Backstage

Chapter 4

"Are you serious?" I nodded in reply. Oh no, is he gonna give me a lecture about me being too young now that I told him my age?, I think to myself. I hope this doesn't ruin anything. "That's cool so you're legally able to do whatever you want." I can tell that he was disappointed to find out I'm this young.
"I'll understand if you don't want me to go to the party anymore. You can take me home if you want," I tried to fill the silence.
"No, that's not my choice to make. You're an adult and you decide what you want to do. If you want to go out and party on your birthday then do it."
I didn't know what to say. I had expected him to say that I was too young or something.
"If you put it that way, you're right," I began to smile. I felt the strain on our conversation loosen up. I relaxed my body into the crimson leather of the seat as he drove faster on the highway. Occasionally, I would steal a glance of the side of his face. I found it so hard not to stare. Then, I caught myself staring at his jawline, admiring everything about it- the shape, the way it perfectly complemented the features of his face, and even the short dark hair that grew on it. My body began to tingle and I look down at my arms and see goose bumps all over them. It's crazy how just looking at him to gives me the chills. I shift in the seat a little as he drives faster to shake off the feeling. He must have seen me move because he turned toward me.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I try to slow my heart beat.
"I'm sorry, I'm driving too fast, aren't I?"
"Uhmm no, you're good."
"Everyone always tells me that I drive too fast and it freaks them out. I don't know I just like to see what a car can do. Especially when I drive it the first couple of times." He looks at me and we smile at each other. "I can slow down if you want me to."
"No I'm okay, I promise."
"Cool, I wouldn't want you change your mind about hanging out with me."
Am I hearing this right? He wants ME to hang out with him. I can't believe Joseph SoMo wants to hang out with me.
When we arrive at the hotel, he pulled in front of the lobby and gave the keys to one of the guys in the valet loop. We walked through the lobby and to the elevators. Instead of going to the elevators lined up side by side he walked to the one standing alone across from them. He pressed the button and waited for the elevator to come back down. While we waited I saw John and Jessica pull up outside. Jessica seemed unraveled from when we left the stadium and I spotted her magenta colored lipstick on his lips. They made it over to us and the doors opened shortly afterward. John must have felt me examining them because he looked at me then wiped his face with his hand.
"Ladies first," Joseph motioned me into the elevator and followed. Jessica and John walked in and stood in the corner across from Joseph and me. The doors close and Jessica starts to giggle. I look over and see John's hand on Jessica's butt. I knew Joseph saw them too because he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him. I felt his warmth radiate through my entire body. We made it to the penthouse floor and I heard the music pouring through the large doors.
Joseph grabs my hand and we walk to the doors. He knocks and a few seconds later someone opens the door.
"Hey," the stranger shouts and reaches out to hug Joseph. Then I realize, this stranger looks so familiar and it hits me.
"Professor Garcia?"
"Uhh no one calls me that outside of work. Do I know you?" he responds.
"Yeah, Keira James, from your psych class this semester. You agreed to write my recommendation letter to Carnegie University."
"Oh shit, Miss James. I didn't recognize you, you look different in this lighting. Well come in please, enjoy the party. Feel free to chill, kick back. I promise whatever happens here, never happened. Okay?"
"Sure?" Joseph continues to walk inside still holding my hand. "That was so weird. I did not expect that." Joseph looks at me and smiles starting to laugh. "No, seriously, I always had a crush on him since the beginning of the semester."
"You had a crush on teacher huh? At least he's not some old guy, I'll give you that." he continues to laugh as we walk through the large crowd of people. "You want something to drink?" he asked.
"Yeah," he nodded and started walking toward the drinks. I grabbed his arm and said "Nonalcoholic, please," he smiled and nodded. I looked around for Jessica so I can ask her about John and their ride to the hotel. I head back in the direction of the door and bump into Garcia again.
"I'm sorry, I didn't -"
"It's fine don't worry... What are you doing here by the way?"
"Joseph invited me. What about you? How do you even know him? You're a psychology professor not a musician," he answered.
"I used to live in Texas and I went to high school with Joseph. We just kept in contact and hang out from time to time," he replied.
"Oh, okay, that's cool. Well I have to find Jessica, so I'll see you on Monday?"
"I think your friend went upstairs to one of the bedrooms with John."
"Okay thanks," and I walked away. I went up the stairs and walked down the hall checking through each room as I went. Most of them were empty, in one room people were getting high, and in another a couple was having sex. I tried the master bedroom and found Jessica straddling John in the middle of the king sized bed. They were both shirtless and had the sheets covering the bottom halves of their bodies. I felt so uncomfortable and quickly back out of the room. I moved so fast that I bumped into someone and felt a cold splash on my back. I turn around and find Joseph's shocked face looking down at mine.
"Shit, I'm so sorry. Your soda was in my hand but now it's on your back and....draining down into your jeans," he apologized slowly. "I know you want to bite my head off right now so why don't I find you a clean shirt in my suite."
"I should've been paying attention. It mostly my fault anyway," I reply shivering.
"Come on, I'm sure I can find you something to wear." He takes my hand and leads me through the front doors of the penthouse. He walks me into the elevator and presses the button for floor 10. I stood there shaking with cold tingles moving up and down my spine. Joseph saw me shaking and pulled me into his chest. "Let me help you warm up," He wrapped his arms around my body and rubbed his hands on my back trying to keep me warm. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect for tonight to end up like this," I felt his chest move as he breathed every word. I let myself melt into his warm embrace and inhaled the scent of soap and body spray on his skin.
"Thank you, I feel a lot warmer now," I said in a low voice. The elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open. I knew Joseph wanted to start walking but I didn't want to let go yet his hug just felt so good I didn't want it to end. After a few seconds I let go and we started walking to his suite. He put his arm around my shoulders as he swipes his room key through the lock. I walk in first he just the door behind us. I can't believe I am alone with Joseph right now, the only thought that runs through my mind.