#joshan

Chapter 45 is done! I’m sorry for taking all this time but life is a mess right now, thank you for all the patience! 

I thought that it will be fun if I post some songs here that in a way or another inspired the fan fiction. I'm going to start with "As Far As I Can Get" by Florence and the Machine that is definetily Anastasia running away from her feelings for Josh.

Hello everyone! Here we are once again with another #JoshAN chapter, tho the name of the fic is Never Is A Long Time I don’t use it as muchas I use JoshAn.

Before we go into this crazy love story I want to force you all to follow my girl Zara on Instagram because the author of Be My Getaway revamped her story and now is on whattpad 

♥ Zara IG ♥ Whattpad Story 

Read chapter 40

-          I thought we were done with the whole dating-musicians thing after Josh – Barbara told Anastasia at her house in Malibu.

-          He took you to Palm Springs at two in the morning?! – Mandy screamed. She was there too.

-          Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? – Barbara spoke to Anastasia.

-          How was sex? – Mandy asked and Barbara gave her a hard look – Oh come on! You want to know too.

-          It was elegant – Anastasia answered. That was the first word she thought of.

-          WHAT?! – Barbara and Mandy said at the same time.

-          Yeah… it was nice and sweet and gentle. It was elegant.

-          It was dreamy – Mandy talked supporting her face with her hands and smiling.  

-          What about Josh? – Barbara asked suddenly.

 At that moment, Anastasia realized she hadn’t thought about Josh for days.

-          I hope his thing with Lauren works out – Anastasia answered.

-          Really? – Barbara was shocked.

-          Yeah, I don’t really care. I haven’t talked to him in like a week.

-          My girl just made all her sixteen year old wet dreams true, Barb, give her a break! – Mandy was now hugging Anastasia and Barbara was laughing.

 The ultimate test was to see Josh again and keep her feelings at bay. And it was that time again… to go back on the road. She was tired, and she could see the rest of her band was tired too but something good was starting to happen, she had a bunch of songs ready and the guys in Dead Curse were so inspired to put music to those lyrics.

-          I’m excited. For real, these lyrics are different and I want to make an album that doesn’t sound like any we have done before – Anastasia said in a luxurious hotel in Rome. They were waiting for the Peppers there since they were performing in festivals in Portugal and Spain without Dead Curse. Now Anastasia and company had a week off to spend in the Italian city.

-          A real rock album – Eric said.

-          I feel that we’ve been touring for so long that we need to finally put a stadium-anthem record together – Mandy said.

-          Yeah! I want the same – Anastasia said.

-          I got a bunch of hard guitar riffs to dust off in my pantry – Nick smiled.

-          I feel like a mini Chad Smith and I wanna blast some drums – Eric was laughing now.

 Anastasia loved those moments when the band got together and just talked about their music, each one of them were so talented individually. They brought a lot of equipment and set it up on An and Mandy’s bathroom, it was the place with the best acoustics to record and as soon as each one got their instruments in hand the melodies started flowing in the most natural way.

 By the end of the week, they had five songs ready.

-          I think we should go to the studio on August and finish this thing – Anastasia said while the band was having lunch at a restaurant near the hotel in Rome.

-          Man! Are we going to launch another record this year? – Mandy said smiling.

-          It wasn’t planned but we are in such an inspirational rush! – Anastasia said.

-          We need to take advantage of it – Eric said drinking some wine.

-          I’m so happy! – Anastasia said. Things were going good for her, as long as she had the band and a place to make music she was pleased.

-          The Peppers arrive today here – Nick said after eating a pizza slide.

-          Have you talked to Josh? – Eric asked.

-          Nope – Anastasia said – But I’ve been talking to Richard almost every day – He was well aware of Anastasia while she was away. She smiled and kept looking at her phone.

-          Uh! Look at that smile – Eric said laughing – Your love life is a mess – Everyone laughed.

-          You know, last week I found out that the Hanson guys are still making music and they are all married with a bunch of kids each one. That made me realize that it is possible to have a stable love life while being in this business, so I’m pretty sure that the problem here is me.

-          Don’t say that – Nick said – Things with this Richard guy are going good so far.

-          I know, but… - Anastasia said.

-          But he’s not Josh – Mandy talked looking straight to Anastasia’s eyes. She knew her so well.

-          But I need to move on. Josh is not ready and Richard just makes me feel so good – Anastasia talked and saw Nick smiling.

-          You look happy. You look better and you have improved on your songwriting skills – He said.

-          But none of the songs are about Richard – She laughed.

-          Instead, there are a couple about Josh – Mandy talked again.

-          Well, cut it out with the Josh subject – Mandy’s tone was starting to annoy Anastasia.

 When they came back to the hotel, there he was, at the lobby. Josh. Wearing his Yankees cap with a matching Yankees tee shirt and huge black pants. He wasn’t wearing any outerwear, it was a really hot Italian summer, it kind of shocked Anastasia since Josh was always seen wearing a jacket. It hasn’t been that long since she saw him for last time but she could swear his hair was longer. He turned his head and crossed his eyes with An’s, looked at her for a few seconds and then turned his head away and walked to the elevator with his back to her. She knew what that meant; it meant he was angry, she knew him so well. She thought about going after him but some invisible force stopped her from doing it.

 That leg of the tour felt weird for Anastasia and her band. Live shows didn’t go well, the vibes were weird, the air was heavy and the lack of communication with Josh was driving her insane. Instead, she focused on recording some vocals for the new songs and changing the lyrics for others.

 The only show that was amazing was Lollapalooza in Paris. Dead Curse had always been a festival band so they felt comfortable playing in such stage. But after all, they were happy to play in places they never been before like Riga in Latvia and Reykjavik in Iceland. The tour was practically over at that point. They still had to play in some festivals but not together. By the last day in Reykjavik, everyone was so tired. Anastasia was at the hotel restaurant talking to Richard on the phone, she was having dinner with Mandy but her friend was already on her way to her room. Conversations with Richard were deeper every time and the relationship was definitely growing, she was so comfortable with the situation, she just didn’t have any doubts, it was so different than when she started with Josh and all the things that filled her head at that time. This was the opposite of that, so easy.

 Richard hung up the phone and then An started to walk to her room. On the hallway she saw Josh closing his door, he saw her too and a knot appeared on her stomach, so strong it hurt.

-          Hey – An managed to say and he gave her a half smile – Going out? – Josh nodded – I thought that maybe you wanted to talk. We haven’t talked much these past weeks.

-          I don’t feel like it. I’m going for a walk – He said passing by her on the way to the elevator.

-          Don’t you want me to join you? – She asked.

-          No. I prefer going alone – He answered and the elevator door closed on Anastasia’s face.

 Now he was rejecting her, and for some strange reason that made her feel worse.

-          He doesn’t know anything about my date with Richard in Palm Springs – Anastasia told Mandy when they were both in bed before sleeping.

-          Maybe he just knows that you are better with Richard and he wants to keep distance, for his own sake – Mandy answered – Last time you two talked you had this huge fight – Mandy looked at her friend – What do you wanna do?

-          What do you mean? – Anastasia knew perfectly what Mandy meant with her question.

-          What do you wanna do? – Mandy asked again.

-          I want to be with Richard – Anastasia answered – I feel is the right thing to do right now – Mandy smiled.

-          You didn’t even think about it.

-          I just feel it. I like him… a lot. He is growing on me and it’s like… it’s meant to be – Mandy hugged her friend with a smile – Do you remember all the doubts I had when this thing with Josh started?

-          How can I forget that? I feel so guilty.

-          No! It’s not your fault. But I don’t have any of those feelings with Richard – Mandy smiled again.

-          Richard is so different from Josh – Mandy said.

-          How?

-          Even though Richard is younger than Josh in age, he is such a man – The pink haired friend pronounced “Man” elongating the “a” – You know, like an actual adult man – Anastasia laughed – He even has a kid and all!

-          Yeah Richard is so much more mature that Josh, but what I like about Josh is just that, the youth in his heart, because he is pretty mature too if you think about it, his creativity, his art is mature enough.

-          Yeah, but… Richard is a man – Mandy elongated the “a” again - I know that we’ll be in the studio next month but we need to focus on the wedding planning. I’m going to get married in December.

