Taking A Risk Read online

  She had been a fan since their very first single had been released. To be fair she had more of a thing for the drummer rather than the front man, having spent hours ogling the magazines that offered up pictures of the band wearing next to nothing. Christ, some of the pictures that were printed in those things were almost obscene. Alex had a reputation for being a player; the string of celebrities he had dated was as long as Grace’s arm and the tattoo’s weren’t really her thing. She didn’t mind one or two tastefully done ones but as well as the full sleeve he sported he also had some on his chest along with a great big design that covered the majority of his back.

  Her mind drifted back to their meeting last week, she could remember the citrus like smell of his aftershave. He was definitely better looking close up and in the flesh. She never normally got star struck but something about him had made her feel very jittery as she’d tried to talk to him, and what was with the whole running her hand over his shirt thing? Christ she’d never done that to any of the celebs she’d dealt with before. Retrieving the small white complementary card that had accompanied the flowers from her purse, she read the number again, running her finger over where he had written his name. Alex Carter had sent her flowers! The giddiness she should have felt earlier suddenly hit her as she leapt from her prone position to do a little happy dance around the sitting room and out into the hall to grab the phone. She had to call Sasha or she would just never sleep now.

  “Alex Carter sent me flowers!” She almost yelled down the phone as soon as her confidante answered.

  “Whoa you idiot you nearly deafened me! What happened to the cool as a cucumber Grace? The ‘I bet he sends everyone flowers’ Grace. Did you call him yet?” Sasha had become one of her closest friends since moving to Scotland when she started this job. Leaving behind her family and close circle of friends.

  “Of course I haven’t! I told you I’m not going to either. I guess I just got a little overexcited... Sorry.” Grace had no intention of using the phone number he had provided, that would just be too creepy. She didn’t want to come across as some kind of groupie hoping to get his attention. No, she had managed to find the address for his management company on the internet which had allowed her to send a thank you email from her work email address. That had been the sensible, grown up, responsible thing to do. She had been brought up with good manners and there was no way she wouldn’t have said thank you for the flowers, even if she didn’t want to speak to him directly.

  Sasha of course spent the next twenty minutes trying to convince her otherwise, she even offered to call the number for her friend. Coming up with every conceivable scenario that he had actually provided Grace with his personal mobile phone number on the card. She however wasn’t naive enough to believe that.

  “Well it’s your loss honey. As far as I can see he is yours for the taking, but I know I’m never gonna convince you of that, and don’t think I can’t hear that you have his music blaring out in the background! Oh you know what? I give in, I’ll catch you tomorrow.”

  Grace settled back down to watch the end of the concert DVD, carefully studying the main man as he performed in front of thousands, he looked so at home on the stage, smiling as the guitarist bantered with the crowd, getting them to repeat chants as he and Alex held out microphones towards the audience. No, it was a nice dream, but a dream was all it was.

  Chapter 4

  As the plane taxied down the runway Izzie stretched out her arms trying to release the knots of tension that had formed in her shoulders. She hated flying. Alex may have been able to fall asleep at the drop of a hat but she had yet to develop that skill. The flight was only short but still within fifteen minutes of taking off he had been snoring softly, leaving her to try and concentrate on her book to take her mind off the flight. She knew better than to try and wake him before the plane came to a complete stop outside the terminal. He never undid his seatbelt so, once asleep, she had just thrown his blanket over him and left him to it.

  As the seatbelt release sign lit up with a low pinging noise Alex’s eyes fluttered open, yawning, it took a few moments for him to take in his surroundings and smile at Izzie. “Yay, we survived another flight sis. You doing ok?” Reaching over, he ruffled her hair just as he did when they were younger. He knew how much she hated to fly but there was no way he was going to spend six or so hours in a car with her, babbling on about nothing in particular when he could be home in less than two.

  They were greeted at the terminal by a very officious airport representative, who was only too happy to play bodyguard to the siblings. After arranging for one of his underlings to collect any baggage for them, he guided them through the small crowd that had begun to gather in the main building. It didn’t take long for people to find out his whereabouts, particularly once the airports resident press pack spotted him. They were all too quick to point the cameras at him as they alerted the world’s press that he had arrived. It didn’t help either that there was that much information about his background given out during interviews and stuff. His most ardent fans new where he lived, which restaurants he liked to eat in, they even knew his preferred brand of toothpaste! Anonymity was out of the question now.

  Alex pulled Izzie in close to his body, keeping her cushioned between Mr Helpful and himself, trying to protect her from the less than polite paparazzi who were insistent on shoving the lens’ in their faces, almost blinding the pair of them. They scurried through the terminal, with their heads down and sunglasses on, to the waiting car. It wasn’t until the last of the luggage had been loaded and the driver had pulled out onto the main road that he breathed a sigh of relief.

  Leaving him to calm down, Izzie pulled out her mobile phone, dialling home. Alex was vaguely aware of the conversation going on beside him but not wishing to take part in it he busied himself with his own phone, checking emails and messages. Scrolling through the texts, there were several from Ben, two from his management team and one from the florist confirming the delivery today. He deleted them all except the last one, he was on vacation now, and if it was urgent they would call his sister.

