Josh's Destiny

Chapter 7

Destiny stood in the bright kitchen making cookies. The band members were at rehearsal but she knew they would be back soon. A lot had happened in the past six months. She had learned a lot about the band too. It was amazing to her that she had only known Josh Kiszka for a short time, and yet, she knew so much about him.

True to his word, he had made a position for her ---- hospitality manager.

"And exactly what does a hospitality manager do?" Destiny had asked.

"Well, basically, the hospitality manager finds us things to do. We're all young and we aren't that well known yet. We really need to know what's around to do and Sammy can't drink yet and we really don't want to be cooped up all day."

"Whoa, Josh, whoa. Slow down." Destiny raised her hand. "Doesn't your tour manager take care of that?"

"He tries, but he's not really proficient at it. Now you can find the local attractions and places of interest and such and when we're not playing rock stars, we can play tourists."

"But you have interviews and appearances and sound checks, how do you intend to do the cities during all that?"

Josh sighed. "Yeah, I know. But interviews will only go so far and we don't need to hype ourselves that much anymore, so..." Josh trailed off.

"And for this "job", I get paid?"

Josh grinned. "Yep, you get paid, about 1500 bucks a week."

Destiny's mouth dropped open. She wasn't sure she had heard correctly.

"Josh, that's way too much!"

"Oh, you'll earn it."

Destiny thought a moment, and then she said in a quiet voice, "I won't pimp for the band, Josh. And I won't sleep with them either."

Josh looked at her for a few moments and replied, "No, that's not in your job description. If anyone takes a fancy to anyone else, they'll take care of it. And I don't expect you to be a whore for the "inner circle" either."

"As long as we have that straight."

"Destiny, you and I haven't even slept together."

Destiny looked at Josh. "You know circumstances have changed. I...I just don't feel like we should, Josh, not now."

Destiny took her gaze from Josh's face to her hands. "We may never sleep together, does that change things? And I want the truth."

"It doesn't change things for me. I want to help you, Destiny; it's as simple as that."

Destiny was quiet for a time and then she shyly took Josh's hand. She didn't have to say anything he knew she'd accepted his offer.

And Destiny turned out to be a great hospitality manager. She organized the band's time so they got the most out of every town and city they played. But finally, the tour ended and the band went home. Home was the small town of Frankenmuth, Michigan. The Kiszka boys had been born and raised there as had Danny Wagner, and they weren't regarded as rock stars at home. They were just the Kiszka boys to most.

Josh had his own home, and it was here that Destiny stayed. The boys were destined to begin work in the studio soon. But now it was Christmas time and a huge time for the town. The front door opened and the band came in, shedding coats and putting down instruments.

"Wipe your feet" Destiny called and Danny called back, "Yes, mother."

"Umm, what do I smell?" asked Jake coming into the kitchen.

"I've made cookies" Destiny replied.

"Double chocolate chunk with raisins?" Jake's mouth was already watering. He still didn't know exactly how he felt about Destiny being with Josh but she was a great cook.

"Yes, and you can have one. The rest are for company."

Jake took a cookie from the plate Destiny offered and then quickly snatched another.

Destiny sighed. "You're worse than a kid" she chastised him.

He grinned. "I know" he replied.

Josh, Sam, and Danny had come into the kitchen and were getting coffee for themselves. Josh came over to Destiny and lightly kissed her cheek. She started a bit.

"Cold lips!" she admonished.

Josh grinned his trademark grin. "It's winter in Michigan; name a body part that isn't cold." Destiny gave him a sly look and he laughed. She lightly swatted at him with her dish towel.

Jake watched the interplay between Destiny and his brother. Josh said they were not sleeping together but sometimes he wondered. They were in separate rooms, but still, the door opened both ways. And Jake sensed they were closer than friends. He knew his twin was not going to be denied much longer and that things were coming to a head soon.

Destiny was busy mixing yet another bowl of cookies. Josh asked. "Oatmeal and raisin with cinnamon?"

"Yes, just as you like them."

Sam asked, "When will they be ready?"

Destiny looked at Sam and asked, "Don't you guys ever get enough to eat?"

"No" they chorused.

Everyone laughed. Jake, Sam, and Danny headed back to the living room and a few moments later Josh heard the big screen television turn on. It was rapidly tuned to the basketball game.

"Are you sure you're ready for this dinner party?" Josh asked quietly.

"I've had dinner with your parents before. What makes this one different?"

"The time of year. Mom will be expecting an announcement. She expects we'll get married, or at the very least engaged to be engaged. She tolerates us living together but only just."

"It's not your mother's business. I love living here, but I can go now. I won't be pushed, Josh."

"I'm not pushing you, Des. I said I wouldn't, and I won't. I just wanted you to know what to expect."

Destiny sighed, but she brightened and said, "Besides, my cooking will knock their socks off."

"You have no illusions about your cooking, do you?"

"No. Being around Tom all those years I had to pick up a few things. I guess I'm just a natural born cook."

"Among other things." Josh glanced into the living room and saw the guys were intently watching the game. "Can I kiss you? Can I have a real kiss?"

Destiny smiled softly and held out her arms. Josh stepped into them and wrapped his own around her. He kissed her, softly at first, but the kiss intensified rapidly. It was a mutual sort of hunger. Josh was the first to break the kiss. His breathing was slightly ragged as he said, "We've got to stop."

"I know" replied Destiny breathlessly.

"I think we need to talk, Des. I mean really talk."

Destiny started to reply when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it" called Jake from the living room. Josh pulled away from Destiny and walked back to the coffee pot for a refill.

Jake came into the kitchen carrying a long white box. It was tied with a red ribbon.

"Looks like somebody got flowers" he said grinning. Destiny held out her hands for the box but Jake said, "Nope, these are for Josh" and he handed the box to his brother.

Josh rolled his eyes. "Looks like another fan found me" he said as he opened the box ---- and stared.

Destiny said, "Josh?"

Josh didn't reply and both Destiny and Jake moved to peer into the box. There was one single black rose with bright red outlining the petals. And there was a card with one word on it. That word was "deceased".