Chapter 6

"So what you're saying is that you almost fucked Joe Jonas on your first encounter?"

"Jazz!" Ann squealed and hid herself in her hands from embarrassment.

"What? Just speaking the truth." She got up and pushed her hands back in defense.

"That's not the truth." Said Ann while clenching her teeth.

"Girl, you think you can trick me?"

"Is that all you have to say after what I've said? Thought I can count on you." She pulled her legs and hid her face in them. She was vividly mad at Jazz for picking on her.

"You can! What-" she threw her hands in the air and started walking back and forth in the kitchen trying to wrap her head around what to say. "I just don't recognize you. You're not like this."

"I know, Jazz! I know this is not me! I didn't need your words to see that!" She screamed, tears forming in her eyes. Jazz let out a sigh.

"I'm sorry, boo. Come on." She picked her from the floor and led her to her bathroom. They stood in front of the mirror and Jazz started to wash Ann's face with a makeup wipe. "You have to get your shit together. I know he's hot, he's a fucking Jonas. But he's technically your boss too." Jazz threw away the wipe and brushed Ann's hair from her face. "And a douche bag. He just wants to score you. You'll be just another trophy to him. I know men like this. You're better than that, sis."

"You're probably right. But Jazz, I never felt something like this. He has this effect on me... I can't even put it into words. I'm scared about tomorrow, I'm scared to see him again."

"Don't think about it like that. It's your work. He's just an element in the puzzle, not your main problem. You don't even have to acknowledge his existence. Just do your job."

"Maybe you're right." She sighed and looked at herself in the mirror. "Never thought we'll be having this kind of conversation."

"Bitch, same." She laughed and shook her head. "You were always the one trying to talk me off boys. Now I'm returning the favor."

"Love you, Jazz." Ann hugged her friend. "I needed that."

"No matter what will happen, I'll always be on your side. But if that son of a bitch hurts you, he'll get a taste of me."

"Sure." Ann chuckled. "Okay, it was nice and all, but go. I need a shower."

"Way to end a beautiful moment! I take back everything I said - you're still stone cold." She snapped her fingers and left the bathroom. Ann laughed at her and got ready for a shower.

The warm water ran down her body as she just stood there staring at the wall. She knew she couldn't let that man take over her. She knew she couldn't act like some easy chick, that will jump in his bed whenever he wanted to. He knew what he was doing. He's a player. Score and leave. Like Jazz said, she was better than that. She let out a small chuckle of disbelief, while realizing her crazy acting from earlier. She quickly washed herself and jumped in bed. As per usual, she scrolled through Instagram and watched stories. She tapped the screen fast, trying to get past a story from some influencer explaining some kind of drama. She didn't really care for that. Another account's stories were passed as she was advertising some face masks. She tapped and tapped until she saw something that made her go back. Joe's story.

It was his selfie in a bathroom mirror. The light was dimmed and his curls wet, most likely from a shower. He was in a white robe, but it was tied very lightly, exposing a bit of his bare chest. He was leaning his hand against the sink and covered half of his face with a phone. The other half showed one of his eye staring deeply at the camera through the mirror. She recognized that look very well. But she was shocked that she felt... nothing, while looking at that photo. She then noticed a small, almost hard to read text that he placed next to his head.

thinking about you

She chuckled and shook her head. She couldn't believe he just posted that. He was really feeling that he had control over her. That she was his already. He shattered her confidence and she was eager to get it back. She had a plan in her head already as to how to play it out tomorrow. And she couldn't wait.

Her alarm went off at 7:30 a.m., signaling it's time to start the day. She was excited. It was her first day of rehearsals and she couldn't wait to see the venue. Their first show was going to be at the Dodger Stadium. There was still a week left to the concert, but they already got the stage set up, so they could really rehearse every detail of the performance.

She got up and got ready for the day. She decided to wear something casual and comfy. She settled for a black tank top and creamy mom fit jeans, which she rolled up a bit on the bottom. She added a black belt to them and for shoes she chose black ankle converse. She topped it off with a grey coat. As for hair, she left it loose, her natural curls completing the look. She checked herself in the mirror one last time before leaving the apartment. Jazz was definitely still asleep, so she didn't bother to tell her she's going.

When she arrived at the stadium, she was in awe. It was massive. She was there for a couple of concerts, but she just couldn't believe that this time she is going to be on the stage. She couldn't hold back the smile as she walked in the direction of the entrance.

"Ann!" She heard a woman's voice calling her from behind. She turned around to see Jinjoo running up to her.

"Hey!" She greeted her as Jinjoo gave her a warm hug.

"How you feeling? Stressed? Nervous? Excited? Happy?" She questioned Ann as they now were walking to the stadium together.

"Yes." She laughed and Jinjoo did the same.

"I know, it can be overwhelming. But you'll love it, believe me." She smiled to her as they walked into the stadium.

She remembered this place always loud and full of people, bumping into each other. Now there were only cleaning ladies and some stadium employees. It was quiet and the echo extended as the girls talked. They went into the field and were left speechless. The venue was massive and at the end of it there was their stage. It felt surreal. Ann could not believe that in a few days this place is going to be full of people. It didn't scare her, it gave her a boost. She couldn't wait. Her dreams were coming true.

