Motivation of Memories: The Second Book of the Labors of Love Series

First Run

Genevieve's POV

The show ended and now it's time to put our plan in action. I just wish it didn't feel this way. Rules are rules and I never intended to be rule breaker with Prince. I'm a professional first and foremost and if he would have said no it would have been fine but he's going against his own rules and blaming me for it. It's like he wants me to tell him I don't want to but at this point I don't feel like I have a choice. His heart would break if he knew how little I've actually been sleeping. Many nights I just lie still.

Thinking with my eyes wide shut as the darkness of my mind whispers to me.

If this makes me sleep maybe he'll forgive me. If it doesn't he might leave me for good. I've been standing outside for ten minutes now. I'm the only person who doesn't change at the venue. I just throw a track suit over my costume. A familiar smell enters the space and I look over catching hazel eyes as Prince shuffles down the stairs. He turns to face me, my demeanor stopping him in his tracks.

"I'm not mad at you. I'm just trying to process this."

"If you aren't mad then why are you leaving?"

"The label is trying to make us stop doing encores. They're complaining about the perception and the fact that they don't get a cut. It's just a meeting."

"Why didn't you say that in the room? Why are you meting so late at night?"

"You don't trust me?"

"You don't trust me! I'm the one put on watch with a tight curfew."

"I'm sorry but this is the only way this makes sense to me. I just don't want this to get out of control."

"Prince I need you to listen to me." The sound of his name pricks his ear and his attention refocuses on my eyes. "I am not now nor have I ever been a drug addict. Once Syracuse is over everything will go back to the way it was. I promise." He eyes search mine and my heart shatters under his gaze. He doesn't believe me. A tear streams down my face, hot with pain. I reach out to touch him but just put my hand down. Defeated I turn and head back to the door.

"A-Andre will be out soon. Your car is uh...on the other side of the lot."

"Yea..." I say softly before I open the door. "Good luck in your meeting." I don't stay to hear him respond. I walk inside and just sit on the floor. In time Andre appears, offering me a hand off the floor.

"You ready?"

"You know where we're going?"

"Some girl in the crowd gave me her number and an address. The number is hers but the address is to a bar not too far from here."

"Okay." Before I know it we've reached the car and start driving. Andre keeps glancing over at me. I can feel his eyes on my neck as I look out the window. I want to tell him and I want to ask him questions but I don't know if that will fix anything. I try to pretend I don't notice even though he's making my neck hot.

"Alright, you stay here. I'll be back. If I'm not back in 30 come get me." I nod in response then go back to my window.

I watch for a while as people shuffle in and out. The music blares every time the bouncer opens the door. I've never really done a lot of clubbing or partying. Drinking and smoking? Sure but mainly in people's cars and houses or abandoned buildings and old parking lots. It's the only way I had time. I was always busy.

The door to the bar swings open and Andre walks back to the car. He hops in with an embarrassed look and hands me the bag of weed. I roll my eyes at the annoyingly tight knot in the bag and work in trying to open it.