Page 35 of Selling Out
He throws his head back and laughs. “Very smooth.”
I smile, but I secretly hope he doesn’t think I hate that kind of contact from him. That’s not the problem. The problem is how much I like it… me and every one of his fans.
He takes a seat on the bench and sighs. “This stuff is hardfor me. I hate disappointing people. And as a performer, I don’t feel like I fully belong to myself.”
I take a seat next to him. “What do you mean?”
He stares out at the square, where two people are playing a game of tag on segways. “People are paying for an experience when they come to a concert, and Fusion has gone to a lot of trouble to set up expectations for that experience.”
I steal a glance at his face. This is the most real I’ve seen Austin, and I don’t know what to do with it. I’ve been looking at him like this vapid pretty boy, willing to do anything for fame and admiration. I hadn’t really considered what sort of stuff he faces along with that fame—or that he might not love every part of it.
“It’s your career, though, right?’ I say. “And your music.”
“Is it?”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
He shakes his head and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Nothing. How are you liking the tour?”
I don’t respond immediately, not ready to move on from what he said. But clearly, he doesn’t want to talk about it. “It’s been incredible. I mean, are there things I’d rather sing on stage than, ‘Hot mama, look at those curves?’”
He mumbles something under his breath.
“What?” I ask, sure I misheard.
“I didn’t say anything.”
I narrow my eyes, but he just looks at me, waiting for me to continue. “Despite that, it’s an experience I’ll never forget. A dream.” How many times have I pictured myself in the center of that stage like Austin gets to be?
“Not a dream,” he says. “A peek into your future.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”
“Why not?” He fixes his gaze on me.
“So many reasons.”
“Name one.”
I arch a brow. “Have youseenmy social media following?”
“So what? I bet it’s growing faster now, right?”
It is. Just in the past couple of days, I’ve gotten more new followers than in the past few months combined. I’m positive it’s a result of Austin announcing my name both nights.
“Yeah, at this rate, I’ll celebrate hitting 100,000 followers with my fellow elderly care center residents.”
“Now,thatwould be a party,” he says. “I’m invited, right?”
“Definitely not. You’d steal the show, not to mention scandalize all the old ladies by ripping your shirt off.”
“Hey, I’m just giving people what they want.”
“Exactly,” I say. “I’m not like you. I’m not going to take off my shirt on stage?—”
“That would definitely cause a stir.”
“—or let random fans kiss me. I want to be successful for my talent.”
