Chapter 10: Chapter 10
: Fame
The crowd roared with a series of claps, all applauding for him. Justin proceeded to stand next to Mr Ryder as he was given the microphone, "thank you, thank you ladies and gentlemen, you've been a wonderful audience," he said smiling as people were still clapping, then he and Mr Ryder headed off the stage.
They were met by Mr Rodger who was smiling all over, "that was magnificent!" he said, giving Justin another firm hand shake.
"Robin, you shouldn't let this one go!" he said looking at Mr. Ryder. "You bet I won't," he replied smiling back at him, before he and Justin headed toward a table at the front corner of The Rose where Justin met the others.
George had also joined them much to Justin's surprise. "I didn't think you would make it," Justin his hand on George's shoulder, "I would not have missed that performance for the world, baby boy, you almost made me cry!" he said, blowing his kisses to Justin.
"Really? Cause I could have sworn I saw you cry," Lucy corrected.
"Hey, a guy's got to have some dignity!" he snapped back at her.
Justin laughed.
Chris stood up and gave him a bro hug, shake then snap.
"Man that was fire," he said tapping Justin,
"Yeah man that was off the charts!" Beats included also giving Justin the man hug. "Boy, you got all them high class peeps in tears, quite embarrassing" he continued sitting down, "freaking eyeliners all over their faces."
Justin sat down grinning sheepishly right next to Lucy who winced as her heart beat increased it's pace.
Mr Ryder sat at his left hand side. "Well this deserves a toast," he said, lifting a glass half full of wine at the center of the table, "To Justin for his success," he said. Chris lifted up his glass, "to Justin for being the brother I never had," he said smiling,
George then lifted his glass up, "to Justin for being the sexiest bastard on earth!" he said in his dirty voice, sending them all laughing,
Beats then lifted his glass up, "to Justin for being a music kicking bad ass," he said. Justin chuckled very merry by now he was about to raise his glass when Lucy took the next toast, "to Justin.......for being a good friend, artist and above all... a star," she said. Justin smiled at her and Mr Ryder took a hint of what was happening between them.
"To me, for finally overcoming my fears, leaving my past and creating a future with the best of friends one could ever wish for, "Justin said completing the toast,
"Cheers to that!" Mr Ryder concluded as their glasses hit each other's. They all took a sip and relaxed.
"So Justin, if the song does as good as I think it will, you will become super busy, are you ready for that? I mean when you become a celebrity, life aint always sweet. It's like you live under the spotlight. Are you sure this is what you want?" Mr Ryder asked.
“I know the sacrifices it costs but music is my life, if that's the price that it is to make my dreams come true I really don't mind," he said, taking another gulp of wine. "That’s my boy," Mr Ryder replied.
Just then a strikingly tall man dressed in a casual t -shirt and some pair of jeans walked up to them, with large smiled plastered onto his handsome face. Mr Ryder welcomed him and told Larry to draw him a seat.
Though his dressing was plain and he was quite young like in his mid-thirties, there was something about him that just spelled high class all over him. Maybe it was the fact that he was wearing a Rolex and some fine jewelry with a wedding ring. He was good looking but not at all compared to Justin.
He also was well built and had a good smile but since he did have a ring George guessed he was taken.
He greeted everyone at the table his eyes resting on Justin, "mmm, everyone this here Mr. Jeremy Eviannes, he's a Businessman and a hell of a mighty fine billionaire," Mr Ryder introduced,
"Oh please," Jeremy said laughing, "still with the flattery? Just call me Jeremy," he said smiling.
They all returned greetings then Mr Ryder asked, "well...Jeremy, what did you think of Justin?" he asked patting Justin on the back.
Jeremy smiled eyeing Justin favorably, "I must admit, he is one hell of a star, definitely worth my trip," he said turning to Mr Ryder.
Mr. Ryder nodded with pride before addressing the rest, "I called Jeremy from L.A and I told him about your gig here since he said he wanted to meet the YouTube sensation that broke the record. He came all the way from L.A to watch you," Mr Ryder explained to Justin,
"Yes I did, and I don't regret it." Jeremy added still smiling. "That’s why I want you on my show." he continued,
"Your show?" Justin asked.
