Authors: K.L. Middleton,Cassie Alexandra,Kristen Middleton
“I’m really happy for you, Ransom.” I sighed. “But, I’ve invested so much in this already. Let me just finish up the contest. If I win, you can help me find a lawyer who will negotiate my contract.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“It might be.”
Ransom’s cell phone began to ring. He reached down and picked it up. “It’s Sonia. I’ve got to call her back and find out what she’s learned from our lawyer.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
He leaned over and kissed me on the lips. “I swear, I’ll bring condoms next time. Scout’s honor.”
I laughed. “You’d better.”
He pulled on his clothes while I grabbed my robe from the closet. When he was finished, he sat me on his knee. “I’m sorry about the judging. I swear to God, I’ve never wanted to hurt you. I’ve only wanted what was best.”
“It’s not up to you to find out what’s best for me,” I said. “You have to let
me
figure it out.”
He put his lips against my forehead and whispered, “I know.”
Tiffany
Fortunately, both Darren and I made it to the next round on Icon. We were interviewed together on the show the following day, by Taylor, who acted like nothing had happened. When the interview was finished, he pulled me aside, and apologized.
“I’m so sorry about last night,” he said quietly. “I’d been drinking and… to be honest, I really feel sick about the whole thing.”
I didn’t say anything. Something about the look in his eyes didn’t hold true to his words.
“You’re not going to mention this to Remy, are you?”
Disgusted, I shook my head and walked away.
Ransom snuck back to my hotel several times during the following week after practice. We spent most of the time in bed, and when we weren’t making love, we played cards, talked about our families, and made up lyrics for new songs.
“I had no idea you hadn’t written any of the songs on your albums,” I said, after swallowing a forkful of Lo mein. “I just assumed that since you used to write all of your old stuff back in high school, that you’d written the new stuff, too.”
“No. I wasn’t allowed to contribute any of my stuff,” he said, tapping his pencil against his notepad.
“What happened to your old
music?”
“I’m assuming it’s where I left most of it – in my old bedroom. Unless my mother had packed it away.”
“Speaking of which, have you talked to Remy?”
He frowned. “Actually, I tried talking to her about Taylor, but as usual, she refused to listen. She thinks that I hate the bastard so much, I’d make up anything.”
“Do you hate him?”
He smirked. “Do you have to ask?”
“I can’t stand him either. I can’t believe she really thinks that you’re lying. God, I can’t wait to talk to her. She’ll have to listen to the both of us.”
“I hope she kicks his ass to the curb,” he said. “And I get to watch.”
“Me too.”
He leaned over and kissed my nose. “I’m liking that even more. You and me. Together.”
I smiled.
He leaned back. “If you win Icon, you’ll be traveling quite a bit.”
Oh, here we go.
“I know.”
“It’s not as glamorous as you may think. I mean for a guy, it’s not really that bad.”
“What’s the difference?”
He chuckled. “I don’t think I have to spell it out for you.”
I smirked. “Oh, you mean because of the partying and loose, skanky women?”
“You could say that.”
“I’m sure there are many female artists who enjoy partying and loose men while on the road.”
“Just for the record, all men are loose, babe.”
My eyebrow arched. “Is that right?”
He burst out laughing. “But not all men are available.”
“That’s better.”
“So, have you decided if you’re going through with the song tonight?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
He leaned forward. “Because you were thinking about quitting the show?”
I clucked my tongue. “You just don’t give up, do you?”
“Of course not.”
“Are you going to vote ‘No’ tonight?”
He stood up and walked towards me. “Depends on how good you are.”
“I’m serious.”
He smiled. “I’m serious, too.”
I stuck my tongue out.
“Do that again,” he replied, touching his zipper.
“Not if you’re going to vote against me,” I teased. “On purpose.”
He dropped his hand and sighed. “You know how I feel about this show.”
“I thought you were going to let me make my own decisions.”
“You can and nobody is stopping you. Speaking of decisions, I also have a very important one to consider. Now,” he said, looking at the clock. “I need to make some phone calls. I’m sorry, babe, but I won’t get to see you until you’re actually onstage tonight.”
I frowned. “Why do the
judges
get to make phone calls, but contestants aren’t allowed to make even one?”
“Because, you’re contestants. You might leak information.”
