Her Elusive Price (Book 2)

Four

Maddox

“Being on stage is my life, you know? Call it a generic response or egotistical even, but I honestly feel like I was born to do this. Whenever I step out and see the crowd I enter into this mind-frame that it could be the last performance of my life. That keeps my blood pumping and so far it allows me to be there a hundred and one percent. It’s not just about pleasing the crowd, but it’s more of becoming our true selves, if that ever makes sense,” I answered. I’ve just finished a series of photoshoots for Entertainment Weekly and now I’m sitting in front of their magazine journalist who’s been low-key flirting with me and all I could think about is getting the hell out of here. I’m honestly not a fan of photoshoots and interviews. None of us are, but it’s part of the territory. So, whether I like it or not I have to show up with a bright smile and a pleasing personality.

I've always been vocal that I’m not usually good with words, so it’s not exactly a walk in the park whenever I have to do stuff like these alone. Given the choice, I’d rather have the guys with me to help me dodge questions I don’t know how or don't want to answer. So far, I’ve answered ones that have been asked a million times before which is truthfully boring, but I always make it a point to say whatever it is I need to say sincerely and calmly just because it’s the right thing to do. I mean this part of our lives is not what I enjoy, but it's one of the things that helped us to get to where we are now. Basically, we always have to try our best to be accomodating and patient no matter what. It’s tough sometimes, but I have to suck it up. All of us do.

“Would you mind if I start asking personal questions from here on out?” She asked, slightly biting her lower lip. It’s funny that she even asked when she probably knows that I’d actually mind. “Go for it,” I replied bracing myself for the onslaught. “We caught wind that Sky Fontain got married just yesterday and is about to have a family of his own. How do you feel about it and do you see yourself settling down as well in the near future?” There it is right there. The kind of question that makes me cringe because it reminds me of how ridiculously fixated people are with our dating habits not to mention the fact that it becomes a requirement to have what the other has. For instance, now that Sky’s married people think the three of us should get married too. Like I've said, ridiculous.

“How do I feel about that? I think it’s awesome. James is family and our little miss boss and I couldn’t be any happier that they finally ended up together. They’re really perfect for each other. We all can't wait to meet our baby rock star. As for me marrying someone, it’s not a priority. Honestly, I don’t think I’m capable of being a good husband. Not saying it’s impossible. Anything can happen, but not now,” I rumbled and sighed. That wasn’t a very impressive answer, but what can I say to that? I mean I admit it could be nice to have someone to hang out and have s*x with anytime you want, but taking care of a relationship is just too much work for me I guess. “Why do you think you won’t be a good husband?” was her next question and this time she’s saucily biting the tip of her pen. “I don’t know. I just think I won’t be,” I shrugged and she stared at me for a few seconds before clearing her throat. “Everyone’s talking about the mystery girl you were seen with last night, who is she, and could she be someone special to you?”

I knew that at some point this question was going to come up, but even though that was the case, I still can’t stop myself from hesitating a bit because I don’t know how to categorize Sydney. I meddled in her business, gave her a ride home, and we had a normal and somewhat spontaneous conversation. Also, f**k I just realized how weird it is that I even remember her name and how she looks like considering all that happened within an hour or two. “I guess you can say she’s a newly found friend. Nothing more to say there,” I blurted with a stern look on my face which she hopefully takes as a sign that she needs to move to a different topic. “So you’re not dating?” I shook my head from side to side smiling. “Nope.”

I was asked a few more things after that and when it was time to go, she handed me her calling card emphasizing that she wrote her personal number at the back of it making me aware that this is an invitation for a casual get-together. Now, I normally entertain these kinds of situations, but I wasn't feeling it today. Maybe I'm too tired, maybe I don't feel like impressing anyone right now, or maybe I just want to spend some alone time. I'll figure that out later. So, instead of asking her what her plans are after this, I simply slid the card into my back pocket, thanked her, shook her hand, and left. And let me tell you, she didn't hide the disappointment on her face at all, but whatever. We both came here for the interview and nothing else.

My phone buzzed in my hand as I was walking to where my car was parked. I looked at the screen and slowed down to access the message that came from the band's group chat. It could be important or not, either way, I'm checking.

Maverick: Bored as f**k. Any of you want to swing by my club tonight? Except for a certain someone who's on a honeymoon of course.

Sky: I feel so attacked man.

Jaxon: Not sure if I can. Still being forced to play the next CEO. I'll try though.

Me: Be there around nine-ish.

Maverick: @Maddox Cool. @Sky why so emotional? By the way, say hi to James for me. @Jaxon are you playing CEO for the rest of the night too? Straight up leave and just do whatever s**t you're doing there tomorrow.

Sky: @Maverick Will do. Keep out of trouble boys.

Me: @Sky yes dad!

Sky: @Maddox damn right I'm your daddy! Anyway, laters guys.

Jaxon: @Maverick Wish it was that easy. Don't want to be disowned. @Sky Laters man!

Maverick: @Jaxon p***y! You'll live a hundred lifetime even if Mr. P disowns you.

Me: Ooooh shots fired.

Jaxon: Both of you, two words: f**k off!

There you go. Four supposedly matured men who act as if they've just hit puberty. Believe me, we do have a lot of finer moments in life, but if it's just us guys, it's usually non-stop banters, pissing each other off, or working our asses off. It's a healthy relationship among friends and co-workers as far as I know. That said, I still have plenty of time before nine, so I decided to head home eat something, maybe play a couple of games before heading to the club.

At half-past nine, I cut through the long line of people waiting at the entrance of Maverick's newly established club with Cody and one of his security guys following closely behind. As I walked past them, some were calling out my name, some greeted me, while some asked to have their pictures taken with me. Since I'm not in a hurry, I obliged for a few minutes, then pushed on. "Hey, Maddox!" two girls at the very front of the line called out. I glanced at them briefly pasting the smile I always wear in public. "Ladies," I acknowledged, but not really paying attention to any of them. "Wait! Maddox, you know this girl right here right?" one of them asked enthusiastically pulling at the arm of the said girl so she could be seen.

It took me a few moments to figure out who was standing three feet away from me cause hot damn she looks different. Sure she looks a little embarrassed and uncomfortable, but hotter than I last saw her. I smiled from ear to ear and talked to the bouncers of the club to let the girls through which they automatically did.

"Hey, Sydney."