I was a Rock's Star's Secret

[TheMuscleGuru]

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Her voice still cuts through to my soul to this very day. Now that she's a singer with a string of top ten hits following her I can only wish her the very best. Remembering her kisses and the way she to moves her body when she's working her magic are a part of me.

It all started way back when of course, that's how most stories go and this one is no different. I had been hired out of college and was finding my place in the world. We met at a casino when I was out one night enjoying the town.

Having moved to Las Vegas from bo-hunk Montana to work had been a challenge for me. I was used to a very slow pace; even college hadn't prepped me for the pace I was to find here. Traffic going fifty miles an hour or more, all the accidents, the road reports, and all that comes with big city living. I was adapting, but it was taking time.

I found that by going to a casino every once in a while and just kicking back listening to the house band flavor of the month would fill a bit of time that I couldn't seem to fill any other way. I didn't gamble, well, much that is. I did however love to sit at a slot machine near the bars where the live bands played.

Music from a live band always, well almost always, would soothe my soul. There's something about live music that drives right to the heart of me. Needless to say, most Fridays or Saturdays would find me sitting at a quarter slot machine slowly playing off twenty dollars one quarter at a time as I listened to whatever music was being played.

This night happened to be a Friday, and I was early by quite a bit. I had gotten off work before the usual time, traffic had been smooth especially for a Friday, and I had managed to get ready about three hours earlier than usual.

Normally I would have found something to while away the time at home, but this night, for whatever reason, I felt a need to 'get there now' so I left. I ate at the casino's buffet, and then strolled down to the main floor. Early as it was I decided that tonight I would gamble a bit heavier than normal. What the heck, I had nothing else to spend the money on, so what?

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Kate was nervous, about five seconds away from calling the whole thing off nervous. But she’d worked so hard to get her cousin to get her this gig tonight that she knew she couldn't blow it on some stupid butterflies in her stomach. Besides she was good, she knew she was good it had just been a while since she’d had the chance to sing in public.

“Alright kid, dont strangle your guitar, it can't hurt you” looking down at her hands she instantly loosened her grip on the neck of her guitar, she hadn't realized she’d been wringing them that tightly around the instrument.

Kid, ouch, she was already 22, though she had such a sweet baby face that most people thought she was younger. It only annoyed her when she wanted to buy alcohol and since she wasnt at the bar the comment rolled off her back, she was too wound up to care anyway.

“Sorry” she winced, a slight squeak in her voice that normally wasn't there and made the stage hand look very worried about what was about to be amplified by that mic on stage. “Nerves...” she nervously tucked a few strands of hair that had escaped her loose updo back behind her ear, and gave him a quick smile.

She had such a warm infectious smile that even this tough guy couldnt help but smile back “‘s okay, just go out there and do your thing.” This was said just as another crew member announced that they had a fresh voice in the house.

With a curt nod her sandaled feet took to the short set of stairs that lead to the stage and walked to the middle, a spotlight shining on a stool with a mic set up just for her “Hello” her voice trembled slightly as she took her seat and adjusted the guitar’s shoulder strap. She wasn't quite sure what to say but she felt the need to say something “hope everyone's having a good evening so far.”

It wasn't all too crowded, which was why she got this early slot, just in case they decided her act wasn't a show stopper. But the few patrons were polite enough she thought, a few smiling back at her when she gave them a slightly watered down version of her brilliant smile.

“Lets hope the evening doesn't go downhill from here” she chuckled, fingers gliding over the strings of her guitar as she spoke. After another smile her fingers played a few chords that a musical connoisseur might recognize as Superman by Five for Fighting. Her hazel eyes closed as and her cranberry lips parted. No trace of tremble or squeak in her smoky voice as she began to sing.

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

Hearing the end of the band that had been warming up the crowd for about an half an hour, he turned his attention to the stage. The programme described the next act as the new Lana del Ray. He was a fan of Lana, so he was interested to see how the young girl would measure up.

But before she got to sing, he was mesmerized. Watching enter from stage left, her beauty lit up the dark room. Her eyes, that smile. Simply, wow.

Then she began to sing.

Before there had been a quiet murmur, now complete silence. Only her voice penetrated through the crowded room.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

When she struck the last few chords of the song and she opened her eyes her ears were greeted with applause, a true smile, from the heart broke out on her features and lit them up more than the spotlight ever could “Thank you” there was happiness in her voice but alongside that happiness a deep gratitude.

