Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87863 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87863 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
“A dead movie star?”
Charlie rolled his eyes as he slipped his hand in mine and pulled me along the pathway. “Not the dead part. But I wanted to be a star. I just didn’t have any talent. Like none at all. I can’t sing or dance or act. I think I’m hysterical, but no one else does and I might be cute, but not hot. Oh yeah, and I’m short. Don’t get me wrong, I have amazing potential. But I’ll never be who I thought I’d be. It’s hard for normal guys like me.”
“There’s nothing normal about you,” I deadpanned.
“The point is, sometimes we have to try ten careers before we find a fit. Tonight I think I found it.”
Charlie flashed a winning smile, then let go of my hand and moved in front of me with his arms spread. The backdrop of two hundred lampposts in the middle of the night on a deserted patch of cement in LA was stunning. He was stunning. And he was right. Maybe it was a little romantic too.
“Here?”
He chuckled. “Maybe. But I’m talking about the show. I was standing next to that old guy I’m sure is Nasty Nelson, wondering how to counter his “one-trick pony” comment without slugging him when you took over up there and…fuck, I was proud of you. I was proud of all of you, but maybe you especially and—”
“Why?” I cocked my head curiously. “I didn’t do anything special.”
“Yes, you did. You shined up there. You played like a boss and radiated confidence and beauty and…you all clicked. The whole band clicked. You looked like the real deal. And I had this epiphany that not only were you destined for greatness, but that I’m the one who’ll get you there. I know I’ve been saying that for months, but sometimes I talk just to hear the sound of my voice. This time…I know I’m right and I know how to do it.”
“You’re going to create a label.”
“Not just me. Zero. I’ll take care of the business part and you guys will keep doing your things, but we’ll control the vision together. And we can expand it to include other artists. We don’t have to look for the perfect fit, we can create it.”
“I play the bass, Charlie. And I can do tricks on a skateboard. I’m all for it, but I don’t know shit about starting a label,” I said. “None of us do.”
“Zero is the creative force. The vision. I’m the ‘behind the scenes’ guy. Like I am now, but see…I realized I’ve been playing it too safe. I want to take a chance. Other than distribution channels, we have everything we need to start, so it’s not a huge chance, but if we do it well, we can bring on other artists, cross-promote and build a brand.” He gestured excitedly, then set his hands on his hips. “Better yet…we can build an empire!”
“And that’s your dream?”
I moved toward him and pushed his curls from his forehead when a gust of wind blew through the forest of lanterns. It was a good thing we’d both remembered our jackets. It was cold out here.
“It’s not my original dream, but I think this one has potential. My dad always says that if you can dream it, you can do it. The most important ingredient is believing in yourself. Not just going through the motions, but really believing in your purpose. Tonight…I believe in Zero and I believe in you.”
That threw me off guard. Maybe he meant those last few words in a generic context as part of his impassioned speech, but he got me. I felt oddly vulnerable. Which was funny ’cause I towered over Charlie. On the surface, I was bigger, stronger, and my cool quotient traveled in broader circles than his. But truthfully, he was so much more than I could ever be. The surge of longing, admiration, and affection caught me by the throat, but I couldn’t just stand here staring at him like an idiot. I had to say something.
I pursed my lips and leaned in to brush my nose against his. “I believe in you too, Char.”
I pulled him into my arms and sealed my mouth over his in what was possibly the longest kiss ever. I didn’t want to let him go. I couldn’t tell if I was moved by gratitude or desire or a combination of both, but I was afraid I’d say too much. I didn’t want to make promises I couldn’t keep and he might not want anyway. It was best to stay in the moment. And let Charlie lead.
9
Charlie
We ended up at Ky’s place later that night. He seemed lost in thought but oddly focused too. I sensed he needed to be near the beach and didn’t mind the drive. Moreover, I sensed he needed to be close to me. He held my hand or made sure to touch me somehow as he navigated the empty streets westward. My hair, my jaw, then buttons on my sleeve. It wasn’t a toned-down version of foreplay. It was just sweet…and romantic.