not going; they said Gustavo just blended some of my old vocals into some of the new tracks. But just because the guys were okay, didn't mean that Gustavo was happy.
I was getting a snack ready when I heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?" I called.
"It's us! Open the door, we need to fix you!" It was Jo and Camille. I wasn't worried about Star being with them since I knew she was at the studio with the other guys.
"Guys, I don't need any 'fixing', I'm perfectly fine… Ahhh!" Jo and Camille weren't alone. Freight Train was with them and I ran for my life.
I should have known better not to run away. He eventually caught up to me and gave me one of his notorious squeezes. "Freight Train, let me go!"
"Sorry, Carlos." Camille apologized.
"We wanted you to be happy again!" Jo said.
Freight Train threw me over his shoulder and carried me all the way to the studio. Usually, I'd enjoy this but I knew he was taking me under the same roof as Star. I waved goodbye to Jo and Camille as they yelled another apology down the hall.
"Man, what's wrong with you? You're never here." Freight Train said while putting me down just in front of Gustavo's office.
"I'm fine, dude."
Freight Train shook his head. "Actually, Gustavo knows it's about Star. He's waiting for you in there." He pointed at the beast's dwelling.
I went in and took a seat. His shades were dark but I could tell he was giving me one of his crazy stares. His arms were crossed and his nostrils were flared.
"Hey, Gustavo! How… how's it going? Haha!" I hoped that if I took lightly of the situation, he'd calm down a little. I was wrong.
He stood up and started pacing around the room. "Let's see, you disobeyed me and now you're ditching rehearsal. I don't know Carlos, why don't you tell me how's it going? Oh wait, better yet, let me ask you something. Was I right?"
"About what?"
"If you fell for her, the band would fall apart!" He yelled.
"Yeah, but Gustavo, we're not falling apart. I just need some time off." I explained.
"Griffin isn't going to wait, Carlos. He doesn't care how heartbroken you are, all he cares about is making money."
Before I could say anything else, Star came in the room breathing heavily. She looked like she was in a rush to get here. "Uncle, stop! Don't yell at him. This is my entire fault… I led him on."
Damn right it was. I found myself agreeing with her every time she said it was her fault. She did lead me on. Gustavo massaged his temples and took a deep breath. But as soon as he opened his mouth to speak, Freight Train came in and yelled that were was a fire in the coffee room. Gustavo ran out first and Freight Train blocked us from following.
"There's no fire. I bought you guys some time to get out of here and fix whatever is goin' on. I'll cover for you guys."
Star thanked him and we ran out. We didn't stop running until we reached the very same spot in the park where we kissed. I don't think she noticed. I collapsed on the floor trying to catch my breath. I was faced down with my eyes closed but I felt Star sit next to me. Figured that I'd have to thank her for saving me from Gustavo so I turned around only to see her already looking at me.
"Thanks for saving me back there." I said, sitting up.
"Are you still mad at me?"
I thought deeply about it first before I could answer. "It depends. I'd have to know your story first."
"You know the day I told you that you were my inspiration? I was basically telling you that I had a little crush on you." She explained.
I nodded once, still unsure if I wanted to forgive her or not. I didn't even know if she really knew the reason why I snapped at her the other day. I thought she wouldn't be like other people – taking me lightly and all – but she ended up being the same. She hid her feelings from me because she was afraid I wasn't going to be able to take it.
"So, when you didn't get my hint, I sort of did whatever I could to make it obvious. But after that whole thing with Dak, I realized that I didn't want you ending up as a rebound. So… yeah. I really like you, Carlos."
I stared at her long and hard contemplating on my decision. She'd looked like all hope was lost after a few minutes of me being silent. She put her hand to my shoulder and it unleashed a blast of uneasiness in me. She still had the ability to give me butterflies. I guess I shouldn't hold it against her… after all, she was really just trying to look out for me.
Leaning over, I gave her a kiss on the cheek. She smiled and we lay in the grass. We were both calmer now, the damage was done, and we've fixed up most of it. All that was left was Gustavo. I hoped that it'd be easy to get past. The was the last thing on my mind right now, I was too caught up in the moment that Star was actually my girlfriend now. I didn't think it'd get this far, but I damn sure enjoyed it. She dozed off as I ran my fingers through her hair and I whispered to myself, "I love you, Star."
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BTR-TeamCarlos