Pucked by love

*Soraya*

I can barely contain my excitement as Lulu flops onto the plush designer couch in my living room beside me, the fabric cool against my skin. “So, looking forward to the concert tonight?” she asks, her voice laced with anticipation.

“Absolutely! It’s been ages since I’ve been in the audience, feeling the pulse of the music and the energy of the crowd,” I reply, a rush of nostalgia flooding my thoughts. It feels like a lifetime since I was just an ordinary girl, screaming my heart out at concerts alongside everyone else. “I just wish we could be down in front of the stage with the rest of the fans, like in the old days.”

Lulu shrugs, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, I know, but sweetie, you can’t be a rock star and still do normal things. Fame has a price.” Her words hit me like a bittersweet chord. She’s right, of course. Ever since I burst onto the rock scene, my life has been a whirlwind, spinning faster than I ever imagined. One moment, I was a nobody, and the next, I was thrust into the limelight, living the life of Kintana… My rock star alter ego.

Tonight, though, it’s an Aerosmith concert, a dream come true and a chance to relive those electric moments. But instead of being in the thick of it, I’ll be tucked away in a VIP section, watching from the sidelines. My publicist, Henley, insists it’s for my safety. The throngs of fans can be overwhelming, and the last thing I want is to get lost in the crowd. But a part of me longs to feel that raw energy up close, to lose myself in the music like I used to.

As I prepare for the night, I can’t help but feel a flicker of rebellion. I want to shed the layers that is Kintana and just be Soraya, even if it’s just for a few precious hours. I want to laugh, to dance, to forget about the facade I’ve been forced to wear.

“Lulu, I’m hitting the shower!” I call out, eager to wash away the remnants of yesterday’s hair chalk. I step into the steaming cascade, letting the water wash over me like a cleansing wave, the colors of the night before swirling down the drain. I take a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of citrus shampoo, and it feels liberating.

When I step out, I slip into my favorite faded jeans and an Aerosmith T-shirt that has an open back, the fabric soft and worn against my skin. I braid the front strands of my hair, tucking them back to keep my face free, while the rest tumbles down my shoulders in carefree waves. I grab my makeup, painting my lips a bold cherry red and smudging dark, smoky eyeliner around my eyes. I am a rock girl at heart, after all… this is my time to shine.

Lulu emerges from my spare bathroom looking fierce, with leather pants hugging her curves and a skull tank top that screams attitude. Her black hair is piled high, heavy makeup accentuating her sharp features. “Looking good, Soraya!” she compliments, and I can’t help but grin at her reflection in the mirror.

“Thanks, doll! You look amazing too. Let’s get going; we want to beat the crowds,” I reply, the excitement bubbling in my chest.

As we step outside, the evening air is electric, and a sleek car awaits us, its polished surface glistening under the streetlights. We slide into the back seat, and Lulu quickly grabs two beers from the mini-fridge, handing one to me. “For a fun night,” she says, a devilish grin spreading across her face.

“A fun night,” I echo, clinking my can against hers. The sound reverberates between us, and we both take a hearty swig, the cold liquid invigorating me. I close my eyes for a moment, letting the anticipation wash over me. Tonight, I’m not just a rock star. I’m Soraya, ready to reclaim the joy of the music and the thrill of the crowd.

As the car pulls away, I can feel the excitement coursing through my veins, a thrilling mixture of adrenaline and freedom. The concert awaits, and I’m ready to lose myself in the magic of it all.

*Tom*

I slump back against the couch, the soft cushions cradling me as I press my phone to my ear. “I don’t know, Ben. I’m not really in the mood, to be honest.” My voice is flat, the weight of my growing listlessness hanging heavily in the air around me.

Ben’s voice takes on that familiar tone… the one I secretly call his ‘daddy voice.’ It’s a mix of concern and that relentless optimism of his. “Tom, you need to get out more. Not to be rude, but you, my dear, are spending too much time cooped up alone at home.”

I roll my eyes, even though he can’t see me. He’s right, but there’s a part of me that wants to cling to this solitude like a lifeboat in a storm. “But a rock concert? Not really my scene, honestly.” I know I should defend my position, but the truth is, I’ve been stuck in a rut lately, and I can’t find the way out.

“Come on!” Ben urges, his excitement bubbling through the line. “Martin has VIP tickets! Apparently, Amanda knows someone working with the band.”

Ben is the captain and center for the LA cyclones, Martin is out goalie and Amanda his beautiful wife. I play left winger.

A flicker of interest ignites in my chest. A boys’ night out could actually be fun. We don’t get enough of those these days, and the thought of losing myself in the music, surrounded by friends, feels tantalizing. I hesitate for a moment, the image of a wild night dancing through my mind, but doubt clings to me like a damp sweater.

“Okay, okay,” I finally relent, feeling a spark of enthusiasm. “I guess it could be fun, and the music is kind of okay. So hell, if you’re both in, so am I.” The words tumble out, and I can’t help but grin as I imagine the night ahead.

On the other end of the line, Ben makes a sound of pure glee, a joyous little whoop that makes me chuckle. “Good! You know it’s not often that Martin and I get let out like this unattended for a boys’ night out. This has to be epic!”

“Don’t you say that every single time, Ben?” I tease, my mood lifting. I glance at the clock, realizing I need to get my act together. “But I better hit the shower and get ready. See you later.” I hang up, placing my phone on the table, and let out a deep sigh.

I sit in silence for a moment, the weight of solitude pressing down on me. When did I become the boring one on the team? I mean, I’m single… young… shouldn’t I be out there chasing adventure, searching for ‘the one’ to complete me? Yet, lately, I feel like I’ve been drifting, surrendering to a sense of defeat.

It’s not that I’m depressed or anything, but loneliness has a sneaky way of creeping in, and I find it hard to pull myself together to do much of anything. The constant travel with the team has worn me out… cities and arenas blur together in my mind, and the thrill of new places has dulled into a faint echo.

On top due to too many athletes getting in trouble with drugs, women and the law our team has strict rules… no bad press. And I have a reputation to uphold, as the wholesome all American family idol.

I push myself off the couch, stretching my arms high above my head as I make my way to the bathroom. The cool tiles feel refreshing under my feet, and I look in the mirror, taking in the reflection of the guy who’s been feeling a bit lost. But today, I decide to change that. I’m going to do this wholeheartedly, not just to please Ben but to shake things up for myself.

As I step into the shower, I let the warm water cascade over me, washing away the weariness. I let my mind wander, imagining the energy of the crowd, the bass thumping in my chest, and the freedom of just being. Maybe this night out will be the spark I need to reignite the adventurous spirit that’s been hiding away.

With newfound determination, I grab the shampoo, lathering it into my hair as I sing along to a tune playing in my head. Tonight is going to be epic, and I’m ready to embrace it.