-          So, has it been decided?

-          Peyton decided it and I love that month so I’ll have a winter wedding in Malibu. I have the first dress fitting in mid-August. I’m so nervous.

-          Can I go with you?

-          I would be offended if you didn’t.

-          I’ll cry.

-          I’ll cry if you cry – Both friends laughed.

 Josh didn’t speak to Anastasia even on the flight back. Truth was, she was stocked to see Richard again. He was traveling to London in a few days to do some promotion for his record so she wanted to spend those days with him.

-          I can stay in LA until Friday because I want to be with Elijah a couple of days before I leave – Richard told An when she called him from LAX to let him know she was in town.

-          Sounds cool! – She replied, getting in the van with the rest of her band.

-          Guess I’ll see you tomorrow – He said.

-          Sure! Let me know when you arrive.

-          Can’t wait – He said and she just could imagine him smiling and his dimples appearing on his face.

 They only spent three days together but they were so special. They had dates, he took her to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery where a company was showing movies from the 80s and 90s at open sky, they had a picnic and watched “The Craft” one of Anastasia’s ultimate favorites. They had wine and ate cheese and ended the night at Anastasia’s bed. Sex with Richard was great, but it wasn’t as wild as with Josh.

-          I don’t want to leave – Richard said in the morning, resting his head on Anastasia’s shoulder while they were still in bed.

-          Go and see your son – Anastasia said stroking her hands through his hair, which was a little bit longer and it wasn’t combed back with gel as he used to have it. It was wild bed hair and it made him look incredible sexy.

-          I know. I’m going to miss you – He moved his head to be at Anastasia’s face level. He smiled. The gold chain he always wear shone when it was hit by sunlight – What are you doing to me, Anastasia Truman?

-          I’m just being cute and lovely for you – She smiled too looking straight to his eyes.

-          You are an expert. This is so strange for me. After being with the same woman since I was a teenager… - He still mentioned his ex-wife now and then and that bothered Anastasia but she could understand that they had a very long relationship.

 An didn’t answer; instead she kissed Richard, with passion, hard, trying to make him not forget her.

-          What are you going to do this month here in LA? – He answered trying to contain himself after that kiss.

-          I’m going to make a new record – She answered.

-          A new record! Already?! – She nodded – Wow, talk about efficiency.

-          We’ve been having a good inspirational rush. We don’t want to wait to put these songs out.

-          Can’t wait to hear them – Richard kissed Anastasia again – I’m going to leave.

 He got up of the bed and started to gather his clothes scattered around the room, he looked so funny doing it and Anastasia smiled. She got up from the bed too, grabbed an oversized sweater over a chair near to her and put it on.

-          I’ll call you – He said at the door of the house.

-          And I will answer – That was probably the cheesiest moment she ever had but he smiled.

-          I love you – He said, sound and clear without stopping to think about it.

-          I love you too – She didn’t even take a second to answer. Richard looked relieved by her answer and kissed her goodbye.

 She went next day to the studio in Hollywood with the biggest smile on her face.

-          Someone is happy today! – Mandy told her when she entered the recording room.

-          I just spent three days with Richard and it was magical – Anastasia was still smiling.

-          Well, Eric is about to destroy that smile – Nick said and Eric laughed.

-          Listen, I was thinking that we need help for the finishing touches on some songs and we need somebody outside this band that can give us an honest and different view – Eric said sitting behind his drum set. Anastasia knew what he was about to say next – I thought that Josh would be the right person for that job.

-          Do you want Josh to produce our album? – An asked.

-          Yes – Eric said.

-          But Josh is not speaking to me. He won’t agree.

-          He already said yes – Eric said and Anastasia’s chin went to the floor – He is going to be in New York for about two weeks, which will give us time to record so he can come and just adjust everything.

-          Wait, wait, wait… He said yes? – Anastasia couldn’t believe it. Josh’s sudden change of heart was making her ill.

-          If you don’t want to, I’m sure we can find someone else – Nick said.

-          No, no! I want to; I would like it to be Josh. It’s fine by me – It was going to be a strange situation but luckily with all the vocals recorded she wouldn’t have to spend a lot of time with him in the studio, she thought.

 They were trying hard to make the songs work, but nothing was going well for the band that day. Anastasia’s mind was blocked and so was the rest of the band.

-          What if we change studios? – Eric said at night after not accomplishing anything that day.

-          What do you mean? – Anastasia asked.

-          We can go to Rancho de Luna and do some recording there – Eric talked again. The idea of the dessert just made its way to Anastasia’s mind.

-          Richard told me about a studio in Las Vegas – An said.

-          The Battle Born Studios?

-          Yeah, that one! We can try it out too.

-          Yes! Let’s do a trip to Vegas. If we want to make this powerful show-inspired record what better place for big shows than Vegas?

I’m here to make your life easy, so If you are starting to read the #JoshAn story here I give you a recap with the links of the 31 chapters published so far.

Chapter 1: And we met again

Chapter 2: Working on it

Chapter 3: Recovering from the past

Chapter 4: Angry released

Chapter 5: Tour life

Chapter 6: The perks of being a Truman

Chapter 7: Russia

Chapter 8: Back to LA

Chapter 9: I’ve wanted this for so long

Chapter 10: Celebrity status

Chapter 11: An English man and an American girl

Chapter 12: The words

Chapter 13: The friends

Chapter 14: Italy

Chapter 15: Separate paths

Chapter 16: Back to normality

Chapter 17: A ghost from the past

Chapter 18: This could mean the end of the tour

Chapter 19: A family thing

Chapter 20: New Year, new disappointment

Chapter 21: Hello old love

Chapter 22: Dot Hacker surprises

Chapter 23: Where everything started and ended

Chapter 24: Hurricane Drunk

Chapter 25: #ThePinkAndBlueDay

Chapter 26: Seeing your face every day (Josh POV)

Chapter 27: Landslide

Chapter 28: A date?

Chapter 29: 90’s babe

Chapter 30: LA – Venice is the new London - Dubai

Chapter 31: I’ll post whatever I want

Chapter 32: Glasto dreams

Chapter 33: A few steps back

Chapter 34: Hacked

Chapter 35: Richard

Chapter 36: The video

Chapter 37: Ice Cream with Josh

Chapter 38: Glastonbury

Chapter 39: Crystal

This chapter has a  Josh POV!

Thank you all for reading the fic! ♥♥♥

Reach chapter 38

Even though Richard had many liabilities with the release of his band’s album, he managed to get some free time, and together with Mark and Stephanie decided to join Anastasia on the first Chicago date when Dead Curse had to return to The Getaway Tour. Anastasia had been so distracted with Richard that she completely forgot to text Josh after the Glastonbury concert and even during the days that followed.

Before heading to Chicago, everyone had a stop in New York where they spent a couple of days off. One of those nights, Richard and Anastasia had their first official date. They went to an amazing sushi restaurant in Soho and she was so impressed about how easy it was to be around him. He was such an easy going guy, he could turn any topic into a deep conversation and she loved that, also his looks were so attractive to her: that brown hair all sleek to the back, his black jeans and black shoes, the way he rolled up his sleeves… He had this sharp style, proper of a big rock band leader, which he was. She liked everything about him, especially the fact he was completely single and he didn’t seem like having too many issues.

After the dinner they walked to a bar where an underground band was performing. Richard loved to discover new bands and that was one of An’s passions too. They had a lot in common when it came to tastes. She was so happy and relaxed and above all, she was calm. She could be herself around Richard and she didn’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or afraid of a girlfriend popping up once in a while.

That was a great night. When she went back to Mark’s apartment (where she was staying while in New York), she checked her phone and messages from Josh appeared on the screen.

Josh: Is everything ok? Haven’t heard from you in a couple of days – She completely forgot.

An: Yes! I’m sorry! Wanna facetime?

Josh: Sure!

She changed into her sleeping clothes, got in bed and called him immediately.

-          Hi – He said on the screen. He was laying on his hotel bed, ready for sleep with his messy hair that made Anastasia smile.

-          Oh Josh! I'm still overwhelmed by Glasto. I’m so sorry for not texting you – He smiled.

-          Don’t worry. I knew you were alive because of Eric – He laughed.

-          Eric was giving you notifications about me? How sweet.

