Free Star Struck by Amber Garza Page A

just want to jump into his arms and kiss him. And tonight I almost did.”
    “See, I knew something happened.”
    “But that’s just it. Nothing happened. I told him I desired him, and he told me to go home.”
    “You what?” Lola shouts.
    I run my hand over my face. “I know. I’m such an idiot.”
    “Okay, okay, start from the beginning. Tell me what happened.”
    So I do. I spill the entire humiliating story. When I finish Lola strokes my arm, a look of pity cloaking her face. “Maybe he thought you were talking about someone else. It’s not like you point blank said that you desired him.”
    I fix her with an incredulous stare. “C’mon, it’s totally obvious what I meant. And when I first looked at him it seemed like he desired me too.”
    “He probably does.”
    “Oh , yeah, that must be why he kicked me out.”
    “Star, don’t take this the wrong way, okay?”
    I cock my head to the side, almost afraid to hear her out. “Okay,” I say, drawing the word out slowly.
    “I think it’s probably for the best. I mean, you yourself said that Beckett makes you act differently.  I know you’re attracted to him, but I don’t think he’s the right g uy for you. According to Ryker, he treats women like dirt.”
    “You and Ryker sure spend a lot of time talking about Beckett.” I feel a little bad for how bitter I sound.
    If Lola notices she ignores it. “Only because I told him where you were and he got all worried.”
    “About me? Why?”
    “He really likes you being in the band. He doesn’t want Beckett to screw it up.” Lola nudges me. “Ryker says that lots of guys were asking about you after the last show. Maybe you’ll start dating some hot fan.”
    “He really said that?” I smile. “Yeah, maybe I will.” Even as I try to convince myself that’s a possibility, Beckett’s face emerges in my mind.
     
    I enter the club, my heart hammering in my chest. The breeze kicks up my dress and I smooth it down.  In the dim lighting I can barely make anything out.
    “You’re late,” Beckett’s annoyed voice rings out.
    I squint, and see the band already on the stage for the mic check. Determined not to let my disappointment at his behavior toward me show, I cross my arms over my chest and stalk toward them. My boots stomp on the ground as I head up on the stage.
    I glare at Beckett while walking toward my mic rophone. “Maybe if someone had picked me up I wouldn’t be late.”
    “Fine. Ryker will pick you up for all future gigs, okay?”
    Way to dig the knife in deeper, Beckett. “Sounds great.” I glance back at Ryker with a smile. “Lola says hi, by the way. She’ll be here later.”
    “Can we get the mic check ove r before the show starts?” Beckett asks in a bored voice.
    I turn back around. “I’m ready.”
    “Great,” Beckett replies.
    All through the mic check I study Beckett. He seems to be doing his best to avoid me the same way he did at this week’s practice. I must have really freaked him out that night at his house. If only I could’ve kept my thoughts of desire to myself. My cheeks warm just remembering. I need to do something to ma ke this okay again. I mean, I know that Lola’s right. He’s all wrong for me, but I at least want us to be friends. This whole awkward thing is too brutal. When we’re finished, we all head off stage. Beckett leans against the bar in the back, taking in the room. The other guys are huddled together chatting near the stage. Mustering up all my courage, I head toward Beckett.
    “Hey,” I say to him, and rest my back against the bar.
    He nods in response.
    I consider just walking off , and leaving him to his grumpy attitude. A few people walk past us and sit down at one of the tables. I know it’s nearing time for us to play. Just when I’m about to head toward the other guys, boldness takes over. “Have I done something to upset you?”
    “No.” Beckett slips back into the bored voice he used when we first met.
    “It’s just