"So where are we going?"
"My favorite hang out," he grinned.
"Which would be?" I continued.
"A surprise?"
"Ok well tell me about it?"
"Well it's one of the few places that I haven't been found at yet. It's a half club half karaoke bar," at my confused look he continued. "The owner couldn't decide which to open so he bought the building attached to the one he had previously bought. Put a door between them and now one side is a dance club the other is a karaoke club. So if you get tired of one you can go to the other."
"Sounds interesting," I told him intrigued.
"It's fun," he said with a smirk.
"It seems like it. Soooo you going to tell me about the girl?" I questioned.
"What girl?" he sputtered confused.
"The girl who broke you're heart?"
"There is no girl who broke my heart. If you haven't noticed I'm the heartbreaker not the heartbroken honey," he said all conceded.
"Oh don't play dumb. I read some of those songs you wrote. Someone managed to get under that playboy shell and broke your heart. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out looking at those songs. So spill. You badgered me about my past now it's my turn."
"it was nothing. Just an ex-girlfriend. Don't all relationships break your heart in a way even if it's just for a minute?" he joked.
"Not for me anymore," I muttered.
"Belikov that bad?" he questioned.
"Not just him. He was just the spark that ignited the flame. We're not talking about me though we're talking about you and how you are most definitely lying to me."
"I'm not lying!" he said defensively.
"Really? Then tell me when the last real relationship you had was? Not these one night stands and monthly flings. An honest relationship."
"It's been….a while," he hesitated.
"Exactly!"
"That doesn't mean anything. Oh hey look we're here!" he said happily.
"Good timing," I laughed. I looked around, the place looked pretty low key. No huge waiting line and no paparazzi. "Looks nice,"
"Wait until you see the inside," he said with a wink.
"So how did you find this place?" I said as we got out of the car.
"Know the owner. He did some business with my family before he started this place."
We walked straight in, no bouncer or security, at least none that I noticed. I was too busy looking around. The door we walked through led to the club section. Surprisingly it was pretty packed. We walked in and looked down on a huge dancing area. There was a long section above the dance area that led to either the bar, which was also above the dance section, or several sets of stairs leading to the dance area. The section above had railing all the way around it to prevent people from falling and, had random two-three seater tables lined against the railing. Directly across from us were larger tables and seating areas for bigger parties.
"The owner decided to have the dancing area as a lower level because he thought it would be slightly humorous to watch drunk people go up and down the steps and it also helps the bartender see just how drunk you really are," he said with a laugh.
"Hate to be the drunk person trying to go up and down the stairs then," I laughed with him.
"Don't worry, I won't let you fall," he said wrapping his arm around me protectively. I laughed.
"I think it might be me making sure you don't fall from what I've heard," I joked.
"Hey don't believe everything you read," he defended. I gave him a look and he backed down. "Ok so maybe I like to drink just a little bit. Nothing wrong with that! Now where to my lady?"
"The bar," I said rolling my eyes at the 'my lady' part.
"And here you are criticizing my drinking habits!" he said pretending to be offended.
"Hey I never said I didn't drink! Plus my dancing abilities are greatly enhanced with alcohol."
"Well then lead the way. Can't have you dancing mediocrely," he joked.
We headed to the bar and ordered a few shots, enough to get me out on the dance floor with him. We then preceded to the dance floor. When we got out there the song 'Blurred Lines' by Robin Thicke was playing and Adrian decided to 'serenade' me while we were dancing.
But you're an animal, baby, it's in your nature
Just let me liberate you
Hey, hey, hey
…
And that's why I'm gon' take a good girl
I know you want it
I know you want it
I know you want it
…
But you're a good girl
The way you grab me
Must wanna get nasty
Go ahead, get at me
"You wish I wanted to get nasty with you," I joked quoting the song back to him.
"I'm pretty sure that's every guy in this rooms wish right now," he replied.
"Oh whatever,"
"Seriously, look at all the stares you're getting and all the glares from the women…even though I'm sure quite a few women are staring too," he joked. I play slapped him.
