Chapter 4: Thrill of the Chase
I AM so sorry it took so long for this chapter, but its here now: Enjoy! Sorry for all spelling mistakes, I'm not so good with that…
The song featured is Thrill of The Chase but Wine and Vision (one of Adam Pascal's old bands)
Stella's POV
I lay on my bed trying to stay as still as I could beneath the scratchy plain white sheets. One slight move on this crappy bed and the springs would emit a loud squeaking sound. I strained my ears to hear the music outside the door. Roger had been coming over more and more to get more practice in for their first gig at the end of the month.
I didn't normally stay in my room at a time like this, but Roger…he was different. In any other circumstance I would have put on my cutest outfit and flirted shamelessly. I almost felt like I was tiptoeing around him, and that it might take a little but more if I wanted to capture his heart.
The way his eyes shone and his expressions changed when people weren't looking – I could tell he was sad and a little lost. I wanted to help him, hold him…and if it got there fall in love. I knew it was a lot to hope for but Roger was special and it didn't feel so foolish.
"That sounds really good, I think we're almost ready." I could hear Wes say. I heard some random comments collective agreement following then someone cleared their throat.
"Before the chorus, do you think we could try a D chord instead?" Roger asked quietly, almost as though he was scared to speak up. But was he really? "Sure" Daniel said then started them back up. They played the couple measures leading up to the chorus. I smiled, the D sounded so much better, much more raw, much more magical and intense.
"Ahhmazing!" Daniel said, as usual speaking in his weird way. "Thanks Roger"
I could hear the pride in Roger's voice as he replied curtly, "No problem" I felt my smile grow, the pride, the happiness was somewhere deep inside him. Somewhere the old Roger, whoever that was, was still there: all I had to do was pull it out of him.
I jumped off the bed and looked quickly in the mirror. My brown hair was messily tied back into a bun, my tank top and plaid blue pj shorts were wrinkled. It didn't bother me though, if I wanted to discover the real Roger I had to be fair and give him the real me.
I stepped into the living room and sat down on the couch, trying to be quiet but not remain unnoticeable. All of their eyes flickered to me momentarily, all but his. Unperturbed by his rejection, I stared at his ass while he packed up his stuff.
"Hi Roger" I said, hoping to at least get some reply. "Hello" He muttered, but still wouldn't look me in the eyes.
"Well I'll see you guys tomorrow. Bye." Roger said as grabbed his jacket and left.
I sighed and Daniel turned to me with a smirk plastered on his face, "You have it bad don't you?" I rolled my eyes in response and tried not to let a blush creep out.
Yet, even as he ignored me I found myself more intent on figuring out the puzzle-boy Roger. I was determined, and I never give up. Every night, we would sit on our respective fire escapes and sometimes we would stare at the city (and each other) until dawn – leaving me with hope.
Roger's POV
I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes while my heart pounded furiously in my chest. She had just came in, like her presence should affect me. And fuck, it sure as hell did. But it shouldn't! But her pretty heart shaped face, the way she spoke, it was all so hypnotizing…no, no, its wrong to be thinking these things. I shook my mind, as though trying to shake her from my mind even though her desire filled eyes still haunted me.
I opened the door back into the loft slowly, not wanting to wake Evelyn. But to my surprise, Rachael was sprawled on the couch with a giggling Evie in her arms. With a wide open grin, I set my guitar down and sat down on the couch next to them.
Rachael's eyes had bags beneath them and vague worry lines were starting gather on her forehead. She had been working so hard lately, I thought." Hey Roger how was practice?" She asked, her meek voice sounded strained and tired.
"It was pretty good, we should be ready in time. Which is weird I never finish a song by myself but when I'm with a band, it all suddenly clicks." I joked hesitantly trying to make her laugh. She gave a tiny smile and chuckled lightly.
"Do you want me to take her? You look like you could use some rest" I offered to Rachael.
She carefully handed Evie to me, "That would be wonderful, thank you. Are you sure you don't mind?" She asked as she stifled a yawn.
I nodded, "Of course, you need some rest." She walked to her room where no doubt Mark was still sleeping.
I looked down at my tiny goddaughter and she gazed up at me curiously with her big baby blue eyes. At only a couple weeks old, she was already so intuitive. She waved her chubby fists in the air, making it hard for me to not be smiling. I cooed back softly, "Hey baby, you're very cute…"
She curled her little hand around my finger and held on tightly as she let out a stream of giggles. I rocked her gently. Woman always seemed so comfortable around children, even Mark but never me. One thing allayed my fears though, Evie had this way of looking at you like you meant everything to her. Her sweet and happy nature made it hard for anyone to frown when she was around.
I looked over at the clock, "Sh- I mean shoot. Sorry Evie, I don't your parents would be happy if I corrupted you yet." I stood up slowly and grabbed her mushy oddly colored baby food. She squirmed and cried a little as I placed her in her pink plastic high chair.
