I’m so so sorry for not posting yesterday. The amount of work I had was insane! But here it is: Chapter 36!

I wanna let you all know that I’m gonna be traveling next week so is very possible that I wont post next week. Sorry for that! I’ll still active on Instagram, tho. 

Hope you all enjoy this chapter ‘cuz I loved it!

Remember to check Anastasia’s Instagram that is on fire:

Anastasia_Truman  ❤️️

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

That Thursday she woke up early and full of energy, she was living a dream. She asked Mandy to come with her but the pink haired girl preferred to stay in Los Angeles with Peyton, An understood her and didn’t get mad about it; at least Mark was going to make her company and he was taking Stephanie with him. She was nervous, she didn’t know why, she had met some of the greatest names in music before: Bowie used to read with her when she was little, McCartney was always there on Christmas at her father’s house to party, even Elton John says she is his niece, but this was different, she was going to meet her lifetime crush.

-          This is weird! – She said to Mark at the lobby of the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas – A hotel room just for me… Alone!

-          You have been in hotel rooms alone before – Mark said to her taking the elevator.

-          Not in the last year – She answered – I stayed with either Mandy or Josh, never alone.

-          How is the Josh thing going? – Stephanie had to ask.

-          He is in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and I’m here to meet my longtime crush and to get drunk with you – She said clapping hands with Stephanie.

-          I don’t agree with the last part – Mark said as the elevator doors opened at their floor. The penthouse – You have two hours to get ready and then we’ll meet at Nove for dinner with Richard.

-          Thank God I packed my good dresses.

An could see the entire city from her room, it was almost nighttime and the lights from the casinos and hotels were starting to shine. Las Vegas was an amazing city; it was an escape for her and her LA friends when they were in high school. She had a bath, put on a short black deep neckline loose dress with a dark blue velvet bralette underneath and killer black stiletto heels (with red soles, of course). She met Mark and Steph, who was glowing in a silver long sleeve dress, and took the elevator together to the restaurant. Nove was located at the top of the Fantasy Tower in the hotel and it mainly served Italian food. They walked into the fine decoration and to a table, next to a giant picture window where they had a panoramic view of Las Vegas. There was Richard Austin, looking as dapper as he could with a pair of black skinny jeans, a black t-shirt and a leather jacket, his hair was combed back and his brown eyes were shining with the help of the restaurant’s lighting.  He got up from his chair to receive them.

-          Hey! – He said stretching Mark’s hand – I’m glad you all made it!

-          Yes. We’d never say no to a trip to Vegas – Mark said  – This is my fiancée Stephanie – He introduce her with such pride – And this is my little sis, Anastasia – She was shaking.

-          Not so little! – Richard said laughing but then he took An’s right hand and kissed it. She automatically blushed – Let’s take a seat – He moved a chair so Anastasia could take it, such a gentleman. Better for her she got to sit next to him. She was in heaven – I already ordered a bottle of wine so I hope there’s no problem with it.

-          I never have problems with wine – Anastasia said and Richard smiled but her brother gave her a hard look. She and Stephanie laughed.

They talked about any topic one can possibly imagine and Anastasia realize that Richard’s cockiness was just a stage thing, he wasn’t like that at all in real life; he was nice and sweet and had this manly man portrait perfect for his 36 years of age. Something Josh didn’t have, he still looked like he was 25 in her eyes.

-          We went to Italy last year with the tour and I swear you can’t find pasta like the one you find there but I have to say that this is so close! – Anastasia said talking about the Amatriciana pasta she was eating at the moment.

-          I have to agree – Richard said – Where in Italy?

-          We went to Turin and Bologna, beautiful places, not so great to play… at least for us – She said after sipping from her wine glass.

-          Why? – Richard wanted to know.

-          We didn’t connect with the audience there – She answered.

-          So, we’re here for business – Mark said breaking the spell of the conversation between Anastasia and Richard.

-          Right! The video! – Richard said – I’m so glad that you had the time to do this because I’ve been following your career and when I saw you on Mark’s Instagram I knew I had to have you on this. The song is a satire of being this extremely confident rock star but the video story is about two hotel workers that enter one of the rooms and rob the guests while they are out. The thing is that you’re going to be singing in the video and going to be like the master planner of everything, I’m just there to help you. But we are going to be a couple and I must warn you that there may be a kiss… or two – Her mind was about to explode, she would get to kiss the guy of her dreams? Life was perfect.

-          I must warn you that I’m a terrible actress – She said to him.

-          You are not. I’ve seen your videos – She felt ashamed that he saw her in Dead Curse’s videos – I’m a diehard Dead Curse fan.

-          No, you are not! You’re just saying that! – She laughed.

-          I am! Ask your brother – Richard said pointing to Mark.

-          All he did in the studio was saying how much he liked your voice and the way you wrote your songs and how magnificent everyone sounded in that band.

-          You guys are a work of art – Richard said.

After dinner, Richard excused himself to go home and have some sleep since they were going to start shooting early the next day. Mark was tired too but Stephanie and Anastasia decided to stay a little bit longer at the bar.

-          Let me see that ring! – Mark gave Stephanie a Claddagh ring; it was an Irish tradition since her family was from Ireland. The ring was silver and had two hands holding a diamond in the shape of a heart. Claddagh rings had lots of meanings but wearing it with the point of the heart towards the fingertip on the left hand meant engagement.

-          Oh God! He thinks about every freaking little detail!

-          It was perfect! – Stephanie said.

-          I wanna hear everything about it – Anastasia said to her smiling wide.

-          Not only did I meet U2, which is my favorite band in the universe, but he proposed to me while they were performing “Where the Streets Have No Name”, which is my favorite song from The Joshua Tree – little did Steph know it was all Anastasia’s idea – They played the record in order so “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” followed and I swear I could have died in that moment and I’d be gone happily.

-          Now we have a wedding to plan!

-          I have no idea what I want – Steph said drinking champagne.

-          We’ll figure it out – Anastasia said to her. Barbara is perfect for those things, ask her for help!

-          She was over the moon with the news! – Stephanie talked again.

-          Because we all love you so much, sweetie!

-          What about you? This guy was flirting with you blatantly!

-          No, he wasn’t! – Anastasia laughed.

-          He was! Believe me; I know it when I see it.

-          Should I tell him that I used to have his face plastered on my bedroom wall when I was sixteen?

-          Oh my God! No! – Stephanie was laughing hard.

-          You don’t know where that may lead me! – Anastasia was laughing too. In that moment she received a message on her phone, she looked at the screen and saw it was from Josh, “What are you doing? I miss you”. She didn’t reply. She hadn’t told him that she’d be going to Vegas for the weekend, it didn’t matter because he was with Lauren.

-          Is it Josh? – Stephanie asked and Anastasia nodded – Forget about him - The girls got up to pay for their drinks and started to walk to take the elevator back to the floor where their rooms were located - Try luck with Richard! – Anastasia laughed hard.

-          Richard is married and has two kids and that’s a territory I won’t enter – Anastasia said entering the elevator.

-          He is not! He got divorced when they started to record, actually many songs on the album are about that.

-          Didn’t know that! – A smile appeared on Anastasia’s face – Do you think I have a chance with him? – Anastasia said while walking to the hallway.

-          Look at you! You have a chance with any guy you want!

-          Do you realize I use to have wet dreams about him when I was younger?

-          Even better, you know what to expect!

-          Shut up! You sound like Mandy – She was laughing hard – I’m going to sleep. I have a video to film tomorrow – She hugged Stephanie in front of the door of the room she shared with Mark – I love you!

-          Love you too! See you tomorrow!

She entered her room, changed into her pajamas, removed her makeup, put on a face mask and grabbed her phone to read Josh’s messages again, she thought if it was a good idea to reply to him, it was midnight but she was sure he was awake so she decided to text him.

An: Sorry for the delay. I’ve been busy. I’m in Vegas for the weekend, working on some stuff – She sent it.

Josh: Wow! Vegas? You didn’t tell me anything – He answered back, she couldn’t tell if he was angry or not.

An: Sorry, it was a last minute thing – Why did he care? He was with Lauren, she thought.

Josh: Fun stuff?

An: I’m filming a video for a band.

Josh: Which band? – He always had to ask everything.

An: The Genius Sex Poets, they’ve been my favorite band since I was 16, so this is like a dream come true.

Josh: That’s a very stupid name for a band – She knew he was laughing even if she couldn’t see him – Where did they get that from?

An: From The Killers’ video “Mr. Brightside”, that’s the name of the fictional band on it.

Josh: I’m not a fan of The Killers, at all – He was being arrogant.

An: I love them! They also got their name from a fictional band on a New Order video.

Josh: The battle of the fictional band names. I’m stuck in the Joy Division era.

An: Not everyone has the luck of having a drummer with a grandmother called Dorothy – She said it because that’s the story behind Dot Hacker’s name.

Josh: He is your drummer too!

An: I like my band’s name better.

Josh: You know? I thought Fleetwood Mac was your favorite band.

An: Well, you have lots of favorite bands too, but this is different, I’ve had a platonic crush on Richard the lead singer FOR YEARS.

Josh: Mm… ok – He was definitely mad now – When are you coming back?

An: Is Lauren gone? – She had to ask. She didn’t expect him to text her while she was there.

Josh: No, but I miss you even with her next to me.

An: You know that’s fucking confusing, huh?

Josh: Yes, I am aware of that…

An: I’ll be back on Sunday, probably. If the filming doesn’t extend.

Josh: Good to know!

An: I’m going to sleep since we start shooting tomorrow early.

Josh: Dream of me. Love you – Anastasia felt that message so awkward she didn’t even smiled.

An: Love you too.

 Next day she woke up early, tired and angry thanks to last night conversation with Josh. She didn’t expect him to write to her while Lauren was in town, she actually didn’t want him to do it. She didn’t want to think about it, to think about him. Above all that she was happy, it had been a glorious night: meeting Richard Austin, her platonic love and thinking about him asking her to be on his band’s video, it was a dream come true.

She put on a pair of jeans and a Red Hot Chili Peppers t-shirt, she had tons of them after the tour, this one was white with the logo in red and black. She paired the outfit with black vans and she hit the road. They were filming in the same hotel so Mark led her to a room in the third floor where the production was being held. She saw Richard and he hugged her like they’d known each other for years (she was shaking), then he introduced her to the rest of the band. She had seen them live so many times before but never got the chance to actually meet them, she never idolized anyone but this was a big moment in her life. |Then it was time to meet the director, a friend of Richard’s. He explained the story to her: she was going to be a cleaning girl from the hotel and Richard was going to be working at the reception. After spotting a rich couple that was staying there, they decided to rob them. Anastasia’s character was going to be in charge of the operation and she was going to be singing like it was her song. She was excited and agreed with everything. It was then time to start and the first step was hair and makeup.

