Page 46 of Legendary Rock Star
So much good in my life was because of Phoenix. He didn’t need to do this for me.
I had to make it right somehow.
He walked over to where I stood on the stage. Then he wiped my tears away and his lips met mine.
I didn’t want it to end.
The lights went out and the audience cheered. The sound brought me back as I looked up at him for the last time.
13
Phoenix
Maggie’s kisswas the sweetest taste I’d ever remember. She was better than an orange after a morning run on the beach.
And I realized I didn’t belong with her or on that show.
I’d done as Mark wanted, redeemed my image.
And I’d talked to Fiona. She’d not been robbed of her career, not like I’d blamed myself.
The show had taught me that, in vibrant color. The only reason to stay now was for Maggie, but that was selfish.
And I was done taking a place I didn’t belong in.
I’d get the sell-out shows I craved without this competition. So I finished packing my small bag and hoped Maggie was in practice, with her next song.
I’d cheer her from in front of my television now. And I’d arranged to have coffee with Fiona to clear the air.
I quietly headed out of the guys’ barracks and kept my steps soft as I carried my small overnight bag over my shoulder.
Unlike the rest of the contestants, I had my own limo from my years of songwriting and being on TV, and it was waiting outside for me now.
However, as I neared the door where I intended to just disappear, Maggie’s voice called out, “So that’s it? You’re leaving without even turning the lights on, just to avoid me?”
I turned around and a soft light from the studio she’d been in lit her from behind. She truly was an angel who deserved more than me. I tucked my hand in my pocket and said, “Maggie, look, you know where I live, and you have my number. I’ll call you soon.”
She wrapped her arms around her waist and said, “I don’t know if I believe you, but I want to.”
She smelled sweet, like flowers and sunshine. I kissed the top of her head and said, “You deserve every opportunity in the world, Maggie. Win.”
She glanced up at me and her blue eyes reflected something that struck me deep inside as she said, “Phoenix, why did you quit? Was it because of me?”
I ran my hand through her soft hair and for one second was greedy enough to want more time with just Maggie, alone. I sighed and said, “No. I have everything I want now, except you. You can text me whenever you need to. I’ll always answer.”
Her lips pursed but she didn’t let me go as she trembled and said, “Part of me hates what I’m about to say. I should stay far away from you and focus on winning, but I don’t want to be here without you.”
Now I was stealing her drive to win. I hadn’t intended to do that. I closed my eyes and brushed against her soft skin as I said, “I want you to win. I’m leaving because seeing Fiona sing again … I don’t need to win when I’ve already got what I came here for.”
“So Mark’s booked you an album and your own headline show?”
“Not yet.” My lips went closer to hers as I said, “I’ll decide what contracts I want. But you need to succeed on your own merits. Live your dream. We can see each other after you win.”
She curled her hands in my hair and said, “I just want to sing. And to have you. But I still don’t trust you and it’s breaking my heart.”
My heart beat fast. This was probably the last time I’d get to kiss her. I knew it. She’d end this once the lights faded because she was destined for success. I said, “I needed to see that I hadn’t destroyed Fiona. And you have your own soul to be true to.”
Tears washed down her face and she shook her head as she said, “Don’t …”