-          Well, we were talking about how amazing Glastonbury was…

-          Oh my God Josh! It was!

-          You looked amazing and everyone sounded so on point.

-          There were no mistakes! It was a perfect show! There were moments when the crowd was singing so oloud that I couldn’t even hear myself – Josh smiled once again.

-          You and Mandy showed that chemistry you two have, Anthony and Flea smiled so much at that. Nobody had a bad thing to say when we watched you on the screens and, believe me, that is a very hard group of people to please.

-          Really? Everyone liked it?

-          We had such a great time watching you guys. It was some kind of a small break we all needed.

-          I’m so glad to hear that. Did you see how my boots shined?

-          Yes – Josh laughed hard – I saw your boots – Anastasia smiled - You look gorgeous – He said.

-          That’s because I still have my makeup on. I just got home like a half hour ago.

-          You were out?

-          Yes, I went to have dinner with Richard – Josh changed his face to a more serious expression.

-          The guy from the band you made that video with?

-          Yes – Anastasia kept talking without realizing the effect her words were having on Josh – He went to Glasto to join us!

-          How cool – Josh said without moving a muscle on his face.

-          Yeah. He is really nice. He is coming with us to the first Chicago date also, tomorrow – Now Josh’s face showed anger and Anastasia saw it – Is there something wrong?

-          No – Josh said showing that definitely something was wrong.  

-          Josh…- Anastasia said rolling her eyes – I think I’m gonna call it a night and I’ll see you tomorrow.

-          Sure – Josh said – Have a good night – and he hung up.

 He acts like such a teenager sometimes, Anastasia thought.

                                                  … Josh POV …

Josh couldn’t sleep that night just imaging Anastasia and Richard having a date. This was what he feared since day one: seeing her with another man. It was his fault, he knew it but he wasn’t mentally prepared yet to be in a fully committed relationship with Anastasia. He didn’t feel self-confident enough to keep a girl like her. Now anxiety was attacking again and the only image on his mind was Richard and Anastasia, together.

Josh hadn’t met Richard yet but he googled him. Now he knew how Richard looked like, like the perfect example of a good-looking front man. “Such a cliché”, Josh thought. The guy had a child and was recently divorced. Josh just didn’t see Anastasia getting into such situation, but he was sure that Richard could offer Anastasia something he couldn’t at the moment: stability. Although he started to wonder if Richard was using Anastasia as a rebound.

Anastasia was sure a great looking woman, she was so attractive physically and maybe Richard was only seeing that. Richard don’t know her like he do, he thought.

Josh spent the entire night having a conversation with himself, until the sunlight began coming through the hotel curtains. It was time to face that day, he was going to see An again, he was going to meet Richard and he had never felt so excited and terrified at the same time before.

Josh decided to stay in bed until it was time to leave for the venue. He didn’t receive a text from Anastasia letting him know she arrived in Chicago so he wasn’t sure if she was in town yet. To be honest, he didn’t want to know. He had a show to play that night and he needed to stay focused, so went on his laptop and logged on to Facebook, something he didn’t do often. As soon as his newsfeed appeared on the screen, Josh regretted it. There was a bunch of posts from Anastasia from London and New York, there were a bunch of photos where she appeared next to Richard. Anger started taking over Josh’s body. Suddenly, there popped a video of An and Richard on a plane singing along to the song ‘Crystal’ by New Order, which made Josh remember the conversation An had with him about The Killers and New Order and all those fake bands names… and there was the anger again. An captioned the video with the phrase “Yeah, we love this song”. ‘We’? Josh thought. They’re already a ‘we’? he said to himself.

Josh actually liked that song, so he listened back to it to remember it. Some of the lyrics hit him, so, in that moment, he decided it would be the song he’d cover that night. Maybe it would be a childish move but he wanted to do it, and the song didn’t belong to Richard so, he thought it was safe.

He put his notebook aside and rested his head on the pillow looking to the ceiling. He was just hoping for An to come back from London so he could have her in his arms again and now that wasn’t going to be possible. She looked so amazing on that Glastonbury show, so sure of herself... that confidence gave her such a sensual aura and he just wanted to have her back in his bed, but no. All because of this Richard guy.

It was time for the venue, so Josh got up, had a quick shower, got dressed and walked downstairs to hop on the van that was going to take them there. He walked straight to the stage to do some soundchecks, without making eye contact with anyone, just his guitar tech. After a good forty minutes of trying some pedals, Josh walked to his dressing room but the Universe got in the way and he ran into Mark, Anastasia and… Richard, looking like a GQ Magazine cover, smiling at her and talking to Mark as if they’d known each other for years. Josh tried to avoid them, but Anastasia saw him and called his name. That damn voice that he adored.

-          Josh – He hated his name but when she pronounced it sounded like angels calling him.

-          Hey! – He turned around and hugged her tight.

-          Meet Richard – She had to do it.

-          Nice to meet you, man – “Man”, who talked like that nowadays?

-          Same – Was all he managed to say.

-          I’m excited to see you guys play. Last time I saw the Chilis, John was still in the band! – Richard, Anastasia and Mark laughed but Josh only gave them half a smile.

-          Hope you don’t get disappointed – Josh said and saw Anastasia’s face turning serious – I would like to stay and chat but I’m really tired and I’m going to my dressing room to have some rest – He walked away without saying goodbye and he could feel Anastasia’s eyes on the back of his neck.

Josh was so angry and deep inside of him he knew all of this was his fault. He went into his dressing room, grabbed a guitar and started to play it, that always calmed his mind but a few minutes later the door opened and Anastasia entered closing it behind her, she was about to rant, he saw the fire in her eyes.

-          Why did you act that rude back there? – She asked him.

-          Rude? – He said knowing that was going to make her furious. He loved to see her angry.

-          Are you testing me? – She asked back – You were so dry and stiff.

-          Sorry. I’m not having a good day – Josh answered.

-          Sorry to hear that – She said.

-          Are you dating that guy? – Anastasia stood still and he knew she was trying to find the right sentence to say.

-          Is there some kind of permission I need from you or something for that? – An acted so arrogant sometimes, always finding the words to make Josh lose his mind. Pushing his buttons.

-          I asked you a simple question. Are you or are you not dating that guy? – He said again, he was still angry. She smiled with sarcasm. The atmosphere was tense.

-          I went on a date with him but I don’t think you can say we are ‘dating’ – She paused – Yet – She finished.

-          So, do you want to? – He asked.

-          To be honest with you, yes – He hated when she was that honest. He would rather hear her say no and lie to him.

-          What about me? – He saw her opening her eyes big.

-          What about you? – She said – What about you? – She repeated – What about me when you decided to go after Lauren?

-          Oh, the Lauren thing again? – He wasn’t measuring the words that were coming out from his mouth and he was sure she wasn’t either.

-          You have some serious balls to say that – Anastasia put her hands on her waist just as she always did when she was angry – Don’t you think I deserve someone who just wants only me?

-          How do you know he wants only you? – Josh asked putting the guitar aside.

-          He is not treating me like a side chick, for a start – Anastasia’s face was pure anger at this point and even like that she looked beautiful.

-          He is a musician in a big band, he doesn’t want only you.

-          Yeah. I guess you are the perfect specimen to say that – He was feeling the rage on his veins.

-          He just got divorced, you are just a rebound – He didn’t think about any of those words, they just came out. She stood silent and he could see her big turquoise eyes getting watery.

-          Fuck you, Josh! – She screamed and ran out of the room.

The room became a little bit darker when An left, because, even angry, she had the power to light up any space she stepped into. It was like she was a rainbow but Josh was colorblind. He looked at the floor, trying to understand his own attitude. He acted so impulsively, he was doing that a lot lately. Damage was done.

He didn’t come out to see Dead Curse play, but from his room he could hear the music and the people cheering. He just wanted to avoid watching him seeing her on stage, admiring her, screaming for her, just the way he himself had done so many times around the world during the last year. In some way, it felt like Richard was a usurper, taking his place in her life but at that moment, Josh couldn’t see that it was his own fault. He left her alone, he allowed Richard to enter her life. He was blind with rage and jealousy.