She loved making music and the fact that others enjoyed listening was for her simply amazing. the applause died down and she began to strike a new melody, feeling a little more confident about the crowds reception of her craft she chose a song that was a little more upbeat. I Follow Rivers, and this time as she sang she managed to keep her eyes open a few times to look out into the crowd. And a particular face by the slot machine’s kept catching her hazel gaze.

It was strange the next few sets almost inadvertently when her eyes opened they opened on him, and for some strange reason she couldn't explain it was kind of comforting, he seemed a little more than just entertained by her craft, it was like he was letting himself be transported somewhere through the words of the song and it was encouraging.

Once she was through and had thanked the audience she gathered her guitar and left the stage, adjusting the spaghetti strap of her black and ivory lace tunic, the somewhat shy girl that had gotten up on stage was filled with a little bit more confidence which was evident in the light spring in her step.

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

Adrian was completely caught up in the music and her singing. After a while, it felt like it was only him and her in the room. It even looked like each time she opened her eyes, she was looking straight at him.

He sat in silence for the rest of her set, wrapped up in the sound and melody. When she finished, he joined in the with the warm applause, a big smile on his face. He watched her leave the stage. He'd love to meet her, but she would be off to some party no doubt. He ordered another drink and turned back to the slot machine.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Kate should be so lucky to get to go to some fancy party. That was something for more well known artists she’d barely been able to get this gig, playing a casino was a big deal for her and apparently someone in management thought so as well.

Thats where the 5’4” brunette girl next door, with a hint of something exotic, found herself, in a bland stuffy office going over paperwork for a contract that would see to it that this gig was a little more regular. She even got a new day job out of it, well sort of, the busiest waitressing shifts at the casino were during the night but that didnt matter it was a step in the right direction. She could feel it.

And so began a weekly routine, she waited on patrons and on friday nights she sang. She didn't have the million dollar act, her sets were pretty early in the night and opened for other bands but even in this short time she had managed to get a little following.

One of which stood out to her in particular, the man from that first night. He was always there, like clockwork it seemed and always by the slot machines. She thought of him as her good luck charm, as soon as she got on stage she’d search for his piercing green eyes, offer him a smile and then smile at the rest of the audience. It was crazy she didn't know anything about him but somehow she just felt comforted by his presence.

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

Over the next few weeks, Adrian worked hard and played harder at the casino. But his usual routine now had a very enjoyable addition. Ever since he had seen Kate play, he had been to every one of her shows. He was just mesmerized by her beauty and her voice. He always chose the same spot for her performances, by the slot machines. He hoped that this would help her remember him. Was it working? He wasn't sure. Everytime she would come on stage, she seemed to see him first and smile. Then she would address the rest of the stage. But then, after the show, she would disappear.

After about the tenth show, he decided he had to meet her. But how? He didn't know where she went after she finished performing. He had to investigate. She was performing again tonight, and he was determined to find out how she relaxed after gigs.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Normally after the show Kate was able to go home and have the rest of the night off but not tonight. Joleen had gotten sick off some bad oysters and now Kate found herself taking over her shift. It was terrible, a last minute call that was made as Kate was walking off stage when a tall red head pushed a neatly folded uniform in her hands and said “You’re up kid.”

“But...” there was no time for buts as the redhead walked away leaving a bewildered Kate to sigh and go off to change into Joleen’s uniform. Terrible. Joleen was 5 inches shorter than the 5’5” Kate and a few inches smaller than her in the bust which meant that the normally tasteful red vest and black skirt uniform was much shorter and tighter than it was meant to be.

Aggravated by having to work the night shift and the ill fitting uniform Kate tried her best not to let it show as she served the various drinks to the various patrons but then one of the pretty well hydrated guys had to go and grab her ass...

“Hey!” She snapped shortly, wanting to whirl around to stare down the offender but because of the full tray of drinks balanced on her hand and the fact that the skirt was a little tighter than she was used to and something about the carpet right there the tray teetered, her footing slipped and before she knew it the tray came toppling down along with a rain of alcohol.

Fuck Normally she might have tried to brush it off and turn it into a joke of some kind but she was really in no mood for strange guys to make unwanted advances and now this on top of it... Her hair was now falling out of the quick bun she’d made and clinging in damp tendrils to her face, and the uniform clung uncomfortably to her skin.