"Yeah, Holly Air. It goes live every Tuesday Wednesday and Friday, I'm sure you've heard of it. “They all nodded. Who hadn't?
"If this song that you just performed does as good as I know it will, I'll have my agent book you," he said.
Mr. Rodger smiled, "well, then I Guess you and I will be in business pretty soon," he said standing up.
Jeremy stood up too and they gave each other a handshake, "see you later boys," he said, giving them a small salute then he left.
Mr. Ryder sat down again, "well, Jeremy gave us the best offer Fellas. He owns the biggest Hollywood gossip site, Holly Air which is watched by over a billion people across the world on YouTube and even live TV. If you get a spot on his show, then you can consider yourself established," he said, taking another sip of wine.
"Is he really a billionaire?" Chris asked in disbelief, "well not yet, but with the way he's going by next year he will be," he replied.
"So what's next?" Lucy asked. "Now?" Mr Ryder confirmed lifting one eye-brow, "Well now we pray, that Darling does really well on the charts because your careers depend on it," he said leaning back.
No pressure, Justin thought risking a glance at Chris.
***
After eating their supper, Justin went to the bathroom. On his way back he was stopped by some fans both male and female, (mostly female) some clinging on to him, others congratulating him while still others asking for his number.
Lucy watched all this from her very privileged spot, a feeling on insecurity starting within her.
"Larry, you better go get our boy, looks like he's being stalled by the mafia," Mr Ryder chuckled to his bodyguards as he looked at Justin who was trying hard to make it back to his seat in the mob of fans that had sabotaged him.
He, Chris, George and Beats laughed, but Lucy just looked over concerned. Larry went over and the fans allowed his big huge body to pass until he reached Justin and guided him safely back to the pack.
Justin sat down panting,
"What happened?" Chris asked laughing, "You look like you've just been run over," Beats added chuckling.
Justin shook his head, "I was coming back from the boys room when this group of girls wanted to take some pictures with me and autographs. I did but they kept coming until they were a mob," Justin explained trying to catch his breath.
"You should get used to that boy, you think that's hell, try the paparazzi, there like everywhere, “Mr Ryder opted. After a few more laughs and jokes Mr Ryder decided it was time for all of them to be heading home.
Justin and Chris were the first to be dropped off, reaching the orphanage the early hours of the next day.
By 10:30 they were still asleep, tired and stressed.
Miss Janice knocked on the door and Chris sat bolt upright in bed. He had always been sensitive to sound even when he was asleep. He woke Justin up who was still asleep.
Justin turned over and threw a pillow at him, "stop, I'm so tired," he mumbled.
"Boys! Is everything okay in there?!" Miss Janice shouted through the door. Justin sat bolt upright in bed. "Yes ma’am! Everything’s fine here!" Chris shouted back,
"Okay, I want you boys in my office in thirty minutes " she said staring at her watch, "I'm counting."
Chris heard her footsteps become fainter and fainter as she walked away. Justin flopped down, "what is it now?" he groaned, "I'm so tired I just want to sleep," he said fondling his pillow.
"well we don't have time for that now," Chris said yawning then jumped out of bed "let's just go and see what she wants first, then we will come back," he said grabbing his towel and throwing Justin's over to him.
Justin unwillingly stood up and dragged himself to the showers for a bath.
**
An hour later they were standing at the door of Miss Janice office. Justin had only been there once, the first time he came to the orphanage.
They stood in front of that door for a full five minutes like naughty kids in front of the principal’s door. "Well knock!" Justin said finally to Chris, "well you do it then!" he retorted, something gave him chills about the office.
"You might be smarter but technically it's a proven fact that I’m braver," Justin replied, pulling past him. He knocked gently on the door, a very weak knock,
"Really you're braver?" Chris mocked, "That wasn't even a knock," he bullied,
"I bet she didn't even hear it."
"If that wasn't a knock then what was it?" Justin asked defending himself,
"Pathetic that was pathetic!" Chris retorted, "Here’s how you do it," he said preparing to knock but the door flew open.
"Come in boy's," a voice said and they walked into Miss Janice' office.
"She didn't even hear it?" Justin scoffed at Chris.
"Sit down, “she ordered.
They followed obediently. "I think you boys know why I called you down here," she continued.