-          We were thinking about changing the color of your hair but we wanted to consult it with you first – The director told her – We have a couple of wigs – He pointed to a corner when they had a caramel wig, a blond one and a red one. She chose the red one as soon as she saw it.

-          I had red hair once, years ago – Anastasia said.

-          I would have liked to meet you then – Richard said smiling. And she blushed. “What is wrong?” She thought. She didn’t use to blush that often.

A hair dresser put her wig on and a makeup artist did magic on her face and after wearing a cleaning service uniform she was ready to film. She had time to hear the song on repeat while she was getting ready so now she knew it as if she’d written it herself.  

First day of shooting went great. An and Richard were having great chemistry, which got more intense next day when they had to film in one of the hotel rooms, where they were stealing the jewelry and cash from the “rich couple.” On the script she would get to try on one of the wife’s gowns, a beautiful green dress that contrasted heavenly - or more like devilishly - with the red hair. Of course she took a million pictures and selfies during breaks.

In that part of the video they had to dance and enjoy the clothes and things from the guests they were stealing. Anastasia had to try on Swarovski necklaces and diamond earrings and she was in heaven. They had a bunch of fake cash and she kept throwing it to Richard, they were having fun until a part of the video where he hugged her after a dance and he put his face close to hers, it was pure tension, she looked into his eyes and he looked back into her big, turquoise eyes and almost, almost kissed her but the director yelled “Cut!” breaking the spell.

-          Thank you so much for doing this – Richard said after shooting was done.

-          You don’t have to thank me, I had so much fun doing it! – She had so much fun two days had gone by without her thinking about Josh.

-          I think I’m going to hit the ‘Ghostbar’ at the Ivory Tower – Richard said looking at her straight – Would you like to join me?

-          Yes! – She said without even thinking about it. Mark and Stephanie were enjoying the city so she didn’t have to worry about them.

The Ghostbar was a beautiful place, extravagant and fancy just like every other place in Las Vegas. They got a spot at the actual bar, Richard ordered a Margarita for her and a beer for himself. She liked that, him taking charge. But she didn’t know why.

-          Mark told me you guys where touring right now – Richard said.

-          Yes! We’re opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers – She said.

-          That’s why you’re wearing that tee shirt? – She laughed and realized she wasn’t properly dressed for such a fancy place like that.

-          I have a ton now! Nah, but I’m a fan, I love them.

-          They must be fun people to tour with.

-          I thought they were going to be wilder – Anastasia had a drink from her Margarita glass, it tasted like heaven – They are all fathers now and are into this natural vibe. I was expecting Flea running naked around at every venue – He laughed.

-          I like the Peppers! Haven’t seen them live in a while though. You guys are going to play Glastonbury soon, right?

-          That’s a dream come true…

-          We played there a couple of times before and there’s not a better crowd in the entire world.

-          I know, I’ve seen you guys in Glasto a bunch of times.

-          Oh, are you a fan? – He laughed after drinking some beer.

-          The biggest! I used to have your face plastered on my bedroom wall when I was sixteen – She stopped – And I can’t believe I just told you that – Richard started laughing hard – Not in a creepy way, though!

-          That’s awesome – Richard was still laughing – I would like to say the same but you weren’t around when I was a teenager. I would love to have that beautiful face on my wall without a doubt – She couldn’t help but smile.

-          Thank you – She drank more of her cocktail.

Being with Richard was so easy. They talked about everything; even his divorce and about how hard it was to have a real relationship being a musician, even harder with somebody that’s not in the same business. He had been separated from his ex-wife for almost a year, and was the father of a boy. An told him that she knew people that managed to have successful relationships being in this industry (Eric, Mandy and even Mark) but she totally understood him because for her father it had been a hard issue all of his life; even though it had something to do with the fact that her father was a fucking man-whore sometimes.

They connected, and connected well. At the end of the night he thanked her again kissing her hand and they even exchanged numbers.

She came back to her room with a big smile on her face. It wasn’t about love; it was about having a great time with an amazing person. She was happy and on top of all she was calm and Josh didn’t appear in her mind – or her phone – for the rest of Vegas trip.

That Sunday she managed to have an amazing shopping spree with Stephanie in some of the most exclusive stores in Sin City. After that, Mark joined them for a late lunch, and that night they flew back to Los Angeles. Once at home she received a text: “Hope you made it home safe, thanks for joining me and everyone this weekend”, it was from Richard and she just stood there, in her kitchen, smiling like an idiot.

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.

Hello everyone! Her I am again, as every Thursday. I’m so in love with today’s chapter! Y’all can even imagine. 

I wanna say thanks for the huge suppor I received after last week’s words. You all are angels sent by the Universe to make me happy!

Remember to check Anastasia’s Instagram that is on fire:

Anastasia_Truman  ❤️️

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

Read chapter 34

 -          I’m so tired of this week-on-week-off thing – Josh told Anastasia on the bus on the way to Pittsburg, as he laid his head on her lap, while she was playing with his hair.

-          Yeah. I know what you mean – Mandy spoke from the couch in front of them. Nick and Eric were there also.

-          It’s like you get used to the touring routine and then it’s cut down and then you get used to the home routine and it’s also cut down – Anastasia told them.

-          I never thought we were going to be here at this point of the tour – Eric said.

-          None of us – Josh said smiling and looking into An’s eyes – But the crew love you all so much and people like to see you onstage so…

-          It has been an incredible experience so far, though – Mandy talked again.

-          It’s been a dream come true – Nick said this time.

-          Aw! That was the sweetest thing you could ever fucking say – Anastasia said while everyone was laughing.

-          I’m working on my sweet side – Nick said smiling.

-          Work a little harder – Mandy said.

 The group was trying hard to kill time on the road, they packed the tour bus with a great videogame system, they spent time listening to music, Anastasia was having a big inspirational streak at writing and Mandy consumed her time watching Drag Queen makeup tutorials on Youtube, since she was the makeup artist of the band. Josh and Anastasia kept sharing glances during the whole trip, she knew that as soon as they’d arrive and people or crew started to gather around they were going to be back to friends mode, it was a new situation for her but somehow it wasn’t bothering her, she was even enjoying it.

Tiredness was a real issue and it was starting to show on everybody. They’d been touring for almost a year and people (especially Josh) were starting to get angry about everything and anything. Sometimes he didn’t measure the words out of his mouth and, even if he didn’t meant to, he was starting to treat people around him in not the nicest way. He wasn’t the only one, Flea and Anthony retraced themselves in such a way that none left their dressing rooms, backstage. Chad, on the other hand, was always Chad, he always had a good laugh to share and a joke to make.

One night, in Louisville, Mandy and Anastasia were having a total girl’s night wearing onesies, doing facials, eating pizza, drinking champagne (the best combination) and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race again; they were obsessed with the show. Just the two of them; like the old times. Anastasia loved spending time like that with Mandy.

-          I think if I were a drag queen my name would be “Pussy Galore” – Anastasia said sipping from her glass.

-          Oh my God! I love it! – Mandy said.

-          She would be a retired super model – Anastasia got up from the bed – From the 90’s. She used to hang out with Kate, Claudia and Linda and maybe – she walked to the window – she received a phone hit from Naomi, but she got over it now. She would have that Versace catwalk sass – She started to walk as if the room were a runway, making exaggerated poses.

-          Love that Versace sass – Mandy said while she started to clap and laugh at the same time – Pussy Galore will need a lot of padding, since you are British and God didn’t help you in that area.

-          Are you reading me? – Anastasia said turning around and looking her from her back.

-          The library is open, baby – Mandy was making a reference to one of the segments of the show – She would wear designer clothes.

-          Only big brands. Moschino – Anastasia said – And Versace, of course – This time both friends talked at the same time. Anastasia throw herself at the bed again and they both laughed. In that moment Anastasia’s phone rang and Josh’s picture appeared on the screen, he was calling. Mandy looked at her friend suspiciously – I’m gonna put him on speaker but don’t talk!

-          Hey! – Josh’s voice could be heard – What are you doing?

-          I’m having a girl’s night with Mandy and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race while I pretend I am one of them.

-          Weird, but coming from you it’s perfectly normal – He said – Is there a way you can skip that and come to my room? I got wine.

-          Mmm – The two friends shared a glance – No, Josh. Not tonight. I already told you that I’m with Mandy and we’re already drinking champagne.

-          Are you serious? – He asked and Mandy opened her mouth shocked.

-          Dead serious – Anastasia was mad he asked that.

-          Come on, An! – He said – I know you want to. Come over! – He said raising his voice - I’ll fuck you like I did in Miami.

-          I think I’m missing some kind of cue here – Anastasia was really angry at that point – I’m not some kind of mistress you call to have sex like that, Josh. What the fuck?

-          Fine! – He hung up the call.

-          Good luck with the hand, bro! – Mandy was laughing – What was that? – Mandy asked.

-          A booty call?

-          A sassy booty call, as we say in Drag Race.

-          I feel offended.

-          I’m offended too. Who does he thinks you are? His sex doll?

-          I mean, that’s basically what we have. Our relationship is based on sex, at the moment; but for him to call me the way he did, I don’t know. It was uncomfortable, awkward.

-          Forget about it, let’s continue to watch our queens, they don’t hurt us like boys do – Mandy said to her friend. But as much as that Anastasia tried, she couldn’t shake that weird feeling off her.

 She tried to sleep that night but Josh’s voice didn’t leave her mind alone. She kept hearing that phone call over and over and over again. He treated her like she was some kind of score girl that was going to be ready for sex whenever he wanted. She can understand that he was tired and angry about the tour but that didn’t give him the right to refer to her that way. In her opinion, he minimized her and she wasn’t going to allow that. Not now, not never, especially not him. If she agreed to have this relationship with Josh, where she clearly was the side chick, it was going to be under her rules, and if she didn’t feel like being with him she wasn’t going to.

