Star Crossed (Starlight #3) (4 page)

‘
If there’s anything I can do to help…’ I say.

Jenny gives me a weary smile.
‘Thanks kiddo,’ she says sincerely. ‘Just turn up on time, and go where I tell you. That’s more than most musicians manage.’

‘
I will,’ I promise, privately wondering if I can organise something to show Jenny she’s appreciated. Perhaps the acts can club together and buy her a present.

‘
Great,’ says Jenny, her voice returning to its usual clipped efficiency. ‘I need to check on the other acts. Be in room eleven in ten minutes.’

And she clicks away on her high heels, off to set the world to rights.

Five minutes later, I’m in room eleven, with the nerves starting to rise. As Jenny predicted, only I have made it with time to spare.
Deven and Scandelous have yet to appear.

I study the set up, to calm my nerves. The camera crew are already in position, and there’s a set built, with chairs for three judges. But so far they stand empty.

I wonder who will replace Martin.

My thoughts are interrupted by Deven, who has been painstakingly coiffed to look as though he just tumbled out of bed.

His hair is tousled, and he wears jeans and a plain white tee. The look plays well against his boy-next-door good looks.

I give him a half wave of acknowledgement, but I don’t bother to smile. Since Deven tried to set me up as his love interest on camera, I have no interest in being falsely friendly.

Deven
’s eyes glide to mine, and there’s no warmth there. I guess now we’ve established I’m no help to his career, he’s written me off.

Fine with me.

I look away, concentrating instead on the camera set-up. And I hear Scandelous come into the room, talking excitedly.

Their chatter falls to a strange hush, and I turn around to see all three Scandelous girls
glaring at me.

Great. Everybody hates me.

I look back to the stage, my face impassive. But the truth is, I’m really feeling the lack of George and Tammy. With my girls around, I wouldn’t care that Deven is blanking me, and Scandelous are being bitches. But it feels more personal now I’m performing solo.

The cameras roll to life, and we’re ushered into our places, standing opposite the judge
’s chairs. I feel strangely nervous to see Adam in his judging persona. But when he walks into the room, the nerves are instantly overwhelmed by desire.

How does he do this to me?

I saw Adam less than an hour ago, but all I want to do is kiss that sexy mouth.

He catches my eye, and winks, and I feel myself dissolve all over again.

Get it together Summer. You’re on camera.

Lisa enters next, and her first warm smile is for me. Instantly, all the
in-fighting and plots from Deven and Scandelous cease to matter. In that one look, Lisa seems to say: ‘I’ve got your back.’ I beam at her.

There’s a moment’s pause
, and I realise the camera crew are gearing up for the final judge.

I wonder who the mystery new person is.

The cameras pan in on our expressions – a dead cert that drama is about to happen.

Then a very familiar face
strolls into the room.

‘
It’s Kieran Hill!’ whispers Asha delightedly.

We’re all in a state of amazement. This is some replacement.

Kieran Hill is a massive star. He’s the lead singer of The Incidentals, and their first album went stellar, grabbing them critical acclaim as the new Indie sensation.

From what I’ve read in the gossip papers, they had some fall out between Kieran, and the drummer. So their second album was postponed. Maybe this is how Adam convinced him to appear on the show.
To keep his profile up in-between times.

Kieran gives us all a casual wave
like he’s known us all his life, and takes his place next to Adam and Lisa. He wears ripped jeans, and a black T-shirt emblazoned with his own band motif – a flaming guitar. In real life he looks much older than I imagined.

P
erhaps a few years of sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll have taken their toll. His skin looks lined and aged, and his eyes are tired. Though his smile is warm enough, and I feel an instant liking for him.

Beside me, I notice that
Deven’s face is totally impassive, like he’s trying to hide his emotions.

Maybe
Deven doesn’t like the competition…

‘
So,’ says Adam, his rich voice breaking the silence. ‘A little surprise for you all today. Though I’m guessing most of you have already heard, that Martin has moved on to other things.’

Adam doesn’t catch my eye as he says this, and I
struggle not to glower at him.

I make a quick calculation in my head. There’s no way I can see Adam letting me have Kieran as a mentor.

I guess this means I’ll be working with Lisa.

That’s great news. Lisa is my music hero, and her big voice is something I’ve always styled myself on.