"No ma'am, actually we really don't know," Justin replied politely.
"Where were you two last night?" she asked, taking off her glasses and eying them directly.
Chris felt uncomfortable and his voice and throat felt dry, "We were at The Rose, but we only went there with Mr Ryder because we thought he had already told you about the program." he quickly defended.
Miss Janice stood up, "and he did, but boys I can't help but worry. I know I said you should spread your wings and fly but even a bird learns to first fly in its own space before migrating to other lands," she said walking behind them. "I hope you understand what I mean," the boys nodded though they weren't really sure.
She guessed and continued, "what am trying to say is,” she paused, "For example, look at the time. It’s Eleven am and if I hadn't woke you boys up you'll still be asleep. Y’all know that today's Wednesday right? All your friends are being taught by the tutor, I know music is your passion but you're both seventeen only. You've been working and stressing yourselves like crazy. You don't relax and you haven't even attended lessons for the last month. Then yesterday you come back past midnight and lord help me if y'all drunk alcohol!" she snapped,
"No ma'am we didn't," They replied really uncomfortable. "Are you sure boys?" she asked.
"Well, we did drink wine but it was nonalcoholic," Justin confessed.
"I'll take your word for it," she replied after a soul stare, taking her seat, and the boys were relieved that she had finally eased up.
"I don't mean to be harsh on you boys, I know you're quite young, but I'm your guardian and I promised my grandmother to take care of you. When she died I became your mother. So I can't help but worry. “She explained taking a deep breath and putting her glasses back on.
"I know y'all exhausted so I will allow you to go lie down. I'll have to talk to Mr Ryder, later today," she said.
Justin and Chris wished her a good day then left her office. "I do get where she's coming from," Chris said, "I haven't studied a textbook in a month," he said as Justin agreed. "I wish there was some way we could combine school and music together," Justin concluded, "it's so hard just going back and forth between the studio and here," he said.
Chris yawned, " we'll discuss that problem with Mr Ryder and I'm sure he will come up with a solution," he opened the door to their room and climbed into the covers, "but as for now, first things first, he said closing his eyes, Justin followed suit lazily.
**
The next day Mr Ryder called them, just for a greeting. He kept checking up on them for the next week.
Justin and Chris went back to their old lives for that week. They were drowned in studies just to catch up with the others.
The boys realized how boring and empty their lives were without music. It had become everything to them in just a few months, it felt like it had given them a meaning, a purpose.
After another two days Mr. Ryder came by the orphanage. The boys spotted his Lamborghini packed in the drive way and limousine and knew he had arrived.
They met him coming out of Miss Janice office. "Is everything OK?" Chris asked.
Mr Ryder put one hand around him as they walked down the hall-way, "oh Yes, Miss Janice just had some concerns, “he said smiling from ear to ear like he had just won the lottery “and?" Justin asked,
"Let's just say we reached a conclusion that we're both pretty proud of,”
"What?" Justin and Chris asked at the same time. "You'll see, there's a time for everything and right now I need you boys by Capital Records," he said putting his other arm around Justin and patting their backs.
They quickly changed and headed down stairs, they entered into the limousine and cruised back into the city towards Capital Records.
They found Beats in his usual spot, he was sitting beside George listening to some new beats, while Humphrey was leaning over them.
"Hey guys, " Justin greeted as they walked in, "Hey bro," Beats said snapping a handshake.
"And hey handsome," George said to Chris.
Chris laughed. He was used to Georges humor by now…well at least he hoped it was humor.
"Back off the boys George," Mr Ryder said, "Of course sir, he knows I'm harmless," he replied slyly, winking at Chris.
Mr. Ryder chuckled. "OK boys I called the whole team down here because we are about to head into stardom, all thanks to Justin."
Everyone froze looking at Justin.
“thanks but I think whatever it is we all played a large part," Justin concluded nervously.
"True, so I guess this is the reward for putting, our hard-work, Talent, resources and dedication into what we do." Mr Ryder announced.
"Okay you're making me nervous and excited sir, just like cut the chase, what the hell’s going on?" George asked.
"Patience," he countered putting one arm around Humphrey, with a huge grin.
"I just got firsthand information on the billboard chart toppers this week." he said pausing.