  “Did anyone from that Breakfast show call today?” Trying to sound nonchalant but not sure he was succeeding. He glanced nervously at his sister as she scrolled back through the call history.

  “Nope, why? Should they have? I wasn’t aware there was a follow up call due. Do you want me to chase it up before I switch this thing off for the night?” Scrutinising his face looking for any tell tale signs.

  “Nah, it’s nothing important, just one of the guys said he would give me a ring that’s all. Don’t worry about it, turn it off.” They had only been delivered today, perhaps she’d call tomorrow. Frowning, he turned his attention to the greenery that scrolled past his window, watching as everything blurred into one, mirroring his thoughts.

  As the electric window lowered, the driver leant out to tap the security number into the gate before driving the last few feet up the leafy drive to his parent’s house. Alex had bought the house for his parents after the huge success of their second album. He felt he owed them a debt beyond anything he could ever repay but at least giving them financial security in the latter years of their lives eased his conscience somewhat. At least his mum could open the curtains in this house. She had taken to leaving them closed at the house he grew up in, because the fans would camp outside daily, desperate to catch a glimpse of him going about his day. They still gathered outside the new house but unless they were willing to climb the ten foot perimeter fence, and do battle with the dogs there was little chance of them peering in the windows or posting crap through the letterbox.

  Alex occupied the top floor of the old three storey, Victorian house when he was at home. His parent’s house was one of three properties that he owned; the other two were purely for him, one situated in Notting Hill which he spent most of his working life at and the second in the Lake District giving him the bolt hole he needed from the chaos that normally engulfed him. He knew which one he pre
ferred, give him peace and quiet any day.

  Opening the front door he could hear his brother’s kids in the sun room, they were laughing loudly at someone or something. He chuckled at the sound of, what he presumed was his father making duck voices, emanating through the house. It felt good to be home. They crept down the hallway together, barely able to sustain the laughter that was bubbling in their throats. He stood in the doorway quietly watching his family together, taking in the normality of it all, this was what he missed more than anything.

  Looking up his sister-in-law saw them first; Alex touched his finger to his lips, signalling for her not to give the game away as he watched the children in awe of his father. Creeping surreptitiously into the room he knelt behind where his mother sat before whispering in her ear. “Hi mum.”

  Jumping at the sound of his voice she swung her head around to take in the sight of her middle child smiling broadly at her. Taking his face in her hands she kissed him in greeting. “Oh it’s good to see you! Look Isla, Freddie it’s your Uncle Alex!”

  His niece grinned goofily at him, whilst Freddie’s face crumpled into tears, holding out his arms for his father who was sat crossed legged on the carpet to scoop him up. “Its ok baby, he isn’t as scary as he looks, he’s a big softie, promise.” Looking at his brother, Cameron could see the angst on his face. “Al, he doesn’t remember you; he just needs to get to know you.”

  Moving around the sofa he sat down next to his mother as Izzie settled on the floor colouring with Isla, while his nephew continued to eyeball him nervously. Taking his hand in hers, the ageing woman squeezed it tightly as she took in the full sight of her son. “You look tired, how are you feeling? Isobel told me you’re struggling again.”

  Alex shot his sister a warning look, he hated that she’d told his parents. The last thing he wanted was for them to spend their time worrying about him. “I’m fine, it’s nothing really. It passes once I get on stage. Anyway never mind me, looks like these two are keeping you busy Em!” He was desperate to steer the conversation away from him.

  Sensing his unease, Cameron began regaling less than favourable tales of fatherhood to his relieved brother.

  “Yeah, I hope you don’t think you’re getting a lie-in in the morning, we’ve been teaching Isla that she has to carry her brother into your room when they wake at six in the morning. That’s what uncles are for isn’t it?” Emma smiled sheepishly at her more than famous brother-in-law.

  “Bring it on! If I can handle thirty thousand screaming girls, I think these two should be a doddle.” Alex winked as he slid from the comfort of the sofa, down onto the floor beside his niece. “Can I see that? Wow look at those pretty flowers. Did Auntie Iz draw those?” Isla smiled proudly as she shook her head. “Whoa, you mean you did! They are beautiful.”

  She handed the picture over for him to keep before she shifted positions, moving to sit between him and Izzie. Handing Alex a crayon, she indicated that he should draw with her now. It wasn’t until he was mid way through his trademark drawing of a house that he noticed Freddie had left the safety of his father’s arms and was now about to stick his previously sucked fingers in Alex’s ear. Smiling down at him he began making duck voices at the little man. Well if it worked for his dad it may just help him win the chubby faced little boy over.

  Lying in his bed early the next morning he drifted in and out of consciousness, his mind completely blank for the first time in ages. The door slowly creaking open forced him to sit bold upright. Pulling the sheet up to cover himself he saw the small cherub like face peering in through the crack in the door. Emma hadn’t been joking. “Hey Isla, you wanna come in and watch TV with me?” The little girl nodded before breaking into a run across the room and pulling herself up onto the bed. Alex lifted the covers, allowing her to settle in next to him. Careful to make sure he tucked the sheet tightly around his naked lower half.

