Isabelle Reid's Train Wreck

Chapter Eleven

I pulled the red baseball cap further down on my head as I walked down the streets of Philadelphia. It had been a while since I was able to walk around unnoticed, the same as everyone else. I was wearing my jeans, a t-shirt and a black bomber jacket with sneakers. No heels in sight. I was having a blast.

Currently, I was headed to a record store my sister had told me about, AKA Records. It was about three blocks from my sister's three bedroom townhouse in the Old City section of Philadelphia. Even though there shouldn't be any paparazzi here yet, I still was worried I would be spotted and harassed. We managed to evade them when we left, but they would be looking for me. This was too good of a story. They smelled blood. They knew the relationship was ending. Still, I tried not to let those thoughts bother me. Today was going to be a good day.

I entered the store, smiling brightly as I looked around at the aisles of CDs. I slowly browsed, looking at the store's music suggestions before heading to the listening section in the back. I put on the headphones, looking at the choices. I pressed one, biting my lip as I did so. It was an EP by Igby Goes Down, Blake's band.

I closed my eyes, listening to the music. It was wonderful. It was energetic and full of spirit. The lead singer's voice was deep and dark with guitar and keyboards weaving in and out expertly.

The headphones were suddenly lifted off of my head. I looked up, my eyes widening in surprise.

"So, what are we listening to here?" asked Blake, a big smile on his face. He pulled the chair from the other listening station next to mine. He put the headphones on, his grin quickly growing. His dimples deepened as he took them off. "My band? I'm honored."

I shook my head, blushing as I looked down at my feet. "I had to make sure you guys were good enough to open up for me after all."

Blake laughed. "Sure, that's why. You wanted to check out your competition. You'll have to listen to our record."

I nodded. "Definitely."

He leaned closer, touching the rim of my hat. "Incognito?"

"In hiding."

He nodded. "I saw the papers. Rough."

I shrugged. "That's the business. They love you and then they hate you. Plus, a failing relationship is much more interesting than a loving one."

Blake squeezed my knee. "I heard your radio interview."

I couldn't help but laugh. "God, you would hear it. Lars had no clue."

"I liked the part about the condoms."

I rolled my eyes. "Who said it was about you?"

Blake held up his hands, laughing. "I never said I thought you were thinking about me. Though, considering you just said it wasn't, I think you might be lying."

"Well, maybe a little."

'What are you doing here? I barely recognized you."

I arched an eyebrow. "Of course. That is the idea. When I do something, I always do it right."

Blake's eyes glinted. "Good to know."

"My sister lives in Philadelphia. She moved here about six months or so. She told me this was a good place to hide out. She's as stubborn as me so I had no choice."

"From what I've seen of you, you always have a choice."

Blake stood up, extending his hand. I took it, letting him pull me to my feet. "True. I like getting away."