First Down For Love

Tackle My Heart

Tessa Summers, the American popstar, is on her The Golden Hours tour. Her shows are 2.5 hours long, Right now, she just finished her second show in New York at Madison Square Garden. Once she gets back to her hotel, she does the usual: shower, call her loved ones, and then usually gets in bed to do it again the next day.

.....

Tonight is different for me. I have a moment to rest back at my hotel after the show, and I bought my parents a trip to Greece so the time zone is different- I won't be calling them. my best friends Bailey and Ava are out clubbing so I won't want to bother them. I get in the shower, letting the warm water soothe me. Afterward, I slip into bed in my silk pajamas. my concert ends usually at 10 pm, meaning there are no good shows on TV. I wasn't expecting much, especially since it's a hotel tv. But since I was staying in the presidential suite I got more options for tv. I browsed through the channels absentmindedly and put on the only thing that would be available at 11:30 at night. Saturday Night Live. When I decided to tune in, they were doing a skit about a man who goes to the American girl doll store by himself to have lunch with his dolls. I found it a strange concept, but the more I watched, I was pulled into the character that this man was playing and his evident charm and confidence. I found myself laughing along to the cheesy jokes. As the audience cheered, and the man took a bow, I did as any girl would do: I started researching who the cute guy on Saturday Night Live was! The man is named Tristian Knight, a. tight end on the NFL team Kansas City Chiefs. Interesting! I could work with that. Though I just got out of a six-year relationship with my ex-boyfriend Jared so I was still iffy about getting into a relationship. But it didn't have to be a relationship yet- I just wanted to know more- what's the worst that could happen to find out a little info? I called my manager Stephine Paine "Hey Steph can you look into this Tristan Knight Guy? Just curious, I just saw him on SNL, being cute. Any chance he's single?" The call gets quiet. "Tess, how have you not heard of him? He has been in an on and off again relationship with a girl named Kayla they make headlines often for breaking up and taking it to social media. Sorry, Tess, you're a bit late"

I look down in agreeance. Of course, he is. He's popular with football, only naturally he'd have a pretty girlfriend. Even if they had troubles. "You're so right. but thanks for the information steph. have a good night" Right after the call ends an idea comes to me. I'm in the mood to write, when am I not? I'm writing my new album "Midnight Letters". I lean back into my couch, taking my notebook off the side table. No need to get caught up in a fantasy over some guy I've never met. I start writing, the lyrics coming easily to me. It's a song about those small crushes that just stay out of reach. After writing a little bit I decided to go to bed. I set my notebook aside with a soft sigh, standing up and stretching my arms above my head. Probably a good idea, since I have to get up at 6;30 the next day to run on the treadmill for 2.5 hours going through my setlist- so I have enough stamina. Anyhow, I'm sure I can craft up some good lyrics before I drift off tonight. While a certain someone lingers in my head.

...........

Tristian's pov: 

I never imagined I'd be on SNL. It still didn't feel real, even when the crowd was cheering as I took a bow. I was beaming, overjoyed with the thrill of performing for all those people. I had my interview, and I laughed and spoke with ease. The curtains shut. I let out a sigh, running my hands through my hair. It was dim backstage, but at the same time my eyes were unfocused and every light felt way too bright. I couldn't wait to relax and go home, I knew my girlfriend was waiting in the backstage parking lot to bring me back to my flat. I waited for the host to close up the show, while I spoke my thank yous and pleasantries to the other staff and took some photos. Finally, I shrugged on my denim jacket and slipped out the back, where a sleek black Chevy SUV was waiting for me. I tugged open the door and was greeted by my girlfriend's semi-smiling pink lips. She flicked her black hair over her shoulder.

"Hey, Tris." She greeted me, a bit quietly.

I smiled wide. "Hi babe. Did you see me up on stage?" I clicked my seatbelt in place and settled in.

She let out a sigh. "I did. You were... you." Her hands clenched the wheel a bit tighter.

I glanced over at her with a furrowed gaze. "What do you mean?" I asked confused.

"Well... did you have to be so loud and push all your jokes so much? I thought you would be cool like we talked about."

I blinked and ran a hand through my hair. "Well, this was my experience. Not yours. I was being myself." I tried to keep my tone calm

Kayla sighed, staring out the windshield. "You know how your behavior makes me look." She pursed her lips.

I bit back another sigh. "Kayla. We can't keep having this argument. You don't seem to like me for me..." I paused, trying to get my mind together. I was tired from the show. "I was on SNL, and you're not."

Kayla hit her hand against the wheel. "I'm just saying! Think about how I look!"

"No. I'm done thinking about how you look. This was MY night. My once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And you're making it about you. You know what, just bring me back to my flat, please. I want to rest up before my game on Monday."

Kayla sped up the car. "Fine. I'm bringing you home. And that's it huh? No, actually. THATS IT. Don't- don't expect me to come around again."

I turned to look out the window. "I think we might have to. You never think about anyone but yourself. You always have to be doing everything geared towards social media. I'm sorry Kayla, sorry we couldn't make it work."

The rest of the drive was silent, with only the hum of the engine and soft breaths. The city streets and buildings zoomed past until Kayla rolled the car to a stop in front of my apartment. She unlocked the doors, and I took one last glance at her, unspoken words and feelings resting on my tongue. But I just shut the door gently and walked to the entrance without another look back.