Page 100 of Tarek

Jasper looks at me dead in the eye. “You wanna tell us, why you’re discussing Rhet’s life and not your own.”

I hate it when he gets perspective.

“Fuck you Jasper. What’s up your ass?” I counter.

“The record label is down my neck for another album,” Jasper replies somberly.

Two waitresses come to the table. One with the canapés that were ordered earlier and the other with Jasper’s drink.

“Bring the bottle,” Jasper says.

Cole picks up a blini, scoops up some caviar and crème fraiche, then shoves it in his mouth.

“I have to write twelve songs, but I have no muse. My manager thinks I can sing anything, and people would love it.”

Dax reaches into his pocket again and pulls out his phone. “I mean it’s the truth. That’s a blessing.”

“No, it’s a curse. I want to make art. I can sing absolute shit and people will still love it. Watch,” Jasper says standing up. I move my legs to the side to let him pass. I watch as he stumbles unto the empty stage and talks to the DJ. A mic is handed to him.

“What the fuck is he doing?” Cole grumbles, he unbuttons his shirt at the wrist and rolls it up.

The lights are trained on Jasper.

“Sorry to interrupt. I’m Jasper of the—” Before he can say Grey the crowd starts flocking to the stage.

Jasper doesn’t realize the kind of magnetism that he has. I think that’s what makes his charm work, he is completely unaware that he’s charming. Also, his voice is amazing.

“I am going to sing a silly song to prove a point to my friends. Is that ok with you?”

The crowd screams out.

“We should get him,” Cole states.

Dax shakes his head. “Nah he needs to see the kind of power he wields.”

The waitress brings the bottle that Jasper ordered earlier.

“We are going to do an adult version of ‘If you’re happy and you know it.’”

Jasper reaches down and touches a couple of fans’ hands.

“I’m going to need two beautiful ladies to come on stage.” Jasper says, reaching out brushing a woman’s hand. For a second, I think she might actually faint. Sometimes I forget that one of my best friends is a real honest to God rockstar.

“You ready? Dj give me a beat,” Jasper says, flashing a grin at the two women, one is dressed in lingerie, the other in a thin-strapped satin dress.

The DJ gives Tarek an up-tempo beat. This is going to be a disaster.

“Here is the beat, 1, 2, 3.” Jasper’s clapping over his head.

I pour more whiskey into my glass and bring it to my lips. I take swallow but the second I hear Jasper start to sing, I choke and spit it all out.

“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your ass.” And the two girls turn around and begin to clap their asses.

“What the hell am I witnessing?” Cole scratches his beard as he looks at Jasper.

“Greatness,” Dax replies, and I couldn’t agree more.

“If your happy and you know it show your tits,” Jasper sings as if rehearsed the two girls flips their clothing up to show the audience their breasts.

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