Josh went back to the safe place he knew: Lauren. He tried to stop thinking about Anastasia and hearing her singing like angels from the stage wasn’t helping, so he went out and called Lauren on the phone. She was in some kind of party because he could hear the music and the fuss through the phone. They didn’t speak much, she told him she missed him, he told her the same, it wasn’t a lie, and then she hung up leaving him on the line.

He couldn’t deny that this Lauren thing was growing; she treated him well and was always so happy in his company; that gave him joy. Again, he could control her, something that the so-sure-of-herself Anastasia never allowed. He went back inside when Dead Curse finished their set, so he got ready to take the stage.

The first show in Chicago was horrible. Josh missed all the lines and kept messing up the notes, Anthony and Flea kept looking at him angry. He was a mess, but now it was time to play his solo and he made sure Anastasia and Richard were at a side of the stage, this was for them.

By the time he pronounced the first line of the song, the whole crowd at the United Center went wild.

 We're like crystal

We break easy

I'm a poor man

If you leave me

People started to sing along with Josh.

 I don't know what to say

You don't care anyway

I'm a man in a rage

With a girl I betrayed

Here comes love

It's like honey

You can't buy it with money

You shook me to the core

You shook me to the core

Josh managed to look at Anastasia and she was there, standing still with her big turquoise eyes going even bigger, not moving. He had an effect on her and that was what he was looking for. He didn’t see her the rest of the show, she must have ran away, just like she always did. They were so alike.

The next morning Richard was gone, but Josh didn’t make an effort in speaking to Anastasia and she didn’t come near him. She only approached him the following Sunday, when they were taking a flight back to Los Angeles.

-          I’m sick of your innuendos with your covers. So, please stop it – She said to him when she went by his seat and then walked away.

I’ve been a little bit busy lately and not as present as I wish on here, but I’ll leave you with a new chapter and I’ll wait over here for all your feedback.

Remember to check Anastasia’s Instagram (Is kind of abandoned but I’ll change it! I promise!) 

Anastasia_Truman  ❤️️

Thanks to everyone who reads the fic, much love to you all! ♥

Before the start of another tour leg, it was time to celebrate Mandy’s birthday, and of course Anastasia prepared something very especial for her friend. It was going to be a nice dinner at her house because Peyton already had other plans for the pink-haired girl, he was taking her to Colorado, where he was from, to spend a couple of days with Mandy and his family.

And only family attended the dinner that Anastasia planned. Mandy’s mother was there, as well Barbara, Anthony – The two were together at all times lately – Eric and his girlfriend Hannah, Nick was there too alone because he had sadly just broken up with his longtime girlfriend (she couldn’t keep up with the tour schedule and the relationship went to hell). Peyton was there also, of course, and at the last minute Josh decided to join them. It was a small gathering but so meaningful, Anastasia never saw somebody so happy to turn 28 before Mandy.

Barbara and Susan, Mandy’s mom, had decorated the place with gold and black balloons and golden accents everywhere. Mandy took a billion pictures and there weren’t that many people there, but she even managed to get Josh on some of them.

-          Come on! A few weeks ago you were posting a million pictures and videos of Anastasia on your Facebook, now is your turn to be on mine – Mandy said to Josh laughing and he agreed to pose for some pictures with her.

They ate and drink and then it was time for the birthday girl to leave because she and Peyton had to take a flight early next morning. Barbara and Anthony also left because they had to drive to Malibu and behind them Susan also left.

The remaining friends stayed at Anastasia’s place the whole night having drinks, laughing, talking and enjoying. The weather was perfect for a Californian summer so they spent the night at the backyard.

At some point Anastasia’s phone started to ring and a smile appeared on her face as she saw it was Richard calling. Even though Josh was there she didn’t miss the opportunity to answer. She quietly walked inside the house into her kitchen.

-          You never answered my texts – Richard reproached through the phone.

-          I’m sorry, I’ve been kind of busy with the whole Glasto thing – Anastasia said, Richard’s voice was deep and so sexy.

-          I know. I’m going to make space that day on my schedule to catch the stream – She was shocked that he actually wanted to see her perform. He still was her teenage crush.

-          Really?

-          Yeah! I wouldn’t miss for anything in the world! I already told you I am a Dead Curse fan! – Both shared a laugh - I was thinking that if you have time next week we can meet in LA – And as much as she wanted to say yes they were soon leaving for tour again.

-          I would love that but we are traveling again next week – She really didn’t want to say no.

-          Well, I guess I’ll have to wait until you come back from Glasto – And she was more shocked now that he wanted to wait for her.

-          Yeah. This touring thing is starting to get crazy.

-          I know how it can be, especially when you have kids and all you want to do is spend time with them. How was your day, by the way? – Did he really want to know how her day was?

-          It was cool. It was my best friend’s birthday so we celebrated with dinner at my place.

-          Did you cook?

-          I don’t wanted to poison everyone, so no – She heard him laughing.

-          I’m sure you aren’t that bad – He said – I guess I must go ‘cuz I’m sure you still have some guests at your house. Wish your friend a happy birthday from me and I really hope I get to see you soon.

-          Me too! – She was too shocked to articulate a good answer – Text me soon! – She felt stupid for saying that.

-          I will but promise me you’ll reply! – This guy was out of this world.

-          I will! – He laughed and hung up the phone.

-          Look at that smile! – Hannah talked behind Anastasia scaring her bad.

-          How long have you’ve been there?

-          Long enough to see you embarrassing yourself in front of some dude you like.

-          I don’t…

-          Look at that smile! – She repeated herself.

-          Is it that obvious? – Anastasia asked smiling again.

-          It is, my friend. It is.

-          I don’t want Josh to see me smiling like that.

-          Why? – Hannah wanted to know.

-          Because… - She didn’t want to talk about the whole story at that moment – It’s complicated between Josh and I at the moment.

-          I know, Eric has told me a few things and we both agree that Josh is wasting his time… and yours.

-          How come? – Anastasia seemed confuse.

-          You can have an amazing relationship with any other guy but here you are… waiting for him and he can’t make up his mind.

-          I know but…

-          But nothing! I see that smile and try it! Try it with that guy!

-          I don’t know if I can try it – Anastasia laughed – There’s nothing there, he is just my teenage crush and I made a video with him in Vegas.

-          He called you a week after you made the video.

-          Yeah but…

-          But nothing! Don’t be so stubborn!

Before Anastasia could say anything back, Eric and Nick appeared in the kitchen telling her they were going home to have some rest. Only Josh was left at her house, she grabbed two beers from her fridge and walked to the backyard where Josh was sitting close to the glass fence that separated her house from the Los Angeles skyline, which at that point was lit up in hundreds of colors.  

-          Here – She said handing Josh one beer bottle.

-          Thanks – He smiled – He called you, right? – She wasn’t expecting that question at all.

-          He, who? – She asked back.

-          That guy, Richard – Josh said – You forget that you have no walls in your house, just glass, and we could see you from here – He was still smiling. The glass walls were the thing she loved most about her house but in that moment she hated it.

-          Yes – She couldn’t lie – I don’t see why it has to be a problem. You have a girlfriend after all, a girlfriend that sleeps on your bed, the same bed where we have had sex – She just spit those words like there was no tomorrow.

-          I know – Josh face was serious now, Anastasia worried that maybe her words got him mad – It isn’t a problem, actually. I mean, as you said, it doesn’t have to be – She was confused now – You know what? You are right – Josh looked to the city – This place has its beauty and I always find myself enjoying city landscapes with you for some reason.

-          We should start a blog about landscapes – Both laughed.

-          That was one of the reasons why I chose to sing ‘Landslide’ to you – Anastasia looked at Josh, it was the first time he admitted it – I know it’s a little bit literal but the best moments in my life these past years have been with you on a balcony and a city landscape on our backs. That’s also the reason why I loved that picture of us in New York you posted on Instagram, that Barbara sent to me and is now printed and framed at my house.

-          What? – That was an extremely nice surprise to hear.

-          Are you shocked?

-          I am – She said – I love that picture too.

-          And do you know what’s the best part of us being on a balcony watching a city?

-          Which is? – She already sense it what he was going to say.

-          That we ended up making love – That choice of words, ‘Making love’. Anastasia smiled.

-          That was the worst way to ask for sex – Both laughed as she threw herself upon him over the big garden couch he was sitting on.