"Shut up!" I told him with a laugh.
We continued dancing for quite a while, sometimes with each other and sometimes with someone else. As I was dancing with some guy, I glanced up and thought I saw Dimitri but, when I looked back up he was gone. Must have been my imagination. I have had this weird worry that we were going to run into each other ever since I found out we were living in the same town, which is stupid because this city is huge and the chances of that are crazy. Especially since we don't frequent the same kind of places.
By then I was getting pretty tired of dancing and thirsty so, when the song was over I asked Adrian if he wanted to go with me to the other part of this place. He agreed so we quickly left and went to the other section. We went to that bar and ordered actual drinks this time, instead of shots. Then went and found a table. Some guy was destroying some old rock song but, hey at least he looked like he was having fun doing it.
"So…" I started before Adrian interrupted me.
"Are you going to start questioning me again?"
"Well I wasn't planning on it but…since you brought it up. What happened? You don't have to tell me everything. I'm just curious,"
"This girl and I met and at first we were hesitant to start anything but once we did. Things got pretty heavy pretty quick. It pretty much started out intense and just kept going. With my new career starting and her doing her own things, we just couldn't handle it and she broke if off saying I wasn't ready for the kind of commitment and life she wanted. Within a few months she was engaged. The engagement didn't last but I got the picture," he said sadly. I sat there for a bit taking it in.
"That bitch. Passing a great guy up like you," I said. At first He looked pissed at me calling her that but once he saw I was kidding he laughed along. "What was her name?"
"Sydney…Sydney Sage." He said wistfully.
"You still love her huh? Wait why does her name sound familiar?"
"Always…She's a singer now," he said with a sad gleam in his eye. I saw that far away hurt look in his eyes that often was reflected back at me when I looked in a mirror. "Funny cause that was one of the reasons we broke it off. Her family wanted her to be a chemist and have nothing to do with a singer. I tried to convince her to quit listening to her parents. In the end she said she just couldn't do it. Plus it was hard with me so busy and her still in school...You still love him?"
"I love the old him. The one I used to know. Not this hardened asshole version." I told him honestly. "I probably always will."
"That bastard," he teased back. "So What if he came over right this second and told you he loved you and begged for forgiveness?"
"That would never happen. Even if it did we could never have what we once had. We've changed too much."
"Isn't that what makes a great relationship? Changing, growing, and still loving each other unconditionally."
"Wow who knew Adrian Ivashkov was such a romantic!" I joked. "Things have happened. Things I don't think we could ever recover from. I was hurt when he left, crushed, devastated and every other despairing synonym you could find but something happened after that. Something that a small irrational part of me blames him for, even though he didn't know about it, while the rest of me blames myself and feels so guilty. He would hate me if he ever found out. So no, I don't think there's even the slightest chance we could ever get back together."
"Not to be lame but, never say never," he said with a small sympathetic smile. "Thought we were here to celebrate, not draw up painful memories?"
"We're song writers, it happens" I joked taking a drink of my drink. "I have an idea!"
"What?" he questioned warily.
"Dance with me!" I said hearing a country song.
"I don't country dance," he laughed.
"You've never two-stepped?" I asked shocked. "That's LA for you. Come on I'll show you!"
"Really, I think I'll skip it," he said as I stood up and pulled on his arm.
"Are you scared?"
"No!" he defended. "Fine but, you'll have to teach me."
"No problem, I'm an awesome two stepper!" we went to an area that was cleared. "I'll lead for right this second while you learn."
"Well take all my masculinity away!" he laughed.
"You didn't have much to begin with," I told him grabbing his hand and putting my other hand on his shoulder. "Now you take two steps forward then one step back. Like this. 1, 2, back. 1,2, back."
He let me lead for a minute before he decided to switch it up.
"Sure you're ready for that cowboy?" I joked.
"Born ready ma'am" he said back with a horrible southern accent.
"No, don't do that," I joked. Surprisingly he caught on quick and before I knew it he was twirling and dipping me also.
