Chapter.18- I'd Rather Have You Play Me Like A Harmonica.

Eighteen: I'd Rather Have You Play Me Like A Harmonica.

I was getting really impatient, tapping my toes, biting my lip as I outstretched my neck like a giraffe trying to reach the topmost juicy leaves of the acacia tree (I know it's an absolutely bizarre comparison but it felt appropriate at the moment), standing on my tiptoes my eyes wandered around frantically to look for a familiar face my heart yearned for. I checked my phone hurriedly, it'd been ten minutes since he'd said he'd be here and yet here I was waiting for him.

My maniac twitching didn't go unnoticed by three individuals as they cast me irritated looks whilst shouldering past me. I realised that I was in their way and took a large comical step backwards losing my balance and my back coming in contact with the wall with a thud, my cheeks burned in embarrassment.

After muttering an apology meekly, I plastered myself to the wall like a lizard until the entire place was cleared. I could see the bright neon red signs: ENTER  and EXIT lit in my peripheral vision. The place was dark and empty rows of red seats filled the space in front of me with a huge white screen at the front, but there was the light that was dimmed.

Finally, the door opened and the sound echoed throughout the hall, my pulse quickened as I saw a silhouette of a man approaching, hurried footsteps in my direction, my heart raced and my body came alive. The man became more familiar and I couldn't contain my excitement when I saw him.

"Rebecca!" He waved, smiling widely at me as he descended the stairs suavely, heavens opened and a light shone on him, a halo appeared behind his head along with star beams.

"Kayden!" Like a lizard that'd been spooked, I jumped off the wall and ran towards him.

Breathing hard, I stopped in front of Kayden, he stepped closer and my breath hitched. A sweet smile played on his lips, as he held out his hand to me, I gazed beatifically at him shyly smiling, I slowly reached out to hold his hand, but just before our fingers could touch and I could feel the electric zap, my hand was slapped away. I frowned at him. Kayden mirrored my expression, we turned our heads slightly to see who was that audacious to slap my hand away.

It was slapped away by... Caleb!?

Dick me dead, bury me pregnant!

I was shocked as Caleb stepped in between us, wagging his finger and tutting with distaste. He stepped forward, I took a huge step backwards my back leant against the wall he then closed the distance between us. My heart leapt into my throat and my eyes widened, he was too close for my liking that I held my breath, we both stared at each other. His blue eyes glittered like freshly fallen snow and a shiver ran down my spine.

He was watching me-- whilst I was staring at his lips-- they curled up into that little devil smile of his, which had my pulse beat rapidly.

My throat became incredibly dry when he lowered his head.

His presence and close proximity were both scary and thrilling at the same time.

Fearing what might happen next I quickly turned my head to the side. Abruptly, he stepped back, glaring and casting catty looks at me. I frowned at the sudden change in his attitude, when he suddenly turned to Kayden looking at him with... sexy eyes?

Just what the bloody hell is he playing at?

He then reached for Kayden's hand and without warning pulled the utterly confused boy close in and spun them both around, so that Caleb's facing me. He flashed me a coquettish smile as he did the most daring thing.

My jaw unhinged as I was stood there embodying the Scream., my eyes widening the size of dinner plates when painfully slow Caleb slid his hands down to Kayden's bottom, grabbed it and gave his bum an extra squeeze (who could blame that jammy bastard?) then he tossed me territorial look.

That's when my brain started functioning.

"NOOOOO!"  I roared.

I reached forward to grab him. To separate them but then I tripped and keeled over.

Flailing myself, I looked around frantically, breathing heavily. My eyes took time to adjust to the bright lights. There were rows of seats and windows, then my eyes fell on the small screen in front where I was sat; a very vivid face of Caleb popped on the screen, I let out a scandalised scream.

That greasy little heathen's face was everywhere!

"Ahhhhhh, turn that bloody thing off!" I shrieked. A few people cast irritated looks at me, whilst some looked at me with genuine concern. I felt a hand clamp mine and jerked away from it.

"Hey, Woah, it's okay! It's me!" Rachel spoke softly.

Mortified I looked at her as she gave me an assuring smile it took me approximately ten excruciatingly slow seconds to realise that I was inside an aeroplane flying to New York for the ICCA Finals. I tried to calm myself down for a few minutes thinking about the dirty dream I'd had.

