| Chapter 1 |
| Michael�s eyes glistened by the light of the flash bulbs. �Mike, these are the serious shots. Stop goofing off.� The photographer was used to taking of people like Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise; adults; people that listened. �Sorry,� he said trying to mask his giggles with his hand. Emily turned away, afraid she would just get him in more trouble. She couldn�t help but smile. Michael had come so far since playing tunes in her garage on his first guitar. He was about to release his first CD. It wasn�t even out yet and everyone already wanted to talk to him. It was amazing. �Ok, you�re done,� the photographer grumbled. Michael walked up to Emily from behind and startled her. �Don�t do that,� she teased, fake hitting him on the shoulder. �Then don�t make me laugh.� He flashed one of his million-dollar rock-star smiles. He perfected those a long time ago. They made all the girls melt, except Emily. She could see past them since she had known him all her life and vice versa. �Wanna go get something to eat?� �Yes, I�m famished,� she replied. The two walked out of the building to his car waiting in the parking lot. It was a candy apple red, vintage mustang. His favorite color, his favorite car. He bought it for himself on his 18th birthday. It was also a present for landing a record deal. �I know this great place down the street. The greatest pizza you�ve ever tasted,� Michael explained turning onto another street. He pulled into a close parking space and they hopped out of the car. They sat at opposite sides of a booth and picked up their menus. �Wanna split a medium cheese pizza? You won�t regret it.� �Do you think we can even fini-� she thought a second. Michael could eat more than any human on earth. �Sure,� she corrected herself. How may I help you?� the waitress said cheerfully, but a little nervous. �Medium cheese pizza and a pitcher of Mountain Dew,� Michael ordered. �W-will that be all?� she stuttered. �It must be her first day,� Emily thought. Michael nodded. Emily and Michael small talked about anything and everything until the pizza arrived. �Enjoy your meal!� Michael paused with his slice at his mouth until Emily tasted her first bite. �This is great!� exclaimed Emily. Michael devoured his piece before she got her last word out. �I know,� he replied after he swallowed. He smiled. Emily reached across the table and handed him a napkin. �You got some sauce right here,� she said pointing to the edge of her mouth. As the pizza slowly disappeared and the conversation became less and less, the check came. Michael and Emily brought out their wallets at the same time. �Let me pay,� Emily said, counting out her money. �No, let me. It�s my treat.� �Ok, rock, paper, scissors for it,� she suggested. �Fine. Hey, rock beats scissors, I pay,� Michael gloated. �Yeah, Yeah. You can afford it now that you are gonna have rock star status,� Emily taunted jokingly. Michael laughed sarcastically and walked over to the register to lay down the cash. �Here�s your change sir,� the waitress said politely. �Thank -� he replied, cut off by the smiling woman. �Can I have your autograph? Sorry to ask, but its not everyday that I meet someone famous.� Michael�s smirk widened, �Sure, what�s your name?� He grabbed a pen out of his pocket and took a business card. �Martha.� She couldn�t help but smile. He finished his signature and walked out the door with Emily a few steps ahead of him. �First brush with fame� Emily though. ~xxx~ |
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