“How ironic”, she thought; she went from being the girlfriend to being the other woman in less than a year. There was no point in trying, she couldn’t sleep that night. Thank the Universe next day was off and she decided to spend the whole day in bed. Josh’s attitude the night before still bothered her, so at noon she had a shower, got dressed and went straight to Josh’s room. When he opened the door she could tell he had been sleeping the entire day too, his face was bloated and his eyes were red, she knew right there that he drank that wine last night, after all.

 -          I was sleeping – He said at the door – But come in.

-          Yeah. I can tell – She entered the room – Can you tell me what the fuck was going through your mind last night? – She asked turning to be in front of him.

-          I know… Sorry – Josh said walking to the bedroom.

-          Josh, I’m not a fucking prostitute – She followed him.

-          I just had a rough day and I wanted to be with you – He said getting back into the bed – Maybe the words I used weren’t the right ones. I’m sorry – He was grabbed the sheets and blankets and covered himself up to his neck.

-          I’m so angry right now. It seems you’re just ignoring me – Anastasia was just standing there – It’s obvious I’m interrupting your rest, I’ll leave.

-          No! – Josh jumped out of bed and got on his knees over the mattress – Stay. I’m not ignoring you. I’m just tired.

-          I’m tired too… - Anastasia said.

-          Come here, lay with me – Josh said opening his arms – We’ll watch one of those documentaries on Netflix that will make us feel bad about ourselves for a couple of days. We’ll have room service – The smile on Josh’s face was something hard to resist.

 Anastasia just nodded with her head and went straight to him. He hugged her and helped her to get in bed with him. He took his laptop to put Netflix on and they decided to watch a documentary about vegans and how animals were murdered to make food. She loved that, days like those when doing nothing was the norm. She turned her face to see Josh and he was watching the screen of his notebook with the covers up to his neck, he looked so incredible cute, she looked at his jaw line, the thing she liked most, his small brown but bright eyes, his nose that he hated, she liked every inch of it. She got closer and kissed him on the cheek; he turned and looked at her smiling.

 -          What was that for? – He asked smiling still. How she loved that smile.

-          I don’t need a reason to give you a kiss – She said.

-          Good to know – He put an arm around her shoulders and pushed her to him. She rested her head on his chest and kept watching the documentary.

-          Are we clear that this isn’t going to stop me from eating meat? – She said – Yes, the thing is terrible but… dude. I can’t live without meat.

-          You just read my mind – He said.

 Before the documentary ended, both fell asleep in a hug.

Next morning, Anastasia woke up with an arm around her waist and turned her body to see Josh in front of her opening his eyes also, but she had the feeling he’s been awake for a couple of minutes. She just stared into his eyes, looked to his soul and realized the she loved that guy so much, but she needed to put distance between them if she wanted to maintain the relationship the way it was. Truth was she was falling again and falling hard, and she couldn’t afford to go deep in love with Josh again, not at the moment, not knowing that maybe in a couple of weeks he was going to be sleeping with another woman in his bed.

 -          Waking up next to you is the best way to start the day – He said making what Anastasia was about to say even harder to say.

-          Josh – She smiled – I’ve been sleeping next to you almost every night on this leg of the tour – He smiled – And I don’t think it’s healthy for my mental stability – His smile disappeared.

-          What you mean? – He asked.

-          I like what we have now. No attachments, no responsibilities. But the truth is that we used to have a relationship, a serious one, and I loved you with all my heart, and then I thought that I was over that but I wasn’t, I still love you and I can’t do it. Not with this depth and this devotion – Anastasia sat on the bed – Lauren is going to LA to be with you, and then what am I gonna do? – He looked away from her – I’m not cutting this off, I’m just saying that it’s better for me if I have some space.

-          You’re right – Josh said looking into her eyes again – I’m sorry.

-          Don’t be sorry. I know what I was getting into and as I said I’m not ending this, it’s just that I think it’s better if I share some nights with Mandy and maybe go out with the boys, not devoting myself to you as the way I’m doing it right now. I need to know that I’m gonna be ok without you also.

-          But don’t walk away from me – There it was again, that plead. Josh pronounced these words with fear on his voice.

-          Believe me when I say that I couldn’t even if I wanted to – She leaned over him and gave him a small kiss on his lips, he smiled afterwards – I’m going to my room and get ready to go to the venue. See you there!

-          Wait – He grabbed her right arm and pushed her back to him and gave her a much more passionate kiss.

 That tour leg was being quite boring but the shows came out really good even though the crowd in most cities didn’t even know who Dead Curse was. They ended up in Canada, where they performed in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary. Winnipeg went light, but in Edmonton Anthony decided to go around the city with Flea, Josh, Carl and some crew guys. Anastasia, Mandy and Eric decided to join them and it was quite a revolution of people filming them and taking pictures; they went to the farmers market and then had lunch at a Mexican place. Apparently, Mexican food was becoming the norm at the tour.

Despite the bunch of pictures that appeared on the web and that really bothered Josh, the last shows were the best of that part of the tour. Anastasia was keeping her word and didn’t spend much time in Josh’s room, instead, she went shopping with Mandy in Kansas City and went to have a couple of drinks with Eric, Nick and some crew people. They were the best guys she had worked on a tour ever so it wasn’t hard to make time to spend with them.

Then it was time to take another plain to go back home. She needed it, she needed to sleep in her bed and restore her body and soul.

 -          I won’t leave my bed in three days – Anastasia told Mandy during the flight.

 At that moment, her phone made a short sound to alert her she had a new message: “Call me when you’re in LA. You are going to love me”, it was from her brother Mark. She waited to be home and after a bath she called him back.

 -          I already love you but if I’m going to love you more I’m interested – An said when Mark picked up the phone.

-          I have two pieces of news for you – Mark said – First, Steph said yes…

-          Well, duh! – She said after a laugh – I’M SO FUCKING HAPPY FOR YOU AND STEPH! – She screamed through her smartphone. What’s the other one?

-          I’ve been working in the studio with your favorite band since you were sixteen…

-          Oh my God! The Genius Sex Poets? – She opened her eyes big like plates.

-          That’s right! – Mark said laughing.

-          Why didn’t you tell me anything?

-          Because you were going to be busy and wouldn’t have time to be at the studio – Mark answered – Thing is, they are going to film the video for their first single this weekend in Las Vegas and Richard saw a picture of you on my Instagram profile and he wants you to appear on it.

-          Richard fucking Austin? – Anastasia asked incredulous – Shut up, Mark! You’re joking!

-          I’m not! – He said laughing.

-          He has been my platonic love since I was a teenager!

-          I know. I took you to their concerts.

-          I love them so much!

-          The new record sounds amazing!

-          Can’t wait to hear it.

-          So… what do I say to Richard?

-          Say hell yeah! – She heard her brother laughing hard on the phone.

-          We’ll leave to Vegas this Thursday.

 She couldn’t believe it! She wasn’t a person that idolized other people, but The Genius Sex Poets always had a place in her heart. They played rock music with a couple of synthesizers and made some of the catchiest songs she ever heard; they were amazing on record and even better live. Richard Austin was the front man, the lead singer, and he had this amazingly arrogant stage persona that melted her heart every time she saw them in concert, so sure of himself, cocky, his eyes were light brown as his hair, all sleek to the back. He wasn’t tall but his smile could light up the city were they came from: Las Vegas. She used to have a huge poster with his face in her room when she was a teenager, they were definitely one of her favorite bands in life.

Hey everyone! I’m so sorry I couldn’t upload last Thrusday, there’s too much goin on right now but here it is!! Chapter 31!

Read chapter 30

-          I missed your lip biting thing – Josh said to Anastasia while walking through a Venice square, on the way to the restaurant where a big lunch was going to be held.

-          I missed your guitarist fingers – Anastasia said back to him, a little bit flushed.

-          Are you blushing? – Josh asked laughing.

-          No, I’m not. It’s the heat – Anastasia lied. It was actually very hot outside in that city and Anastasia had to choose a light outfit, a grey flower-printed crop top with a low cleavage, a pair of baby blue jeans, grey oxfords on her feet and a grey, wide-brim fedora.

-          You look amazing, by the way – Josh said to her once again – Well, you always do. Even when dressing so sensual you have such a taste…

-          Thank you – Anastasia said – Are you adulating me because I gave you the best sex of your life last night? – Josh laughed.

-          The Anastasia I know is back. I’m adulating you because you’ve given me the best sex of my life in general – This was getting weird for Anastasia.

-          Josh… - She didn’t know if she should ask about his girlfriend. She actually didn’t want neither if it was going to break the spell. It was obvious they were together but she wanted to know if this was just a one night stand or something more. At the same time she didn’t want it to be something more, she couldn’t go through that again – Never mind.

-          No, tell me.

-          Don’t worry, we are already here – She said looking at the whole travel crew sitting at a large table in the restaurant’s balcony.

They made their way there and Anastasia had a glimpse of the place, it was beautiful. You could see the ocean from the balcony and the boats riding in the back. She chose a chair next to Barbara and in front of Mandy, while Josh sat a little bit away, next to Flea. She felt Barb and Mandy’s keen eyes, so she smiled at them with a funny grin. She then could see Mandy moving her lips to her forming the words “Fuck you”, Anastasia laughed.

Lunch was amazing, everybody there got along so well. They all had crazy conversation topics, they talked about life on tour and making music, they even talked about the old times when Anthony and Barbara were a mess, way before Anastasia moved to LA, then Anthony mentioned when An moved and everything changed for Barbara, but in a good sense and how Barbara took her to almost every concert she could. An was feeling good, so well. Better than the last months. She even stopped thinking about Josh’s girlfriend; suddenly she wasn’t worried about it anymore. She was enjoying that moment, right there without any obstacles.

After lunch everybody was up for a walk, they needed it because they all ate so much pasta. They visited the magnificent Piazza San Marco, then went to the Basilica, walked through small streets and visited some local stores and then everybody wanted to do some boat rides on the Grand Canal. But Josh had some other plans.

 -          What do you say if we skip the boat ride and go for gelato? – He asked to Anastasia almost whispering in her ear.

-          You know I’m always down for gelato – She answered smiling.

 She excused herself to the group saying she was feeling a little bit sick for a boat ride, and they both walked away from them. Then they arrived to a place called Boutique del Gelato, which was pretty famous in the city.

 -          The people at the hotel recommend it – Josh told Anastasia – And I know how much you love it, so I wanted to bring you here.

-          I want lemon and pistachio – Anastasia ordered.

-          What? That’s the weirdest mix ever! – Josh laughed.

