Behind The Beat

II - Night out

Val smiled, a glimmer of something almost shy flickering in her eyes, a look that surprised Rose. For a moment, she seemed less like the untouchable rock star and more like someone sincerely reaching out.

— I'd like to take you out. Have a drink or two, get to know you better. You know, without all the band stuff getting in the way.

Rose's cheeks flushed lightly, her heart pounding at the unexpected invitation. This wasn't just a friendly offer—this was personal. Val, the woman she'd admired from afar for years, wanted to spend time with her. The idea was both thrilling and a little terrifying. What would they talk about? How could she keep her composure without the professional boundaries of an interview?

Val reached into her jacket pocket, pulling out her phone and tapping quickly before she held it out to Rose. Her dark eyes gleamed with a look of invitation and something even warmer, a gaze that felt almost like a secret shared between them.

— Here — Val said, showing Rose her private Instagram account. — Why don't you message me there if you want to meet up tonight? No pressure—just let me know if you're in.

Rose's eyes widened. The simple gesture of Val sharing her private account felt significant, a boundary crossed from professional to personal. She could feel the implications of it. Her fingers tingled as she took in Val's expectant gaze, wondering what her answer would mean. This wasn't just about drinks; it felt like the beginning of something more.

— I... okay... I'll let you know — Rose murmured, her voice quiet, unsure, but thrilled by the moment.

With a soft smile and a wave that felt both effortless and warm, Val left the room, leaving Rose standing there, her phone still in her hand. She stared at the screen, as if it held some hidden answer, a way to manage the sudden rush of excitement and uncertainty coursing through her. She'd just been invited out by a rock star—and not just any rock star. Valentine Blackwood. The gravity of it felt overwhelming, yet wonderful.

Back in her hotel room, Rose paced, glancing at the clock. She'd be meeting Val in an hour if she accepted. But part of her still hesitated. Did she really want to risk stepping over that line? There was a certain safety in the professional distance she'd kept all day, but now, she felt herself being drawn into something uncharted. Her mind raced with what—ifs, her thoughts circling in endless loops until she threw her phone down, determined to let her heart guide her just this once.

Finally, as the clock ticked closer to the hour, she picked up her phone again, feeling a surge of courage that drowned out her doubts. With a deep breath, she typed quickly, trying not to overthink her words.

"I'd love to go. When should I meet you?"

The reply came almost instantly, as if Val had been waiting just as eagerly.

"I'll come by your hotel. Give me 30 minutes. Can't wait."

Rose's heart skipped a beat as she tossed her phone onto the bed, the mix of excitement and nerves building into something electric. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright with anticipation. Taking a steadying breath, she began getting ready, her hands a little shaky as she applied her makeup with extra care. She chose an outfit that felt just daring enough—stylish but comfortable, something that reflected the quiet confidence she was trying to embody. As she slipped on her shoes, a part of her still couldn't believe this was happening.

Thirty minutes later, a soft knock echoed through the quiet of her hotel room. With one last glance in the mirror, Rose took a deep breath and opened the door, finding Val leaning casually against the doorframe, her smile warm and eyes alight with approval as they traced over Rose.