Behind the Mask: A Rockstar Romance
J.L. Ostle
“Please tell me again why we’re cleaning up their shit at”— my best friend Naomi checks the time on her phone before looking back at me— “four-fifteen in the morning?” She groans, rubbing her eyes.
“Because you love me and you may get a sneak peek at Troy.” I waggle my eyebrows at her and she groans again. I know her weakness is Troy.
“If I didn’t want to be underneath him, I’d let you do this on your own.” She looks out the car window.
I huff at her. “So it’s not because you’re my best friend and we stick together type thing.” I look at her with pretend hurt eyes.
“If you loved me, you wouldn’t have woken me. I feel so drained.” I watch her yawn and regret waking her up, but I know how chaotic it is going to be and I need all the help I can get if I want to be able to get back to sleep myself.
“I love you for doing this. It’s just until we get a housekeeper who isn’t trying to sleep with the band, or too old to bend over to pick up lost underwear.” I shiver. I never knew the exact extent of what the cleaners had to do after one of the band’s parties.
I have lost count how many condom wrappers, used condoms I’ve found—yes, men are that gross they just leave their used-up condoms lying anywhere. I’ve even found bras and panties around the house. Who leaves a house without their underwear?
Groupies.
“You do too much for that band. I know you’re family, but they don’t appreciate half the shit you do for them. I’m sure even personal assistants don’t do half the crap they expect you to do.”
I sigh, driving around the corner when I see the huge white mansion in front of me.
Home sweet home.
Truth is, I go above and beyond for this band, like Naomi said. They are my family. The lead guitarist is my older sister, but the rest of the guys, I have grown up with them for the last ten years. When my parents passed away eight years ago, they stuck by me and my sister’s side. They are closer to my sister. I’m just a person who cleans up after them and makes sure their lives are easier.
“They are my family. They provide a roof over my head, a job. It’s the least I could do.” I pull up toward the gates and roll down the car window, smiling when I see Stuart, the gate security guard. “Hey, Stu, how was the party?”
He rubs his forehead, a gesture he often does when there have been clingy, ‘not taking the hint’ women.
“You know how their parties get. A few girls tried to climb over the gates. I think I’m getting too old for this.” He chuckles. Stuart has been here since the band bought the house. I would hate it if he ever quit as I feel like he’s part of the family also.
He’s about fifty years old, his hair already gray. He is so funny and sweet. He isn’t bad looking for an older man, but he’s happily married, with a little girl and boy who look just like him.
“Would you leave me here alone with them?” I pout and his head falls back in laughter.
“You are so mean. How could I leave with you giving me the puppy dog eyes?”
I smile brightly at him.
“It’s settled then. You better let us in so we can start cleaning up and catch some zees.” I watch him press a button and the gates start opening up.
“Good luck,” he says.
“We’re going to need it.” Naomi groans again.
Stuart laughs once more. I put the car back in gear and drive up the clear white pathway, parking out front of the house.
Stepping out of the car, I lean against it, waiting for Naomi to stand by my side. We both look up at the place. When they have one of their parties, I avoid this place like the plague. Hearing people bang on my bedroom door asking how long I’m going to be so they can screw whoever isn’t a nice thing to hear at two in the morning.
My room is double locked. I know my bed is spotless when I’m not here, so if I ever walk in and it’s a mess I know I’ll burn the mattress and sheets. Unlocking the front door, I almost fall on my face before balancing myself. I look up to see the band’s personal security men. Richard and Gavin.
“You both almost gave me a heart attack.” I press my hand to my chest.
“Sorry, Blair, just making sure no girls lingered after the party.”
I feel sorry for them as they have probably been awake for the last twenty-four hours straight. They still look so put together in their crisp black suits. Unlike during the day, their sunglasses are off.
They are both quite attractive in their own way. Richard with tousled dirty blond hair, blue eyes, a little stubble on his jaw as Gavin is the complete opposite with dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a trimmed beard.
“No, just us,” Naomi says, walking farther in the room. We’re standing in the foyer and already I see empty bottles, red cups, clothes, and… I shiver.
Condoms.
Gross.
“How’re the guys?” I ask Rich.
“Drunk, well, apart from Sam, but you know he isn’t like the rest of them.” I nod, knowing what he means. Sam knows his limits.
“Thanks. Right, we better get started. Have fun watching us clean this dump,” I joke.
“Don’t worry, we will.” Gavin crosses his arms and winks at me.
I stick my tongue out at him and he gives me another wink then waggles his eyebrows at me, which I scoff at, heading to the kitchen. Each step I take, I wish I didn’t as the house seems to get worse, the farther I walk in.