‘I’d like to introduce Kieran Hill,’ Adam is saying. ‘Who I’m sure you’ve all heard of. Kieran’s first album went platinum, and The Incidentals had a sell-out tour to over forty countries last year.’

Kieran smiles at Adam.
‘Thanks for the intro,’ he says. ‘I’ve been watching the show, and you’ve all got a lot of talent. I’ve got some great ideas for all of you.’

I can’t help but notice Kieran’s eyes linger on me as he says this last part, and I look away shyly.

‘Let’s find out who’s with who then,’ announces Adam. He’s looking at me now, and there’s something unsettling in his gaze.

Is Adam jealous of Kieran?

I dismiss the thought as ridiculous.

Adam pulls out a small black bag, and holds it up.

‘All three mentors are in this bag,’ he explains. ‘I’ll call you up in order, and announce who you’re with. Summer. You’re first.’

I step forward uncertainly, a little taken aback by
his no-nonsense tone.

Adam holds my gaze with a steely look, and then delves his hand into the bag.

It emerges seconds later, holding a slip of paper.

Adam unfurls it, reads, and his eyebrows
raise.

He looks up slowly.

‘Well, well,’ he says, a smile twitching on his lips. ‘Looks like you’re with me, Summer.’

What!

I fight to keep the surprise from my face. It quickly turns to anger.

We had an agreement!

I can hardly launch into a tirade here, in public. But I am furious. We agreed only this morning, that Adam wouldn’t rig the vote. And now, here he is, fixing things so he’s mentoring me.

Aware that the cameras are on me, I manage a wavering smile.

‘That’s great,’ I say, insincerely. ‘I look forward to learning a lot.’

‘
You certainly will,’ says Adam, nailing me with a meaningful look.

Right at this moment, I could kill him.

‘Okaaay,’ says Adam, leaning back in his chair. ‘Who’s next? Deven. Step forward.’

My mind is whirring, as Adam’s hand dips into the bag for a second time.

Am I jumping to conclusions? Maybe it was just the luck of the draw that I got Adam.

But I can tell from his face. Adam fixed it. I know he did.

‘Deven you’re with Lisa,’ Adam is saying, as I force myself to focus on what’s happening around me.

‘
So Scandelous, that means you’re with Kieran.’

There’s a squeal behind me as Scandelous respond to the new
s.

‘
So for the next week, you won’t be in the Sing-Win house,’ Adam continues. ‘You’ll be with your mentors. Either at their residence, or somewhere they’ve rented as appropriate for training.’

Adam’s gaze flicks to me again, and I have a feeling he’s chosen somewhere interesting to rehearse.

‘So,’ Adam finishes. ‘The camera crew will split up and escort you out front. And from there, you’ll be taken to where you’ll be spending the rest of the week.’

Adam’s voice dips
low, and this time, he’s piercing me with his seductive gaze.

‘
I hope you all enjoy your time with the mentors,’ he concludes. ‘It should be a very interesting week for everyone.’

Chapter 3

‘You promised me you wouldn’t fix the contest!’ I am so angry my voice comes out as a hiss.

Adam shoots a glance to the front of the limo, where the uniformed chauffeur is transporting us to wherever we’re scheduled to rehearse.

‘Keep your voice down,’ he says mildly. ‘We can talk about this later.’

‘
We can talk about this
now
!’ I insist, not caring that the driver might overhear. ‘This is about respect Adam. Respect for me, and my independence.’

To my surprise, Adam reaches over and squeezes my hand.

‘Just wait until we get where we’re going Summer,’ he says gently. ‘I think you’ll feel differently.’

Somehow I doubt that. But his hand on mine has lowered my defences. I resolve to give him a chance to explain. After that he’s getting the full force of my outrage.

I’m annoyed enough not to pay much attention to where the car is driving, so when we pull up in what looks like an enormous empty parking lot, I turn to Adam questioningly.

Without explaining, he exits the car, and guides me out the other side. And it’s
only then I see the row of small aeroplanes lined up.

Oh, we’re in an airfield!

‘We’re flying somewhere?’ I ask, trying to sound as though I’m not thrilled by the prospect. I’m eyeing the planes. They all look like two-seaters. No sign of a jet.

‘
Yup.’

‘
Where?’ My intrigue outweighs my annoyance.

‘
You’re about to find out.’

Oh. He’s maddening!

I put my hands on my hips.

‘
Adam Morgan, you’d better tell me where we’re going.’

