Page 27 of Falling for the Rockstar

“Let us get a few more snaps of you and the band,”a photog asks.

We stand, two of us on either of Myka. I take the inside to her left and Sebastian takes the inside to her right with Stix and Mikey closing out the ends.

We flash a few famous and even well-known poses, Like the tongue out with the devil’s horn symbol, the I’m-so-serious-I-won’t-even-smile look, and even the I’m-going-to-devour-this-beautiful-woman-standing-next-to-the-beast pose.

She was perfect in all of them. As we adjourn the junket and head over to the reception, a few more photogs catch me being chivalrous to her by helping her down the platform steps. Of course, Mikey helped her up when she joined us.

The room is lively with our invited guests and the DJ spinning our record. Myka circulates the room, meeting with and thanking each guest.

Her beauty captivates me and owns my attention. The way she tosses her head back when she shares a hearty laugh with someone, or how her eyes twinkle when she takes a snapshot with some bloggers.

A few journalists come to me and the crew and ask some questions as well, and we share a laugh. Still, my gaze searches the room for her.

“Excuse me,” I leave the conversation that I am physically attending, but mentally somewhere else. I casually stroll over to where Myka and Amber are standing.

“This is great, don’t you think so, Simon?” Amber asks, acknowledging my arrival.

“I think it turned out pretty well. To think you pulled this off in what, a day. You are truly magical, Myka.”

“Uh, thank you, Simon. It wasn’t much, really. Plus, Amber was a big help.” She rubs her hands together as she looks around the room at our guests. Her eyes widen and her smile fades a bit when someone catches her eye.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

I follow the direction of her gaze and see her boyfriend has made an appearance. A few of the camera hounds spot him and take pictures as well. I capitalize on the moment, walk over to him, and extend my hand for a welcome. “Cornelius, how are you, mate?”

“I’m cool, Simon. Real cool. I see the junket turned out well. There's already buzz on the Internet about this event.”

“Well, why wouldn’t there be. Myka did a fantastic job.” I direct my attention to her, as she joins our little huddle. Her face remains blank, but I don’t push the issue. Instead, I just excuse myself.

“Pardon me, I think I’ll go join the band. It was nice to see you again, Cornelius.” I leave but I can’t help but wonder what the deal is between those two. The moment he came into her line of sight, she stopped her need to calm her nerves. Her eyes narrowed, nostrils flared, and her demeanor turned a notch below icy. I even caught sight of an eye roll from her when he was speaking.

One thing’s for sure, I’m glad I’m not in that bloke’s place.

* * *

MYKA

Of all the times he could crash one of my events, this has to be the absolute worst. The media is here to scope out my band and he is weaseling in on an opportunity to get his face seen ahead of tomorrow’s talent showcase where he will serve as the emcee.

“What are you doing here, Cornelius?” I ask through gritted teeth.

“Look, I’ve been calling you and paging you all day. We need to talk.”

“Can’t it wait until I get home? I have a lot to do with launching Osiris’ new image, and the upcoming album.”

“See, that’s just it. Since you got this new band, you don’t seem to have time for me anymore.” His voice grew louder, and a few stares were tossed in our direction.

I pulled him by his hand over to an alcove away from the scene, yet still close enough where I can see my clients.

I spot Simon watching and that’s the one thing I don’t want...unwanted attention.

“What do you mean I don’t have time for you? Every time you need something, who do you call? I left lunch with Bri just to go home and fuck you. So don’t tell me I’m not there for you. That’s bullshit and you know it.” My senses alert me there’s something else. The knot in my stomach grows and I start to perspire. Bile builds in my throat, and I fear I’m gonna vomit.

Cornelius takes my hand and holds my gaze with his. He lets out a deep breath but it’s barely audible over the pounding of my heartbeat echoing in my ears.

“Myka, I don’t think this is working out for me—us—anymore. I need someone who is dedicated to helping me further my career. Not just the career of others. And while I do appreciate what you have done, I can’t continue in this relationship. It’s over. I’m sorry.”

I pull my hands from his grasp and walk away, tears streaming down my face.

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