Josh started to kiss An tenderly opening his eyes once in a while to look at her and smile, she did the same. He was being sweet, there was no rush, there was no passionate euphoria; there was only love. Just sane and pure love. He was combing her midnight-blue hair (which looked black in the night sky) with his hands and she was caressing his cheekbone and his neck, something that always drove him crazy. As he got her naked he was making sure to kiss every inch of her body and that made her flinch, he looked at her in the eye from her bottom and smiled with mischief.

This time was the city of Los Angeles’ turn to see them become one as they showed their love without boundaries. And Mandy was right, every time he was jealous he liked to take charge and be the boss in those situations.

-          It always feels so surreal to wake up next to you – Josh said waking up next morning in Anastasia’s bed and she nodded smiling. He took her by the chin and kissed her – Let’s take a shower.

-          Like, together? – Anastasia asked laughing.

-          That’s why I said let’s – He said smiling too.

-          I have never done that before. Except that one time I shared a bathtub with you but it was different – She said – I got this feeling we aren’t going to actually shower much.

-          Your feeling is correct.

Josh got up from the bed, walked to Anastasia’s side of the bed and carried her to the bathroom where they made love again that morning.

-          Do you want bacon too? – Anastasia asked Josh from the kitchen, cooking.

-          What kind of nonsense question is that? – He laughed.

-          You should be so grateful I am making you breakfast. I don’t make breakfast for anybody!

-          Well, it’s almost three in the afternoon, so this is hardly breakfast.

-          We slept deep – Anastasia said focusing on the bacon she was cooking.

-          How could we not? – Josh approached her from behind, hugging her and giving her a kiss on her head – After that amazing night – Anastasia’s body shook completely just remembering last night. Josh walked to the kitchen island and took a seat on one of the benches – Mandy is calling you – He said showing Anastasia her phone. She was so grateful it wasn’t Richard the one calling.

It was a facetime call and Anastasia touched the screen accepting and all she saw was a diamond ring where Mandy’s face should have been and it just took her a second to understand it.

-          I can’t fucking believe it – Anastasia said.

-          I’m going to get married! – Mandy screamed showing her face.

-          I’m going to start crying at any moment – Josh was looking at the screen too and smiling.

-          Hi, Josh! – Mandy said and Anastasia saw that he was close to her.

-          Congratulations, Mandy! – He greeted her.

-          Thank you!

-          How did it happen? – Anastasia wanted to know.

-          We arrived this morning and slept a little bit, and then we had a lunch with all of his family because of my birthday, and then he took me out to the beautiful backyard of his house from where you can see the mountains, just the two of us, and he proposed with a long speech I can’t even remember right now! Oh my God, An! When I saw him kneeling I thought I was going to faint. It literally just happened and you are the first to know! Well, you and Josh – Josh smiled wide.

-          I’m crying! – Anastasia said.

-          Do you smell that? – Josh asked looking at Anastasia but she was just too into the screen of her phone looking at Mandy’s ring - It smells like something’s burning.

-          Oh, shit! The bacon! – Anastasia exclaimed – I’ll call you tonight, you just made me burn the bacon.

-          It wasn’t me. I’m over here planning my wedding already. Talk to you tonight! Love you!

-          I love you more! – And she ran to see the disastrous black bacon on the pan. She looked at Josh ashamed but he was just laughing.

-          I don’t think I wanted bacon anyway – He kept laughing.

The next couple of weeks were going to be hard for the Dead Curse members, they had to perform on the schedule of The Getaway Tour dates, then travel all the way to England to play Glastonbury and then go back to the United States to comply with that leg of the tour.

It was going to be complicated and the lack of sleep was going to be the number one rule, but they were excited to play on another festival: Bonnaroo. They arrived to Manchester, Tennessee early July 9th because Anastasia and some others wanted to see U2 perform that night at the same festival.

-          You have no idea how many tears are gonna run down my face when I’m on that stage – Anastasia was talking with Anthony about Glastonbury at the hotel restaurant where they were going to have lunch.

-          I’ll be crying too – Anthony answered – But we are planning on watching it on the big screens if they are ready in Grand Rapids.

-          What? Are you serious? – Anastasia asked shocked because they would bother to do that.

-          Yes! We already talked to the guys and we don’t have a show that night, but the venue let us put up the stage a day before so if the screens are functioning we are going to watch you that night. I think it’s going to be early here but I’m bad with time zones.

-          I would like to help you but I suck at that too – both laughed – By the way did you hear the news?

-          Does it have something to do with the huge rock on Mandy’s finger?

-          Yes!

-          Who would have thought?  - Anthony said smiling.

-          I always knew it! They are meant to be together – Anastasia said and she saw Josh taking a seat next to her at the table.

-          Talking about people meant to be together – Anthony said laughing and Josh shared a smile.

-          I was telling Tony about Mandy’s proposal. It seems everyone around me is getting married – Anastasia told Josh.

-          Everyone? Who else? - Anthony wanted to know.

-          Mark is getting married too – Josh said.

-          Oh! Well, maybe you are next – Anthony said to Anastasia.

-          Don’t think so. Marriage is not for me – She said smiling – Are you coming with us tonight to see U2? – She asked Anthony changing subjects suddenly.

-          I’ll pass – Anthony answered – I’m tired.

-          Why? It’s U2! The Joshua Tree thirtieth anniversary tour! Aren’t you going to make Barbara company? – Barbara was there because she was one of the producers of the festival. Even though Mark said to her weeks ago that he was going to Bonnaroo with Stephanie, both decided that it was better to attend Glastonbury instead.

-          Don’t think so – Anthony said – But I heard Chad’s going and Josh is going too.

-          Of course! Intelligent people that wouldn’t miss such an important event in the music history – Anastasia said and Anthony just smiled.

U2 was fantastic. Anastasia sang along to some songs, because she didn’t knew them all, joked with Chad and Barbara and even Josh sang along to some songs too.

Their show at Bonnaroo, the following night, was very impressive too. After doing it all over again on the remaining dates of The Getaway Tour it was time to travel to London and play Glastonbury. Anastasia couldn’t believe that it was time to do it already. Mark and Steph joined them as well as some touring team that Mark and the record label had put together. She was excited that Josh and the rest of the Peppers were planning on watching them on the big stage screen and she felt even more joyful that Richard was also going to watch her from New York, where he was at the moment as he let her know on their daily exchange of messages. They had been texting each other every single day.

Glastonbury was full, like always, and the heat was so heavy that Anastasia didn’t leave backstage except for a few interviews only. When she was starting to get ready, she received a text from Josh.

Josh: How is everything going?

An: Fine! I’m getting ready. Want to see my outfit?

Josh: Show me.

An: These are the best boots I ever wore on a show. - Anastasia managed to take a full body picture to show him her thigh-high boots with the Union Jack flag embroidered with sequins and her loose, tiny black dress.

Josh: Sick boots! You look beautiful, as always. – She smiled when she read that – I always said that your stage outfits are my favourite, but you always managed to wear something better after, and then I have to say that this is my favourite outfit so far.

An: You are so sweet. What are you guys doing over there?

Josh: Not much. We will go to the venue in a couple of minutes and everything is set up to watch you guys play on those big screens.

An: You don’t realize how cool and how special it is for me that you guys are going to watch us play tonight.

Josh: I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world, I already told you. – Anastasia heard a couple of knocks in the door of her dressing room.

An: Someone is knocking at the door, it must be my makeup artist, AKA Mandy. I gotta go but I’ll text you when I get to the hotel tonight.

Josh: Alright! Can’t wait to see you and I’ll be waiting for that text.

Anastasia put her phone aside and walked up to the door. The person behind it was someone she never thought she was going to see there.

-          Richard! – She screamed – Oh my God! What are you doing here?

-          I’m impatient, and although I told you I was going to see you after Glasto, I decided to bring it up a notch –  He was there, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans and carrying a bouquet of wildflowers with all the colors she could imagine – I brought you flowers, I heard wild lowers are your favorite – Now she was sure she said that on some old interview.

-          Thank you! Oh my God! This is such a nice surprise.

-          I was worried you might take me for a stalker.

-          No! This is so cool! Mark is here too.

-          I know. I’m here thanks to him.

-          How come?