She wanted to punch something or cry... either option was good at this point.

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

Adrian kept an eye in Kate as she came off stage. She was approached by a member of staff, who seemed to be holding a waitress' uniform. A brief but heated argument followed. It seemed Kate was doubling as a waitress, but didn't look too happy with the sudden extra shift. She disappeared into the emitted only area to change.

He made his way to the roulette table. An hour later, he saw Kate again, dressed in a far too small uniform. She was carrying a large tray of drinks, when some asshole found it appropriate to grab her ass. Now if there was one thing Adrian could not stand, it was womanising assholes. He stood and walked over, only to see Kate lose her balance and collapse, with the tray of drinks drenching her.

He grabbed the guy and pushed him up against a nearby wall.

"Now that is no way to treat a lady. So how about you apologise before I put you through this wall?"

Adrian was not the tallest at 5"9', but he was well built and could handle himself. The guy could see this and mutter an apology, before slinking out. Adrian turned his attention to Kate, offering her a hand to help her to her feet.

"Hey, you ok?"

 

[Poppinbubbles]

“T-thank you” she nodded. What had just happened? A second ago she’d been ready for an argument with some drunk jerk the next said jerk was leaving and a strong hand was reaching down to help her up.

Hesitantly her daintier hand slipped into the firm, yet gentle grasp of the stranger. Though he wasn't a stranger to her, not entirely. Her mystery man from the slot machines. His deep voice rolled over her spine and made her shiver, or was that from her wet clothes? It didn't matter.

“You really are my good luck charm” she said once she’d risen to her feet and immediately wished she hadn't been so dumb. Wincing at how weirdly stupid that sounded she shook her head and offered him a small smile tinted rouge in a blush of embarrassment. “I mean... thanks”

“He must have mistaken you for security or something” She couldn't help but note how he was even better looking up close, something she wasn't sure how she had time to notice since her eyes seemed to be locked on those green hues, still somewhat awestruck that her mystery man was now also her white knight so to speak.

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

Adrian chuckled when he heard her call him her good luck charm.

"Not sure what I did to earn such a prestigious honour, but thank you", smiling at the beautiful girl beside him. It was only then he realised she had most the beautiful eyes.

He found it hard to control himself and not stare at her in the ridiculous short uniform. The fact that she was all wet was not helping matters. A lesser man would have given in and acted like that drunk.

"You should probably go change, you'll start to shiver otherwise".

 

[Poppinbubbles]

She was already shivering slightly and just waved off his concern “I’ll be fine thanks” the smile still on her lips, as soon as they parted to speak again she was cut off by a burly balding man in the male version of her uniform.

“That is coming out of your check kid! and table 13 is still waiting for their orders” he called as he radioed for the cleaning crew to come out and take care of the mess of liquid and broken glass on the floor around them.

Kate couldn't help rolling her eyes. Barry was one of those men that just because he got to carry a walkie talkie thought he was the overlord of the casino staff, especially the females. She hated guys like him. “Yeah I know.” she said with a sigh and gathered her tray, then turned back to Adrian.

“I’m sorry I gotta get back to work but...” tucking a strand of damp hair behind her ear she averted her glance a moment, unable to believe what she was about to say “... would you let me buy you a drink sometime? You know as a thank you for... your support in the...‘chivalry is not dead’ campaign?”

That didn't sound lame at all... She totally expected him to come up with some polite reason to turn down the offer.

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

He couldn't believe how poorly treated the staff were here. All his encounters with friendly receptionists and slightly flirty waitresses had led to believe the opposite.

Adrian smiled when he heard her proposal,

"Yeah that sounds great. What time do you finish work? Or would prefer a different night?"

Had she just asked him out? He couldn't believe his luck. He had basically been stalking her music career for the past two weeks. Had she noticed?

 

[Poppinbubbles]

She couldn't believe she'd just asked a perfect stranger out, okay so he wasn't a total stranger, but she knew nothing about him besides he had a great smile, great hair, the kind her fingers just itches to run through, and was apparently a fan of her voice.

What was even more surprising to her was the fact that he's actually agreed. “I get off at 11:30” she smiled as she started to head off to get those drinks out.

