Fame || LRH

Chapter Seventeen

Josie’s P.O.V.

I went into the bathroom to clean myself off. I knew being with Luke would cause drama, but I didn’t know it was enough for someone to actually throw an egg at me. Before, it didn’t matter what the fans would say about me, but it was different now. Luke and I were really together this is time. I felt like everything they said made an impact on what I did in this relationship because it was what they saw. Luke offered to wait for me outside the bathroom, but I didn’t want him to hold up sound check, so I told him I’d just meet up with him after.

He gave me one of his extra shirts since mine smelled like rotten eggs so I changed into that, but I couldn’t walk out of that bathroom.

Luke and I were really dating now and I didn’t think anything would change since we were basically already dating before, but it just felt like so much was placed on my shoulders. Everything escalated after Alex got hurt today and all the blame was put on me because of how much fame the guys were getting ever since Luke and I were together. They were right though. The guys would’ve rose to even more popularity even without me, but I guess I sped up the process and now everyone was mad at me for it.

I hadn’t even noticed that I was crying until I looked up at myself in the mirror and saw tears fall down my cheeks. It was all just overwhelming I guess. I’ve had people hate me before, but I didn’t think it would get this bad. 

My train of thought was interrupted by the bathroom door swinging open followed by three panting girls running in and closing the door behind them

"Oh my god. You’re Josie Castano," One of the girls said staring at me

"Uh yeah," I said trying to quickly wipe the tears away so I can put on a smile for them

One of them peaked through the door before beginning to panic

"He’s coming, he’s coming shit what do we do?!" Another one of them said before all three of them stammered into a stall

I was still standing there as confused as ever before Joe, one of the security guards, came barging in

"Josie have you seen three girls come in here?" He asked

"What? No," I said trying to act as casual as possible

He raised an eyebrow before staring in the direction of the stalls where 3 pairs of feet were standing

"C’mon Joe cut them some slack, they just wanna meet the guys," I sighed

"It’s my job Josie you know it is," He said before beginning to walk over to the stalls

"I’ve had a rough day, you’ve had a rough day. Let’s just call it even and I’ll get your daughters tickets for my next tour," I bargained with him

On a regular day, he probably would’ve said no. But he was a big softie at heart and could probably tell that I was crying before because of how puffy and red my eyes still were

"Front row," He demanded

"VIP meet and greet tickets too," I added

He gave me a nod of approval before walking out

"You guys can come out now," I said

"I can’t believe you just did that," One of them said

"Thank you thank you thank you so much!" The other said giving me a hug

"I don’t know why the fandom hates you, you’re so nice!" The last one said

"The fandom?" I breathed

I knew some people hated me,  I didn’t know it was the entire fandom

"Well-uh- not the whole fandom," She stuttered realizing what she said

She began rambling before I cut her off not needing another explanation to why I was hated. I already knew why. 

"It’s fine, so I’m guessing you guys are here for the concert?" I asked stating the obvious as I opened the door for them so we could get out of the stuffy bathroom

"Yeah, we couldn’t get tickets because of scalpers," One of the girls said as they all filed out one by one

"Well lucky for the three of you, you entered the right bathroom at just the right time," I laughed as I lead them towards the dressing room. I knew Luke kept extra tickets in his guitar case, just in case we come across friends in a city who want to see the concert too

"What? You-you’re gonna get us tickets?" One of the girls asked

"I think you deserve it for getting past Joe, he’s very good at what he does, so you guys must either be very clever or very quick," I said making them laugh as we entered the dressing room

"Wait…is this THEIR dressing room?" Another girl asked emphasizing "their"

"Yup," I said squatting down to reach Luke’s guitar case

"Oh my god, they sat at this couch, and on that chair!" One of the girls squealed running in different directions to take pictures

I was in the front pocket of his guitar case when I felt something vibrate next to my hand, I took it out to find his phone vibrated signaling that he had a text message from… Kate?

Good job getting her to fall for you. Maybe this relationship will finally look real in paparazzi photos now. She may be a good singer, but her acting could use some work if you know what I mean.

Oh

So this was just a part of Kate’s plan. I shouldn’t even be surprised. God Josie you’re so stupid.

"Yeah it’s gonna be sick bro," Ashton began to say as all four of them entered the dressing room making the three girls scream

"Oh hey guys!" Calum greeted them a little surprised but still happy to see them

They all had a little meet and greet before the concert started, but I fortunately managed to slip out of the room so I wouldn’t have to see Luke.  I was heading towards catering, but halfway there, a hand intertwined with mine. I knew exactly who it was, so I wriggled my hand out of his grasp and tried to walk faster to get away from him.

"Hey Josie what’s wrong?" Luke asked trailing behind me

I ignored him and continued my way towards the food table

"Josie. Josie stop you’re like sprinting just tell me what’s up," Luke said grabbing my arm to make stop and face him

"Don’t fucking touch me Luke," I snapped pushing his hand away from me

"What? What did I do wrong?" He asked

His blue eyes bored into mine making me feel like even more shit

"What did you do wrong?" I scoffed 

"I knew what I was getting into when I signed the contract and you did too. But was making me fall for you just a fucked up way to play with my feelings? I know Kate wanted better photos of us in public, but I didn’t think you’d actually sink to that level. I thought you were better than that, but that’s my own mistake." I spat

"Josie, what are you talking about? I-I wasn’t trying to make you fall for me," 

"I know this was all a part of Kate’s plan. Just- just leave me alone Luke." I finished letting my voice crack at the end

I thought this was different. I really thought he was different. But what was I supposed to expect? Of course he’d be in it for the fame, that’s the whole reason why he signed the damn contract in the first place. This is why you don’t let people in Josie. You get hurt all over again.