-          Well, he helped me get on a plane yesterday to be here today. I made some room in my schedule because I really wanted to come.

-          You are crazy! You are promoting a record!

-          Yeah but we had a couple of days off, and between being locked up alone in some hotel room and watching you headline Glastonbury, live, I’m going to choose you all the time – Anastasia blushed and smiled shyly.

-          Thank you.

-          I was planning to go out and have dinner tonight, but I know you’re going to be tired and we all have to go back to the US tomorrow early. But I really want to have a date with you – Anastasia almost chocked with her own saliva.

-          Are you serious? A date? With me? – Did her teenage crush just asked her for a date?

-          Dead serious – He said giving her a half smile. The most sensual half smile she had ever seen.

-          That would be so cool, Richard! I’m honored!

-          Don’t be silly. You look beautiful, by the way. Those are probably the coolest boots I ever saw.

-          I know, right? Making my homeland proud! – Both shared a laugh and another couple of knocks were heard in the room. This time was, in fact, Mandy.

-          Ready for your makeup? – Mandy said entering the room and then she saw Richard – Oh! I didn’t know you had company, sorry.

-          Don’t worry. This is Richard – Richard got up the couch and greeted Mandy, who was wearing a holographic glitter leotard with a clear tulle dress over it, she looked like a princess.

-          Nice to meet you – Richard said with his deep, sensual voice.

-          Nice to meet you too! – Mandy said kind of shocked.

-          I’m going to find your brother and let you get ready! I’ll be at one side of the stage, can’t wait – Richard said and left the room.

-          Oh my God, An! – Mandy screamed – The guy is even hotter in person! – Anastasia just smiled.

That was, for sure, the best show Dead Curse played in years. Nobody hit a bad note and the audience knew every single word to every single song. Sometimes the crowd sang so loud that Anastasia couldn’t even hear herself. She felt a little bit of pressure because Richard was there, watching her from the side of the stage and Josh was in the United States watching them in some giant screens. This was a dream come true and it was better than she imagined it. At the end, Anastasia gave the crowd a short speech about love and acceptance and thanked them for being there that night. A couple of tears ran down her face and she saw Mandy crying of joy too, then the sky lit up with a bunch of fireworks and the four members shared a tight hug and stayed there watching the fireworks show.

Richard was staying at the same hotel as the rest of the guys, so he joined them for the trip back to London. He was getting along with everyone; he had more charisma in that body than there are stars in the night sky. Anastasia would have liked to spend some time with him but everybody was really tired and all of them had to catch a flight back to New York the next morning, including her brother and Stephanie.

She entered her room, cleaned off her makeup, took a shower and threw herself in the bed to fall sleep with the biggest smile she had in months, while Josh, in Grand Rapids, kept waiting for the text she promised him.

Josuke:...

Hello everyone! It's Thursday again and that means a new chapter is going to be posted.

I want to thank everyone who's given me such amazing feedback. It's great for me and it makes me want to keep writing, but I feel like I need to make some kind of disclaimer at this point.

When I started to write this fanfiction story, I always did it with the purpose of being different because every fanfiction I read about Josh is. I didn’t want to write another “love story,” I wanted to create something with substance and avoid that “Let’s see everything in pink color and flowers” kind of a thing because my writing is not like that at all.

Every piece I have written in my life has had an obscure vibe and a “life’s not good” line attached to it. So I want you all to keep that in mind. Life isn’t perfect, humans make mistakes and my fanfiction shows that. No matter how rich or famous you are, you're still a human being. 

I would also like to say that in this story nothing stays the same all the time, the plot changes and the characters are going to change also, and there are a few more plot twist to come, so be warned.

Maybe I need to do another chapter from Josh's point of view so you can all understand a little bit more about his ways. 

Anyway, that was long and I really, REALLY, want to thank everyone for writing to me. I love to read and reply to all your comments and questions.

I have nothing but love for you all! ♥♥♥

Read chapter 33

Now it was time to go back to Los Angeles for another couple of weeks. Anastasia was happy to have Josh back by her side on the flight back home; he gave her a sense of calmness nobody else could give her. They decided to watch some stand up comedy shows on Netflix and laugh their asses off. It was nice to have that interaction with him again; she was happy even knowing, deep inside, it was a half happiness and as soon Lauren would appear on their lives again that smile and calm mind would disappear fast.

Josh’s phone buzzed, he grabbed it from his pocket, looked at the screen and put it back in his pocket without doing anything; but it buzzed again, and again, and a fourth, fifth and sixth time.

 -          It seems important – Anastasia said.

-          It’s not – He answered but his phone buzzed again.

-          Sure? – His phone buzzed one more time.

-          It’s Lauren, but I don’t wanna get into drama right now – He said turning his phone off.

-          Drama? – Anastasia asked curious.

-          Never mind – He answered cutting all possibilities of talking further about the subject – Do you want to watch another stand up show?

-          Sure! – She said without pushing Josh to talk about it.

 The fact that Josh didn’t want to reply to Lauren’s messages was so pleasant for An.

 -          This morning Eric was telling me that you guys were going to record together this week – Anastasia asked once the show they were watching was over.

-          Yes! We are going to help a couple of friends on their album. I’m not sure yet where we’re going to record, I was thinking at my place but it’s a mess. Guess I’ll have to put some order there when I arrive.

-          Why don’t you use the studio in Hollywood? – She was referring at the studio where they recorded The Getaway that belonged to her, her brother Mark and Brian – My room isn’t booked and I have to be there to put some things in order too at the office this week.

-          That would be perfect! – He said looking at her with his eyes wide open.

-          Let me write an email to bookings to let them know – She said grabbing the notebook. She realized that Josh didn’t stop looking at her while she wrote the email – What?

-          Nothing. It’s just that you are so fucking fantastic.

 And without even knowing she felt Josh lips caressing hers. She closed her eyes and let herself go. He grabbed her face with both hands and she put her notebook away and started playing with the hair in the back of his neck. Both were on Josh’s cubicle on the plane and it was really dark, it was a night flight, so nobody had any clue of what was happening there. Josh helped her to sit on top of him and as he started to kiss her neck she couldn’t contain her moaning, they stopped and looked at each other and shared a silent laugh, she put a finger on her lips as a silent signal and laugh again as he went back to kiss her neck and shoulders.

 -          I don’t think this is too smart – She said whispering in his right ear.

-          I know – He answered back while trying to breathe.

-          It’s not the time to enter the Mile High Club – She whispered again. By that moment Josh was already on her breasts. “What a stupid day to decide to wear a skirt for the flight” she thought.

-          Yeah, like we didn’t entered that club long time ago – He said pushing her skirt up. He was so on it.

-          I’m not part of that club yet – She said pushing him back. He looked at her confused.

-          Oh… sorry – He excused himself.

-          Don’t be sorry – She said smiling – But you are part of it, as I see.

-          I’ve taken a lot of flights during my life so… - He said kind of ashamed and that ashamed face was something Anastasia couldn’t resist in Josh.

-          Me too but I’m not flying around fucking on planes – Josh laughed – But… well… - She couldn’t believe what she was going to say – I’m glad it’s a veteran who is going to get me a pass to that club – She started to kiss him again – But wait, you know I’m loud – Josh smiled.

-          Bite my hand – He put his right hand on her mouth.

-          What? – She laughed hard.

-          Bite it when you feel like screaming or moaning.

 Josh went back to her neck with his mouth and with his free hand, and a little help from Anastasia, got her skirt up and unbuttoned his pants. The fear of getting caught turned Anastasia incredibly on and it was something she never experienced before. It was quick but fierce and she didn’t let go of Josh’s hand the whole time. Poor guy had a red mark where Anastasia bit him.

 -          Welcome to the Mile High Club, hope you enjoy your stay – Josh said mocking after she went back to a side of him.

-          Sorry about your hand – She said looking at it.

-          Don’t worry. It was worth it – He was still trying to catch a breath.

-          I liked it! – She said turning her head to him and smiling like a child.

-          I knew you would – He looked at her too and gave her a sweet kiss.

-          I should go back to my seat – She said getting up.

-          But wait! – He grabbed her arm – I didn’t use protection.

-          Oh, you worry about that now? – She hadn’t told Josh yet about her not being able to get pregnant so she had to lie – I’m on the pill – He smiled.

