"Ha I win, I told you, pay up folks." Ellington said, holding his hands out to Riker and Rydel. I buried my head in Ross' chest and he put his fingers through my hair. Everyone but Ratliff, Ross and I left the room. He took hold of my shoulders and pushed me away from him so he could look into my eyes. He laughed a little and said " Mmmhmm that's what I thought." then he wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the floor into a bear hug.
I joined them again for rehearsal. Sitting next to Ry, I watched as the three other brothers worked on a new dance routine. They had a huge show this weekend in Chicago. Ross as usual was totally at ease as he performed the moves with perfection. They were working on a slower version of radio hearts by gum class heroes. It sounded amazing.
"So... That was kind of.., abrupt." Ry said, having to half shout over the music. "What was?" I asked him. "The whole thing in the kitchen. You kind of threw a lot of people for a loop there." "What do you mean?" "Well, not ALL of us knew there was... something going on. So those of us that were clueless were pretty much blown away." he answered back. "Ry, I didn't even really know till right before you all went out this afternoon. I mean, we flirted a little bit I guess, but I thought it was just that, flirting. Ross made it pretty clear when I went in to wake him." "So, what was the whole you freaking out thing about then. I mean, if you like him and he told you he feels the same way, whyd you freak out and leave?" For his age, Ry was extremely wise. And extremely nosy. "I don't know. I just needed time to think. I'm not exactly the most confident person, I guess part of me thought it was a joke."
The music cut off and Rydel came over and grabbed her camera. "Ready to get a new episode started?" she asked everyone. Ross walked over and stood behind me, wrapping his arms around me tightly. He rested his chin on top of my head. "Whadaya think?" "I loved stereo hearts. Sounds amazing with you singing it." "think so?" "Nah, I'm kidding, it sucked." I laughed. Rydel walked toward us with the camera. "Ross, show us that new dance." Ross made his way over to the middle of the room and started doing this slow sexy dance, singing what do I have to do. Good god, he truly is the sexiest man alive. I thought to myself. He returned to my side and nuzzled his face into my neck. Kissing it sweetly. Rydel filmed us the whole time.
A little bit later we went for a late dinner at a Chinese food restaurant. I had already eaten, so I just had an iced tea. Ross and ryland remember something that had happened years before and were giggling wildly. Rydel of course caught this on film. Along with Ellington stealing food from Rikers place when he had turned away for a moment.
After everyone finished eating, we headed home. Tomorrow was a very rare free day, and Ross and I planned on spending it getting comfortable with each other in our new situation. As we entered the house, we were careful not to wake the parents.
Ross and I made our way upstairs. He followed me to my bedroom door. "Whatcha doin?" I asked in a playful voice. "I thought maybe you'd invite me in for some coffee or something" he answered in a not quite as playful kind of way. "Ross, I think maybe we should hold off on the whole coffee or somethin thing. At least til we are not in your parents house. At least the first time." he gave me a pouty look, but nodded. "your probably right. Besides, I don't know if you're a screamer. Wouldn't want you waking up my folks." he grinned. I rolled my eyes. But then I grabbed him and kissed him. I pulled his bottom lip into my mouth and gently bit it. "mmmm" he moaned. We both opened our eyes mid kiss, and both of us began laughing. "Night sexy," he whispered into my ear. "nite love." I whispered back.
Needless to say, I had the most amazing dream that night.
The next day I woke up to a small commotion outside of my door. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. "REALLY?" I heard Ross shout. I crawled out of bed and opened my Door to see what was going on. Rydel was at the foot of the stairs, eyes fixed angrily on Ross. "just think about it." she said before she walked away. "I was on my way in to get you. Get dressed, were outta here till tomorrow. I'm done." "Wait what?" I asked, still half asleep. "Just come on. I'll explain in the car."
I hurried and got dressed. Threw what I needed for the night and the next morning into a bag and then headed to Ross' room. He had already packed his gym bag, so he grabbed it and led me downstairs. Without speaking to anyone, or giving me the chance to, he pulled me through the kitchen door and into the car. We headed out of town. After about fifteen minutes of silence Ross says "She cut you out of the episode. Totally. Just cut... you... out. He was driving a little faster than I felt was nessisary so I urged him to slow down. "Sorry baby," he said, placing his foot on the brake, lessening our speed by about 15 mph. "I just need to get out of here." we drove in silence again for a while while I thought about what he had told me.
"It kinda makes sense." I said finally. "What does?" "Her editing me out. I mean, Ross, your entire career is based on your fans. You can't have them thinking you're taken. I mean, that would devastate a LOT of people." "That's exactly what she said. And guess what? I don't know if either of you realize how hurtful that is. A lot of famous people have girlfriends or are even married. And they still have a fanbase. What I'm hearing is, 'you're not good enough to make it with your voice, you need to have an edge. In order for you to make it, your fans have to believe they can eventually have sex with you." "I guess that IS essentially what I'm saying. I mean not about getting by on your voice, cuz baby you've got an amazing voice. But your fans have this fantasy that they'll have you as their own at some point. I'm not saying you'll lose your fans, just that they'll be heartbroken." He just shook his head and spent the next half an hour driving in silence.
