Wanderlust [ editing ]

18. Rolling Stone (Abel's POV)

  I slowly open my eyes and blankly stare at my white ceiling. I pull the covers up to my neck and tuck my arms under them. I never wanna leave this bed, but I have to hit the studio this morning and meet with one of my favorite people.

  After about 10 minutes of just laying on my side and playing with my phone, I finally drag myself out of bed and make my way to the bathroom. I turn on the faucet and commence brushing my teeth and then wash my face. I try to rush myself considering the fact that I could be late. I grab a black shirt with a gold XO on the front from my last tour and slip it on. I quickly put on my black jeans and buckle my belt. I put on socks and speedwalk out of my room and put on my boots that were waiting for me at the front door. Lastly, I grab my keys off the counter and put on my black leather XO jacket. I'm finally walking out the door.

  If it's parties or a night with the boys I really don't give a shit about being punctual, but I take the studio and my music very seriously.

  I start my car. It's around 7 am and traffic is very light around this time. In about 8 minutes I'm parking right outside of Rebulic Records. I make my way inside.

  "Good morning Mr.Tesfaye." The red headed women at the front desk greets me.

  "Good morning miss." I say and she blushes.

  I get in the elevator and go to my floor.

  ding. The elevator door opens and I walk to where I need to be.

  "Abel!" Derek, the guy who works with me, says.

  "What's up, man." I give him a dap.

  "Nothing. You right on time." he say "as always." he adds.

  "Cool. Cool." I nod my head "Is she here yet?" I ask.

  Derek nods his head and I roll my eyes in impatience.

  Just as I'm doing that I hear the faint sound of the elevator opening. 30 seconds later she's walking into the room.

  "You're late." I say as I walk towards her with my arms out getting ready to give her a warm hug.

  "Barely." She hugs me back tightly.

  "Alright. Ariana, Abel." Derek says with his hands together turning to each of us "We're gonna make this session short." Ariana nods. Derek turns to me. "Cash and I both agreed that this will be the first rehearsal." I nod.

  A couple months ago Ariana featured me in her album titled My Everything on a song called Love me harder and it's been a "global smash."People just can't get enough of it.

  Today we, Ariana and I, will be rehearsing the official acoustic version of Love me harder. This being only a rehearsal, I decided not to bring my band with me. I honestly can't wait to hear the final product. Acoustics versions are always amazing. They sound beautiful and always enhance the vocals.

  Ariana and I enter the sound booth that consists of 2 chairs and water bottles on a little table.

  I sit down and admire Ariana. She's a really close friend, but she's fine as hell. She's wearing a little black dress with tall black heels. I study her legs then finally look up at her face. She looks really pretty. Her hair is up and she has black cat ears. She wears those all the damn time, yo.

  "Nice ponytail." I say sarcastically as she struggles putting on her headphone.

  She rolls her eyes "Nice hair." I tilts her head "It is hair, right?"

  "It is hair, right?" I give her back her words with a mocking high pitch tone and we both laugh.

  She begins singing
  Tell me something I need to know..

  She gets lost in the song. I love watching her sing. This girl got a strong ass voice. Goddamn. Tiny yet mighty. I love her style and how it fits her perfecting. Personally, I don't think I'd make a pop album, but I always appreciate talent when I see it. And I mean, who knows, right?

  My part begins.

  I know your motives and you know mine..

  I sing it carefully making sure I don't mess up.

  A couple minutes later we finish.

  "Thanks, guys" Derek speaks into the Mic on the other side of the booth "That's good for today."

  I take off my headphones, grab a water bottle and take gulps.

  "You were good." Ariana says taking off her headphone and getting up.

  "You too." I say.

  "You okay?" She asks walking to the studio booths door.

  "I guess." I say as I open the door for her.

  We walk down the hallway. "Let's talk about it." Ariana says as we enter the elevator.

  The elevator opens and we make our way to the buildings coffee shop. Ariana orders a Vanilla Bean Mocha and I just settle for hot chocolate.

  We get our drinks and sit at their little tables.

  "Spill it, Abel." She demands.

  I sigh "Okay. So I'm a love with this girl I've been seeing.. Krissa, but last night my ex called me. I was so angry. We have so much bad history, but I can't help but think of all the good shit of times we had." I say then sip my hot chocolate.

  "I see" Ariana leans back in her chair and crosses her legs. "Talk to your ex. Let her know how you feel. Holding grudges isn't healthy."

  "You think?" I ask and she nods.

  "Yup. And Krissa.. keep her. I can see you care about her." Ariana gets up and gives me a friendly peck on the cheek.

  "I care about you and I want you to be happy." She smiles and return the smile and hug her back.

  Ariana checks her phone.

  "My limo is here. I have a plane to catch to California! Bye Abel!" She says putting on her coat and rushing out the door.

  That girl, man. Always late.

  I sit back down and exhale. I tap on the table with my fingertips and finally pull out my phone. I go to an number.

  link up. we'll talk this once. that's it.
  A few moments later I get an okay.

  I then dial a number on my phone.

  "Hello?" She answers.

  "Babe, I just finished at the studio like 45 minutes ago. I'm gonna take you to lunch."
  "Okay. I only had morning classes today. I'll text you the address."
  "Alright. Bye, Krissa. I love you."

  She tells me she loves me too as I'm half way walking through the parking lot. I finally hang up and get in my car. I put in the address on my phone and begin driving.

  Man, Ariana was right as fuck. I don't need toxicating ugly ass hoes like Alice in my life. All I have to do is love Krissa and give her the most of me. Damn, I hate thinking like a soft ass dude but it's true. I need to keep Krissa.

  Ima love her harder.