Chapter 26

JAKE

This time is much different from all the other times I waited to get on the stage. This time I feel great. I do not know what it is about Layla but she has this way of making me feel better about myself. Of course, I am not just talking about the clothes and the makeup but it is as if she makes me believe that I am not evil.

I take a deep breath and I feel my manager's hand on my shoulder. I do not want his hand on my shoulder but I do not show him that.

"You can do this, Jake"

I turn to look at him and then I say.

"Thanks, I got it from here"

He smiles and then he takes a step away. He knows that he should give me some time before I go on stage. This is usually the time that I say something to myself as they love you out there, you will do a great job, you are the best.

But tonight is much different because I know all the things that I tell myself are lies. I much rather prefer to think about Layla. About how innocent and beautiful she is. I think about how she makes me feel and then as the music cues I step onto the stage.

The lights are immediately on me and I bring my microphone to my mouth. I smile as I sing my song and dance my way onto the stage. The crowd is cheering and it is clear that they love me. I am just not sure what me, they love.

LAYLA

I watch as Jake makes his way onto the stage and I struggle to breathe. I knew that I am going to struggle just watching him but this is just ridiculous. He is so perfect in every part of what he is doing.

His voice is like an angel. His body is perfectly shaped. And then there is a little thing called personality, which he has no problem in. He is such a humble human being and so gentle. I do not even know what to think of it. I watch him make everyone fall in love with him and I soon realized why he is so famous.

His personality is radiating through his music and I know that every girl in this audience wants him for themselves. Then I start to wonder why he would even look at me twice if he has the world to pick from. A sense of sadness fills my heart and I realized that maybe he was not meant for me.

I am but only a stylist and he could date anyone in the world. I do not know of one woman that would say no to him. Then it is as if I have to shake myself out of my train of thought because soon he will be coming for his next outfit.

Then, just as I am ready with the next one he comes running my way. I know that this will be my ultimate test. If I am able to help him quickly, I will secure this job for myself. I see him running to me and he starts to take off his shirt.

Then when he arrives I quickly remove it and put on the next one. I touch up his makeup and I can hear him breathing heavily. It is clear that this is taking a lot out of him but I make sure that I am ready just before the next song starts. He gives me a smile and then he runs up onto the stage.

I look at my hands and I see that it is shaking. I also realized that my lips are dry and it is clear that I am extremely nervous. I know now that the songs do not last very long and I have to be ready with the next one.

JAKE

The moment that I left Layla and started singing my next song. I realized that she somehow gave me peace to do the next song. We haven't even spoken a word but to feel her hands on my body was enough. As I look over the crowd and I see my adoring fans, I realized the only person I really want to spend time with is Layla.

I know that it could never happen but I know that when I am finished with the song I am going back to her that is almost enough. I enjoy the song and I sing at exactly the right time. Then as the song is finished I run back to Layla and I can not wait to see her again.

I take off my shirt and then she says in the softest voice.

"You have to take off your pants for this one, please"

I have never had someone that begged me to take off my pants. But I gladly obeyed. As I pull off my pants I see your face turning a bright red. She probably expected me to stand in my underpants but I know by now that I should have something more presentable under my pants.

Then she hands me the pants that I have to put on and I can see her trying to hide her face. She makes me smile even through my exhaustion. Then she puts on my shirt and touches up my makeup a bit. Then the music starts and I know I should go but I turn to her instead.

"You are doing good. Thank you"

Then I turn and run on the stage.

LAYLA

I do not know how he gets it right but for some reason, he has me wrapped around his finger. I thought I am going to see him in his underpants but then he had pants on. I was almost disappointed but those legs did not disappoint.

Then he turns around and tells me that I am doing a good job. I suddenly realized that I should be the one telling him he is doing a good job. He is making me fall very heavily for him and I realize I do not know how I am going to keep it professional.

I know that for the next three songs he will be wearing the same outfit and he will talk in between the songs. I have some time to get the other outfit ready. As soon as I am finished with his outfit. I just sit a while and look at his show.

When he talks in between his songs. I can see that he loves his fans. They react to every question he asks and listen to every word that he says. I realized that he does not have just me wrapped around his finger but the world. Then he does the last song before he has to change his outfit again.

JAKE

As I start another song with the most difficult dance routine. I know that I will have a short break after this one. But then I take the wrong step and I twist my ankle. The pain is excruciating but I do not let the crowd know what happened. I complete the dance with my ankle and then I make my way backstage.

I do not run as usual to Layla, I hop. She immediately sees there is something wrong and then runs towards me. She put my arm around her neck and then let me sit down.

"Are you okay?"

"Ah, yeah, I just twisted my ankle..."

LAYLA

I can see the pain written on his face and I do not really know if I should ask him about it. Then Mark comes running and his personal trainer that is also trained in medicine.

I take a step away and I realized that they should handle the situation. I do not know if I should continue to put on his clothes or give them their space. I feel very sorry for him as they move his foot.

JAKE

The pain is unbearable and I know that I can not continue but I will not give up. These people have paid to see me and I will be there for them. But that does not bother me at this moment. What is bothering me is that I know that Layla is not close by.

"Can you still do the show?"

"I will make a plan...I have to"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, just get me Layla so that I can be ready"

I wait patiently for Layla to come closer and then I caught her scent. I know now that she is close by. Then I see her looking at me with concern on her face. I look deep into your eyes and say.

"Can you please get me ready for the next song?"

LAYLA

I can see him wince when he asks me that question but I nod and quickly get the clothes that he needs. Then I help him to remove his shirt while he is sitting and suddenly I realized that he has to put on pants as well.

I just stand there and stare and then he says.

"What is wrong?"

"Well, we have to..."

I hold up the pants in my hand and then he says.

"It is okay just help me get them off and help me get the pants over my ankle. I will do the rest"

"Okay..."

I do not want to hurt him and I softly take the bottom of his pants over his ankle. I can see him wince again and then I say.

"Oh, god...I am so sorry...should I maybe get your personal trainer to do this?"

"No!"