The Singer

CHAPTER ONE - VOMITGATE

SAM

SIX MONTHS LATER - CURRENT DAY

"Sammy, you gotta come see this," Julian shouts from our living room. I quickly rub a towel through my hair and wrap another around my waist. Exiting my ensuite bathroom, and heading out of my room, nerves start to rise into my chest.

"You gotta come see this" probably does not mean anything good. A few months ago, I was hearing that every other day.

All three of my bandmates, and our manager's daughter, Valerie, are sitting on our couch. "Well, what is it?" I ask. Levi points to the T.V. and I turn to face it as Julian presses play on the remote.

On the screen in front of me is Leila Joy's gummy smile. Leila Joy is the host of a celebrity-based podcast. One week she's talking about the latest gossip, the next she'll have anyone who's trending currently, the week after that she's stirring the pot again. I'm no stranger to having my name brought up on her show.

"Hey everyone, welcome back to the pod, so glad to have you. Today, we have a very special guest mainly known for her gaming streams. Welcome to the podcast, Iris Banks!"

"Thank you so much for having me, Leila. I'm glad to be here." I presume this is Iris Banks. Who the fuck is Iris Banks? The girl on the screen is vaguely familiar, but I cannot place it. They're showing me this clip for a reason, but I can't seem to remember what I've done to this woman.

For the past five months, I've been doing anything in my power to undo the immense media damage I have done to my band. I can't imagine anyone has anything to say that could set back the progress I've made. Maybe she went on to talk about how I occasionally forget to water my plants.

"First things first Iris, let's talk about the GameX competition. How are you feeling about this opportunity?"

"Well, I'm happy to even be considered for it. Being a woman in a male-dominated career is hard, but to be included in the running for a big sponsorship like this one is truly an honor. It's unreal seeing my name alongside people I've looked up to."

"Are you confident you're going to win?"

"Mmm. Sort of? It's all about numbers so I'm not too hopeful, but I won't give up. Winning would change my career as I know it. I also want to show all the girls out there that even when the odds are against you, keep trying."

"Well, Iris, you definitely have me in your corner. Now let's get into some questions your fans have been wondering."

"Oh boy."

"Let's get Sam Lee out of the way."

The girl on the screen makes a shitty attempt to hide her shock when the interviewer says my name. "Sam Lee?  The singer? What about him?"

"Well," Leila clears her throat. "You've been seen with him publicly, no?" I feel like someone just placed a pound of bricks on my chest. Who is this woman? When on Earth did we meet?

Iris's lips turn up into a smirk and suddenly I am reminded of the night we met. Fuck me. "Unfortunately. He threw up on my shoes that night. If you're wondering whether or not I ended up in his bed, then the answer is no. Vomit is a total turn-off."

Julian pauses the T.V. and there is a beat of silence before all of my friends burst into laughter. I feel my face heating up as I take a seat on the edge of the couch. I rub my hands down my face with a groan. "This is not funny, you guys suck."

"It's kind of funny," Dallas shrugs, being the calmest out of everyone else.

I take a deep breath in. "Did you know she was going to say this?" I ask, turning to Valerie. I don't even understand how I didn't realize who she was sooner. She's Val's best friend.