 Walking back to her seat felt like the biggest walk of shame ever. She kept thinking that all these people were ignorant that she just had sex a few feet away from them. She didn’t care, walks of shame weren’t shameful at all and the biggest smile appeared on her face, which lasted the whole flight.

 This was the part of relationships she liked, the beginning. That period when everything was passion and smiles and kisses. But after that, things always went to hell for her. This was a different situation, though, and she thought that maybe having this kind of encounters with Josh would make that “Honeymoon state” last longer. Because she wouldn’t be his real girlfriend, she wouldn’t have to deal with everyday issues and phases of boredom couples usually went through, she would only get the sex and the kisses and the nice stuff.

Yes, this may sound like she was some kind of mistress but she wasn’t wrecking any marriages in the process and the situation was strange for her, for Josh and even for Lauren. Anastasia loved Josh and if she wanted to enjoy this she needed to hold onto something to keep going, and that concept was perfect so her mind could fully accept that she was going to be with him but it wasn’t an exclusive thing.

                                                       …

 -          Are you in LA? – Her brother Mark called her the morning after she landed in Los Angeles.

-          Yes. I was trying to get some sleep – She answered with a sleepy voice and not fully awake.

-          Nevermind, I’m here at your house. Come downstairs now – Mark said laughing.

 She opened her eyes, growled and against her will she got up and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth, then she threw and oversized sweater over and went downstairs where her brother was sitting on her couch with a smile.

 -          You and Barbara need to understand that the keys you have are for EMERGENCIES – she shouted the last word.

-          I use to live here so shut up – Truth. Mark lived with her a couple of years. Around 2008.

-          What do you want this early? – She took a seat next to him in the couch.

-          It’s almost midday – Mark said laughing – I need your help… or your opinion.

-          It seems you made a choice but you can’t do anything without my approval – Anastasia said rolling her eyes – Nice, another Mandy.

-          Listen – Mark put a serious expression on his face – I’m gonna propose to Stephanie – Anastasia opened her mouth to form a wide smile.

-          You’re joking! – She said still smiling – Oh my God! –She jumped and sat over her legs.

-          The thing is I want to make it special and you and Stephanie follow the same philosophy as for romantic issues, that means you two aren’t romantic at all – Anastasia shrug – Since U2 is coming to LA to do a couple of concerts, Barbara managed to get us in the first night and I’m going to take Stephanie backstage so she can meet them and shit. The thing is that I’m going to propose her there but I’m not sure which moment is the perfect one.

-          It has to be during “Where the Streets Have No Name,” it’s her favorite song from The Joshua Tree! – Anastasia said overexcited about it.

-          Yeah, I was thinking about that – Mark said – She loves I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For too. You have to see her singing it in the car.

-          Yeah, but you two already found each other it doesn’t make sense!

-          Ok, that’s way too literal and extremely cheesy. I think I’ll go for Streets.

-          Can I come too? I love U2! – Anastasia asked making small claps of joy.

-          No. You will be touring – He said rolling his eyes.

-          Right – She said, sitting back in a normal position – It doesn’t matter, I’ll see them at Bonnaroo.

-          We are going to Bonnaroo as well! – Mark said – Well, at least Barbara told me that.

-          She’s working in that? – Barbara had a production company that worked often on festivals.

-          I think so… so back to the thing. Is it a good idea?

-          It’s a GREAT idea – Anastasia went back to clapping – I’m so happy for you! It was about damn time, you two turn eleven years together this year!

-          I know. I’m finally doing this.

 The smile on Mark’s face was hard to put into words. And Anastasia was really happy too, she loved what Mark and Stephanie had, it was a true love, so pure. Yes, they fought too and even broke up a couple of times but they are the real representation of people that were born to be together.

She became obsessed about a story Barbara told her when she was a child. It was an ancient Asian myth, which said that it didn’t matter what kind of relationship two people have at a time, or whether those two lovers were worlds apart, if they’re meant to be, they will always be connected by a red thread. “Even if you live on other sides of the world, the thread will stretch so that your hearts are always connected”, she heard Barbara’s voice in her head. Anastasia always said that Steph and her brother were the living proof of that myth. And now they were going to get married, a marriage, she was sure, would last forever. Love is a real deal and there was Mark showing it to her.

She thought about that a lot that afternoon and it became clear to her that love had many forms, it can be smooth like Mark’s relationship or it can be a bumpy ride like the one she took with Josh. In the end it was love and love will make you terribly sad before it fills you with endless happiness.

Next morning, Mandy was the one sitting on Anastasia’s couch, well, more like lying down.

 -          What time do we leave for the game? – Anastasia asked Mandy from the kitchen. She was making banana pancakes for both of them.

-          Around 4? – Mandy answered.

-          I’ll tell Josh – Anastasia said.

-          Kelly’s coming too, right?

-          Yes, I told her also.

-          Oh, it’s gonna be fun, finally going to a game this season – They were planning on attending a Dodgers game that afternoon. It was the San Diego Padres v. the Dodgers and An was very excited about it – Did you receive the box Peyton sent you?

-          The one with all the Dodgers goodies? Yes. I loved the collaboration with Hello Kitty, that’s the tee I’m wearing today!

-          Me too! – Mandy said smiling.

-          Alright, twin! – Anastasia smiled too and handed Mandy a plate with pancakes - I’m wearing the gray cap with the “D” on front too, can I give the black one to Josh?

-          Oh, Josh received a box too! – Mandy said.

-          You gave a Dodgers’ gift box to Josh also?

-          Yes… the shit I do for you – Mandy rolled her eyes.

-          With a Hello Kitty tee shirt on it?

-          Ok, we didn’t include a Hello Kitty tee on that one but we gave him a hoodie that I’m sure you’re going to steal.

-          Oh, how good you know me… That’s very thoughtful of Peyton! – Anastasia said. Each season start, the players had access to a bunch of the team merchandise and Mandy always send boxes full of it to her friends and family, all of them with Peyton’s name and number on the back, 26, Mandy’s day and month of birth, 2nd of June.

-          Peyton is a huge Chili Peppers fan. He lost his shit at the shows in LA and now he wants to be Josh’s best friend so he said “yes!” the moment I asked him to prepare Josh a merch box.

-          Marry that guy.

-          If he asks!

-          Would you really marry him?

-          We turn seven years together this year and three living together, I’m already married – The two laughed.

-          Man, everybody is getting married.

-          Who else?

-          Mark is going to propose to Steph!

-          About damn time! – She smiled she knew also about the amazing relationship those two had – Don’t tell me you want to get married now – Mandy gave a though look to her friend.

-          You know I don’t believe in marriage.

-          Until Josh changes your mind – Anastasia didn’t answer.

 Both friends watched as many episodes as they could of RuPaul’s Drag Race that day until it was time to get ready for the game. Josh picked them up at An’s house; last time she was inside Josh’s car she was his official girlfriend so it was a weird situation now, she tried not to think about it more than she should.

 -          We got to pick Kelly up on the way – Josh said – Thank you for all the amazing Dodgers stuff you sent me – He looked at Mandy through the rear view mirror inside the car.

-          Thank Peyton, the guy loves you – Mandy said looking back at Josh – You’re wearing the hoodie! – She looked at Anastasia then and both shared a small laugh.

-          It’s amazing! – It was dark blue with the LA Dodgers logo in front printed in silver.

-          I love it – Anastasia laughed some more. Yes, she was definitely going to steal it.

-          Eric and Nick are already at the stadium – Mandy said reading a message on her phone.

 Anastasia took her cap and the black one Josh was wearing, and put them in front of the windshield to take a picture and Instagram it. They picked Kelly up, who was dressed properly with a Dodgers tee also, and Josh drove to the stadium.

 -          I want one of those Dodgers x Hello Kitty tee shirts! They are so cute! – Kelly said leaving the car.

-          I’ll find you one – Mandy was used to that - If Peyton played for the Royals my house would not be so full of shit every season start.

-          Thank God he plays for the Dodgers and we can keep all the shit that you have in your house – Nick said taking a seat behind home, they had a great view.

-          Like we couldn’t afford it – Mandy talked again.

 Josh sat in the middle, next to Eric, Nick and Kelly, Mandy and Anastasia sat on the other side, leaving An next to Josh.

