Dream Crush

Chapter 1

You all set? Janine asked, sounding uncharacteristically downhearted as Sofia waved goodbye to her parents from the passenger seat of her car.

You bet I am! Sofia said, missing the disappointment in her best friend’s voice. I am so excited! I can’t believe we’re actually doing this. Finally, we’re going to Los Angeles, she practically squealed with exuberance. We’re going to have so much fun! Thanks for talking me into this.

Janine Zurek and Sofia DaSilva had been friends forever. Since the third grade to be exact. Even though they’d gone off to different high schools after Janine’s family moved out of their ethnically saturated little neighborhood to the mostly Anglo suburbs, they’d kept in touch frequently over the years.

The two of them had a lot in common, but they were also very different individuals. Janine was outspoken and a risk taker. Both traits she claimed came from being an only child. She grew up in a traditional Polish family. Sofia, on the other hand, was quite shy and introverted. She had one older brother and grew up in a conservative Portuguese family. Both sets of parents were quite overprotective with their kids, but Sofia’s parents were especially strict with her.

It was only when Janine started coming around to her house that Sofia’s parents started to relax the rules here and there. Being so well-spoken and charming, Janine managed to earn their trust. That was a true blessing because otherwise Sofia wouldn’t have had much of a social life at all. Somehow it was only ever okay for Sofia to go out dancing or to concerts when Janine went with her.

Janine had always been the most rebellious of the two. She had a way of talking her parents into things that Sofia couldn’t have dreamed possible, like this trip to LA for instance. Never in her wildest dreams would Sofia have imagined that her parents would agree to let her go, not without a fight anyway. But somehow, Janine had managed to convince both sets of parents that it would be educational and beneficial for them to go.

Sure it may come across as strange to most people these days, that their parents would still be so involved in their daughter’s decisions, especially since they were both twenty-one, but that’s just they way it is with some traditional second generation European families.

Of course, certain details about the trip had been left out, like the fact that they weren’t actually going on their own. In reality, they were going to LA with a group of guys that Janine had met in high school. Sofia’s parents would kill her if they found out. That was a huge no-no as far as they were concerned. Even if they were just Janine’s friends.

Sofia had met these guys a couple of times. They shared the same musical interests with Janine. She often went with them to concerts and bars to see live bands. Although Sofia’s taste in music differed quite a bit from Janine’s, she’d tag along every once in a while out of curiosity. Music and band watching was a huge part of this trip for Janine and the guys. They were all about the music scene. Sofia, on the other hand, was more about celebrity watching and the beaches of course.

Having just wrapped up a two-year college course in marketing, Sofia was more than ready for a vacation.

The only thing I want to worry about for the next two weeks is what’s for breakfast, Sofia said, rifling through her purse, checking her plane tickets for the hundredth time. You’re awfully quiet. Everything okay? she asked, glancing at Janine who’d been strangely silent for the duration of the drive to the airport. Hey, aren’t you going to put the car in the long-term parking garage? she asked, finding it strange that Janine drove directly to the passenger drop off area instead.

I’m not going, Janine said flatly, pulling over by the entrance.

What? You’re kidding right? Sofia gasped.

Listen, I got this incredible job offer earlier this week that I just can’t turn down. The only thing is I have to start on Monday or I lose the position to the next candidate. Bad timing I guess, she said, her voice filled with regret. Sofia, I’m sorry. I should have said something sooner, but you were looking forward to this trip so much and I didn’t want you not to go just because of me, she paused for a breath. This way your parents still think I’m going with you. They’ll be none the wiser.

What? Sofia repeated. But this whole trip was your idea. I can’t go alone. Where’s the fun in that?

I know the timing sucks. Don’t make me feel any worse. I was so looking forward to hanging out in LA, Janine said, throwing her head backward. Now don’t worry. You won’t be alone, she said encouragingly. You’ll have Jet, Paul, and Jack with you.

"But they’re your friends. I hardly know them," Sofia protested.

Trust me, they’re great guys, pussycats really, especially Jet, Janine said wistfully. Don’t worry so much, just go and have a great time.

But what’s the point in going with a bunch of guys I hardly know? Besides, they’re all into that heavy metal music you like so much. I have nothing in common with them, Sofia balked. This is just too weird.

Come on, Sofia, don’t be like that. I’m sure you can find some common ground. You’ll still have a good time. Just keep an open mind. Get some autographs for me, she said despondently. Anyway, the hotel’s already booked. We’ll lose our deposit either way, so please just go and have a good time. Do it for me. She glanced past Sofia through the glass doors. Look, there they are. Go on before they see me. I don’t want to have to explain myself to them too. It’s hard enough telling you that I’m not going. I don’t think I could bear going through it again. Just tell them I got an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.