-          Oh, I’m sure you are going to ask for something basic like chocolate and vanilla – Anastasia mocked him.

-          No… I’m going to order chocolate and… strawberry – Josh laughed and Anastasia joined him – I’m joking, I want hazelnut and Stracciatella.

-          Uh! Fancy! – Anastasia said.

-          The occasion warrants it, after all I'm with one of the fanciest people I know – He said.

-          Ok. Stop it, Josh – Anastasia said rolling her eyes.

-          And I’ll pay for it – Josh warned her – It’s your birthday weekend.

-          That makes me feel guilty – Anastasia said – I don’t like people paying for my stuff.

-          You are impossible – He said rolling his eyes but with a smile on his face.

 They ate their gelatos while walking around. Watching the city, avoiding the places with bad smell and just enjoying each other’s company. It was like the old days, even before they were a couple. She felt so good at that moment; she forgot everything he did, even if that was possible. It was the same old Josh, the one she met at Eric’s birthday party all those years ago.

At one moment she got lost with the view, the Venice canals opening to the ocean and then she heard a camera click at her back. She turned around fast and Josh was holding his phone and laughing.

 -          What are you doing? – She asked very confused.

-          Taking a picture – He said smiling like a dumbass.

-          Of me? – She asked again.

-          Well, you were on the way – He answered – But look, it’s beautiful – He showed her the photo and indeed it was a gorgeous picture. It showed her from the back looking at the horizon – Come here, let’s take a picture together.

-          Oh… that’s weird – She said smiling.

 Josh got close to her and they took a selfie with the Venetian landscape in the back.

 -          Look at you taking selfies! – Anastasia said mocking him.

-          Stop – He laughed – Gonna post this – Anastasia’s heart stopped.

-          Where? – She asked – Where are you gonna post it?

-          On Facebook, it’s the only social media I use – He said using his phone and she thought it was time to bring it up.

-          Josh, don’t! You have a girlfriend! – She had to say it. His face changed from happiness to confusion.

-          First of all, I don’t have a girlfriend – He said and that shocked Anastasia – Second, I’ll post it wherever I want to – She was about to ask “What about Lauren?” but she decided not take it further.

 The flight back served as a thinking session for Anastasia. Josh denied Lauren without hesitation, and he was acting so friendly the whole weekend, he apologized for everything he did and he looked honest doing so. They even had sex, the wine had a lot to do over there, but the next morning there wasn’t a drop of shame or regret in that hotel room. It all felt so natural, like if they were longtime friends that liked each other. Surprisingly she wasn’t even confused, she had peace in her heart, she was happy, of course… and just like that Anastasia had her hopes up again.

 -          You need to tell me everything – Mandy took a seat in front of her at Anastasia’s booth on the plane, luckily this time Josh was far from them.

-          What can I tell you? – Anastasia smiled at her friend – We had dinner and then went back to his room, we had sex, we ate gelato and then he denied the fact that he has a girlfriend.

-          What?! – Mandy couldn’t scream because the plane was so quiet – Anastasia, did you sleep with him?

-          You didn’t realize that I didn’t sleep in our room?

-          No. I was drunk and there were two bedrooms, I thought you were inside. I can’t believe this… And he denied her?

-          He said she wasn’t his girlfriend.

-          Oh my God, An! – Mandy said – I don’t want to see you suffer, please, please, please, stay strong. You don’t deserve this, you deserve a man for you alone, a man that only loves you.

-          Don’t worry about it.

-          I’ll be here in the end, as usual. That’s my mission in this planet – Mandy said checking her phone and suddenly she had a surprised expression on her face – Look!

 Mandy handled Anastasia the phone and An saw the photos Josh published on Facebook, first the one where she was alone, and then the selfie he took of them. He wrote “I wish all my trips around the world were like this” on the description box. Both friends shared a glance.

 -          He doesn’t have her as a friend on Facebook – Mandy said – I stalked him – She said before Anastasia could ask – Look, there’s more!

 A video from An’s birthday party of  her singing No Scrubs with Kelly was there too, he captioned it “Two girls who won’t take no scrubs”, a bunch of his friends left comments like “I want your life” and “I can’t believe you hang out with someone as hot as Anastasia Truman”, that one made her feel good.

 -          Why is he posting all this? – Anastasia asked.

-          No idea – Mandy said.

-          He didn’t even do this when we were a couple.

-          It’s weird indeed – Mandy said – Aw, An! Be careful, please!

-          How was your weekend? – Anastasia changed the subject violently.

-          It was amazing! – Mandy answered with light in her eyes – I had so much fun with all the food and everyone. Josh stole you, but anyway.

-          People noticed? – Anastasia was ashamed now.

-          Oh yeah. Anthony didn’t stop making jokes about it – Mandy said – I’m going to sleep a little bit, try to do the same.

-          You know I don’t sleep on planes – Anastasia said.

-          TRY! – Mandy screamed ignoring the rest of the people that were actually sleeping.

 Anastasia was confused now; this wasn’t a normal attitude on Josh. She got up from her seat and tried to look out for Josh. She saw him at her right, he was awake and she could see the reflective light on his face from his notebook. She walked towards him, he took his headphones off and smiled at her, then moved to make some room so she could sit next to him.

 -          Don’t you think those Facebook posts are going to get you in trouble? – Anastasia asked.

-          I already told you that no – Josh answered rolling his eyes – They are great pictures and the world should see them.

-          And that video.

-          That video was hilarious – He said laughing – If it is such a big deal for you I’ll take them down.

-          No! It’s fine… for real – She said – Don’t worry. It’s just that you used to be so private.

-          I still am – He answered – And I know who I have on my Facebook page just like you know who follows you on your Instagram. You used to post pictures of me and of us, and I never had a problem with it. By the way, I noticed you never deleted them.

-          Why would I? It was a great moment in my life. I’m not a teenager, Josh…

 He just smiled and didn’t say anything back to that.

Back at her seat, she couldn’t help but to think about it. He wasn’t hiding her and she wasn’t sure if they were going to repeat what happened that weekend but right now she was happy, for real this time, for the first time in months, she was happy. Deep inside she knew it was a fake happiness but she didn’t mind it. All of her life she had to deal with anxiety and now she was ready to be better. Yes, Josh hurt her but also, she still had feelings for him and she could tell he still had feelings for her too. The way he made love to her the night before was filled with desire and passion. It didn’t feel like a stranger or a one night stand at all, it was two people in love giving themselves to each other.

Tour was about to start again and the future never looked so bright before her eyes.

Her we are again. I hope you all enjoy chapter 33.

I wanna thank you all for the feedback here an on Anastasia’s IG profile that I left terribly abandoned but I will retake it! Don’t worry about it!

Meanwhile you can check old posts there:

Anastasia_Truman  ❤️️

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

Read chapter 32

Lauren joined the tour until the Jacksonville date; she was taking a mini vacation from her album recording, as Anastasia found out one night in a bar from Carl. She hadn’t spoken to Josh since them, but her message with Silver Springs had been loud and clear.

 While in Orlando they had two days off, so everyone agreed on going to Universal Studios and have a different day with all the tour crew, which was an amazing group of people. Anastasia had so much fun visiting the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that for an afternoon, she forgot about the whole Josh issue; she focused on enjoying the Harry Potter ride since she was such a Potterhead.

 But Anastasia still hadn’t spoken to Josh. Anxiety took over her mind and Xanax started to be a regular thing, she knew it was wrong but it made her feel so good, forgetting everything around her. She woke up the second morning in Orlando and popped two Xanax like it was routine, Mandy wasn’t in the room at that moment which made it easier for An to do so. She went back to bed and her phone started ringing, she looked at the screen and saw three letters she didn’t want to see: JAK, but without thinking about it she picked up.

 -          Did I wake you? – Josh asked before An could say anything.

-          No – Anastasia answered while the pills kicked in.

-          Can you meet me so we can talk? – He asked softly.

-          Josh…

-          An, please! – He begged.

-          Ok.

-          I’ll see you at the lobby in ten – She hang up.

 That was hell, she was high with the pills and now Josh wanted to talk, she was going to act stupid. “Why did I agree?” she though, “I’m so fucking weak for this asshole”, her mind was having a conversation of her own. She got up while the effect of the Xanax was still mild, and got dressed with a simple t-shirt, a pair of jeans and Vans – It was starting to get hot outside - and walked out and to the lobby.

 -          So, listen… – Josh started to talk while they were walking near the hotel but Anastasia interrupted him.

-          I know what you are going to say, Josh, and you don’t need to lie to me about Lauren. It’s obvious you two have a relationship, I know you were with her on New Year’s Eve while I was with your friends, you don’t need to keep lying to me. More than lovers we have always been friends and we can’t have any kind of relationship if you aren’t honest – Josh opened his eyes wide.

-          I can’t say sorry enough…

-          You don’t need to say sorry.

-          I’m just confused because… You are amazing and you have your life all figured out, and I’m here dealing with insecurities that I have been working on for so long, but then you came to my life and give me a chance to be with you… but I realized that it made my insecurities even worst.

-          I’m so sorry to hear that…

-          I’m not in love with Lauren but she makes me feel good.

-          I thought I did my best to make you feel good.

-          You did but this is not your fault, it’s me. It’s me and my fucked up brain.

-          We all have a fucked up brain, you say I have my life all figured out when you know my life is a mess too. I have a mother who hates me, I always been drowning in work, focusing on keeping myself busy and leaving my personal life to a side, and now I’m almost 30, I’m alone and I probably won’t have a family because my life moves around my job and… there are more stuff – Anastasia was thinking if it was a good moment to tell him that she was unable to get pregnant, but he talked first.

-          I’m almost 40 and dating a girl that I definitely don’t want a family with. I love you – He said stopping walking and holding her by her shoulders forcing her to look at him – I really do, but it’s hard for me to be with somebody like you because I’m not mentally prepared for that. I know it’s stupid but I’m immature in so many aspects.

-          I love you too – She said – But all this made me feel so bad and it just made me realize how alone I am, and in a certain way it made me hate myself because I’m to blame in some level. I just can’t keep anybody next to me. You just changed me for another girl and that destroyed me.

-          I’m an idiot and you can hate me. I deserve it.

-          I don’t hate you, that’s the thing. I can’t hate you. You are my friend after all and we are working together now, I have to deal with you – She was calm because of the pill, but inside she wanted to stab him with the first thing she could find.