"Catch on mighty quick there," I joked with a southern drawl.
"Anything for my little lady," he smirked back. "Think I'm almost ready for a honky-tonk!"
"Not quite yet, cowboy. Still gotta learn the half-step and a few line dances."
"Well I know the hoe-down thrown, does that count?"
"Hell no," I laughed. "Hannah Montana does not help you out at all!"
The guy singing sang another country song so we danced for one more song before going back to our table.
"So besides, watching Hannah Montana and drinking what do you do?" I asked intrigued. So far Adrian had really surprised me tonight, I honestly could see us becoming fast friends.
"You mean you don't already know?" he said feigning hurt. "I'm shocked!"
"Hey! I might accidentally know you're favorite color, favorite club, and that you prefer blondes, but that doesn't know everything!" I joked.
"Accidentally? What are you my little stalker?"
"No! Unfortunately there are girls all over the country obsessed with you and all of your pop songs so I have heard things."
"So what's my favorite color?"
"According to a teenage girl back home it's green like your eyes!" I exclaimed jokingly.
"Well that was true when I did that interview but it changes. Right now little stalker, I'm thinking it's red," he laughed winking at me.
"Pig!" I joked. "So you never answered. What do you like to do besides drink and watch Disney channel?"
"Umm…I like to write and draw and sleep….does that count?" he asked with a smile. I laughed and nodded.
"Really what do you draw?" I asked curiously.
"Different things, whatever comes to mind. I'm thinking flowers would be a good idea the next time…maybe some roses," he said with a grin.
"Haha very funny," I said sarcastically.
"Are you asking me this so you stalk me and surprise me with my favorite things?" he asked suspiciously.
"Oh yes because my life would not be complete until I officially became a stalker! I think given what I know those roles will probably be reversed," I joked.
"Hmmm…with you there's always that possibility but, it wouldn't be stalking because you would love every second of it. So what do you like to do for fun?"
"Fun? What's that?" I joked. "Here lately all I've really been doing is working and hanging out with Lissa. When I do get a chance I like to stop by different open mic nights at different clubs, that's actually how Christian found me. I do love to write. I'm constantly writing."
"See we have stuff in common!" he said assuredly.
"Hey I have an idea! How about we use the people here to test out our dueting skills? If dueting is even a real word," I joked.
"I don't believe it is. You want to go do a duet with me in front of all of these people?" he asked hesitantly.
"Oh come on. It will be fun!" I said standing up and pulling on his arm. Luckily the stage was empty so we didn't have to wait. As we got on stage I saw pretty much all the girls watching the stage recognize Adrian.
"I see a few of you have already figured out who I am. If you haven't my name is Adrian and this lovely lady beside me is Rose Hathaway. Might want to remember her name because in a few weeks she will be as famous as I am," he said with a smile. "We're considering doing a duet but, we figured we would test the waters up here with you all. Is that ok?" All the girls cheered excited to get to see Adrian live for free.
"Ok well Rose, what song did you have in mind?" he asked looking at me with a grin. I quickly picked it out and it started playing on the machine. When Adrian heard the music he gave me a look saying 'really?' I just shrugged.
"I thought it was a good one. Plus I love this duet!" I said away from the mic. He just smiled and shook his head before starting to sing.
[Adrian]
Livin' my life in a slow hell
Different girl every night at the hotel
I ain't seen the sun shine in 3 damn days
Been fuelin' up on cocaine and whisky
Wish I had a good girl to miss me
Lord I wonder if I'll ever change my ways
I put your picture away
Sat down and cried today
I can't look at you while I'm lyin' next to her
I put your picture away, sat down and cried today
I can't look at you, while I'm lyin next to her
[Rose]
I called you last night in the hotel
Everyone knows but they wont tell
But their half hearted smiles tell me
Somethin' just ain't right
I been waitin' on you for a long time
Fuelin' up on heartaches and cheap wine
I ain't heard from you in 3 damn nights
I put your picture away
I wonder where you been
I can't look at you while I'm lyin' next to him
I put your picture away
I wonder where you been
I can't look at you while I'm lyin' next to him
I saw ya yesterday with an old friend
As I was singing I felt someone staring at me but when I looked around, well there were a bunch of people staring at me or Adrian, but no one I knew. No one that gave me that weird feeling. I looked back at Adrian and tried to ignore it.