Their heads turned once they heard some voices next to the stage. There they were: Nick, Kevin and Joe. They were passing a baseball to one another, laughing when one hit Kevin in the head. She wanted to avoid Joe's presence, but she forgot the loud and energetic Jinjoo was with her.

"Bitches, we're here!" She shouted getting their attention. They waved in their direction. "Come on." She took Ann's hand and made her run with her through the field. Other band members started to join them and they all greeted each other. When they finally reached the stage, which felt like a marathon, they were basically grasping for air. They looked at each other and started laughing. "Come on, let's say hello to everyone."

Jinjoo ran up to Gabi and hugged her tightly. They seemed really close. They started talking about something with enthusiasm, probably concert related. Ann felt that she got hot from the run and decided to take off her coat. As she did, she felt a pair of eyes on her. She knew exactly whose. She smirked as she threw the coat in the corner. Plan "Smash Joe" in action.

She plastered on a smile and came up to hug Gabi as well and the other band member. She then started walking in the direction of Kevin, passing Joe on her way. She looked at him for what seemed three seconds, before turning her head to Kevin. She could feel his eyes locked on her, confused and eager for more eye contact. She wanted to greet Kevin with a hand shake, but he pulled her in a tight hug.

"We don't do handshakes here. You're part of a family now, remember." He smiled as he let her go. She couldn't help, but feel like he was the nicest man on the planet. Nick came up to them and also hugged her.

The only person left to greet was Joe and she could still feel his eyes on her. But she knew what she was doing. It was all part of the plan and it was working. Everyone started to walk to the stage, eager to start the rehearsal. Ann started walking too, knowing damn well Joe was left there, awaiting for some contact. She smirked and continued walking, until she felt a tight grip on her wrist.

"You can't run from me." His voice was raspy, sending shivers down her spine. She turned to face him and she sensed some anger in his eyes. 'Good.' She thought to herself.

"Oh hi there, sorry, didn't see you there." She plastered on a fake smile and shook his hand. "Nice to see you, Joe. Let's get to work."

She turned around and left him in the back again. She didn't hear his footsteps, which let her know that he was standing there, probably shocked at their interaction. She felt on top again, knowing that she was in the control here.

They all took their places and Travis handed each of them a paper consisting the set list for the concert.

"Where's Joe?" He said waving the last piece of paper he had left in his hand. They all started to look around searching for him. After a moment, he walked on the stage in a rushed pace. He was vividly mad, his bushy eyebrows now pushed together. She chuckled at the view. 'Like a child who didn't get the toy he wanted.'

They started practicing each song, she and Mark coming up with some choreography to each of them. They were having a lot of fun, laughing and giggling. Joe didn't look at her once during the whole rehearsal. It lasted for about eight hours, with a dinner break in the middle. During the break she sat with Gabi and Mark and discussed their favorite songs from the set list. She was so happy that the band was so open and nice to her. It was a completely different experience from what she had in her previous band.

After the rehearsal, someone made a proposition to go out for a drink. Even though everyone was exhausted, they agreed it will be a great bonding time for them. And last moments to get loose before the tight schedule of concerts. She texted Jazz that she will be home late, so she wouldn't worry about her. She got a quick response from her that said: 'Just be careful. Remember what we talked about.' She rolled her eyes at her overprotective friend. Of course she remembered. It was all going according to plan.

They settled for a club that was called 'Amnesia'. Even though it was a Monday, there were waves of people coming in and out of the club. They went in and the lady escorted them to the VIP lounge. It was a bit further from the main dance floor and the music wasn't so loud there, so they all could easily talk without shouting at each other. It had a private bar and a smaller dance floor. Ann couldn't believe how much her life has changed in a matter of days.

Everyone rushed to the bar for drinks and settled in the lounge, laughing and talking over each other. There was one person that stayed at the bar. Joe. She made sure everyone got something to drink and wouldn't interrupt them. She fixed her hair and came up to the bar, taking a seat next to Joe.

"Two shots of vodka." She said not making eye contact with him. The temptation to get lost in his eyes again was undeniable, but she knew she had to stick to the plan.

"Are you just going to keep ignoring me?" He finally said, his voice still sounding irritated.

"What do you mean?" Ann said acting surprised. He chuckled and dropped his head down while shaking it in disbelief.

"I don't know what kind of game you're playing..." He started. "But I don't like it."

'Of course you don't.' She laughed in her head.

The bartender passed them the shots and Ann took one of them. She finally looked up to meet his eyes which were... distant and annoyed.

"Drink with me?" She said ignoring his words. He took the shot and they dunked them at the same time. She let out a sigh, recovering from the rough taste in her throat.

"I can't get you out of my head." He said with the raspy voice he had today, which made Ann almost choke on her own saliva.

She turned to him and there he was. With the same look from the day before, staring deeply into her eyes. She had a plan. She was on a mission. That look didn't do anything to her anymore.

Or at least she told herself that.

"Keep it coming." He stated to the bartender not loosing eye contact with her.

'This is bad.' She thought before silently taking another shot with Joe. And another one. And another one.