“So could the judges.”
“True, but not as likely. I suppose it’s just easier for them to monitor three judges than it is for thirty contestants. Besides, we’re under contract. We say anything and we could get sued.”
I snorted. “Yeah, and we all know how
you
follow the rules.”
He smiled.
“It still makes me mad.”
“It’s Icon. Like I said, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you get chosen, you won’t be able to shave your bikini line without getting permission. Speaking of,” he smiled wickedly. “I like what you’ve done with the place.”
My cheeks turned bright pink. I’d been bored one night and had decided to give myself a ‘Brazilian’.
He leaned over and kissed me. “I love the way you blush even more.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“Thank you.”
“It wasn’t a compliment.”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “For me it is.”
I smiled and rolled my eyes.
He picked up his T-shirt from the ground and pulled it over his head. “So, what song are you singing tonight?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Not going to tell me, huh?” he asked, grabbing his phone from the nightstand.
“No and if you tell me I suck, I’m going to jump off of the stage, and kill you.”
He feigned a look of shock. “You do know that threatening or bribing a judge is not only against the rules, but illegal?”
“If I go to jail,” I said, opening up my robe. “Will you pay me a conjugal visit?”
He dropped his phone on the floor, picked me up, and tossed me on the bed. “You wicked, wicked girl.”
Tiffany
“You’re up next, Tiffany.”
I stared at myself in the mirror and felt a sense of calmness that I hadn’t felt in the last few weeks.
“You look exquisite,” remarked the makeup artist, Rene, who had a slight French accent.
Our eyes met in the mirror. “Yes. Thanks again for not overdoing the eye makeup.”
He smiled. “Eyes like yours look better without.”
“Thanks,” I replied, standing up.
Tonight I had on a long, red dress that tapered to my waist, showed a hint of cleavage, and flowed down to a small train. I felt like I was ready for the Oscars.
“Be careful you don’t step on the dress,” he said, helping me spread the bottom out.
“I’ll try.”
This time my red heels were only two inches, nothing compared the previous week when I wobbled in the other ones.
“I’ll walk you to the stage,” he said, lifting the back of my dress off of the floor.
“Thanks,” I replied as we were escorted towards the stairs leading to the back of the stage. When it was my turn to take position, I started getting another panic attack.
“What’s wrong?” asked Rene, straightening out the train again.
“Nerves,” I said, waving a hand frantically by my face, trying not to sweat.
“Just remember, you are beautiful and you sing like an angel. Nobody can take that away from you.”
I smiled. “That is so sweet, Rene.”
“Actually,” he smiled sheepishly. “I agree with the sentiment, but these words are not from me. I have something for you.” He reached into his suit pocket, pulled out an envelope, and handed it to me.
I opened it up and read the message.
You are beautiful and sing like an angel. Nobody can ever take that away from you. I love you, Taffy. I just wanted you to know. R.
My eyes filled with tears as the realization of how much I loved
him
made my heart swell. Truthfully, I’d already known that I’d fallen in love with Ransom, especially during those weeks he’d stayed away and I’d missed him. Not seeing him had killed me, even though it was what I’d requested. Now, to know that he had
real
feelings for me, it was a wonderful feeling.
I grinned stupidly.
Ransom loved me.
“Sorry,” said Rene. “I was told to memorize it, in case I couldn’t hand you the envelope. It was important to him that you knew.”
With a squeal of joy, I threw my arms around Rene and hugged him. “Thank you.”
He chuckled as I pulled away. “Well, I think I need to be the postman more often.”
I wiped a couple of tears from under my eyelashes. “Is my makeup, okay?”
He tilted his head and nodded. “Are you kidding, you look beautiful.”
“Rene, get off the stage!” hollered one of the crewmen. “Vite!”
Rene saluted him, gave me a wink, and then scurried from the stage.
The audience clapped as the judges finished giving their opinions on the performer before me.
My pulse raced. I was up. I took a deep breath.
This round, we’d been given the freedom to select a favorite love song. The song I’d chosen was the one I used to listen to as a teenager, when I’d lie in bed at night, fantasizing about Ransom. Now, it truly represented everything I felt in my heart. He was, and always had been, the man of my dreams.
As the curtain began to open, I took another deep breath, and allowed myself to relax.