 They walked some more and stopped in front of a mural that represented people working on fields but their faces were badly done, and by that moment the Xanax was on full effect on Anastasia.

 -          That’s one fucking ugly mural – Anastasia said smiling in a silly way.

-          Yeah – Josh laughed noticing something wrong with her.

-          What? – The Xanax was at its full effect by then – Oh my God! – Anastasia couldn’t see clear.

-          Did you take something by any chance? – Josh said smiling; the situation was fun for him – Something like drugs?

-          Yeah! – Anastasia started crying – I took two fucking Xanax this morning because I’m tired of feeling, Josh! – She screamed - I’m so tired of everything! I haven’t done this since high school and that’s one fucking ugly mural – She was crying even more and Josh hugged her smiling – It’s so ugly.

-          Yes, it’s an ugly mural – Josh ram his hand through her hair – You need food, let’s go get a burger.

-          This is your fault – Anastasia said cleaning the tears from her face – It’s your fucking fault – She was acting tipsy and threw her arms to Josh neck while resting her head on his chest and closing her eyes.

-          How I wish it weren’t – Josh said kissing her hair.

-          I want that burger – Anastasia pulled away from Josh and tried to stand in front of him, she couldn’t without his help. He smiled again and took her by the waist – But wait! – She stopped – People are gonna know that I’m high.

-          Well, we’ll have to act – Josh said laughing.

-          But I can’t act!

-          You can, I’ve seen your music videos – Anastasia had a shocked expression on her face.

-          You did? Aw! – She was going through a lot of moods in that moment.

-          Come on – Josh took her by the waist again and started to walk.

 Josh took her to eat a burger in the first place they found on the way, he ordered two avocado bacon burgers, because it was Anastasia’s favorite.

 -          Boy, I starved myself for so many years that once I found love for food I want to eat it all – She said and he laughed.

 The burger was surprisingly good and after that they went back to the hotel, where Josh took Anastasia to his room and let her sleep. She slept for two hours and woke up more grounded, the Xanax started to wear off, so Josh thought it was a good idea for her to take a bath and he ran it.

 -          Do you know what’s good after a drug train wreck? – Josh asked.

-          A beer? – Anastasia asked back with a smile.

-          A bath, come on! – Josh carried her since still was hard for Anastasia to stand still.

 He sat on the border of the bath tub and started to undress her, first her t-shirt, then the jeans, he stopped for a second and looked at her eyes, she had a silly smile on her face and then he proceeded to take her underwear off.

 -          It’s not like you haven’t seen me naked before – Anastasia said getting inside the bathtub – Did you put essences on this bath? I smell coconut.

-          Yeah, I know how much you like it. I called the lobby and they sent me some – Josh said still in the border of the bathtub.

-          Wow! What a diligent little guy you are – Anastasia took seat and hugged Josh forcing him to fall on the bathtub getting all wet while wearing his clothes. The pills had lost the effect, Anastasia realized what she had done and felt instantly bad and ashamed – Oh my God, Josh! I’m so sorry. Oh God! – To her surprise, Josh was laughing.

-          It’s ok. Don’t worry – He got up inside the bathtub and started to take his clothes off.

-          What are you doing? – Anastasia asked confused.

-          I need a bath too – He said smiling and getting back into the bathtub this time completely naked, he noticed Anastasia’s confused look – It’s not like you haven’t seen me naked before – She smiled.

 Anastasia got nervous for a moment, but they just stayed there in the bathtub in front of each other looking into their eyes and smiling. There wasn’t a need for sex in that bathroom, neither one of them tried to make a move. They just laid there enjoying each other’s company, looking at each other and smiling. For that moment, Anastasia finally felt peace after all those stormy months. For those minutes she even forgot that she was angry at Josh for cheating on her. Josh grabbed her right foot and started to rub it.

 -          Oh yeah! That feels good – Anastasia said almost moaning with her eyes close and a smile on her face – Listen – Josh locked looks with her – I’m sorry for being so stupid with the Xanax.

-          Don’t worry about it. I’ve been laughing the whole fucking day.

-          I’m glad for being your source for joy.

-          You’ve always been – He said smiling – But for real, promise me you won’t do it again, you don’t need that, An, look at all the amazing things you have in life.

-          I’m looking at one right now – She said looking at him straight.

 Suddenly she felt the urge to kiss him but maybe that would ruin the moment. But Josh didn’t think the same, he took her wrists and pulled her towards him and kissed her so tenderly and so lovingly, sliding his hands into her wet hair slowly. He cupped her face after the kiss and stared at her for a few seconds.

 -          I’m always gonna be here for you – He said and put Anastasia’s arms around him forcing her to hug him.

 They just stayed there, in that position for about an hour. It was one of those incredible moments of intimacy without sexual touch that you only see in movies.

 Now she was lying next to Josh on his hotel bed. He was looking at something on his Notebook and she was staring at the ceiling, thinking about what just happened. At that moment all of her problems seemed so small, she had this man that cared about her but who was confused, so she decided she wasn’t going to force him, she wasn’t going to force any kind of situation. Josh needed to find his path on his own. She wanted him, she couldn’t lie about that and she knew he wanted her too, so Anastasia preferred to let everything flow. Josh was amazing as a lover and as a friend and she didn’t want to lose that, after all they were both adults and having this kind of friends-with-benefits thing was what adults did, she thought.

 The Miami schedule was perfect, they had another two days off before the show and everyone tried to get the most out of them. On Tuesday the sun was shining bright so Chad thought it was a great idea to rent a yacht and both bands, managers and some friends had a day at the ocean. Anastasia was happy for the swimsuit weather and she wore the hottest one piece swimsuit of all, it was red, laced up on the sides and with a deep neck line. She felt Josh’s eyes over her the whole time but tried to not give it much attention to that. She loved the beach, she loved the ocean and the summer breeze and it was extremely pleasant to finally enjoy it, even more after a winter in Europe where fake fur coats and snow were the norm.

 An and Mandy enjoyed sunbathing in a pool float with the shape of a cloud and a rainbow, while Eric, Josh and Nick decided go for a jet ski race that Nick won. Then it was time for the girls, Flea joined them to win over the girls. Mandy brought a white Captain hat that everybody wore at some point, especially for pictures.

 -          Captain hats were so in at parties when we were 16 – Anastasia said to Josh, Nick, Eric and Mandy.

-          Typical California girl behavior – Josh said laughing while Anastasia was trying the hat and winking at him.

-          Well… that’s what we are – Mandy answered.

-          She’s not – Josh said laughing still. Now Anastasia was taking a selfie.

-          My birth certificate says London but my heart says California – Anastasia said taking off the hat and everyone laughed.

-          I think I want to go for another jet ski round – Mandy said.

-          I’m tired! – Anastasia excused herself.

-          I’m in! – Nick said with a smile.

-          I’ll join you – Eric said with enthusiast too and the three left Josh and Anastasia behind.

 Suddenly they were alone again in the backside of the yacht, while the rest were on the front and upstairs.

 -          Put that hat on again I want to take a picture – Josh said smiling.

-          You are on with the picture game lately.

 He didn’t answer and she did as he told her while Josh took his phone. First he took one of her alone and she felt a bit awkward don’t knowing how to pose but then he got close to her and took a selfie of both.

 -          You are going to fill your phone with my pictures – Anastasia said taking the hat off again.

-          I wouldn’t be mad about that – He smiled and was still so close to her that he couldn’t resist to kiss her lips, it was a short kiss but meaningful.

-          We need to be careful – She looked to the sides.

-          About what? – Josh asked with a confused look on his eyes.

-          About whatever the hell this is, Josh – She had to say it. It still was strange for her to kiss him knowing that he had a relationship with someone else.

-          First, it isn’t anybody’s problem if we kiss or not. Second, I’m sure nobody really cares and third, we are both adults, we don’t need to hide. Yes, I know it’s a strange thing we have but I can help it, especially when you look so sexy like today – Josh said grabbing her by the waist.

 He kissed her again but Anastasia had to stop him because she was sure things were going to get intense and that wasn’t the moment or the place to happen. He didn’t get mad, actually he felt a little bit ashamed but she let him know it was ok.

 It was so special to watch the sunset, out in the ocean, with all the people she loved, even Josh who hugged her the whole ride back to the shore.

 The weather was great in Miami, it wasn’t too dry and it was kind of windy at night. Mandy wanted to go out, Anastasia, Nick, Eric, Chad and Josh followed her as they ended up on a Mexican food restaurant which had the most perfect and delicious margaritas Anastasia had ever had (Mandy agreed). They ate an absurd amount of food and then drank some more. Josh didn’t stop smiling at Anastasia and she returned the glances like an idiot.

 -          Look who’s here! – Chad said pointing to a table next to them – Doctor Ramos Jr.

 Anastasia turned her head and there he was, Alejandro and two other friends.

 -          Hey, boss! – Alex answered with that smile that melted Anastasia’s soul.

-          I love when you call me boss with that accent. It’s so sexy – Chad mocked and they laughed.

-          Hey, An! – Alex greeted her.

-          Hi, Alex, haven’t seen you in days – She said politely.

-          You got your voice back, you don’t need me anymore – he answered still smiling.

-          Aw, don’t say that! – Chad said – I got to tell you – Chad said to the other two guys that were on Alejandro’s table – No one treasts my sore wrists like this dude! – They laughed – Why don’t you guys join us!

 And so they did, they joined tables and now the group was larger. Anastasia could feel how Alejandro kept looking at her and also she saw how Josh face went to total angry mode and kept looking at her and him. The air was tense. After an hour, Chad wanted to leave. Eric, Nick and Josh decided to join him. Alejandro had some other plans and the girls chose to go with him to explore the Miami nightlife.

 It was fun and different, Alejandro (staying true to his Latin roots) took the girls to a salsa club where An and Mandy made total fools of themselves trying to dance.

 -          We are too white for this shit – Mandy said at some point on the dance floor.

-          And I’m British. That adds a whole new level of complex – Anastasia answered laughing.

 Alejandro helped An a little and by the end of the night she got a lot better. She was enjoining his company, he was fun and easy going and the way he held her waist while dancing woke things in her that she thought were asleep. It was a whole new phase of sensuality. Mandy had fun too but around two of the morning the girls decided to go back to the hotel. Alejandro made sure they arrived safe and sound; Mandy went straight to their room while Anastasia remained at the lobby talking with Alex some more. After some more flirty smiles, he said goodbye with a sweet kiss on Anastasia’s cheek.