 -          I have to take a picture – Mandy, who was the first in the line, said – Everybody try to fit the screen and scream “Mandy is the best friend”!

-          Can you take one with my phone too? – Josh asked her and handed her his phone. Mandy took it while they said “Mandy is the best friend” like idiots.

-          We should get some beer before the game starts – Eric said getting up from his seat.

-          Where are you going? – Mandy asked – We got a fucking waiter here.

-          What is up with your brother and pictures lately? – Anastasia whispered to Kelly so Josh couldn’t hear her.

-          I don’t know! He is posting all these things on Facebook! – Kelly said whispering too – But don’t worry, he never accepted Lauren’s friend request – She laughed.

-          Hi, Thomas! – Mandy said to the waiter and he greeted her back – Y’all want beer?

-          Yes! – Everyone answered at the same time.

-          So six beers for a start, Tom! – He wrote down the order and leave – They also have wine – Mandy told Anastasia and Kelly – But who the fuck drinks wine on a baseball game? Oh, right… the rest of the players’ girlfriends – She pointed to her left to a group of overdressed girls drinking wine and chatting, they all were wearing jewels too big and heels too high for a place like that – Never got along with them but I have to deal with those girls at every event we have to attend! – She was talking about her and Peyton – I think I’m the only one that makes her own money and doesn’t depend on my athlete boyfriend – She, Anastasia and Kelly shared a laugh.

-          Shade! – Anastasia said to Mandy as a reference to RuPaul’s Drag Race and Josh looked at her – We’ve been watching RuPaul’s Drag Race the whole day and all they say is so catchy! – She told him.

-          Take a selfie with me – Josh asked An.

-          You’ve been fucking annoying with the picture taking lately and I never thought I would say that to you – He laughed.

-          Before the game starts and the beer arrives – He said taking the snap. He gave her a kiss on the lips after that and Anastasia’s face might have showed her embarrassment because Nick had to speak.

-          Don’t put that face. We all know you two are fucking again! – Nick said and everyone laughed.

-          Don’t worry, we won’t judge! – Eric said this time and that was a huge relief for Anastasia. Josh wasn’t hiding at all, but after everything that happened An thought her friends wouldn’t support this weird thing she had we Josh, so hearing that made her calm about it.

-          He still has a girlfriend, though! – Anastasia said joking and Josh laughed.

-          Dude! She just murdered you! – Eric said laughing too.

 They had the greatest of times at the game. Anastasia and Josh loved baseball so much. He was gladly shocked hearing An talking about game’s givens and players’ information, the girl knew her thing, she did her homework and he just listened closely to every little thing she said. Long story short, the Dodgers won 8-3 over the Padres. It was pure happiness for all.

 -          Thank God they won, I was afraid we would have to kick Peyton out of this family – Nick said walking back to the parking lot after the game.

-          Poor thing – Anastasia laughed – At least he gave us four runs!

-          Gotta love Peyton – Nick talked again.

-          I’m not ready to go home yet – Eric said – Let’s go to a bar! Hannah is working until late tonight so I have literally nothing else to do.

-          Good thing for you we are all free also – Josh talked.

-          Let’s go to that place we discovered downtown! It’s a sport bar now that we are in this athletic mood – Kelly said to Josh.

-          Yeah, that place is cool and relaxed – Josh said and Anastasia noticed his phone was buzzing on his hand because the screen lit up.

-          Cool! Let me text Mandy where we’re going so she can catch up with us – Anastasia said. Mandy went straight to the dressing rooms after the game, to meet Peyton. It was a normal thing for the players’ girlfriends to do. Josh phone buzzed again, An knew it was Lauren because he didn’t answer her when he was with a group of people.

 The bar was cool and it wasn’t crowed, it was a great place so they could keep drinking beer and even have burgers. Mandy arrived with Peyton an hour later and everyone congratulated him. He was such a humble and shy guy so he thanked the compliments looking to the floor and smiling lightly. Mandy just kept hugging him, she was so in love. They met when she was in college studying music, he was starting in business school but eventually dropped out when baseball consumed all his time. Both are glad he made that decision because his career in sports was filled with nothing but success.

 -          I already thanked Mandy but I have to thank you for the box I got – Josh said to Peyton while grabbing his phone from his pocket, the screen was showing an incoming call.

-          You’re welcome! – Peyton said – It was the least I could do after those amazing shows at the Staples!

-          Josh is also a huge Yankees fan. I would say more than the Dodgers – Anastasia said and Josh was being called again.

-          Man, I always wanted to play for the Yankees! That’s my ultimate goal! – Peyton said.

-          We’re gonna be best friends. I can feel it – Josh said while the rest shared a laugh – Please excuse me, but I have to take this call – He left the table and walked out the bar.

 Mandy looked at Anastasia knowing that it was Lauren calling. Anastasia looked back at her friend, agreeing with her, using that mind reading power they both had. Josh took a long time outside, Anastasia didn’t count but almost an hour; she then saw him calling her through one of the windows beckoning her to come outside.

 -          I need to talk and calm down before going back in again – Josh said to Anastasia while visibly angry.

-          What happened? – She asked in a low tone.

-          Lauren just threw the biggest drama at me and I know you aren’t the best person to talk about this with, but it involves you and I’m so ashamed of it – He said still angry – Someway, somehow she saw the pictures I posted of you on my Facebook and some posts on your Instagram. She even saw the ones we posted today while at the game. She sent me the picture with the baseball caps you posted and told me “I know that’s your car” – He mocked Lauren’s voice.

-          What?! – Anastasia couldn’t believe it – Josh, my Instagram profile is private. How did she get access to it?

-          I don’t know, maybe you have someone who is following you that knows her? – He asked – Maybe some of the pop stars you have worked for?

-          Mmm… I don’t want to sound mean but the people I have worked with are on a much higher level than Lauren is and I’m one hundred percent sure they don’t even know who the hell she is – She thought that Josh was going to burst with wrath but instead he gave her a half smile – What about you? You don’t have her on Facebook.

-          No, I don’t – Josh said hitting the air.

-          Maybe she hacked us – Anastasia said – There are ways to see private profiles on social media – Josh gave her a questionable look – According to Mandy, she is kind of a stalker sometimes.

-          Lauren is not that bright to hack anything – Josh said.

-          Maybe she hired a hacker.

-          She can’t afford a hacker.

-          Maybe she didn’t pay him with money – Anastasia shut her mouth when she saw Josh angry again – Sorry, I’m talking without thinking – Josh looked to the floor, he didn’t said a thing but she felt he was proving her right, not sure if it was about the hacker part of the “Lauren is a whore” part.

-          She sent me all the pictures, screen shots, everything, even some comments.

-          I told you this was going to get you in trouble.

-          Yeah, but… the thing is that this is such a teenager drama. Do you know what I mean?

-          It’s normal for her to feel jealous – Anastasia said once Josh was more calmed – She is new on this business. She probably doesn’t understand the fact that you have to hang out with someone so hot like me miles away from where she is – Josh gave her a full smile this time.

-          Well… she is right in being jealous, isn’t she? – Josh hugged Anastasia – After all we are actually having an affair.

-          You are having an affair – Anastasia said breaking the hug and laughing – I’m single. I can be with whoever I want – Josh laughed too.

-          She sent me this photo – Josh showed her his phone and a picture she posted on Instagram weeks ago of the two of them on a rooftop in New York, back them when they were there shooting the Go Robot video, when everything started – It’s a beautiful photo.

-          Barbara took that picture. You started to post everything you wanted so I did the same – She excused herself.

-          Sometimes I wish I could go back to that night in New York – Josh said – I screwed everything up, I know. But I need you to give me time, please – He hugged her again – Don’t walk away from me, please – He sounded like he was begging her.

-          Josh…Let’s just live one day at a time – She answered afraid of Josh’s attitude and hugging him too, and then she felt Josh’s lips on her forehead – We should go back.

 They entered the bar again where their friends where having a deep conversation about why California was the best and the worst place in the world at the same time. Mandy turned her head to look at them.

 -          Everything’s fine? – The pink haired girl asked. Anastasia and Josh looked at each other and shared a smile.

-          Everything’s perfect – Josh answered.