Page 34 of Midnight Stage

The door opens for me, and someone else moves to grab my bags from the back. I’m almost embarrassed by my shitty canvas bag bought from the mall nearly ten years ago. I’m sure these guys are used to handling designer suitcases that cost more than I’ve made over the past two years, but nonetheless, I hold my head up high and allow the door opener to usher me inside the exclusive hotel.

Checking in takes all of two seconds, and before I know it, I’m escorted up to one of the executive suites. It’s not quite the penthouse, but it’s high enough that the man escorting me needs a special access card just to activate the elevator.

Getting into the room that’s bigger than my family home back in Michigan, I make my way right over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and stare out at the incredible view. The city below is gorgeous, and with the afternoon sun glistening off the other building, I find myself completely mesmerized.

A specially prepared meal is waiting for me on the table, and since I haven’t had the chance to eat like this since the last time I was with Axel, I don’t hesitate to dig in.

I have an hour before I’m due to meet with Lenny, so I take advantage of the time to pamper myself with an everything shower, using the expensive shampoo and conditioner as opposed to the cheap two-in-one shit I’ve been reduced to over the years.

Basking in the endless hot water, I finally have the motivation to shave, but it’s not for Lenny’s benefit of course. Looking my best means feeling my best, and as I stand in the bathroom wrapped in the expensive lush robe provided, I spend a few extra minutes hacking away at my brows.

I feel better than I have in so long, and it’s more refreshing than I could have known. As I pull on the best clean outfit from my bag, I feel as though I’m ready to conquer the world. My eyes hesitate in the mirror before leaving the bathroom, and even though I don’t have the wardrobe for this type of interview, I could walk in there wearing a garbage bag and still bring every bit of confidence. After all, isn’t that what they say? Confidence is key.

There’s a light knock at the door before a voice calls out. “Miss Stone, pardon the interruption, however, it is time to leave.”

Oooh. I wasn’t expecting such detailed service, but I’m down for it. “Coming,” I call back, grabbing my shitty little purse before thinking better of it and just taking my phone instead. I slip it into the back of my jeans, really wishing I had something nicer to wear, but it’s not as though there was time to go on some grand shopping spree with a credit card that doesn’t exist.

Fifteen minutes later, my driver pulls into a gated community, and my eyes widen as he pulls through the streets. “Holy shit,” I murmur to myself, taking in all the incredible mansions around me. It’s like a scene out of a movie and definitely not somewhere a girl like me should be. I thought the hotel was my “Not in Kansas anymore” moment, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

“Is something the matter, Miss Stone?” my driver asks.

“No. Not at all,” I say. “I just assumed I was meeting Lenny at the studio or the office, not a private residence.”

“Yes, that was the original plan,” he confirms. “However, one of the band members has a studio space built into their home, and with the band currently rehearsing every waking hour of the day, they prefer not to travel to a stuffy studio.”

“Oh, of course.”

“Yes, plus I believe Mr. Davidson thought it was prudent you meet with the band and see what you’ll be working with to ensure you can make the most informed decision moving forward.”

“And he will be there?” I ask. “Lenny, that is.”

“Of course, Miss Stone.”

I nod, and as I gaze out the window at the impressive properties, a thought occurs. “You, uhhh . . . wouldn’t happen to know where my brother lived? Axel Stone.”

“Yes, actually. I drove for him quite a bit. Such a shame what happened,” he says. “He actually lived in this neighborhood. I would be happy to show you after you’re done with your meeting if you wish.”

“Yeah, actually,” I say, a smile lingering on my lips, though I can’t tell if it’s because I’m in the presence of someone who knew my brother on a personal level, or just the thought of being so close to the place he called home. “I’d actually really like that. I never got the chance to visit him out here.”

“Oh, I know,” he says. “Your brother was quite fond of you. He would tell me about you all the time. Last I spoke to him, he was hoping to surprise you with a mid-tour visit.”

My smile lingers, and for once, it’s nice to think about Ax without the searing hot pain slicing me open. “I would have really liked that,” I murmur before letting out a heavy breath and trying to push the thoughts away. I need to keep focused, and I can’t do that if I’m lost in my grief.

The driver pulls up to a huge home that’s surrounded by large gates and hedges to offer the owner as much privacy as possible, though to be completely honest, something isn’t exactly lining up here. I thought Lenny said this band was still quite new. How are they able to afford properties like this? Unless Mommy and Daddy’s money bought them this property and their way into the label. After all, money talks, right? But I suppose it’s not my place to speculate. That’s not the job I’m here to do.

The driver pulls up to the gate and enters a code into the keypad, and I watch in awe as the massive iron gates inch open to reveal the incredible home within. It’s amazing, and my jaw pops open. Am I seriously about to spend time within this mansion? This is crazy. Even if I don’t get the job and everything goes to hell, at least just getting to experience this would make it all worth it. Happy birthday to me. All I need is a glass of champagne and a chance to dip into the hot tub . . . you know, assuming there is one. Who am I kidding? Of course there is.

My driver takes us right to the top of the circular driveway, bypassing the array of parked cars lingering out front, letting me know just how many bigwigs I’m probably about to meet. Then snapping out of my pampering mindset and into a business one, I open my own door, plant my feet on the ground, and keep my chin raised. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll allow this fancy world to continue pampering me after the meeting, but for now, I’m a boss bitch, and I’ve got shit to accomplish, just as Axel always said I could.

Making my way up the grand entrance, I situate myself right in front of the door, and just as I go to knock, someone opens it from within. A beautiful woman stares back at me with a beaming smile, wearing the most stunning pantsuit I’ve ever seen in my life. “You must be Raleigh,” she says, offering me her hand. “My name is Marley, I’m Lenny’s assistant. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Thank you,” I say, feeling more underdressed than ever before. “You too.”

“Come on in.”

Marley ushers me into the mega-mansion and sets off at a pace that has me breaking into a small jog just to keep up with her long legs. “Lenny is stuck on a conference call, but he should be wrapping it up shortly. In the meantime, would you like to check in with the band to get a feel for their music and see if this might be a good match for you?”

“Oh yeah. Of course. I would love to,” I tell her as she leads me through the exquisite mansion. “But also, in regard to Lenny’s call, please don’t let him rush on account of me. I have nowhere else to be.”

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