His face splits in a big mischievous smile.

‘I’m sorry Summer,’ he says, half-laughing. ‘I know I shouldn’t laugh. But you’re so sexy when you’re mad.’

He eyes me adoringly for a minute, and then spins on his heel.

‘C’mon,’ he calls over his shoulder. ‘Let me show you the plane.’

I hesitate for a moment, wondering if I should follow him or not. And then decide it’s too ridiculous to
stand alone in an empty airfield, trying to make a point.

Still annoyed, I walk after him.

We approach a row of three small aeroplanes, and Adam walks to the middle one. The plane is just large enough for two people, with a thick red stripe along the shining exterior.

Adam strolls alongside it, running his hand admiringly along the body.

He turns to me.

‘
You like it?’

I frown.

‘I… yes. But… we’re flying in this?’

Adam nods.

‘Sure are,’ he says. ‘She’s a beauty, isn’t she?’

I eye the cockpit, and a tremor of nerves circles in my belly. You’d feel every movement, sat up there.

‘Wait,’ I say, working something out. ‘These are your planes?’

‘
Uh huh,’ he replies.

‘
As in, they belong to you,’ I say, just to be clear.

‘
Yup. These three in the UK, and I have a few more in LA too,’ he says.

‘
Wow,’ I say, half impressed, and half nervous.

‘
Don’t tell me you’re scared of flying, now?’ asks Adam.

I shake my head.

‘No,’ I reply. ‘But… I’ve never been in a plane like that.’

Adam smiles at me.

‘Would it make you feel better or worse,’ he says slowly, ‘to know I’m flying it?’

‘
You can fly?’ I ask.

Why am I not surprised?

‘Learned a few years back,’ replies Adam, with a smile. ‘One of the things which keeps me off the rock and roll lifestyle. It’s quite a buzz, flying your own plane.’

‘
I’ll bet it is.’ I eye up the tiny chassis. ‘You’re a typical rock star, huh?’

‘
I guess you could say that,’ says Adam. ‘So, you ready to fly with me little lady?’

I suddenly remember,
I’m supposed to be annoyed with him.

‘
We need to talk,’ I say, exasperatedly. ‘You can’t just expect me to fly off into the sunset with you. Not after you set up the contest. After promising me you wouldn’t.’

‘
I did set it up,’ says Adam not sounding the least ashamed of himself. ‘But I had my reasons.’

‘
Which were?’

‘
I wanted to mentor you,’ he says simply. ‘And I had such a great place in mind for us to rehearse, I felt certain you’d forgive me a little trickery.’

‘
Did you now?’ I say, trying to add some ice to my voice. ‘And what about my opinion on all this?’

‘
Sometimes you’re gonna have to accept that I know what’s best for you,’ replies Adam.

‘
No Adam, I don’t.’ I reply. ‘What makes you think I’ll even be getting in that plane?’

He steps forward and encloses me in his warm arms.

‘Oh, just the little fact that I’m in love with you. And you would not
believe
what I’ve got lined up for you.’

I’m trying to resist his charm, but it’s impossible.

‘At least tell me where we’re going,’ I insist, knowing that I’m melting.

‘
And spoil the surprise?’ he replies innocently.

I frown. Time to put my foot down.

‘I mean it,’ I say. ‘I’m not sure I’ve forgiven you for that little trick you pulled back there. The least you can do is tell me where we’re going.’

I fold my arms defiantly.

‘I’m not stepping foot on that plane until you do,’ I conclude, determined to hold my ground.

Adam looks a little chastened. He kisses my nose thoughtfully.

‘All right then,’ he concedes after a moment. ‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll give you a big clue. We’re going somewhere cold.’

My eyebrows
raise of their own accord.

Where could he be flying us?

‘Iceland?’ I ask, thinking this is only a few hours flight from London.

Adam taps my nose with his finger.

‘No more clues,’ he says. ‘You’ll see when we get there. But the best thing about it, is it will be just you and me.’

‘
No cameras?’ I’m confused.

‘
Not for a few days,’ he promises. ‘Just you, me and a lot of snow. Sound good?’

‘
Maybe,’ I admit, not ready to forgive him fully yet.

My eyes drift to the little plane.

‘You’re sure you can fly this thing?’ I ask.

He grins back.

‘Absolutely. Time to saddle up Summer Evans. I’m going to take you for the ride of your life.’