[Adrian]
It was the same ole same "how have you been"
[Both]
Since you been gone my worlds been dark & grey
[Adrian]
You reminded me of brighter days
[Rose]
I hoped you were comin' home to stay
I was headed to church
[Adrian]
I was off to drink you away
[Both]
I thought about you for a long time
Can't seem to get you off my mind
I can't understand why we're living life this way
I found your picture today
I swear I'll change my ways
I just called to say I want you to come back home
I found your picture today
I swear I'll change my ways
I just called to say I want you to come back home
I just called to say, I love you come back home
By the end of the song, Adrian and I were staring at each other both lost in our own problems and emotions. The crowd started clapping and brought us out of our thoughts.
"I'm glad you all liked it. I guess that's a good sign," I joked.
"Well I would take it as one. Now I guess we'll head off and give others a chance," Adrian said before turning to leave. Before he could, all of the women started chanting for more. He turned back to the mic. "You want more? This time I think we'll do something a little different."
He turned to me then leaned towards me to whisper in my ear. "Do you know 'Want You Back' by Cher Lloyd?" I nodded. "Ok then just go along with this. I know you can keep up," he said winking as he grabbed an acoustic guitar and pulled up a stool. I pulled another on up beside him and sat down.
"This is a re-write I've been wanting to try out for a while. Hope everyone enjoys it!"
(Adrian)
Hey I was done playing games knew I needed to upgrade
So I went and walked away way way way
Now you see I've been hanging out
With another girl in town
At least she doesn't bring me down down down
(Rose)
Remember all the things you and I did first
Now you're doing them with her
Remember all the things you and I did first
You got me got me like this
Now you're taking her to every restaurant
And everywhere we went come on
Now you're taking her to every restaurant
You got me, got me like this
Boy you can say anything you want
It don't mean a thing no one else can have you
I want you back
Yea
I want you back
(Adrian)
I broke it off thinking you'd be fine
Now I feel sick looking at you cryin
I want us back
Yea I want us back
(Rose)
Please rid me of the jealousy
You know you belong with me
And I'm gonna make you see see see
(Adrian)
You clearly didn't think it through
Cause I did everything for you
And now I don't know what to do do do
(Both)
Remember all the things you and I did first
(Rose)
Now you're doing them with her
(Both)
Remember all the things you and I did first
(Rose)
You got me, got me like this
Now your taking her to every restaurant
And everywhere we went come on
Now you're taking her to every restaurant
You got me, got me like this
Boy you can say anything you want
It don't mean a thing no one else can have you
I want you back
Yea
I want you back
(Adrian)
I broke it off thinking you'd be fine
now I feel sick looking at you cryin
I want us back
Yea
I want us back
Ooooohhhhh
I thought that you'd be fine when I kissed you goodbye
(Rose)
Oooooohhhhhhh
You might be with her but I know we could work
Boy you can say anything you want
It don't mean a thing no one else can have you
I want you back
Yea
I want you back
(Adrian)
I broke it off thinking you'd be fine
now I feel sick looking at you cryin
(Both)
I want us back
Yea
I want us back
Ooooohhhhh
(Adrian)
I thought that you'd be fine when I kissed you goodbye
(Both)
Ah oooooohhhhhh oooohhhh ooooohhh
(Rose)
You might be with her but I know we could work
By the time the song was done I almost cheered myself. For never having done that version or even heard of it, I think I did pretty awesome. Who knew Adrian and I could be such a good team?
"Good job little stalker," he joked away from the mic.
"That was AMAZING!" I told him excitedly.
"I think we need some drinks to celebrate," he joked. I turned towards the mic.