"And?" they all asked at the same time.
"Darling" by Justin Star is ranking number 3 at the Billboard nation-wide charts!" he exclaimed. "What!" George screamed. "Get out of here!" he said smiling from ear to ear.
Justin's heart stopped for a moment as Chris grabbed his shoulder. Beats just kept saying, "I knew it, I knew it."
"That’s not all, in just one week, three days, 10 hrs. And 37 minutes 'Darling,' has become the number one played song on twelve official radio stations across America."
They all started clapping, "Wait for it," Mr Ryder continued bellowing with joy, "the song already has 30 million downloads on Spotify, 300 million plus plays, and people want a video to the song. Your YouTube video of you singing at the Rose is the second most trending video on the internet, the first is still you performing the cover of Sam Smith Too Good at Goodbyes."
Justin couldn't believe what he was hearing. Humphrey, George beats and Chris were screaming and clapping.
"Hold it just for one second, Jeremy wants you to do the number one spot artist spotlight on the Holly Air In LA on Thursday and Sam smith wants you to be his opening act for his world tour in Hollywood next week!” he shouted.
"Oh my god!" Justin screeched burying his head in his hands he had no more words, he just started crying.
The boys hovered over him and gave him a big hug. All of them cuddled together as Mr Ryder stood watching. He had seen this sight for a lot of artists whom he had helped go platinum and this was always the best moment of his career.
After they all hugged him Justin stood up wiping the tears from his eyes. "I'm okay, guys, it's just a bit overwhelming for me," he said smiling through his red eyes.
"I just want to thank all of you for being a great team, always there supporting me and guiding me, I love you guys," he said, still wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Aww!" George said, "We love you too." They gave him another group hug. After that Justin walked up to Mr Ryder and stuck out his hand. Mr Ryder gave him a handshake but Justin pulled him and they embraced, "thank you for not giving up on me, and pushing me," he said.
Mr Ryder was a bit shocked, he had never really hugged anyone like this but he liked it and returned the hug back smiling, "you deserved this,” he said.
"Woo!" Humphrey shouted out backed up by Beats and George.
After a few minutes they were celebrating having a few soft drinks and laughing, "So you're saying we'll have to travel to LA tomorrow for Justin's show thing?" Chris asked.
"Precisely," Mr Ryder said, ""I already talked to Miss Janice and explained everything. She was admittedly tough but in the end she agreed. All your careers have officially taken off today boys."
"Wow! I still can't believe it, I bet all the boys at the orphanage will be happy for me," Justin said, remembering how supportive they were.
"Yeah, we are all happy for you," Chris said smiling and patting Justin's shoulder, "mm, not everyone's going to be happy for you," George differed taking a sip of his soft drink.
"Yeah not everyone," Humphrey backed him up clearly knowing exactly where George was heading with this.
"Who wouldn't be happy for me?" Justin asked puzzled.
Beats winked at Chris and he got it. "Can’t believe you've over looked that," Mr Ryder pitched in knowing full well what was going on, "Who?" Justin asked still confused.
"Lucy," Chris opened up the floor.
Justin suddenly remembered, she also had been here from day one.
"That girl got herself head over heels for you, not healthy at all," George said.
"Did you see how she looked at the girls back at The Rose when they were hogging you?" Beats asked laughing.
"Oh, I remember that,” Humphrey pitched in smiling as if it had been the expression of a lifetime.
Mr Ryder spoke up, "hey," he said to Justin who was in deep thought, "you like her right?" he asked.
Justin paused for a minute, "I would like to see her be part of our team, I mean she also helped in her own way," he said.
"Then turn that frown upside down boy, she'll come with," Mr. Ryder said.
"Really? You can do that?" Justin asked. "I'm Robin Ryder son,” Mr Ryder began leaning back.
"I CAN DO ANYTHING!" Chris, Humphrey, George and Beats finished for him, making him chuckle.
"Yeah, yeah OK, “Chris began after a short laugh, " but what will she do?"
"What do you mean?" Justin replied.
"Well," Chris began, "see, Humphrey shoots your videos, George edits them, Beats, well he does the beats and produces I am your professional motivator and the understudy for a manger, Mr Ryder is your manager and even Bryson is your driver, so where does she fit in?" He asked.
