Behind the Mask: A Rockstar Romance(27)

Questions start getting asked, a few to Tegan, but then soon a few get asked my way and I don’t know how to react. They were told I won’t be answering and yet they are asking me. I just either smile, shrug or smirk.

The guys answer a few for me or warn them that they are wasting their questions.

I am soon surprised when one asks if there is a romantic interest between me and Nate, and we regard each other.

“We have got close in the short amount of time, but it’s strictly professional,” he answers.

“But you were seen holding hands,” one shouts out.

“To make her feel at ease,” Nate replies.

“In a few pictures taken already of you both, it looks like something is brewing under the surface,” another says.

I look at Naomi, sure I have panicked eyes.

“You know pictures aren’t always as they seem.” Nate smirks.

This goes on for another fifteen minutes, but yet most of the questions go on about me and Nate. Nate answers so calmly. I am sitting here feeling like I’m sweating buckets. I feel like we are under the microscope.

The last question is asked to the whole band. “Are you happy that Star is in the band? Do you all get on?”

“I feel like Star is a little sister to me,” Troy says, winking at me. I roll my eyes.

“She is a hard worker. I am sure you will all soon get to love her,” Sam answers.

“She’s okay. No one can be better than me, but she ain’t too bad,” Tegan says. A few reporters laugh. At least she didn’t say anything too bad.

“Nate, what about you?” the reporter asks him.

“She plays amazingly. The band and I are happy to have her join our little family.” He looks at me, and I give him a warm smile.

I see a few flashes. I face forward, cameras going off. Couldn’t they warn you when they are going to do that?

Jeffery stands back up front, ending the interview. Now the world knows who I am. Well, the Star version of me. I watch as the reporters leave, not wanting to talk until they are all gone. I wonder if any of them would dig to find who I really am.

It’s what reporters do, but I’m hoping because it’s only for three weeks they won’t.

“That was so crazy.” Naomi bounces over. “A few reporters have such boring questions. I noticed they loved the hope of Nate and Star being together.” She waggles her eyebrows.

“I know, what is up with that shit?” Tegan complains. “It was like they were dying for you to admit you both are a couple or something. My career could be going down the toilet and they didn’t even care.” Tegan slumps back.

“She is right,” Jeffery adds in, tapping his finger against his lip. “They really liked the idea of Nate and Star being together.” He looks off before smiling. I know I am about to hate what he is thinking. “They love the mysterious thing, but what if we keep them guessing if you two are together or not?”

“Jeff…” Nate tries to butt in.

“Whenever you are both out in public you give off little hints of something going on. Hold hands. Smile to one another. Kiss his cheek. Shit like that.”

I look at him like he’s crazy. “When the three weeks are up we can have a dramatic breakup or something. This is good.” He smiles triumphantly.

“Jeff…” Nate tries again.

“What?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Nate says with a worried look.

Why does he look worried? Is it that bad to pretend he likes me?

“Well, I do. She’s your friend. Surely you won’t mind doing it. She’s not ugly. She’s easy on the eyes.” He elbows Nate, giving him a wink. “Just do it. It will be good for the band,” Jeffery says in a final tone before leaving on his phone once again.

“Will this nightmare ever end?” Tegan says, heading out.

“Well, that’s you told.” Troy claps Nate’s shoulder, laughing before leaving with Sam right behind him.

“I think it’s going to be brill,” Naomi sings out.

I look at Nate and he is looking at the ground. “I’m sorry I got you into this.” I feel a little hurt he is making a bigger deal out of this than what it is. Hand holding and smiling is nothing.

“It’s okay. I’m being stupid. Let’s get out of here. We need to head to the photoshoot.” He takes hold of my hand. “Let’s go make the fans go ballistic,” he jokes. I giggle. We swing our hands, heading outside.





We all head back into the limo, going to our next destination for the photoshoot. We need posters, flyers, etcetera, of me being in the band, hence why I am going to probably pose in something skimpy. I’ve seen what they make Tegan wear, so I know I won’t be any exception. When I walk into the building the photoshoot is taking place, my mouth hangs open.

I feel like I’m starring in a movie. It doesn’t look real. I see a white sheet, board type things over the walls, different kinds of lights and cameras scattered around. Everyone is walking around quickly like they are buzzed up on speed.

I am excited, but I’m also nervous. I hope the pictures come out okay. I know I’m not ugly, but compared to Tegan, I’m not in the same league as her. When someone notices us, they come over hugging each of us, leaving me until last. The woman is my height with long gray hair, warm brown eyes.