Page 48 of Stage Dive: Short Stories & Novellas
I, however, smiled with delight and Adam seemed much more relaxed.Doing good deeds didn’t suck nearly as much as I’d thought it would.Besides, maybe I would make a good manager.Serious thought about the idea was definitely required.
The problems associated with possibly dating (or whatever we were doing) a bodyguard became very clear four days later.Four days during which I hadn’t seen Sam.Not even once.
Rumors about the new album were running rife.And paparazzi had taken to following the band members and their partners, trying to get the gossip.To make things even worse, Jimmy’s old flame, a big-time Hollywood actress, had just announced her engagement.So they wanted a statement from the singer about that too.
One overzealous paparazzo in particular had been a thorough pain in the ass.The guy was way too gung-ho about his job, if repeatedly grabbing the back of David’s shirt and stepping in front of cars to try and get a picture were any indication.Spread thin trying to keep an eye on the still lurking photographer/stalker, more security came on board.Things turned intense.
Something I could have dealt with just fine, if Sam hadn’t up and completely disappeared on me.Apart from a text.One damn text.
“Wat den?”asked one of Jimmy and Lena’s twins.Not sure which one.I could never keep their names straight.
Me, the children, and one idiot drummer were sitting among a wide assortment of toys in the corner of the band’s practice room again.Meanwhile, Ben and Jimmy were busy inside the studio.David sat on one of the couches with a guitar resting in his lap and paper and pen at his side.He was lost in his own little world, which tended to happen when he wrote songs.
Since each other’s houses were considered some of the only safe places to visit, we’d all been hanging out together often.Fine with me.It kept them all happy and occupied to play together.The children and the band members.
Gib removed his thumb from his mouth.“Pwada.”
“That’s right,” I said, giving the child a high five for excellence.“Then, the Super Puppy team put on their new season Prada sunglasses and ran off into the sunset to frolic and play or whatever.Knowing that through their awesome styling tips and quite adequate life-saving rescue mission, the hamsters would all happily live to see another day.The end.”
The questioning twin just blinked at me.Guess she wasn’t used to my style of story-telling yet.
“Have to admit,” said Lena, studying her state-of-the-art camera, flicking through shots no doubt, “I was really worried there for a while when the hamster couldn’t decide what cut of jeans to get.”
“Flares was a daring option, but I really do believe they’re making a comeback,” I agreed.“Harry the hamster’s going to have all the street cred.”
Mal nodded, finishing up doing a third tiny plait on the head of one of the twins.“Your story had me on the edge of my seat, Marty.Which isn’t easy considering I’m sitting on the ground.Okay, another successful hairdo.Let’s hear it for Uncle Mal!”
All of the children clapped their hands.
“M-A-L, he’s the best.Yes, he is.”The drummer had a full cheer routine with hand motions and all going on.“Yay for Uncle Mal!”
Lena just shook her head.“Martha, come see this one.I think it might make a good cover shot.”
“Coming.”I hopped up.
“Can I stop staring slightly broodingly yet meaningfully at the wall now?”asked Adam.
“No, stay there,” ordered Lena.“The light’s perfect.”
On top of deciding to become Adam’s manager (with Sam MIA I had plenty of time to think deep thoughts), I’d temporarily played the part of his stylist today.Mal had offered, but we’d let him experiment on the children instead.Hence the current array of crazy hairdos on everyone under three.The second twin had an attempt at a mohawk and Gib’s hair had been spiked.Lots of hair products were involved in both.Lizzy or Ben could do bath time tonight.My nephew had a tendency to howl like a banshee when hair wash time came around.No way would I be volunteering.
“Nice,” I said, checking out the picture.
“The wall will be out of shot, but you see what I mean about the light?”
I nodded.“The shadows work.Very emotive.”
“I feel like an idiot,” mumbled Adam in his black shirt and distressed jeans.We’d nailed the outfit.It really made the most of his messy hair and lanky frame.
“And you look like one,” said Mal.“Rest assured.”
Dave chuckled.“Get used to it.Photo shoots are always awkward as hell.Remember that time they tried to put me in red sequinned pants?”
“That was special.Though the tartan suit was my favorite.”
“Actually, I didn’t mind it.”
“Davie, you are such a show pony.”