"Yeah he's got a point there man," Humphrey supported.
“And don't you think it would kind of be weird if you were like, hey Lucy me and the boys are going to LA, so come with, "George said faking Justin's accent.
Beats snorted out a laugh. "Well I didn't really think about it that way," Justin said sitting up, "it would kind of be awkward if I just told her to come along."
"I mean like what would she even be doing? Serving drinks like a waiter or something?" Chris continued.
"Bingo!" Mr. Ryder said, "why not? We'll just hire her as your personal assistant, every celebrity has that anyway. You'll need one, but that's only if you want her."
"Yeah I like the sound of that," Justin agreed, "it wouldn't look cheesy at all," he said.
"Yeah and you'll get to spend more time with her, " Beats said as Humphrey jabbed him. Justin rolled his eyes, suppressing the blush.
"Nice cover sir," George said to Mr Ryder.
"Ok so let me just fill you boys in the details, by 7:00 am tomorrow sharp, everyone must be here, ready and packed. Then we will all head to the airport for the plane to LA. If you're late we will leave without you, I repeat, we will not even take a look back because we will be too busy fantasizing about Los Angeles (LA)!"Mr Ryder shouted and they all backed him up.
They didn't record that day, they just sat in the studio for some time. Laughing and thinking about all the time would spend in LA.
After a few more hours. Mr Ryder stood up, "well boys... I have some business to wind up before the trip so I'll see all of you tomorrow at-"
"7 am sharp!" They said together.
Mr Ryder smiled, "I'll see you when I do, oh and Justin before you guys leave, inform Lucy about the new job she will be given and the trip." he said leaving them.
Justin nodded as the body guards followed him out of the room. "Well, what are you waiting for?" Beats asked turning to Justin, "go and ask Lucy," he said.
Justin stood up smiling. "Well wish me luck," he said heading for the door,
"Go get her!" Humphrey called out to him as Chris clapped.
"You don't need luck boy, you got looks!" George finished.
Justin looked back at him, "man you’re just something else," he said smiling,
"I get that a lot," George said, winking at him.
"Should I go with him?" Chris asked the group,
"Nah, that's something a man’s got to do alone," Beats replied.
***
Justin entered the elevator, "bottom floor please”
. "Voice scanning....command accepted. Bottom floor. Good after noon Justin." Tammy said.
"Good afternoon Tammy.
Justin replied.
It was the first time she had ever greeted him and he found it awkward talking to a computer.
"From the sound of your voice, your vocal signals sound stressed, should I call 911?" Tammy asked.
Justin almost choked shaking his head ferociously, "No, no, no, thank you Tammy," Justin said laughing, "it's nothing serious, probably just nervous, I'm going to ask a girl out," he said taking a deep breath.
"Searching for 'ask a girl out' on my internet data bases," Tammy said.
"What? You're looking it up?" Justin asked, baffled.
"Many people get butterflies in their stomachs when asking a girl out, they begin to feel abnormally hot and uncomfortable, and a little bit nauseous and dizzy, these are all normal reactions," she recited.
"Well I do feel uncomfortable," Justin admitted.
"Cure: take two deep breaths in and hope for the best," Tammy replied.
Justin laughed. "Bottom floor," Tammy said as the elevator doors opened
"Thank you Tammy for the ride and the advice," he said walking out still smiling,
"My pleasure," she replied. Justin shook his head. It was a wired conversation but he liked it.
He walked over and paused for a moment. Lucy was by her desk answering a phone call.
She wore a short red dress with a black belt. She wore black heels and a black scarf paired by a red handbag which sat beside her on her desk.
Her hair was tied up in a bun. She wore light lip gloss and eye-shadow bringing out her bluish green eyes.
Her teeth were perfect and her body was like that of a model.
She had a friendly smile and he admired the way she worked. Back at the studio George had hacked into the security cameras of the lobby and the boys were watching Justin.
"Look at him, he's just staring at her, “Chris commented, making Humphrey chuckle.
They continued watching.
Justin caught himself and finally managed to blink, he walked up to her desk. She had just finished with a phone call. "Hey," he greeted.
She looked up at him a bit surprised to see him there, suddenly behaving a whole lot more shy.