"That's all for now, I think Adrian and I are going to take a break but you might see us again sometime," I said with a smile. We both walked off stage and he slung an arm around my shoulders. "You realize the only reason they loved it so much was because THE Adrian Ivashkov was performing right?" I joked with him.
"Yea right they loved the both of us! Who could blame them, we were pretty fantastic!" He said with a wink.
"Not conceded at all are you Mr. Popular?" I teased.
"Why Ms. Hathaway I'm offended!"
About then a group of women came up to tell Adrian how amazing he was on stage and how they loved his new sound.
"See I told you," I told him as they walked off.
"Fine I'll make you a bet. If at least five people compliment you, you have to go back up there and sing solo," he smirked.
"I'll take that bet, but I guarantee it will probably be mostly guys complimenting me on my looks," I replied.
"Hey that's still a compliment," he joked. By now we were at the bar again. We both ordered drinks but, Adrian got a virgin one figuring someone would have to drive us home. We decided to sit at the bar this time. Within twenty minutes Adrian had won the bet, even though I was right and three of them were on my looks, he said I still had to sing. I walked up to the stage, grabbed the acoustic guitar and, stood in front of the mic.
"So I lost a bet with Adrian, and have to come sing again. I hope you all don't mind," I joked with the crowd who gave me encouraging applause. "Well I figure if I'm going to sing I'm at least going to do one of my own songs this time."
Everytime I think of you
I always catch my breath
I'm still standing here
And your miles away
And I wonder why you left me
And there's a storm that's raging through my frozen heart tonight
I hear your name in certain circles
And it always makes me smile
I spend my time just thinking about you
And it's almost driving me wild
But it's my heart that's begging down this long distance line tonight
And I ain't missin' you at all
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missin' you
No matter what I might say
There's a message in the wires
And I am sendin' you a signal tonight
You don't know how desperate I've become
And It looks like I'm losing this fight
But it's my heart that's breakin' down this long dusty road of mine
But I ain't missin' you at all
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missin' you
No matter what my friends say
I felt like I was being watched again so I looked around. I saw Adrian at the bar smiling at me encouragingly. I smiled before looking back around continuing the song.
And there's a message that I'm sendin' out
Like a telegraph to your soul
I can't bridge this distance
Honey, stop this heartache, overload
Quickly this time, I found the source of my unease. My eyes locked with a pair of chocolate brown ones that were so familiar it ached. He was standing in front of a booth and I saw Tasha behind him glaring at me. Whoops. I looked back at Adrian and saw him looking at Dimitri also. When I looked back towards Dimitri it seemed like he was glaring at Adrian. Weird! I looked back down at my guitar but continued to sing.
I ain't missin' you at all
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missin' you
No matter what my friends say
I ain't missin' you
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missing you
Yeah, no matter what your friends say
When I looked back up Dimitri and Tasha were gone and I almost sighed in relief. For some reason it just felt weird singing this song in front of him here. Which is absurd considering I've been singing in front of him all night.
Hey yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I ain't missing you at all
Since you've been gone... Away
I ain't missin' you
No
At the end of the song everyone was clapping. I said thank you and quickly hurried off stage towards Adrian.
"Well that was surprising," he said sarcastically after I reached him.
"Tell me about it," I muttered pulling out my phone to check the time. "Can we just…."
I cut myself off after I saw I had ten missed calls and like 15 unread texts. I hurriedly read the texts and my jaw dropped. I froze just staring for a minute. I heard Adrian saying something but I couldn't make it out all I could do was stare at the words on the screen.
"ROSE!" I heard Adrian shout in my ear. I snapped back to reality immediately.
"I…I have to go!" I said grabbing my clutch and running towards the door. I was shoving people out of my way and being extremely rude but I didn't care. I heard Adrian following but I didn't stop until I was outside.
"Rose what's wrong?" he asked sounding extremely worried.
"It…It's my friend Mason. He was in an accident and I have to go to him," I choked out.
"Ok where is he?"