“Tiffany!” the crowd roared, and began to clap.
I smiled.
Then the familiar music began to play. I raised the mike and directed most of my attention towards the dark silhouette of the only judge in the room that mattered.
The whispers in the morning
Of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling like thunder now
As I look in your eyes
I hold on to your body
And feel each move you make
Your voice is warm and tender
A love that I could not forsake
'Cause I am your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
Lost is how I'm feeling lying in your arms
When the world outside's too
Much to take
That all ends when I'm with you
Even though there may be times
It seems I'm far away
Never wonder where I am
'Cause I am always by your side
'Cause I am your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love
The sound of your heart beating
Made it clear
Suddenly the feeling that I can't go on
Is light years away
'Cause I am your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can
We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love
I lowered the mike, and the audience stood up, clapping and calling out my name.
The rush was incredible.
I brushed away the tears under my lower lashes, as Taylor walked towards me, a fake smile plastered across his face. When the clapping stopped and the lights grew brighter, I stole a glance towards Ransom, whose expression was stoic.
“
That
was amazing,” said Taylor. “I think if Celine Dion herself were in the audience, she’d be giving you the thumbs-up.”
“Thanks,” I replied, my face flushed from seeing the grins and even a few tears on the audience staring back at me. Then, when I noticed a sign that read: “We love you, Taffy!” and Jesse’s and Sinclair’s beaming smiles below it, I raised my hand to my lips, and blew them a kiss.
“Deidra,” said Taylor, turning towards the judges. “What did you think of our ‘lady’ tonight?”
Her eyes were shining brightly. She clasped her hands together and nodded. “Tiffany Banks. You know, you just keep getting better and better, my dear. That was superb. I don’t think you could have sung it any better. Cheers.”
“Thank you,” I said. “That means a lot.”
She tilted her head. “Well done. I know in my heart that you’ll be voted to the next round.”
“I hope so,” I replied.
Taylor spoke into his mike. “Tyrone, what about you?”
“I’ve said it before, Tiffany Banks has the talent to go all the way. She’s beautiful, talented, and America loves her. I don’t know about you guys out there,” he looked back towards the crowd, “but when she stepped out of the shadows and opened her mouth, I wanted it to be
me
she was singing to.”
Claps erupted in the crowd and I felt my cheeks turn red as a guy in the audience howled.
“Thanks, Tyrone,” I replied.
“You keep it up, girl. You’ve got what it takes.”
“I hope so.”
“Ransom,” said Taylor, his voice slightly strained. “Are we going to get another ‘no’ from you, or has she finally proven herself to our most critical judge?”
The crowd grew quiet.
Ransom and I stared at each other. I smiled but he didn’t return it, nor did he give
anything
away in his expression. “Ms. Banks. I want to say that your performance tonight was crap… that it was horrible, that you should forget this contest, and walk out the door because you just don’t have what it takes to win. I would really,
really
love to say that.”
The crowd began to ‘boo’ him.
He raised his voice. “
But
, I’d be doing you a grave injustice.” He smiled. “You blew me out of the water, and so far away, that I’m still trying to find my bearings.”
I exhaled and began to breathe again.
“I’ve never heard anything so amazingly beautiful in my entire life,” he said, his own eyes glimmering. “You deserve everything you want in life, whatever it is.
You,
beautiful lady
,
deserve to go all the way, and there is really nothing else to be said.”
The crowd stood up and clapped, chanting “Ransom.” He lifted his hand and waved at the audience, a big smile on his face.
I raised the mike to my mouth. “I disagree, Ransom. I think there is definitely more to be said.”
He leaned back and stared up at me in confusion.
Taking a deep breath, I tossed away the mike, picked up the train of my dress, and headed towards the edge of the stage, where the judges were all seated. I lowered myself down and then ran to where Ransom sat, shocked as hell.
“Taffy?” he asked, standing up. “What are you doing?”
Tears filled my eyes. “I love you, Ransom, and I don’t care about this contest or anything else, for that matter,” I said, launching myself at him before the surrounding security guards had a chance to stop me. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him hard on the lips.
Stunned, the crowd went wild and began to clap.
“I love you, too,” he replied, wrapping his arms around my waist when I came up for breath. “Tiffany Banks.”