But…

Go on, get out there, Janine insisted. Grab your suitcase and go. These cars are starting to line up behind me. She waited as Sofia robotically stepped out of the car and reached for her suitcase.

Just call me when you get there and keep me updated, Janine said, trying very hard to hide her disappointment. She glanced at Sofia one last time and gave her a brave smile before driving away.

Staring after her, Sofia stood dumbfounded and at a loss for what to do. This changed everything. For weeks, they’d planned this entire trip together. Everything had been mapped out perfectly. The hotel, the shopping, sightseeing, day trips to the beach. It was supposed to be about hanging out together, doing touristy things during the day and going out to bars and clubs at night. Now who was she supposed to hang out with? LA was a huge city and the thought of going out there alone was more than just a little intimidating.

And what of Jet, Paul, and Jack? Sofia had only ever heard them talk about bands and music the couple of times she’d met them. Truthfully other than saying hello, Sofia hadn’t really had a prolonged conversation with any of them. Janine usually did all the talking when they’d been out together.

Being shy, Sofia usually kept her mouth shut around people she didn’t know. Besides, she had little to contribute to their conversations about who was the best bass player or which band kicked ass. In fact, she couldn’t tell one metal band from another. Other than the usual mainstream, radio-friendly, pop music she listened to, Sofia had very little interest in the music industry at all. LA was all about the music scene, and so were these guys.

Hey there, Sofia? Hearing her name called, she snapped out of her thoughts and turned and found herself face to face with none other than Jet. Remember me, Jet Crozier?

Jet Crozier was definitely an interesting character to say the least. He was quite tall, at least six foot two. He literally towered over her. He had shoulder length, teased out platinum blonde hair and striking blue eyes.

In fact, he was rock and roll personified. Jet even dressed like one of the characters in the bands he loved. He was presently wearing alarmingly tight, skinny blue jeans that exaggerated his incredibly long legs, a form-fitting black t-shirt with a skull logo scrawled across his chest that Sofia was having trouble deciphering.

He wasn’t exactly handsome in the classic sense, but he was interesting just the same. He was definitely prettier than most men she knew, an unsettling type of pretty that she couldn’t describe any other way.

Sofia could tell by his expression that he too was excited about this trip. Originally it had been Janine and Jet who’d planned the whole thing since they shared the same interest in bands and music.

Janine and Jet had one of those rare inter-gender relationships that you only ever hear about but never actually experience. Sofia had often assumed that there must have been some romantic interest between the two of them, but Janine had only ever laughed it off. She insisted that they were only friends. It must’ve been the truth since even Janine’s overbearing parents had somehow come to trust him.

In the same way that Sofia’s parents trusted Janine with her, Janine’s parents trusted Jet to keep Janine out of trouble. In fact, as long as her parents knew that Jet was going with Janine to a watch a band, they felt justified in letting her go. Of course, they didn’t know about Paul or Jack. Good thing too since in actuality it was Jack who Janine really liked but unfortunately for her, it appeared to be a one-sided crush since Jack was all about tall, leggy blondes.

Although very cute, Janine being a petite brunette, was not at all his type.

Yes, of course, I remember you, she said, glancing warily over his shoulder toward Jack and Paul who stood watching impatiently inside the sliding doors.

Is Janine parking the car? Jet asked, looking around.

Um, no, Sofia said uncomfortably.

No? he asked, confused. Well, where is she? he asked, checking his watch. Our plane takes off in a couple of hours. We still have to line up to get seats.

Oh well, she’s not coming, Sofia said, exhaling deeply. Something came up. A job opportunity, I think.

What? But that’s fucked up! Jet said, shaking his head in disbelief. When did this happen?

I just found out about it myself, she shrugged.

So that’s it? he asked, furrowing his brow. Fuck it then. I guess she’s not coming. Now where does that leave you?

Confused and on my own, I guess, she sighed, disheartened, averting her eyes from him. Maybe I’ll just get a taxi and go home.

No way! Why would you do that? We’re still going, he said, reaching for her suitcase. Besides, you’ve already paid for your plane ticket.

There was no way he was going to let her get away that easily. The truth of the matter was, Jet had been looking forward to hanging out with Janine and her cute little friend in LA for weeks. He had secretly admired Sofia from a distance ever since he first saw her a few months ago. In fact, she was the real reason he’d persuaded Janine to come along in the first place. He knew that if Janine agreed to come, she would want to bring her best friend. He didn’t just spend the last few weeks putting up with Jack and Paul’s whining about having to bring chicks along for nothing.