"Shhh its okay" I whispered while her eyes grew wide and she gradually quieted down. I opened the tiny bottle gave her a tiny spoonful.
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The door slammed shut behind me as I entered the backstage to the Pyramid Club. I took a deep breathe: this was it. We had been practicing like crazy, hopefully it would all pay off.
I saw her before anyone else. Stella was dancing around while cleaning glassed behind the bar. Her hair was down and shined beneath the lights as it fell down her back. She was wearing an emerald tank that matched her eyes perfectly and tight black jeans paired with black converse. Even in such a laid back outfit, she still looked sexy as hell.
I pushed the thought away ass I sat down at one of the bar stools. "Where's the band?" I asked her.
She looked up at me in surprise, turning pink as she stopped dancing. "Uhh they're a little late but they will be here soon."
I nodded and concentrated instead on the napkin pattern in attempt to zero all other thoughts.
"You look nervous Roger." I heard her say from behind me. "I'm not." I muttered, although I was – but not for the show. I've never had stage fright, never even the slightest nauseous tinge of butterflies. Yet, being here with Stella and I was so damn worried. I was anxious to see how the guys would do, but it was mostly just being near her…
I heard a small 'clink' and my eyes were brought to hers as she slid a beer onto the table. "Its on the house, you sure look like you need it."
I scoffed but took a sip anyways. I couldn't help but watch as she walked back to the bar, couldn't help but watch as her hips swayed subtly. It was almost as if she knew how crazy she made me. Maybe it's just my stubbornness, but I was determined not to let her get to me. I wouldn't give in.
I heard people laugh and the backstage door close loudly. "Hey Roger" Ethan said, defiantly sounding as if Stella had given him a free drink too.
"You guys ready?" I asked, standing up. They nodded variably and started to set up.
I sensed her presence as she came next me, but I looked straight ahead. "There's no need to worry about tonight, you're going to be great" She whispered, almost sounding flirty.
"How would you know?" I challenged in spite, finally turning to her. Her eyes sparkled as she leaned into me, her face barely an inch from mine. She didn't break away and looking straight into my eyes, she whispered "I just do." Then with a knowing smile she turned on her heel back to her post.
God, this was pure torture.
Not much later the club started to fill and we headed onstage to start. Daniel took center stage and spoke confidently into the mike, his voice low. "Hey everybody!" He gave a smile and I could see some girls swoon. "We're Incarnate and this is our first song, The Thrill of the Chase."
"I'm done trying to understand
I got a little a problem its something I can't figure out
I'm trying to understand just what you girls are all about
It makes me crazy but I think about it every night and day
Not only looks can be deceiving but I can't believe in what you say
I'm done trying to understand
I thought I knew what every girl wants in a man
I don't know I thought I knew it all
It's just the thrill of the chase its not the catch at all no
I've asked all kinds of questions but I haven't found the answer yet
I'd even ask Mother Nature but no one seems to have a rest
You look to good to give it up and you look to good for me to resist
There ain't no way around it baby I have to give you all my best
I'm done trying to understand
I thought I knew what every girl wants in a man
And I don't know I thought I knew it all
It's just the thrill of the chase its not the catch at all
We're all part of the game there's no way that you can hide
The thrill of the chase keeps you coming back
As someone once told me a broken heart can never mend
Wait till the thrill of the chase gets into them
We're all part of the game there's no way that you can hide
The thrill of the chase keeps you coming back for more
As someone once told me a broken heart can never mend
Wait till the thrill of the chase gets into them
I'm done trying to understand
I thought I knew what every girl wants in a man
And I don't know I thought I knew it all
It's just the thrill of the chase its not the catch at all "
I plucked along on my guitar, sometimes singing in the chorus. With the sweat on my face and the adrenaline I felt like I was on the top of the world again.
I saw Collins in Maureen in the audience, both acting ridiculous as usual. Collins had a joint in his hand and was moving with the crowd while Maureen as bobbing her head wildly to the beat, causing her curls to fly everywhere. Joanne had a big case and Rachael had her first class so Mark was at home with Evie. Behind the bar Stella was mixing drinks, occasionally sending glances up at me that made it hard to concentrate.
I screamed into the mike, my tight leather pants making it hard to move. I saw a flash of red and I was breathless. I was met with green eyes that were in a daze. She was fucking beautiful. Her red hair fell loosely onto her shoulders and she was wearing a ripped pair of jeans and a low black shirt that ended before her belly button. She gave me a wink and flashed me a bright smile.
I blinked, feeling disoriented as I stumbled for a second. Ethan looked over at me and mouthed, "You ok?"
I gulped, nodding shakily. I refused to let my mind remember and connect it all.
I was not ok.