"What's wrong?" She asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Di--Bad dream," I mumbled. "Please turn that off," I pleaded.

"Why? I want to watch the game," she whined, but added, "the Spurs are on. Lucas and Caleb are in it," she said with a bit of excitement.

Understanding dawned on me and I twisted my lips. "You're only watching it because Lucas is in it, and I know all about your private romantic moonlight trysts with him."

She faltered a bit, her eyes widening but then shrugged it off. "What of it? Yes, we've met a couple of times and chat with each other every day. He's a nice boy."

I wasn't exactly prepared for that sort of blunt statement from her. But then again this was Rachel and it was expected.

"Do you fancy him?" I inquired.

She shrugged and then turned her attention back to the screen as Luke dribbled the ball. "I think... I fancy him," she bit her lip, "I'm just seeing where this goes. But I'm just testing out the waters..." She trailed off with an unfamiliar emotion on her face as she looked intensely at the screen.

"You're not certain of your feelings for him and are testing out the waters?" I asked incredulously. "Because that is some murky waters you're testing. This is not--"

"I do like him," she cut me off then continued, "Gosh, I haven't felt like this when I was dating this pop singer who was my very first boyfriend but that was very casual! Back when I was studying in America, I dated this snobby rich bratty heir and I really, really liked--loved him even. But he wasn't the one for commitment and that really disappointed me. And now... now that I've met Lucas--"

"But Lucas isn't like that," I told her.

"I know!" She fidgeted in her seat. "Ugh, I  don't know what Lucas's intentions are, he's just so lovely, sexy, kind, and I'm so confused. To be honest I don't know what I want or looking for."

Her raw honesty and vulnerability shocked me. Rachel was never the one to openly talk about her feelings or even admit them out loud. She'd always bottle them up and eventually sort things out, but this was the first time she'd done that and I was happy and it also showed that she was finally starting to open up and let people in.

"Then talk to him, be open and clear about what you want. If I know Lucas as well as I do, then he isn't the type to play around and have flings. He's a very nice boy and you can trust him. When his very first but last relationship failed he stopped dating and closed himself off. Although he did go on two blind dates on Lara's insistence." I pointed out, "nothing happened after that, he's even friends with one of them." I added quickly. "So, maybe this time it'll be different."

"Mhmm, really?" She narrowed her eyes, but then a small smile played on her lips when Lucas scored a goal. "You're right, I'll just think about it and talk to him when all this is over. Thank you, Becky!" She then turned to me with a grateful smile which I returned.

But then her smile dropped. I frowned.

"Wait a minute!" She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "You're not upset? Vexed at us for being tightly lipped about our err... tryst?" She stage-whispered.

Was I upset? I thought. Absolutely not!

"No," I answered instantly. "There's no reason for me to be narked. You're both adults and you're a lovely person and I approve of you two, so I don't see what the problem is." I shrugged.

Although I was a tad concerned about how they'd behave if they separated... Or how awkward it'd be to see them snog and get fruity with each other. I mentally shuddered at the thought.

Of course, I don't reveal that to her!

"Awww, Becky is so mature!" Rachel pinched my cheek and cooed. I swatted her hand away.

"Sooo.... how are things with err... footie? Have you still not patched up with that boy? Is that why you asked me to turn off the game? Was Caleb the reason you woke up like that?" She placed a hand under her chin.

I snorted like a baby elephant. Then I was overcome with intense fury. "Argh, that greasy little heathen! Patch up with him!?" I scoffed. "He can piss the hell off for all I care!"

"What'd he do?"

Like a volcano waiting to erupt, I told her everything!

"I was being generous when I'd shared with him my precious little jelly babies as an apology and that buffoon has no sense of gratitude when he made me carry his ridiculous shopping bags making me his very own personal mule and then giving me false hope of treating me to some nosh-- which according to him was some measly little soft serve whilst he got himself chocolate dipped one.  Can you believe that?!"

"Indeed I can," she replied as she pulled a sarcastic face.

I growled. "He gobbled down the ice cream he'd gotten me. Ugh, he even made lewd remarks regarding Kayden's bum calling them firm and apple-shaped, he didn't even deny when I accused him of fancying Kayden, but he did want me to come back soon so that he can meet Kayden when I go on a date with him." I ranted.

Rachel looked thoroughly amused. "Are you sure he bats for the other team? Because I don't think he's gay or bi--"

"I wouldn't be surprised if he is given all the innuendos he's been throwing at Kayden." I disputed.