"A hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico"
"How do you plan on getting to Albuquerque?" he asked.
"I don't know! I had saved up a little money for a plane ticket to go visit my neice when she's born but I guess I'll have to use it now…I don't think I have enough for a plane ticket but I might have just enough for a bus…" I said trying to think everything through. "Vika said he's in critical condition they don't know if he's going to make it so I have to go. The whole reason he was even in an accident was because he was coming to see me!"
"Ok calm down. I will take you to your apartment so you can change and pack a bag. While you're in there I will call and get you a flight ok?"
"I can't let you do that!"
"You can pay me back later if you insist but your friend needs you so I suggest we hurry," he said calmly.
"Thank you!" I said giving him a hug before hurrying to his car.
At my apartment I quickly tore my dress off and put on my favorite pair of sweats that I had gotten back when I was in girls athletics, I threw on a t-shirt and my favorite hoodie before pulling my hair into a loose ponytail. I hurriedly grabbed a bag and threw more sweats and t-shirts into it not knowing how long I would be there.
When I got to the car Adrian was waiting for me. He said he had gotten my flight all taken care of. I thanked him once again this time giving him a kiss on the cheek. I quickly called Vika. She said there's been no change but that his mom was on her way also. I felt bad because I knew she didn't have the money. For the plane trip or his hospital stay but I also knew she would do anything for Mason. I hung up and told her to let me know if anything changed. When we got to the airport instead of going to any of the terminals, Adrian took a different route.
"Where are we going?"
"To the airport."
"Why did we just pass all of the terminals then?"
"We're going the back way, being famous has it's perks," he grinned.
We went through a security gate, they took one look at Adrian and waved him through. Then we drove up beside a small private plane.
"This?" I asked surprised.
"Of course, only the best for the best," he said not quite smiling.
"You are amazing."
We walked up the stairs and I quickly found a seat, Adrian came and sat beside me.
"When do we take off?"
"Here in a minute. We have to wait a minute before we can go."
I leaned back in my seat and felt all of the emotion of the last hour or two piling up. I hadn't taken a break to stop and think but, now that I was I realized I might never see my best friend again and it would all be my fault. I felt guilty for not answering when Vika first called, instead I was at a club having fun and for him being in the accident in the first place. Tears started forming in my eyes. Adrian noticed this and wrapped his arms around me. I slowly started letting the tears slip as I buried my head in his chest. I felt him turn to look at something. He then leaned down to whisper to me.
"Don't hate me for this. I thought you needed him more than me." I looked up confused before noticing Dimitri standing in the door way. Adrian pulled away and walked towards Dimitri before looking him in the eye "Don't make me regret this," he said before exiting the plane.
"What are you doing here? Why is Adrian leaving?" I asked confused.
"Adrian called and told me what happened. I got here as soon as I could. He's not coming."
"Oh," I said wiping my eyes. "They…They said he might not make it through the night," I gasped out before tears started pouring again.
Dimitri came over and sat beside me. I looked up at him and for a second I saw the old Dimitri, the one that I love and that used to love me back. And for that second I didn't care that we weren't friends or that we could barely tolerate each other. He pulled me into a hug and I didn't resist. I buried my head and cried.
Before I knew it I was slowly losing consciousness.
My last thought was I hope Mason is ok.
An: Ok so something bad happened but also something good right? What do you think will happen with Mason? Will he survive or won't he? I know I'm horrible! :)
Songs:
Excerpt from 'Blurred Lines' by Robin Thicke
'Picture' by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow (Thank you to Fredforevermylove for the suggestion!)
'Want u Back' Cover by Boyce Avenue Ft. Hannah Trigwell (Thank you to Carla for this suggestion!)
'Missing You' by Tyler Hilton (somebody has suggested this in the past but I didn't write down who so I'm sorry I can't give you credit :(….)
There were quite a few awesome suggestions and it was SOOOOO hard to decide but I didn't want to bombard everybody with lyrics again lol…I might try to use the other suggestions in later chapters but, I'm not sure yet!