The name on the screen got my stomach rolling. It was my dad.
His voice came through after I swiped the answer button.
"Where are you?"
"At home." my voice quieted as I waited for him to continue.
"Bryce informed that you were feeling sick. Doctor Addison would be arriving shortly to examine you." Sure.
Did I mention that Bryce was my dad's adopted son, more like hired to act the protective older brother role in my life.
Just as I made to say otherwise, the call was cut off.
I spent the entire afternoon waiting for Doctor Addison who never showed up.
🌟🌟🌟
Aria walked into the house already dressed along with her two minions, Isabella and Jia looking like dolls.
Together they began working on my face. According to them if I wanted to be noticed I had to prove it.
Four dresses were displayed so I could choose one. I went with white fancy little gown but a red strapless back one was shoved into my hands instead.
So here I sat, stirring the curtail as I watched my cousin, Aria, move her body to rhythm with her partner's.
The man moved his hand against her body feeling her curves. I flare my nose in disgust.
I turned my attention to the space her two friends stood doing the same. Birds of a feather do flocked together.
I took a small sip from the glass. It tastes explored in my taste buds adding to my list of disappointment this evening. Roasted lime mix with coffee bean. It tasted that way.
I pushed it down onto the bar stand. This is a waste of time. I supported my chin on my left hand. I was bored. I should have just stayed back at home.
The information about Dirk performing here must have been false. He was not in sight.
I sighed as I went back to check the time on my phone.
Shall I call Finn to come get me? But he would report to my dad and I might be grounded.
Maybe I should call Bryce instead. Sure he would scold me but it will be milder compared to my dad's punishment for sneaking out here.
Doctor Addison had called and told me she would be coming by 9:30pm and would sleep over.
It was not the first time she would. I knew my dad must have something to do with it. She's a close friend of his.
I'm seconds away from putting a call on Bryce when the loud music that had been playing for the past 30 minutes got tuned down.
The centre light shone on the stage revealing a man.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's gathering is a bit special for we have…please put your hands together for…Dirk Cameron, our special guest of honour."
The light grew faint, only to brighten again. And there he was. The reason I endure the aching on my right toe from the heel I had on.
My breath hitched in my throat and I swallowed. He was breath-taking like always. Even more in person as he stood tall.
The tight see through white T-shirt hugged his well defined abs, making it even easier to trace it with the eye. The jean perfectly marched with it giving him the casual look, I am sure he must have opted for.
The mask on his face accentuated his features, making him even more sexy in the outfit.
"You are drooling," Aria said over my ear.
As he took the mic, he looked in my direction. His gaze bore through, and I looked back, maintaining eye contact.
It lasted for 20 seconds.
He cleared his throat and looked away. Something which looked like a smile fickle upon his face.
I was not sure that he had stared at me nor if that smile was as a result of the eye contact.
Hell it might be for someone behind me or something, but I didn't dare look back to confirm. I was not ready to break my fantasy.
"OMG, she is drooling." Isabella called out, drawing the other girl's attention to me.
A heat bored through my neck and I dare not argue, afraid my voice would betray me.
I comb my fingers through my hair pushing some strands to hide the blush which I'm sure is obvious.
"Shshsh. Stop it. You are making her shy," Aria came to my defense.
Just as I intended to thank her, she leaned in.
"Wow lover girl. How come I am just learning about your crush on Dirk now. I have always thought I'm your closest friend…" She paused as if she just realised something "...Is Bryce aware?" She tilted her head, her brows raised.
Forget she didn't deserve the 'thank you'
She pulled at my gown when I ignored her. But she is Aria, she never takes no for an answer.
She continued pinching and kicking my foot as the concert continued. Totally forgetting the reason she had come to the clubhouse.
I left for the restroom unable to bear her assault. I needed to calm down and Aria was not helping.
'Breathe in, breathe out' I muttered as I leaned against the door.
My heart hummed so loud that someone could hear. My hand clutched onto my necklaces as I fought for stillness. It worked as it always does.
I walked to the sink to wash my hands and proceeded to flush my face. When I finished, I stared back at my reflection on the mirror.
The heavy makeup Aria had put on my face to make me 'look more pretty' and 'distinguish my identity' were gone revealing a faint scar on my left chin. I have always wondered how I got it.
Just as I turned to leave, two girls of the same age walked in.
"Oh my God. Did you see how Dirk was staring at the right. Rumors have it that his girlfriend sat there." The other girl bent to rinse her hand,
"I bet it is just one of his flings, nothing serious. He is still single like my cat," Her friend scoffed.
"Right. But his eyes spoke love." The red haired girl placed her hands over her chest dreaming.
"What do you know about love languages?" The other responded, pulling the other out.
I stood over the corner. I was invisible, afraid I might be recognised, still recovering from what I heard.
In the right corner, I sat there. Could they be right? Had Dirk's girlfriend sat behind me? And here I was feeling all over the moon, thinking it was about me.
The jiltery feeling I felt a while ago disappeared and was replaced with a pit in my stomach.
He must love her to stare at her direction in public, drawing attention. Something he has never done.
Peeking one last time at the mirror, I walked out.
Soft light flooded the center and bodies moved to the beat of the Dirk song.
His live performance was over. I must have spent quite a time. I looked towards the stage where he had stood performing. He was no longer there.
Lost, I scan through the sea of the moving bodies in hopes to see the familiar blonde hair. Just as I saw one at the far end, a hand grasped mine, Isabella.
"Where have you been? You didn't even pick our calls." I fish out my phone from the purse to see 10 missed calls, 8 from Aria and 1 from Vera and the other from Isabella.
"My phone was put on silent mode." Shaking her head she pulled me towards the VIP section
"Come on. Let's get an autograph." She said, I followed.
There were two guards beside the door. She showed them a small card and they nodded.
We entered the room. There were few others inside who I assume are there to sign an autograph as well.
Isabella pulled me to the area where a group of people stood in line. She stood behind a young woman while I stood after her.
My heart hammered against my ribs as I waited for my turn. I bit my inner cheek all the while praying that I don't embarrass myself for I was certain my fingers were trembling in excitement.
The room had little light except for the soft glow from the lamp which Dirk sat beside.
What was he thinking? What was his expression now? Where was his girlfriend?
I had hoped to see her, not that it mattered. But at least to remind myself why I should give up on my crush on him.
My mind swirled with thought of how my children with him would look as I stared at the mask on his face like a second skin.
One by one the others got theirs and soon I was the only one left.
He flashed me a quick smile and stretched out his left hand.
Then it hit me. I didn't have what he could sign on. Way to go Autumn. Your one chance to make an impression you ended up looking like a fool. I scolded myself in my mind.
As if he understood, he grabbed the bracelet on his hand and handed it over to me.
His name 'Dirk' was inscribed on it. Though the gift made my heart flutter, I couldn't accept it.
Everyone knew how precious it was to him. He had it on wherever he went.
Once he was asked by a curious fan and he said that it remind
ed him of his early childhood.
I shook my head as I refused to take it.
He frowned, "What? Is it not worthy to be in your possession?" He asked seriously.