"It shouldn't be surprising he fancies your boy!" Rachel and I jumped in our seat when Hannah pushed her head in between the seats and spoke, she had this really disturbing twinkle in her eyes. "I want to see them get--" I shoved her face back before she could finish her sentence.

She was like the Yuno Gasai with the yandere expression right now.

I turned back to Rachel who blinked and continued, "He's been called gay to his face and hasn't bothered correcting anyone, so either it's partially right, or he's just having fun with the assumption. Although I will admit he has a bit of an eccentric personality."

I snorted. "I'd be more surprised if he did have normal interactions with people after all."

"As far as I'm aware he's kept his personal life very private, there has been no news of him seen with a girl or... a man. It could also be that he likes the idea that people can't figure him out and just enjoys being mysterious--"

"Goodness, that's exactly what he said about Kayden the other day: he's mysterious, therefore totally my type." I mimicked his voice. "I think he likes the mysterious types since he's an enigma himself." I shuddered.

She waved her hand dismissing my theory. "He's just joking. Admittedly, I'm also really curious as to what he's doing with the whole gay thing."

"But what about my dream...?" I bit my lip.

"Lucky girl, I can't even sleep let alone dream. We should've listened to your mother and taken the private jet instead of flying commercial." She groaned like a lion cub, then shut her eyes tightly gnashing her teeth.

"You can when you're going on vacation, Rachel." Came Charlotte's voice from behind.

Whilst I was packing my suitcase, for the competition, Mum entered my room and suggested that we use the family plane to fly to New York. Rachel readily agreed but I'd refused and said that we'd fly commercial.

"What'd you know about my struggles for the last 8 goddamned hours? This is like a flight to nowhere. I'm stuck here and this MAN!" She jabbed her elbows to her right. "Is so nasty, ughh!" Rachel cried budging to my right as if it'd help her more. "Why couldn't they have assigned me the aisle or the window seat? Do you want to switch?" She turned to me with pleading eyes.

"Absolutely not!" I shook my head.

"You should be grateful that this is a one-stop flight and not a stop-over one!" Charlotte remarked.

"Then why don't you demonstrate your fucking gratitude by sitting next to this bloody heathen, Blondie?" Rachel shot back, seething whilst not-so-subtly elbowing the man next to her once again.

That dissolved into a bicker between Charlotte, Rachel and the man sitting next to her. She delivered a tirade about how the person next to her kept moving around, his elbows jabbing hers every often, complaining how obnoxiously he'd chew his food. I pitied her, she looked miserable. People were starting to turn around and notice the commotion, and the stewardess stepped forward.

Someone's in a lot of trouble...

**************

We landed in New York after Rachel had to be physically dragged away whilst she threatened to sue the airlines and the man. Blimey, I was so embarrassed!

We made it past security without any hassle that was because we'd tranquilised Rachel and she was sound asleep in her cage.

I'm joking...

"Are you certain that they'd agreed to provide us complimentary transportation?" I asked Charlotte as I dialled Kayden's number, he'd been unreachable since Thursday morning. I just wanted to let him know that I'd landed in New York. When it went unanswered I sent him a single text message, not wanting to sound like a clingy girlfriend.

I missed him so much, so I only hoped that he'd call me back as soon as possible. I knew he was busy with work commitments and didn't bother him too much.

"Yes," she responded without looking at me as she typed away on her phone, most definitely texting Sebastian.

We'd been waiting for twenty minutes and there was no sign of any transport to pick us up. We'd been sitting on our suitcases across the pavement looking at the vehicles and people bustling to and fro. The Aquapellas--who'd flown with us had already boarded a shuttle and left for the hotel but not before sizing us up and giving us a two-fingered salute.

"Oh my gosh, it's here!" Hannah sprang to her feet and rushed forward with her suitcase as a black sprinter shuttle bus with tinted windows approached and stopped in front of us.

"Oooh, that's fancy! Are you sure they're here for us or..." Nicole trailed off as she gaped at the vehicle.

The tinted window rolled down, as a bloke's jet black straight hair and face appeared. He had a smirk on his well-defined face. I couldn't help stop staring at his high cheekbones, sharp jaw that was clean-shaven. He was a dreamboat with seductive grey eyes, my eyes then flitted to his black shirt, to his silver chain that dangled around his neck, his long fingers that rested on the steering wheel glinted with silver rings on three of his fingers. He had ear piercings as well.