 An was smiling in that elevator like a teenager in love. Then, she walked to her room but a voice stopped her.

 -          Did you have fun? – Josh asked as she looked at him. Their rooms where on the same floor, his a couple of doors away from hers.

-          Now you stalk me on hotel hallways? – She asked him.

-          I was worried about you – He said.

-          Worried about what? – She wasn’t drunk but alcohol definitely ran in her system.

-          Come here – He commanded and she obeyed, like it was some kind of spell – I just don’t like that guy – He said tucking her hair behind her right ear.

-          What do you know? – Josh was coming closer.

-          He’s not your kind – Josh started to kiss her, there, in that lonely hallway and she couldn’t control it.

 He grabbed her waist with despair and carried her inside his room. She couldn’t stop him, she didn’t want to stop him; the more passion Josh gave her the more she wanted to take. She threw her legs around his waist as Josh sat her on his bed without stopping the kisses. She took his t-shirt off (he was wearing his bed time outfit) while he kissed her neck, she bit his earlobe and that created a fierce reaction from Josh who pushed her on the bed and undressed her with rage. He threw her shoes away and took off her short dress with such violence that An was sure he ripped it off. Now they were naked on the bed and when An tried to jump on top of him he grabbed her wrist and pushed her again against the bed. He was going to be on top, he was going to be in charge, and he did. She saw an animal spark in his eyes.

 Josh was full of rage at that moment as she could see but it didn’t scare her, it excited her, it was a side of Josh she hadn’t seen in bed yet. She had the best angry sex of her life that night.

  -          Last night was fun – Mandy said while she and Anastasia were having breakfast in their room next morning.

-          I know.

-          You disappeared with Alex – Mandy made an exaggerated smile on her face.

-          Hmm – Anastasia was trying to find the right words to break it to Mandy – I actually disappeared with Josh.

-          For the love of the Lord, Anastasia Truman! – Mandy screamed – Did you have sex with Josh again? – Anastasia shrunk – Can’t believe this.

-          It was the best dick I ever had in my life – Anastasia said smiling – He was angry.

-          Glad that all the suffering that you went through was worth it – Mandy said – Wait, did you say he was angry?

-          Yeah. He took control and he was kind of punishing me. It was so hot.

-          He was jealous – Mandy said.

-          Jealous? – Anastasia looked at her friend – Of Alex?

-          Of course! I saw him looking at you and him and the restaurant last night and then you went to him like a fucking prize. It’s ego stuff. Like saying to Alex: “Yes you can flirt but I’m the one who is fucking her”.

-          Well, I hope he goes on being jealous like that if sex is gonna be that amazing.

-          You have no repair, lady – Mandy said laughing – But what about the whole situation?

-          Don’t worry about it. I’m gonna let it flow and have fun in the meantime. I won’t worry about the future.

-          You know I’ll be here for you to kick Josh’s ass anytime he deserves it.

 Josh wasn’t so angry the rest of the Miami trip, Alex didn’t appear near them again and he performed the happiest show ever, he was all smiles playing the songs and jumping around and joking with Chad, while Anastasia stood next to the stage also smiling, because she knew she was the reason for his happiness.

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

Hello everyone! I just wanna say that the amount of love that I’m receivingfrom all of you is immeasurable and I’ll be forever grateful for that!

Also I want to invite all of you to visit @bemygetawayjz​ to read Zara’s story with Josh if you haven’t - In that case you should be ashamed of yourself - and to ask her weird shit! Say that I sent you and she’ll give you an special answer (Not really).

Remember to visit Anastasia’s IG profile:

Anastasia_Truman  ❤️️

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

Read chapter 31

This leg of the tour was the one Anastasia’s was looking forward to the most; they would be traveling the South of the country to end in Florida where Anastasia was going to take advantage and make of it a small, very small, vacation. And now that the barrier between her and Josh was down, she was so excited about this new adventure, it was going to be like the old times.

She was wishful about the Josh situation; even though she said she wasn’t going to put her hopes up, but Josh kept texting her and they talked until late those two nights before traveling to Washington, DC for the show. The two bands traveled apart this time. Dead Curse arrived to DC earlier so the four bandmates decided to have a day together, visiting some historic sites like the Smithsonian, and other common touristic sites. Then, they went to some music stores and ended up at a bar near the hotel.

Next day, they were the first to get to the venue. Anastasia hadn’t seen Josh yet, but walking through the stadium she stumbled upon Anthony and Chad talking in front of the stage.

 -          Here we go again –She said to Chad and Tony – This “two weeks on, two weeks off” thing is killing me, man.

-          When you have a family you will understand – Chad said smiling.

-          You are part of the Josh club – Anthony said surprising Anastasia.

-          How come? – She asked.

-          He doesn’t like this schedule neither – Anthony answered – Hey, did you take pictures of us in Venice?

-          Of course – Anastasia replied.

-          Can I see them to see if we can post some on our social media? – He asked again and Anastasia handled him her phone.

-          You choose.

 She continued talking to Chad while Anthony checked trough her phone, then he gave it back to her and they walked together through the backstage area to a common room, where Josh was practicing and Flea was there teaching some bass lines to Mandy. She was thrilled to be there as Anastasia could see. As soon as Josh saw her, he put his guitar away and walked towards her to give her a big hug, she responded with a smile. Anthony walked to a couch and took his phone out while he kept talking to Chad.

 -          Did you bring your new guitar? – Josh asked Anastasia, grabbing his pink Fender 1960 Relic Stratocaster back.

-          Of course! I’, even gonna play it on some songs – She answered.

-          That sounds awesome – He said with a proud smile.

 In that moment a phone started to ring, but the ringtone was the Dark Necessities song.

 -          How much of a narcissist do you need to be to have your own song as a ringtone? – Mandy said laughing.

 The song kept going off but nobody picked up the phone.

 -          Somebody needs to pick that up – Anastasia said, and in that moment she felt a vibration inside the left back pocket of her jeans, that was weird because that wasn’t her ringtone. Sara by Fleetwood Mac was her ringtone.

 The song went off again. At that point Anastasia grabbed her phone and realize it was her own iPhone ringing, and in the screen she could see that Anthony was calling, her eye roll must have been huge because Anthony started to laugh loud.

 -          God! I give you my phone to check a picture for ten seconds and you change my ringtone? – Everybody in the room was laughing at this point – You are such a child.

-          Look at your screen background – Anthony said and she did it, a Josh picture was her new background. It was him smiling in the floor, holding a guitar in black and white.

-          You are such a child! – Anastasia said laughing too. Josh grabbed her phone.

-          It’s a nice picture – He said smiling as a joke.

-          Listen! – Tony spoke up again – We noticed yesterday that you sing the chorus on The Getaway and we haven’t performed it together during this tour! Would you like to join us on stage tonight?

-          Wow! – She was in shock – That would be cool! Do we need to rehearse or something?

-          That’s the other part of the surprise! – Chad talked this time – We have a couple of interviews so I don’t think we’ll get the chance to rehearse it.

-          Nice – Anastasia put a fake smile on her face.

-          You already know your part – Josh said – You helped build that song.

-          Well… I like extreme shit, so let’s do it!

 The Getaway was the third song on the Red Hot Chili Peppers setlist that night, so she waited at a side of the stage where nobody was allowed to be except the crew and sound engineers. That place from where she always watched Josh play, she just stood there until Anthony mentioned her name.

 -          For the next song I would like to bring up here someone special. She is like a niece to me and so is for everybody on this band, well, almost everybody – “He had to say that”, Anastasia thought – And she helped bring this next song to life, so please give it up for my favorite girl in the world, Anastasia Truman! – Anthony said and the whole venue burst into cheers and applauses.

 She smiled and took the stage, and as soon as she walked out she felt someone holding her. It was Josh, giving her a big hug from behind, she tried to hold herself together and walked to Flea’s side of the stage where he gave her a hug too. She only sang the chorus on the song and some harmonies so she decided it was best to just jump on top of Flea’s amps and sit there, once in a while she shared a smile with Chad or Anthony come closer to sing some parts to her, by the middle of the song she was so hyped she got off the amplifiers and walked next to Anthony but Josh turned her around and while she was singing the last chorus he had the brilliant idea to join his forehead with hers. That caught her by surprise and she didn’t know what to do except to follow his lead. She smiled and for the end of the song (which was sang by Tony and her at the same time), she decided to stand next to Anthony again. He thanked her for joining the band for that song, she said “thank you” to the crowd and before leaving she felt Josh’s arms around her again.

 -          That was a weird attitude from Josh last night – Mandy told Anastasia while they were getting ready to leave for the next city, Atlanta, the morning after the show.

-          I know, he was so loving on that stage – Anastasia said with a smile – But – She changed her expression – I woke up with this knot on my stomach today, like if something is going to happen.

-          Really?

-          Yes, I don’t know – Anastasia closed her suitcase – It’s probably nothing.

 They traveled alone again. When they landed in Atlanta, they went straight to their hotel rooms. Josh hadn’t texted Anastasia since the night before, so she wasn’t sure if he was in town yet. She went to sleep feeling the knot on her stomach and woke up next day with the same feeling. She knew something was going to happen.

Mandy wanted to wander around the city a little bit so she, Nick and Anastasia went to have lunch to a Southern cuisine restaurant where everything was fried, that grease filled An’s heart. Greasy food was the best! And this tour was making her gain a few pounds but she was having so much fun she didn’t focus on that. Tour had been great thus far, she was so thankful.

After eating such a huge amount of fried chicken, the three Dead Curse members made their biggest effort into walking to the venue. They were going to play a song for the first time that night, so Nick wanted to do a short sound check. Anastasia was sensing a bad feeling while she was approaching the Philips Arena, they entered through the backstage door and walked to the stage where Nick grabbed his guitar, and after planning with some engineers they started soundchecking. They song only required voice and guitar, it was a ballad and it was probably the first time they ever performed a ballad, but it was one of Nick’s favorite songs from their last album and he really wanted to play it.

 -          That song is beautiful – A shirtless Anthony said to her when she walked out the stage – Your songwriting is so good. I’m jealous!

-          Don’t worry “Ding, dang, dong, dong, deng, deng, dong, dong, ding, dang” is still one of the best lyrics ever written in music history, and nobody can’t take that away from you – Anastasia said smiling sarcastically.

