Chapter Text
The flash of the shark-like cameras interrupted my thoughts. Reporters and paparazzi hounded me, asking me questions about my solo album, whether or not the Jonas Brothers were still a band, and more personal questions about my love life. I mustered a smile, and quickly answered the questions with short, to-the-point answers, hoping it would get them off of my back. Of course, that plan failed. What is the use? And to think, all I was trying to do was get to my car. I had a recording session for my new album, and was on my way. Because of these photographic and information vampires, I was going to be late. And my manager was not going to be happy about that.
I wave at the cameras, still smiling a small smile, trying to keep my current mood calm, hiding my anxiety. I turned away from the cameras, put my keys into the ignition, and drove away quickly. I could still hear the clicks of their cameras in my mind, and their prying questions. Why do they need to know everything about my life? This is the price of fame, I guess. Which sucks most of the time.
I sighed and kept driving, glancing slightly at the billboards as I pass them out of sheer curiosity. Getting bored, I clicked on the radio. There popped up the voice of Ryan Seacrest. Nick must have borrowed my car. He loves listening to this type of music. As I start to try and change the channel, something caught my attention.
=Next up on the countdown, at number 2 is “Whataya Want From Me, by the Grammy Nominee, Adam Lambert.=
I have never heard this song, I thought to myself. I probably should keep up with music nowadays, but having to hear my ex’s songs on the radio…I try to avoid it as much as possible.
“Hey….slow it down…Whataya want from me? Whataya want from me? Yeah, I’m afraid, Whataya Want From Me? Whataya Want From Me?”
I didn’t expect to break down.
This song pulled at my heartstrings. I had to stay focused on the road, but this voice…Mr. Lambert’s voice…was entrancing and intoxicating. I haven’t heard something so beautiful in a long time.
I reach over to the radio and turn it up. I had to hear him sing louder. Play with my heart, Mr. Lambert. I realized that my thoughts were completely insane and hurriedly turned off the radio, took a deep breath, and continued driving.
I finally arrived at my destination. I took a look at the clock: only 2 minutes to spare. At least I was on time. I opened the car door forcefully, and closed it with just as much force. I locked it with my automatic clicker, and ran into the building. When I reached security, I brushed off my coat and put on my winning smile. It was time to make some music.
“Ah, Joe! Here you are right on time,” my manager, Beth, said quickly. She gave me a small smile, and grabbed my arm, with a bit of a grip. This was how she usually acted when she was incredibly stressed.
“Hey, is everything okay?” I said as we were walking at a pace that felt like we were working out. She stopped in the middle of the narrow hallway, looked both ways to make sure no one was watching, and lowered her voice.
“Not particularly, Joseph.” She looked at me fiercely. “You know that duet you wanted to do so badly with a 'famous singer?'” I nodded, now knowing what has gotten her all worked up.
“He cancelled didn’t he.”
She nodded. “They don’t want their reputation tarnished. All because you were affiliated with the Disney Channel.” I looked at her, hurt.
“Well, it wasn’t my fault that Disney gave us a huge contract and I got to perform all over the world,” I said, sarcastically. “I am a real musician! Why can’t people see that?” I start to raise my voice.
“Shhhh!” Beth put her finger on my lips. “Let’s go to the studio and figure who else we can get…” She mumbled to herself as we walked further down the hallway to the recording studio. A thought went through my mind…what if I could get Adam to sing with me? I shook my head. That is ridiculous. We have different styles…even though it would be fun. I wonder what he looks like.
My thoughts started to run wild. Beth snapped her fingers in my face, bringing me back to reality.
“Joe, wake up! We have to brainstorm.” Beth motioned for me to sit in a chair in the recording studio. She waved at the other people in the studio, telling them to scram basically, since we won’t be recording today, which was a bummer. We had it to ourselves. Beth crossed her legs, took out a pad and pen, started chewing on the cap, and spewing out names. I could barely hear her. All I was thinking about was “Whataya want from me…” That song is freaking stuck in my head. Apparently, my manager caught on, because, unconsciously, I started to hum it, and she took notice.
“Are you humming Adam Lambert?” She asked, quizzical and intrigued. The tone of her voice was surprising.
“Um, maybe.” I shifted awkwardly in my chair. “It was on the radio.” She raised her eyebrow in interest.
“Hey…why don’t you sing a duet with him?” My eyes widened. I mean, yes, I thought about it. I just heard the guy sing, and now Beth is proposing the very thing I was too afraid to discuss?
“Yes! That would be so…interesting,” She caught herself, “In a good way! Two rockers with different styles…” I was shocked at this. Me? Sing with Adam Lambert? All I could judge from half of the song I listened to of his was that his voice was on a completely different level than mine.
“I really don’t think it’s a good idea,” I said, moving my eyes from each corner of the room, my anxiety growing.
“Why not? Joe, this would be a breakthrough for your music! He was on American Idol, you know. I’m surprised you don’t know about that, being in the music business and all of that.”
American Idol, huh?
“What if he bails like the other artists?” I kept trying to come up with excuses.
“Joe,” Beth said with a serious tone, “He won’t.” I could tell in her eyes that she really believed what she said. I bit my lip.
“Okay,” I said simply, “But…well…what does he look like?” Innocent question, right? I had to know who I was going after. My manager sighed, pulled out her Iphone, and opened Google. I could see her typing quickly. She put her finger to her mouth, biting her manicured nail. It looked like she had to look hard to find a good picture.
“Ah!” She said finally. “I was trying to find a recent one.” She held the phone up to me. I almost had a heart attack. He was gorgeous, and the exact opposite of me. He had dark hair that glistened in the spotlight; his eyes were a bright, bright blue, almost as if they were piercing my heart through the picture. He wore glam rocker clothing and heavy eyeliner with glitter and make-up. He also looked pretty tall. My heart fluttered. Why am I reacting like this? My manager saw my face redden and looked suspicious.
“Are you feeling okay?” She asked, genuinely concerned. I tried to catch my breath. Dear god.
“Uh…yeah. I’m fine. Just…a little hot in here.” Good cover, Joe. Good cover.
“Okay,” my manager shifted in her chair, grabbed her pad and pen, and stood up, reaching her hand out for a handshake. “Well, I will be in contact with Mr. Lambert’s people, and we’ll see what we can do.” I nod apprehensively, stand up from my chair, and shake her hand. “I’ll be in touch!” She says as she walked out of the door. “Okay,” I say quietly.
What was wrong with me? I saw one picture of him…and I suddenly feel like I have a crush, like a teenaged girl. He is so beautiful. And so is his voice. One thing is for sure; if Adam ends up singing with me, I am going to have such a hard time concentrating.