Time seemed to drag on forever till the end of her shift but she somehow managed to make it to the end of her shift. Twenty minutes later she was standing out by the bar dressed back in her normal street clothes, her hair, tied up and out of the way for the most part with just a few tendrils twisting their way out of the coiled pile to frame her oval face.

She hoped he hadn't given up on waiting for her, she’d feel pretty stupid hanging out by the bar looking like a lost kid, if he had.

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

Adrian smiled and shouted after her,

"See you then!"

He watched her leave, smiled to himself, and then with a spring in his step, took off to his favourite restaurant at the casino for a bite to eat. For some reason, every bite seemed that bit sweeter today. Of course, he knew the reason. He had somehow got a date with the girl that had filled his every memory ever since seeing and hearing that first night.

He looked at his watch after a short game of blackjack. Realising it was nearing the time to meet Kate. He made his way to the the bar, and saw her instantly.

"Hey there", coming behind her and flashing a smile.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

“Hi..” she was about to say his name in greeting but then realized with a slight flush that she didn’t even know his name. It made her hesitate a moment, should she really be going out with a guy who’s name she didn’t even know? Relax Kate, you can take care of yourself.

“I just realized I dont even know your name... I’m Kate,” brushing off the slight case of nerves she stuck out her hand towards him, then realized how silly that sounded, she saw him every week he knew who she was, she was the only one out of the loop in that department. “though I suppose you knew that. Sorry this is not something I normally do”

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

Adrian smiled at her apparent nerves. He shook her hand firmly, yet gentle.

"I'm Adrian."

She looked even more beautiful when not soaking wet and in clothes that actually fit her.

"I hope the rest of your shift wasn't too difficult. Your manager certainly didn't seem to make it easy."

He took the seat next to her and studied her at close range for the first time. Her gentle features were contrasted by sharp, deep yet colourful eyes. And there was her smile. It was just breathtaking. He had to do more to get smiling more often. When she did, her entire face lit up.

(p.s enjoy your time off! )

 

[Poppinbubbles]

“Oh, Barry” she groaned and rolled her eyes “He’s not even my real boss, he just somehow outranks me, nobody likes him. Maybe thats why he’s just a jerk” she said with a small shrug. She didnt really want to talk about Barry right now though.

Raising a hand she got the bartenders attention and he came over to take their orders. Once they had their drinks she took a sip of hers “So Adrian” she said his name slowly, letting it roll over her tongue like she was tasting it. She liked it, it suited him “Tell me a little about yourself, I feel like we’re on such uneven ground, you know way more about me than I do about you...”

She trailed off noticing him studying her features a bashful blush colored her cheeks “Is there something wrong? Oh god dont tell me I have something in my teeth” her hand coming up to block her mouth as she couldn't help but give him an embarrassed smile and look away

 

[TheMuscleGuru]

Adrian took a sip of the drink Kate ordered. It was really smooth and rich in flavour, just how he liked it.

"Well, where to start? I'm from a small town in Montana, only child."

He left out the fact that he had lost both his parents to a drunk driver when he was sixteen. Being alone in rural Montana would be enough to drive anyone insane, let alone a sixteen year old orphan. But he pulled through, got good grades and was able to escape to the city.

"I went to college in California, and managed to score my current job immediately after. I was shipped out here 6 months ago to oversee a new project that will hopefully make us the most dominant player in the market."

He took another sip of his drink.

"It's a lonely job. I haven't really made any friends down here yet. I spend most of my free time here, casually playing the tables, and watching you", he said with a smile.

"So what's your story? How did you get here?"

 

[Poppinbubbles]

“Oh wow California must have been a big change from Montana...” she listened with interest, leaning in a little towards him as he spoke, her body language showing sincerity. Kate was about to comment some more on his life when he asked about her story.

The change was subtle, she sat a little farther back, shoulders slouched down a bit and she looked down into her drink. Shrugging her shoulders as she tried to figure out what to say without saying too much. “Not too much to tell, I’ve always had the dream to be somebody, do something with my life and see things... My brother chose the army and I dont think they’d take me seriously even with a gun so I chose my guitar.” looking up from her drink she smiled, though it was tinged with a slight sadness. Like there was more to the story that she didn't want to talk about.

“I figured las Vegas was as good a start as any. I’ll work here a while save up some money and then move out to LA or New York to get discovered.”