"Hi, is there something you need?" She asked in the sweetest voice she could master.
Justin thought for a moment, "yes, you. I need you notice me," he said, giving her that heartthrob smile.
She blushed as the pace of her heartbeat raced reaching 180. She smiled and bit her lip.
"Smooth sneaky bastard!" George said as he watched smiling, "yeah that was a pretty sweet move," Humphrey added.
"Shhhhhhh!" I want to hear what they’re saying Beats interrupted.
"Well I don't think you have to try too hard," she replied smiling at him.
"Really? Then I guess I'll just go straight to the point. "He continued leaning over, she smiled widely, and her heart stopped pounding.
He was looking directly into her eyes, making her feel he could see her dying inside for him,
"What is it?" She asked, a little nervous.
"I would like you to come with us, the whole gang, we are going to LA tomorrow." He said.
"LA?" She asked surprised, "wow...” She trailed off shaking her head, "t-that's too far, don't think I can afford to get a leave at such short notice," she replied.
Her hands were shivering and she hoped that he did not notice.
"Well what if I told you that Mr Ryder was okay with it?" He asked.
"I'd say, what time are we leaving?" She said smiling at him.
"Oh! She's bad!" Beats said. His mouth dropping as Humphrey squeezed his shoulder.
"Yeah pretty smooth too," Chris backed.
Justin smiled at her and leaned further in, "I want you to quit this job and come work with the rest of the gang, as an assistant. I mean we need one and the boys have grown fond of you, so we decided to pitch you in. We're leaving for LA at 7am sharp tomorrow and we'd like for you to join us. That's only if you want too," he said.
"What are the benefits?" She asked grinning, her eyes focused on him dreamily.
"Well, you get to travel with us, see the world, and have fun while getting paid," he said.
"Is that all?" She asked.
"Well, I mean, that would mean, I'd also get to see you every day." He responded.
She laughed, showing off her cheek bones.
"What do you say?" He asked.
"I say, I'll see you tomorrow at 7... Sharp," she said leaning in.
He smiled at her for a moment, "okay, then I'll look forward to it,” he said, giving her one last look, and that heart smashing smile before walking away.
"Now that's how you pack, seal, sign and deliver!" George said.
"Seems like bro got moves," Chris said.
"Mad moves!" Humphrey added. A few minutes later Justin showed up at the studio.
"Well man, you packaged that nicely," Humphrey said, hitting him lightly on the back. Justin looked at him confused.
"What you guys were watching?" He asked, eyeing the tablet that was in front of George still connected to the cameras. "You guys are so messed up!” he said laughing,
"Yeah and you're part of the crew!" Beats added. They sat there for a few hours just chatting while Beats was preparing something. After that they all retired for the day.
**
The next day around 6:30 the boys were already packed and ready to go. Miss Janice had given them a list of things to do and what not to do in LA.
They were to be gone for three weeks not only for the interview but also for Justin's first performance in front of a stadium full of people for his opening act in Hollywood and the fellow boys at the orphanage wished them all the best.
Miss Janice kissed them goodbye and stay safe as they entered the car.
This time Bryson had changed the car and had come to pick them up in a black Mercedes.
They wondered what it was with Bryson and the color black but still made no arguments.
On their way to Capital Records, Bryson wished them all the best and they were both surprised because frankly he wasn't very talkative.
Upon arriving they discovered that Capital Records had just opened. Mr Ryder was standing in the lobby and besides him was George, Humphrey, Beats and Lucy.
For the first time she had her hair down and was wearing ripped jeans and a crop top.
She looked younger and much more attractive, Justin decided, gaping at her.
Chris noticed, "close your mouth before you catch a fly” he joked poking Justin and laughing at him.
Justin grinned as they walked toward the others.
"You're two minutes late," Mr Ryder replied.
"We are sorry," they replied laughing.
"Okay we got no time to lose he said as they walked out a curvy lady entered and greeted Mr Ryder.”Who’s that?" Justin asked.
"Lucy's replacement, since she's now your assistant," he replied. Chris gulped,
"She’s well...." He trailed off watching the curvaceous lady. "Spicy?" Humphrey asked and they burst into laughter.
