Chapter 34: Hacked
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.
Read chapter 35