"Naughty Mother Mary!" I heard Emma swoon beside me.

"Howdy!" He shot us a smarmy grin. "My apologies for keeping you beautiful ladies waiting. That's New York traffic for ya! But don't worry once you hop in you'll forget about this misery and only think about the ride I'm gonna take y'all on." He winked, his grey eyes glinting with mischief.

We stared at him, not at all amused.

"I'm Blaze the guy's who's supposed to pick up this all-female British Acapella group-- the Wrecking Belles?" He raised an eyebrow when we didn't answer. "Carol and Gary asked me to pick you up," he said a little exasperated.

"Ohhh, Carol and Gary!" Charlotte exclaimed stepping forward. "I'm sorry but Gary said that he'd be here and we were just worried that someone else was here in his stead and..."

Blaze or Blade smirked.

"It's aight!" He shrugged. "But don't worry I won't abduct you, nor take you aboard a ship or abandon you on a suspicious-looking yacht that belongs to a rich old man."

I narrowed my eyes because that suspiciously sounded a lot like a movie plot.... cue suspense music.

"Right!" Charlotte narrowed her eyes and called out, "let's haul our arses, ladies!"

"Arses!" He repeated. "Ooh, I love your accent. What is it, agogic?" He gave her a flirtatious smile.

"Sorry I don't do agogic." Charlotte smiled tightly at him.

We hauled our collective aca-arses onto the bus. The ride to the hotel was awkward and uncomfortable with Blaze chatting up the girls who were interested because the rest of us were on our phone or had earphones listening to songs whilst enjoying the scenery.

Since I had nothing at the moment to keep me occupied, I did notice how Blaze was constantly looking at Emma who was sat next to him and tossing chat up lines like bread croutons in a salad.

"What do you call a beautiful woman on a trombonists arm?" Blaze took his eyes off the road for a split second as he sent a flirtatious smile in Emma's way then focused back on the road.

She pretended to think as she tapped her chin and shrugged. "Mhmm, I don't know."

"A tattoo!" He grinned.

Emma giggled. "Ooh, that was a good one!"

That only further encouraged him. "Were you born in 1789? Because you're a real classical beauty." Blaze came up with another chat-up line as he stopped at the red light.

"You must be marked Prestissimo... because you're dashing." Emma was no less as she came up with a cheekier chat-up line.

Blaze's eyes went wide when he heard her response. "You must be a C major scale... All-natural. I'm considering a modulation... Because I want to come up to your level."

"Would you like to borrow my tuner? You're looking pretty sharp to me." Emma bit her lip.

Blaze's eyes flickered to her lips. "Is that an anacrusis? Because you're about to hear a pick-up." He looked away when the light turned green.

"Did someone just begin a stretto section? Because you're really leading me on." Emma turned in her seat and faced Blaze, he in turn clutched the steering wheel tightly.

Bloody hell, I groaned, I really can't Handel all this wordplay. It's Haydn in every second sentence!

"Let's cut to the chase and duet already." Blaze groaned.

I turned to look at the others, and Audrey, Nicole and Samantha's jaws were all unhinged at their exchange and we could literally feel the sexual tension between them. There was mutual and unspoken attraction.

"How about we do it Lionel Richie style All Night Long?" Emma suggested.

"Girl, I can play you just like my guitar."

I really hoped that he'd concentrate on the road rather than thinking about shagging Emma.

"I'd rather have you play me like a harmonica."

"Rawr! You tell him, sister!" Hannah cat called.

Nicole nearly spat out her water. We made eye contact and made big eye signals not believing what was happening in front of us.

"Enough exposition. Let's move this to the development section." He chuckled in a low deep voice.

"Is that a fugue I can hear? Because we're about to get entangled." Emma looked intensely at Blaze.

Emma looked ready to pounce on Blaze, but for everyone's sake, I hoped they kept it in their pants until we reached the hotel. Blaze was a proper fit with that hot musician look and that punk vibe, that must be the reason why Emma felt attracted towards him. She always fell for those types.

"So, Blaze do you have a girlfriend?" She asked twirling a strand of her hair.

"My girlfriend left me because I was obsessed with Linkin Park, but in the end, it doesn't even matter." He sighed and stopped the vehicle.

