Page 12 of Legendary Rock Star
“Well then, thanks,” I said and joined him.
The other six contestants floated by our table while we worked but I hardly paid attention.
I corrected the notes on his song to make it flow, and he worked magic on my composition.
The verse about the wrong guy almost had a country pop to it now and I could hear it in my head. Less guitar strumming than the original.
I now read the song as asking my mom and dad’s permission to date Phoenix. Not that I’d ever do that. And not that he’d ask.
He handed the song back and I ached to throw my arms around him and kiss him as thanks. And he just made the feeling amplify when he said, “You’re way more talented than half the competition.”
I needed to get a grip fast. There was no time for losing my virginity to my favorite star. As we stood up, I said, “Look, I just want to say, no more kissing while we’re here.”
His head pressed closer to mine, like we were the only two people in the world right now, as he said, “I remember you kissing me back.”
My lips parted.
Yeah, I wanted to kiss him. My hand ran through his hair and my entire body pressed to his like I wanted to be only his.
“So that’s what’s going on in here.”
I let go of Phoenix instantly and spun on my heels. Two of the other contestants stared at us. Steam rose out of my cheeks as I stepped away.
Once again I was losing focus of my goals.
Phoenix nodded and spoke first. “Finnigan. Jane.”
Jane wore her purple leather jacket and had streaks in her hair like I’d never dare try, living with my parents. She stared back at me as she said, “You two aren’t letting the competition get in the way of romance.”
I shook my head in complete denial and my hand cupped the side of my face so I didn’t see Phoenix when I said, “No, it’s not like that.”
Jane just pointed to the side door and said, “Maggie, I’m to tell you hair and makeup need to see you.”
Great. Now I’d hear about my looks not being cool and my figure not being perfect.
I’d avoided that room, but now I had no choice. I nodded and said to Phoenix, “Okay, but I’m still next in line to arrange my music with the orchestra.”
He showed off those dimples of his when he said, “I won’t let anyone cut in front of you, Maggie.”
Friends. Right. If only I didn’t become all weak-kneed and mushy near him. I waved and said, “Thanks.”
I refused to let his friendliness undermine me.
Jane walked with me, leaving the men alone. As we neared the hair and makeup room, Jane said, “So you’re living out the fantasy.”
My entire body stilled. I glanced up at the girl and said, “What?”
Jane gave me the knowing side-eye and said, “Kissing Phoenix Steel. I think every girl in the world had that dream at one point.”
I reached for the doorknob but stopped and said, “Most of my friends were more fans of the other members of Indigo 5.”
Jane shrugged and opened the door for me. “Okay, so maybe it was just the musically minded ones.”
“I don’t want to talk about Phoenix. I’m here to compete.”
“Absolutely. I understand,” Jane said quickly, and as I walked in she added, “Good luck with the transformation they’re planning for you.”
Right. Transformation. First they’d insist I just starve for the next eight weeks. No more chicken sandwiches in my life.
