The Carousel

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"Really, there's no need, Tommy," Ondine began to say.

"We'd love to," Shey stepped in front of her friend and interrupted Ondine. "Ames, shhh," she whispered as she turned to look at her flabbergasted best friend.

"Great. See you girls later," Tommy winked at them.

"Bye, thanks!" Shey said again since Ondine has now lost her ability to speak. She grabbed her friend and shook her. "Whoo frickin' hoo!"

"Shey, calm down. It is not that exciting. Didn't you hear me on the phone earlier? That Jared guy is irritating as fu..."

"Hey, it doesn't matter. Tonight we party like rockstars like we planned anyway. Just relax. Now let's go home so I can start getting ready. And you...you need to look smashing! You need to make Drake regret why he ever let you go. BIG TIME."

Ondine couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, yes, yes, whatever, let's just do this."

***

Jared Ethan Miller took a sip of water as the band finished their rehearsal. Jared was the drummer for White Noise. He was going to school for business management, but he dropped out before his senior year to pursue his music and focus on the band, to the chagrin of his parents, his mom, especially. He promised to go back and finish eventually, mostly to appease his worried mother, but that he wanted to chase his dreams for the time being. Beth Miller wasn't so sure, but she had to let her child spread his wings, to find his own way. She could only trust him when he said he would eventually go back to school and graduate with his degree in business. Her two children, Jared and Emily Jane, definitely got their rash bullheaded ways from her husband, Jake, but she couldn't chastise them for that quirk in their personalities. It was what made her fall in love with Jake, his independence, his sureness that everything will work out fine, his never give up attitude, so she couldn't begrudge her children for having the same outlook in life.

White Noise had earned a cult following, thanks to the heavy online presence of their loyal fans, fans who are growing in number by the minute. They conquered their hometown of Los Angeles first and now they were in New York for the very first time, surprised at the clamor for them to perform in the biggest city in the United States. It was exciting and nerve-wracking, and he had to take a shot of whiskey before the band took the stage. He had gotten his bag back thanks to Tommy, and he was now wearing fresh clothes for their show. He wore just black jeans, black loafers, a chambray shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a skinny black tie. His hair had been styled just so, parted on the side and gelled, his scruffy beard trimmed close to his face. They stood under the bright lights, could hardly see the crowd that came out to see them perform, but knew from the loud ruckus in the building that it was filled to capacity. Ninety minutes came and went in a flash, and after a short, two-song encore, the band was now backstage celebrating the success of their first New York show.

"Congrats, guys!" Tommy said as he popped open a bottle of expensive French champagne. "Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Jared, Ben, and the rest of the guys toasted to their success.

They were laughing and recounting their show excitedly when they heard a rap on the door. Tommy opened the door and a bouncer spoke to him and nodded behind him towards two familiar faces. Tommy told them to wait as he closed the door again to talk with the band, most especially Jared.

"Jared, Ondine and her friend are here. I invited them to watch your show and told them to come backstage so you can thank them personally."

"What? Why? I thought you did all of that earlier?" Jared answered his manager.

If there was a character flaw to complain about Jared, it was that he was hotheaded. He had been in a foul mood for the couple of weeks leading up to the New York trip. Clarisse, his on again-off again special lady friend and had been in petty fights. She wanted to be in a committed relationship with him, but he didn't want the same. She was starting to strangle him with her constant presence. It had been over for a long time, but she couldn't take the hint. Jared kept her around for a good time, but constantly reminded her that he couldn't offer her more.

"I know, but they're nice girls, and they went out of their way to meet me at the hotel. So just say a quick hello and thank you and send them on their way, simple as that."

"Nice girls? Are you sure? That Ondine sounded like a royal pain in the ass."

"I didn't get that impression, no," Tommy shook his head. "In fact, she's very lovely, polite and friendly."

"Hmmm, whatever. Let them in," Jared conceded. He turned around to pour himself another glass of whiskey.

Tommy opened the door once more and instructed the bouncer to let the women in. Jared looked up and saw the first woman's reflection in the mirror. He took a sip of his whiskey and nearly choked as he saw the second woman shyly enter the room. It was her, the woman at the airport. She had on a black romper with a lace detail overlay and a sweetheart neckline beneath the lace. The romper had a boat neck and , elbow-length sleeves, and a deep-v back. The shorts ended just below the butt, showing off the woman's perfectly shaped, smooth legs. Her hair was up in a sock bun, her eyes darkly lined just on the top lashes, and her lips sultry in dark red lipstick. She held a black clutch with her bangled hand and had a pointy toed stilettos with an ankle strap on her delicate looking ankles. He gulped the last of his whiskey as he saw Ben approach her in recognition, her eyes also lighting up at the familiar face. His face formed into a scowl and his eyebrows knitted at the sight.

"Jared, come here!" he heard Tommy bellow and saw him motion with his hands to come over.

Jared cleared his throat and approached the small group. Ondine gave him a tight smile, and crossed one arm over to clasp her other arm's elbow. He stood next to her, too close for comfort, and stared at her face. She felt uneasy, not sure whether because he looked so menacing and grumpy or because she found that look hot and attractive.

"Ondine, Jared, the owner of the big yellow bag," Tommy began. "Jared, this is Ondine."

"Ondine," Jared repeated.

"Jared," Ondine whispered his name. She stuck her hand out for a handshake.

He took her hand and shook it, his hold firm and tight. "Ondine. A pleasure."

And before she knew it, he swooped down and gave her a kiss on the cheek, near her ear, causing her to shiver at the ever growing attraction to this man with the dark, engaging eyes.