They walked outside and found a Hummer Limousine waiting for them outside. It was black and longer than the usual limousine.
Larry opened the door for them and Mr Ryder entered first followed by the rest.
It was big inside and spacious. "I can get used to living like this," George commented his eyes traveling around the beauty of a car.
"Well, you will very soon" Mr Ryder replied laughing.
The seats were made of leather and very comfortable.
There was a bar inside it filled with all sorts of cocktails. Mr Ryder poured a cup for each one. And they all took a glass.
"This right here is the life," Humphrey said leaning into the soft back of the leather seats.
"I can't wait to see LA!" Chris said,
"Can’t remember ever being outside Chicago."
"Don't worry you'll see it soon enough," Mr Ryder complied.
The limo stopped and Larry opened the door open for them. They got out, finding themselves on a flat surface. "This isn't the airport," George said aloud.
"Well of course not, y'all didn't think we would be going on a public plane now did you?" Mr Ryder said pointing to the private jet in front of them.
"Wish momma could see me now," Beats commented grinning widely as Mr Ryder approached the plane.
They climbed its pearly stairs and into it. It had seats like first class in a normal plane. They were a few air hostesses who greeted Mr Ryder.
They sat down comfortably. All of them fitted and space left over. In front of them were iPads for the trip with Wi-Fi... Very fast.
There was even a pool table for recreation and the hostesses were carrying food and drinks for them and brought it to them whenever they wanted to.
"Mr Ryder you live like this?" Humphrey mouthed looking around him taking it all in.
"I'm the most sought out manager in the world and a billionaire, I think I can afford such a life." He said smiling up.
"I got to hand it to ya, this is amazing, “Justin said, taking selfies with Chris and the others and even a few with Mr Ryder himself.
The jet started off and they were inside the plane for what seemed like forever, but they never once got bored between the iPads, games and food they could have stayed there for a week.
But soon enough they landed in LA. They found their rides waiting for them.
Another limo taking them to their destination. "If the plane was that fancy, I wonder how the hotel will be."
Humphrey commented.
"The hotel?" Mr Ryder echoed. "We aren't going to a hotel," he said as the limo stopped. They looked out of the window as another bodyguard came and opened the door for them.
They came out, Mr Ryder first. "Welcome to my Villa, 'Del Ryde' he said, opening his arms. They came out and there before them was the biggest villa/mansion they had ever seen.
The yard was huge, it had a basketball court, football pitch and even a golf course.
It had five Bugatti's parked outside, with three Mercedes and two Lamborghini's.
Mr Ryder saw how they stared at his cars, "the Ferrari's in the garage," he added smiling, the house was huge with an indoor and out- door pool. It had a game room. Thirteen bathrooms and fifteen bedrooms.
13 were master bedrooms. It had a cinema, a game room, sitting room, lounge a huge kitchen and even a gym.
"Welcome to my main house," he said, eyeing them as they walked around astonished.
"Your main house?" Humphrey asked. "You mean you got other babies like this?" George asked.
"Yes, one in Miami, another in Washington, Chicago, Las Vegas and even the Bahamas and Italy. But they are slightly smaller than this one," he added.
"Oh baby!" A voice said coming out from another room. In came an honestly beautiful woman, she had beautiful curves and flawless skin, she looked like she was in her late thirties when she was probably early forties. She had a dazzling smile and she was beautiful even for her age. Her dark raven hair fell beautifully past her shoulders and her figure was one only a few possessed.
Beats shook his head in delight. "Boys come meet my fiancée, Bree Houston," Mr Ryder said.
She smiled at them sweetly and welcomed each one of them as they were introduced,
Something about her felt familiar, Justin thought to himself, he couldn't put his finger around it.
"Welcome everyone," her voice sounded like a thousand shooting stars. Let me show you to your rooms," she began leading them up stairs.
Justin stood at the bottom of the stairs for a minute. "Aren't you coming?" Chris asked looking down at him from the stair,
Justin shook himself, "there's something off about” he trailed off.
"Never mind," he said following Chris.
"Come on bro, we are going to be happy here, our dreams are finally coming true," he squealed, putting one arm around him.
But what Chris didn't know that even the sweetest dream could turn into a nightmare, and it was all about to happen pretty fast.