-          Oh my God, An! – Mandy interrupted the conversation trying to catch a breath because she was obviously running but before saying anything she looked at Anthony for a second – If someone would have told me I was going to deal with so many old shirtless dudes on this tour…

-          What the fuck is wrong with you two today? – Anthony said laughing.

-          Back to you – She looked at Anastasia again – I have to tell you before you find out and it gets worse – Mandy took a deep breath – Lauren’s here – Anastasia’s heart stopped.

-          Man! That Josh is so stupid sometimes – Anthony said – Are you ok? – He asked Anastasia.

-          No – She answered – But I’ll be.

 She lied. She wasn’t going to be fine. This was a sick joke from the Universe or from Josh. What was she doing here? After Josh denied her as his girlfriend? Her world collapsed in a second and she felt sick. That was why she had that knot on her stomach, she sensed it. She wanted to avoid him, avoid her and avoid them. Mandy grabbed her and took her to their dressing room as fast as she could.

 -          This is a neverending thing – Eric said when the girls arrived to their dressing room.

-          I need to make this stop – Anastasia said – It’s my fault, I fell for him as I fall for him every damn time I see him. I thought this time it would be different but no. It’s my fault.

-          It’s not your fault – Eric talked again – You love him and you can’t control that, and…

-          Don’t dare tell me he loves me – Anastasia said before he could finish his sentence.

-          I think you need to be alone – Eric said walking to the door and grabbing Mandy.

-          But… - Mandy said

-          It’s true. I just need to be alone for a few minutes. Let me breathe, break some things and I’ll catch up with you later.

 Mandy walked out reluctantly, followed by Eric who closed the door behind him.

Anastasia took a look at herself in the mirror. She promised herself she wasn’t going to fall again and there she was, compressing all her anger on her throat as her eyes became watery, she wanted to scream but the pain didn’t leave any space for energy, so she threw herself in a big white sofa. She fell down next to her purse and took a look inside, and there she saw it: a box of Xanax. She hadn’t taken one in so long, years probably (she battled a little addiction to them about ten years ago and after that she never took another pill), but she always kept a box near, nobody knew about that, she never said a thing because it would piss everybody off, but ever since, she never felt the desire to fall in that again… until then. She felt defeated, lonely and so sad, and on top of that she had a show to perform in a few hours. She sat up and grabbed the box and without even thinking about it she popped one pill. She got up to look for some water but there wasn’t any near, instead she found a vodka bottle and by then she didn’t gave a fuck about collateral effects, she looked at herself in the mirror one more time feeling so disgusted with who she was at the moment and swallowed the pill with a shot of vodka, straight from the bottle. She looked at herself one more time and grabbed another pill to repeat the procedure. She sat on the floor, her eyes still watery but she wasn’t able to cry.

Anastasia lost track of time, and she just sat there waiting for the drug to kick in when she heard a knock on the door. By then the Xanax had done its thing and it was hard for her to move but she managed to get to the door and opened, Carl was on the other side.

 -          Are you ok? – He asked.

-          I’ll be in a moment – She answered.

-          I need you in the meeting room, I have something to discuss with you guys – Carl said.

-          I hope it makes my day better.

-          Oh, it’s gonna make your whole life better – He said smiling.

 They walked together to the meeting room. Anastasia was looking at the floor the whole time, she didn’t want to see anything or anybody. Once they arrived, Mandy, Nick and Eric where already there, sitting around a large black table. Anastasia took a chair next to Mandy.

 -          So I have great news, like the best news – Carl said. He was showing such an excitement.

-          Please, enlighten us! – Mandy said.

-          I managed to get you guys a spot in Glastonbury this year – Carl said with an exaggerated smile.

-          We already been to Glasto – Anastasia said.

-          Yes, playing at 4 o’clock – He talked again – But this time you’ll be headlining fucking Saturday in Glasto! – Anastasia’s eyes opened big

-          Wait, what? – Eric said trying to contain his smile.

-          You’ll be headlining Glastonbury in June!

-          OH MY GOD, CARL! – Mandy screamed and got up her chair to jump on Carl’s arms – Did you guys hear that?

 Anastasia was trying to process the information. When they started Dead Curse they did it as a way to express themselves and play music which was something they all loved to do, they never had any expectations to where this journey would lead them, but headlining Glastonbury was something she always dreamed about. It was her favorite festival in her homeland, and now she would have the opportunity to headline it. Dead Curse’s name would be among other big names in music like Radiohead, David Bowie, The Smiths, Oasis and many more. It was a dream come true for her.

 -          It’s a dream come true – She wanted to scream and jump and dance but the Xanax and vodka mix was on full effect and she couldn’t move her body.

-          Do you feel okay? – Carl asked her.

-          Yes. I just need to sleep for about an hour – She said getting up with difficulty – Can I do that?

-          Be my guest – Carl said.

 She left her bandmates celebrating and walked back to her dressing room but on the way she fronted Josh.

 -          Hey! I heard about Glasto, congrats – He said with a smile.

-          I can’t deal with you right now, please let me through – His smile automatically faded and he didn’t try to stop Anastasia – You know? – She said a few steps away and he turned to see her – When you’re done playing with this girl and get ready to hang with a woman then we’ll talk – Xanax made her honest. He didn’t answer.

 She was feeling a windwhirl of emotions at that moment: sad because of Josh, angry with herself for being so stupid and extremely happy because she was achieving a longtime goal. She rested her head on the sofa and without thinking about it she fell asleep.

Within an hour for the show, Mandy woke An up and then helped her get ready to perform. On a quick meeting before taking the stage Anastasia decided to add a cover to their set list, it was a song that all of them knew well so nobody had a problem with it.

It was Fleetwood Mac’s Silver Springs. She took the Stratocaster Josh gave her for her birthday and started to play and sing.

 I'll begin not to love you

Turn around, see me runnin'

I'll say I loved you years ago

Tell myself you never loved me, no

And did you say she was pretty

And did you say that she loves you

Baby, I don't wanna know

Oh, no

And can you tell me was it worth it

Really, I don't wanna know

 She noticed Lauren and Josh at a side of the stage, he was looking at her with a mix of regret and love in his eyes, maybe it was the Xanax but at that moment she didn’t care what the hell he was feeling.

 Time casts a spell on you, but you won't forget me

I know I could have loved you, but you would not let me

 She looked straight into Josh’s eyes at that moment. And Lauren noticed it because she looked at both, confused. But once again: she didn’t give a fuck about it. She was returning the favor to Josh, as he sang Landslide for her a couple of weeks ago but with a lot more revenge on it, this time.

Then it was time for the song they practiced that afternoon, she announced to the crowd that it was the first time they would play it live and everybody cheered.

 It's been so long between the words we spoke

Will you be there up on the shore, I hope

You wonder why it is that I came home

I figured out where I belong

 It was a song called Long and Lost that she wrote after breaking up with Valentine but it seemed so valid and relatable at the moment.

 But it's too late to come on home

Are all those bridges now old stone?

But it's too late to come on home

Can the city forgive? I hear it’s sad song

Read chapter 33

Disclaimer: as I always tell you I have not a tiny bit of talent to write songs so I use some that have been already written, the one in this chapter is “Long and Lost” by Florence and The Machine. Such a beautiful song.

And now I give you “Silver Srpings” by Fleetwood Mac. Ultimate favorite. Any Fleetwood Mac fans out there?

I know I'm uploading super late today but the internet connection has been so bad the whole day. But here it is: chapter 29!

Thank you so much to everyone who write me here and on Instagram! It makes my heart so happy!

Remember to visit Anastasia’s IG profile:

Anastasia_Truman  ❤️️

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

Read chapter 28

Before the show in San Diego, Anastasia discovered a sweet surprise at her dressing room in the Valley View Casino Center. It was filled with red roses, at least five huge bouquets. She was thrilled, although she didn’t like roses. She walked to the flowers and spotted a small card, she read it was actually Peyton who sent them to Mandy. Anastasia couldn’t help but smile like an idiot, she was feeling so happy by the relationship her friend had until she heard a voice behind her that brought her back to earth.

 -          Wow, what’s all this? – Josh asked entering the room.

-          Someone sent flowers – She said trying to ignore him and hiding part of the story.

-          But… roses? You hate roses – He said making Anastasia remember how well he knew her – You only like wild flowers, you always say that roses are basic and…

-          Yes, Josh, I know what I said before – She cut him off – But this is a nice thing.

-          Are you seeing someone? – He went straight forward.

-          Well… you could say so – She said lying and not knowing why.

-          Well, this guy doesn’t know you at all. He didn’t investigate you like I did.

-          What?! Investigate me? – She asked kind of annoyed.

-          Yeah, and one of the first things I learned about you is that you hate roses – Josh said smiling and Anastasia was confused by the direction of this conversation – By the way I didn’t have the chance to ask you, but what did you think about Dot Hacker’s new record?

-          I liked it so much I destroyed my turntable listening to it – She said even more confused by the question.

-          How come?

-          Because of the messages in the songs. I was angry – Maybe this was the moment for them to talk straight.

-          Sorry to hear that – Was all that Josh managed to say – Your turntable was a historic piece.

-          Josh, you wrote songs about feeling bad in our relationship, about how it wasn’t working, but you never talked to me about it! – There she was, giving her attention to the white elephant in the room.

-          I know and I can’t apologize to you enough – Josh said looking to the floor like he always did when he was ashamed. - But of all the people in the world, you know how great it is to put your feelings in a song. I wrote about loving you too.

-          I know and it made everything much more confusing – Anastasia said angry.

-          I’m sorry… - Josh couldn’t finish his sentence because Mandy entered the room screaming.

-          Oh my God! What is this? – She asked looking at the flowers and realizing Josh’s presence

-          It wasn’t me – He said looking at Mandy.

-          It’s obvious – She said taking the card from Anastasia’s hands. Now Josh would know the truth – They are from Peyton! – Mandy said overly excited – Oh my God! That little fucker! I love him so much! – She screamed.

 Anastasia saw Josh smiling wide, almost laughing, and then leaving. She felt so stupid.

 -          Josh thought they were for me – Anastasia told Mandy.

-          Sweetie! Oh God! Sorry! – Mandy said checking the roses – I would have followed the lead.

-          Don’t worry, that would have been childish – Anastasia said laughing.

 After the show that night everyone was ready for a long break. They’d be out for about three weeks. Anastasia was going to be busy for the next few days, her birthday was coming up and she was preparing a big party to turn 28. She followed Mandy’s advice and invited Alex but he respectfully declined saying that he needed to go back to Miami for work. She felt disappointed but totally understood; that’s a doctor’s lifestyle.