  “Fred wake too.” She said innocently as he flicked through the channels trying to find something suitable for her to watch.

  “Is he now? I should go get him then right? Before he wakes your mummy huh?” Isla offered no reaction, already lost to the family of pigs that were now dancing across the screen. “Isla, stay there while I get Freddie ok?” With everything now safely ensconced in yesterdays jeans he made his way down the corridor to where his nephew was trying to climb out of his cot. “Hey little man, how do you fancy a breakfast date with me and Isla?” Freddie held his arms up to allow Alex to lift him up. This was a definite improvement from the previous evening.

  Returning to his room with his nephew clung to his hip, he found his niece jumping up and down on his bed excitedly. “You wanna go find some food in Granny’s kitchen?” The little girl slid off the bed; jogged over to Alex and slid her hand into his outstretched over sized one.

  An hour later Cameron sauntered into the kitchen, taking in the sight of his brother making airplane noises as he spooned cereal into his sons open mouth. “We were joking, but thanks. Em really appreciated the extra hour in bed. He can do that himself; you don’t have to feed him if you don’t want to.”

  Smiling Alex continued to assist his nephew with his breakfast. “It’s fine. I’m kinda having fun actually, and Isla has been telling me lots of stories about her mum and dad too!” He winked at his niece signalling that he would keep their secrets to himself.

  Laughing Cameron dragged two cups from the stand. “Want one? I’ll just take one up for Em and then I’ll take these two monkeys off your hands.”

  “No rush. We have plans to wake Granny and Papa next, don’t we Isla.” She nodded wildly, the glee evident in her eyes.

  Cameron headed back out of the room laughing at the devilment in his brother’s voice.

  Chapter 5

  Switching on his phone he began scrolling through his list of messages and emails. They didn’t stop even though he wasn’t working. He wasn’t interested in the majority of the rubbish that was listed there; instead he only read the ones from his management office. He knew the flowers had been delivered so why hadn’t she called Izzie’s work phone? He had written it clearly enough on the back of the card; he knew his writing was illegible at the best of times but he had taken his time to make sure she could understand it. He opened up the last email in the list from Janet, the bands publicist:

  ‘Hi Alex, just confirming that Izzie has cancelled all your commitments for the next three months, the others agreed to drop the naked shoot too! I have no idea why.....! ;)

  Chris is on vacation now for three weeks so any problems you can just run them by me or Marcus.

  A Grace Harris from the Scottish TV Company emailed me. I have copied it in below. Have a good break, speak soon.

  Jan’

  Scrolling down the screen on his phone he couldn’t get the damned link to work. Frustrated he logged in and out of his emails twice before the elusive message would open.

  ‘Please would you pass on my sincere thanks to Mr Carter for the most beautiful basket of flowers he had sent to me today. They were extremely unexpected.

  Best wishes

  Grace Harris, Red Star Productions.’

  Was that it? No phone call? No first name terms? He was back to being Mr Carter? He read the message twice, just to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. He was used to women throwing themselves at his feet, having to fight them off with a shitty stick; he didn’t normally have to jump through hoops to get their attention. What did this girl want? A flashing neon sign saying “call me please”?

  He was sitting on the edge of his bed cussing to himself when his brother knocked briskly on the door, before striding in.

  “What’s that look for? You don’t even know what I’m gonna say yet!” Cameron looked a little put out at the indecipherable expression on his brother’s face.

  Alex smiled, softening his features considerably. “Sorry Cam, just checking my mail. What’s up?”

  “We’re off down to the lake with the kids; give mum and dad some peace. Isl
a wants you to come with us; if you stick a cap on and cover your arms up maybe no one will recognise you.” Cameron was hopeful, as he took in the sight of him sitting forlornly on the bed. “You can’t spend the next few weeks or however long it is you plan on spending at mums, sat in the house just in case someone wants an autograph. Come on, please, Emma and I will fight them off. If it gets crazy we’ll just jump in the car.”

  After thirty minutes of persuasion Alex gave in to Cameron’s hair brained scheme about a trip to the lake with the kids. The fresh air might just enable him to come up with a way to get Grace to call him. Digging out his plainest sweater and baseball cap, which he pulled down so far over his eyes, he was surprised he didn’t fall down the stairs. After checking his appearance in the hallway mirror he jumped in the back of his brother’s hire car.

  Walking down towards the lake Isla gripped his hand tightly, chatting away to him about how she loved to feed the ducks, but they would need to look after Freddie as he wasn’t too keen. Alex promised he would take care of her and her brother. Laughing as she slid on a patch of mud, he watched her face crumble in front of him before he scooped her into is arms to kiss her better.

  “See, all these people just keep walking right past you, nobody has a clue who you are.” Emma smiled as she watched Alex tenderly taking care of her daughter. Seeing him like this it was hard to imagine him any other way. If she hadn’t witnessed his public persona with her own eyes it would be a hard image to summon up. To them he was just a regular guy, the same guy that grew up in a not so nice area who still lived by the same values that had been instilled in him from birth.