"Oooh, so did my last boyfriend. I love Linkin Park! Maybe we can obsess about the band together..." Emma looked intensely at Blaze, so did he.

We finally arrived at our hotel-- the NYLO. I turned my head towards the window and glanced at the building. We were given two options to choose from NYLO or Fairfield Inn.  We chose the NYLO. The two potential lovebirds continued to stare at each other and they were slowly leaning in, so I not-so-subtly kicked the back of her seat. Emma jerked forward and Blaze cleared his throat.

"Do you like Dave Brubeck? 'Cos I think we need to take 5." He chuckled. Then turned around in his seat and faced us. "A'right, a'right, a'right! We're here. Good choice, ladies," inclined his head. "You're only minutes away from the Beacon Theatre, Barney's and Bloomingdale!"

We stepped out of the bus, the girls shuffled out, giggling and heaved out their luggage. I looked around admiring all the buildings. The NYLO had a hip, vintage charm and boutique style to the posh Upper West Side of Manhattan. The century-old building retained many of its historic accents, offering a warm sense of space.

"Aight, I'll catch you, ladies, later!" Sending a flirtatious wink in Emma's way and a grin our way, Blaze drove off.

"And we'll be sure to toss ourselves!" Audrey waved excitedly after the speeding vehicle.

We proceeded towards the hotel. The beaming doorman opened the door for us, we stepped into the timeless yet cosy lobby and were greeted by artwork, there was also an antique fireplace and a 1920s French elevator system. Marrying comfort with cutting-edge design, sophisticated style and whimsical fun, this was a perfect pied-a-terre.

Every staff member was so happy, from the doorman to the concierge and the bellhop who took our luggage up to the room. We'd booked group rooms of deluxe double rooms because we were 10 in number. The rooms were bright, contemporary, offering wood floors, custom furnishings; cutting-edge design in a warm palette of greys and blues paired with pops of vibrant colour from accents such as hanging lamps and metal doors on storage cabinets and nightstands; and original artwork from local artists.

"Bloody hell, this is fancy! There's a flat-screen, high-speed Wi-Fi, plus desks, coffeemakers!"  Samantha exclaimed as she gestured wildly.

"You should check out the bedroom, it's the most comfortable ever and the best part: they're firm yet with a soft-top to it, the sheets are so soft and the pillows... they're the best! I didn't want to get out of it but had to. So that I could tell you about it." Rachel sighed.

Emma dashed to the bedroom immediately and jumped on the bed. "Oh my gosh, you're right! This is the second most comfortable hotel bed I've ever been on." She curled into a foetal position.

There were crisp white linens and opulent blue drapes. Expansive, industrial-style windows filled the living spaces with plenty of natural light. There was a door, that led to a terrace--and by terrace I mean it was wrap around balcony with patio furniture sort of setting along with stunning city views of the New York City skyline, Central Park and the Hudson River.

Before we could make ourselves at home in the air-conditioned rooms after a nice hot shower. We'd received a text message from one of the coordinators, asking us to meet them at the wine bar of the hotel.

"OOOH, d'you think Blaze's going to be there?" Emma inquired, a twinkle in her eyes as she applied some blush on her cheeks.

"I dunno. Maybe? Otherwise, he wouldn't have picked us up!" Charlotte answered.

"Ah! D'you reckon his dad's, Liam Neeson?"

"Why?" I frowned.

"Because I'm Taken with him." She giggled. The girls collectively groaned as she continued to make flirty musical puns.

Arggh, hold me I'm fermata!

_______________________

Helloooo! I'm back and done with my term exams. I'll try updating regularly from now on! And I also got a new puppy and he keeps me occupied all the time, he's such a Cherub!

Ugh, editing and re-writing a book is NOT an easy feat! I thought it'd be a piece of cake LMAO the joke's on me. I've been trying to write this chapter since January and it's finally finished. I went a bit OTT with music puns, I know! (LOL)

And OMG BLEACH IS GOING TO BE BACK AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEWEST EPISODES!! MY BODY IS READY FOR THAT! Who's your favourite character in BLEACH?

ALSO, I watched Mr Queen and it was so good and hilarious. Currently, I'm watching Vincenzo, ayeee it's absolutely INSANE!!

Don't forget to comment and vote if you liked this chapter!

Have a lovely day/ night! xx