 One Friday in Los Angeles, with the party a week away, Nick invited Anastasia to a bar where he, Eric and some friends were going to see a local band play. Mandy joined her as Peyton was extremely busy with the start of the baseball season. It was a nice bar in Pasadena and the band played a soft rock kind of music, they were good and Anastasia realized they could be a great add to her label. The night was being fun and she was chatting with Eric’s friends including Clint and Jonathan. Hannah was there too and suddenly all the happiness went to hell when she saw Josh entering the place holding hands with Lauren; she was wearing the tightest pony tail in history and a pair of black leather pants with a pink crop top and, again, she thought how despair the two looked together. She felt Mandy’s arms around her as they walked away to avoid them.

 -          How can she be so tacky? – Mandy said while ordering two mojitos at the bar.

-          I don’t wanna make this sound like I’m jealous but they aren’t meant for each other! – Anastasia said.

-          I know and you are jealous anyway – Mandy said giving Anastasia her glass.

-          What?! – Anastasia asked.

-          It’s normal – Mandy said – I know you are over it, but it’s normal to have those feelings.

-          I’m not jealous! – Anastasia screamed as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Josh and Lauren standing there and that made her furious.

-          Hi! – Josh said. How dare he flaunt Lauren in Anastasia’s face?

-          How are you? – Anastasia asked without any emotion.

-          We wanted to say hi! – Lauren said with her annoying voice – Because I’m a huge fan and I think I already told you that and I’m so happy you are friends with Josh – Anastasia could hear Mandy burst into laughter behind her.

-          Oh well… hi! – Anastasia said.

-          Do you want something to drink? – Mandy asked Lauren to be polite.

-          Oh no. I’m on an alcohol-free diet – Lauren asked as Josh turned to talk with one of his friends leaving them in this awkward conversation.

-          Is that the Pre-Euthanasia Diet? – Anastasia asked finding her sarcastic spot - ‘Cuz that would be the only way I’ll be alcohol free. If I was going to die.

-          Be real, not even in that moment would you knock off alcohol – Mandy said to Anastasia laughing.

-          Do you have any idea how many calories alcohol has? – Lauren asked really concerned, demonstrating she didn’t understand sarcasm.

-          Lauren, my friend, you are funny – Anastasia put a hand on Lauren’s right shoulder - and I’m pretty sure you don’t even know what euthanasia is. Live life! Have fun! Drink the alcohol! Practice euthanasia! – She and Mandy laughed hard and Lauren tried to follow them laughing too but not knowing what about.

-          Ok, we’ll see you around, girls – Josh said realizing the situation and taking Lauren far.

-          That was so epic! – A voice said behind Anastasia and she saw Kelly.

-          Your fucking hair! – Anastasia screamed touching Kelly’s hair which was lavender now.

-          Welcome to the cool hair color club! – Mandy said hugging Kelly.

-          I need one of those mojitos because I’m not on the Pre-Euthanasia Diet – The three friends burst into a hard and loud laugh.

 The party was almost set and Anastasia’s birthday – April 1st – was a Saturday which made everything more perfect. The theme of the night was the 90’s and everyone should dress according to that decade. Mark prepared a bunch of amazing 90’s mixes and Barbara took care of the food and the drinks. The party was going to be held at Anastasia’s home in Beverly Hills, she hasn’t thrown a party there since she was in college. She and Mandy were really excited for their outfits: plaid miniskirts, tight sweaters, thigh-high socks and heeled ankle boots, combat style, an outfit that would had made Cher Horowitz burn with envy.

When Anastasia got downstairs a nice group of friends and family were already there: her dad, Mark and Stephanie (who was looking amazing with a long spaghetti-strap dress with a daisy print), Barbara and even Chad, his wife and Anthony made it to the party. Flea couldn’t go but Clara could make it, she brought her boyfriend with her; many high school friends were there too and some from college and in a corner of her backyard she saw a lavender head and next to her she spotted Josh, joined by Nick, Eric, Hannah and thankfully no Lauren to be seen. That would have been a slap in her face (seeing Lauren there), but Josh didn’t play that low.

Everyone greeted Anastasia and praised her outfit choice, especially Josh who couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. That made her feel powerful but she didn’t let it go to her head. She was having too much fun singing TLC songs with Mandy and Kelly while Josh recorded them with his phone. Everyone was having a nice time. But suddenly, she found herself alone with Josh in a corner of the backyard. She felt nervous so she started to talk about anything.

 -          I wanted to wear a cute Stones’ t-shirt I own but then I remember I left it at your house. I never went to pick up my stuff from your place, sorry about that – Anastasia said.

-          Don’t worry, they’re still there for whenever you want to come by – Josh said – Do you have the stuff I left here?

-          No. I threw it away – Anastasia said and Josh looked surprised – Joking, Mandy put it in a box in the basement and that’s how I knew I had a basement!

-          What? – Josh laughed.

-          I always knew there was one extra door in this house – She was barely sober by that moment.

-          You’re crazy – Josh was laughing hard – Hey, come with me so I can give you your gifts.

 And just like that, without any warning, Josh took her right hand and walked her out of the house to his car: He opened the trunk and two big boxes laid there, wrapped in black wrapping paper with a silver moon print and silver bows on top.

 -          You need to open them now – Josh said – I want you to do it here, with no one around.

-          Really? – She looked at him.

 He nodded as she proceeded to open the boxes. She chose the small one first, even though it was still big, tearing the paper like a small kid on Christmas, it was a new turntable, all crystal clear, perfect size.

 -          It was my fault you destroyed yours, so… - Josh said scratching his head with his free hand (he had his drink in the other) – It’s the same I have at home, it sounds like heaven.

 She smiled and looked at the other box, it was larger and she destroyed the paper with little patience. It was a guitar case. Josh helped put it near her on the trunk so she could open it. It was dark outside but she could see that the case was made in dark blue synthetic leather and had a pattern of half-moons all over.

 -          I know you like moons – He said smiling.

 Anastasia’s chin went straight to the floor when she opened the case. It was a custom made Fender Stratocaster guitar, with a mirror finish and a bird and a flower print. The scratch plate was made in mother-of-pearl. It was the most beautiful guitar she had ever seen.

 -          Look at this – Josh said pointing at the head were her name was engraved in gold.

-          Josh, this is beautiful! – She picked the guitar, the strap had moons all over too – I have no words.

-          Just say thanks and let’s go back to the party – Josh took the guitar and placed it on the case, but Anastasia couldn’t take it anymore and hugged him. She hugged him so tightly while tears started to run from her eyes – Don’t cry!

-          It’s just that this is so beautiful! – She said – When did you have it made?

-          Around October – He answered.

-          Is this because I gave you a custom made guitar too?

-          No! Not at all. I just thought that it was going to be something you would appreciate. I wanted it to be ready for Christmas, but the team couldn’t do it so I saved it for your birthday.

-          This is so special! – She was feeling all kinds of things inside her brain by that moment and mixed with alcohol it made more tears run down her face.

-          You are special – He said and took her by her chin to wipe her tears away.

 They locked eyes and stared at each other for what it seemed an eternity. Anastasia wanted to kiss Josh but she knew it wasn’t the most intelligent thing to do. However, he surprised her coming closer and joining his lips with her. She missed him, she missed that. Josh gave her the most sweet, caring kiss she had had in a long time. Not even when they were a couple did he kiss her that way. It was slow but full of passion. Josh broke away and ran his thumb over Anastasia’s lips, looking into her eyes with desire.

 -          I think we should go back inside – He was the first to talk, breaking the spell.

-          Yes – She agreed, breathing heavily. She attempted to grab her gifts but Josh stopped her.

-          Don’t worry, I’ll carry them inside before I leave, later.

Anastasia smiled and walked back to the house without even noticing if Josh was following her. She was shocked, smiling like she hadn’t smiled in weeks. She decided to not say anything to anyone, to keep the surprise for later but she was the one about to be surprised again that night.

Later, when most of the guest had already left, she was inside the living room when her father approached her.

 -          Come with me – An’s dad said – I have a surprise for you.

 He walked with her to the garden where she saw Mark, Stephanie, Nick, Eric, Hannah, Kelly, Josh, Barbara, Anthony, Mandy, Peyton, Clara and her boyfriend, Chad and his wife and a blond lady in the middle of them. Anastasia recognized her and stood still abruptly. She couldn’t believe it, it was Stevie Nicks, wearing the most gorgeous blue shawl she had ever seen, with fringes all over. Anastasia looked at his father who laughed because she must have the most stupid look on her face by now. Stevie walked towards her and gave the birthday girl a warm hug; it was just how she imagined it would be. Anastasia wasn’t a girl with idols and she wasn’t a fan of anything, but Stevie Nicks was in a whole other level. She touched Stevie’s face, then regretted it and said sorry, but the “White Witch,” as some called Nicks, just laughed.

 -          Mister Nick here told me it was your birthday – Stevie said – And I wanted to come and say hi since I heard you are a big fan.

-          The biggest! – She said without thinking about it and everyone laughed. Anastasia could see Mandy was crying and smiling.

-          I must admit that I’m your fan too – Stevie said – I love your music, it’s so pure and the way you sing it is magical.

-          I can’t believe you are saying this – Anastasia said – Have you listened to us?

-          All your records – Stevie answered smiling.

-          Shut up! – Anastasia smiled wider.

-          I think we should go inside and play some music – Anastasia’s dad said – Would you like that? – She didn’t answer; instead she jumped into his arms giving him a big hug.

 Once everyone found a place in the living room, Nick handle a guitar to Stevie and Anastasia sat next to her in the big central couch. Stevie started to play the first notes of “Landslide” and the midnight-blue-haired girl looked at Josh instantly, he smiled tenderly at her. Both singers recited every word on that song. After that “Dreams” followed, then it was the turn for “Sara,” in “Gypsy” Stevie gave the guitar to An, she played and they finished with everyone singing along to “The Chain.”

That was the best birthday Anastasia could have had, without a doubt. She went to sleep that night with the biggest smile on her face and next morning when she walked downstairs and saw Josh’s gifts near her kitchen that smile became wider.

But, above all, she wasn’t going to get over that fact that Stevie “Dame” Nicks had been at her place the night before to serenade her on her birthday. That was the best gift of all without a doubt.