Wait, I don’t know if I want to go anymore, she protested, hesitantly following him through the sliding doors toward his two glaring friends.

Of course, you still want to go, he said, ignoring her attempts to reach for her suitcase. It’s LA after all. Everyone wants to go to LA.

Sofia had to admit it. He was right. Everyone wanted to go to LA and when would she ever get an opportunity to travel like this again? Soon she’d have to find a job in the real world. Not just a part time job helping out in the college cafeteria either. Soon enough she, like Janine, may not have the chance to go away.

Fuck, man, what took so long? Jack asked, standing with his arms out, glaring at Sofia. Where the fuck is Janine?

You’ve met Jack Jensen and Paul McAdams, right?

Yes, Sofia muttered. She just about lost her nerve at that point. Suddenly it dawned on her that she would have to put up with a lot of colorful language if she were to tag along with this group of ragamuffins. Without Janine there as a buffer between them, would she be able to handle all the expressive banter?

Not to mention the fact that Sofia had always found Jack particularly intimidating. If she was honest with herself, she might even admit he scared her somewhat. She’d always gotten the impression that he was sort of a loose cannon. Sofia never really understood what Janine found so appealing about him. Perhaps it was his rebellious attitude that impressed her. Maybe it was because he looked like a lot of the guys that Janine had posters of in her bedroom. He was covered in tattoos, always wore head-to-toe black, had long dark shaggy hair and dark eyes that at that moment looked at her like she was raining on his parade. It was obvious he didn’t want her there.

Relax, Jet said in reaction to Jack’s less than friendly attitude. We have plenty of time, he said, towing both his and Sofia’s suitcase toward the fast moving line up.

Yeah, sure, Jack huffed. We’ll be lucky to get decent seats. Where is Janine anyway? he asked again, lining up behind them with Paul at his side.

She’s not coming, Sofia said, reaching for her ID and plane ticket. She got this job offer.

What? She’s not coming? Jack repeated in disbelief. "Then why the fuck are you still here?"

Shut up, man, Jet warned, shaking his head. Don’t be such a jackass.

Yeah, don’t be such a jerk, Paul agreed. Think of it this way, one chick tagging along is better than two, he said with a goofy grin. We’ll still have a good time.

Sofia didn’t quite know how to take Paul. It was hard to tell if he was being serious or just sarcastic. He smiled a lot, that much she noticed. He seemed good-natured enough and in appearance he was clearly the tamest of the three rockers. He wore his long sandy brown hair tied neatly in a ponytail and wore a plain white t-shirt and blue jeans, his denim jacket thrown casually over his shoulder.

Yeah, right. I can just see it now, Jack said, obviously unconvinced. "The three of us, and little miss goodie two shoes. What a joke! Nice going, man," he scoffed, shaking his head.

I’m sorry, have I offended you in some way? Sofia asked, taking offense at his tone.

"Yeah, actually you have, by being here, Jack said, staring her down. This was supposed to be a guy thing not a trip to the mall."

Back off, man! Jet said, glancing over at the check-in counter. Keep it down too. We’re up next.

I’m sorry, Sofia said, reaching for her luggage. This is a bad idea.

Let’s go we’re up. Jet snatched her suitcase from her grasp. Plane tickets, please, he said, holding his other hand out.

I don’t think so, Sofia said, averting her eyes from Jack’s hostile glare. I don’t want to be where I’m not welcome.

"Oh, but you are welcome, Jet said with a determined smile. We’re all going to have a great time."

Well, hurry up and make up your mind, Paul said, nudging her along. They’re waving us over.

Taking a deep breath, Sofia resolved herself and took tentative steps toward the counter with her ID and ticket in hand. The heck with Jack and his opinions. She was going to LA whether he liked it or not. Besides, she didn’t have to hang out with them once they got there. She would be just fine on her own. She hoped.

The next few moments in Sofia’s life seemed almost surreal. She had never traveled on a plane before. She’d never experienced the process of going through airport security either. Apparently neither did Jack since he hadn’t the forethought to remove his many armbands and chains before setting the alarms off over and over. In fact, all the guys were given special attention, dressing the way they did.

Waiting beyond the inspection point for the longest time, she tried hard not to laugh at the intimate pat-downs the guys were getting.

Is all that really necessary? she asked, watching them readjust their metal chains, oversized belt buckles and shiny bootstraps.

Easy now, Jet said, fastening his latest studded wristband. Don’t judge.

Yeah, who are you to talk? Jack said, checking her out. By the way, my grandmother called, she wants her dress back, he cackled, elbowing Paul in the ribs as the two of them cracked up in laughter.

Aw, don’t listen to them, Jet said, noting her despondent self-appraisal.

So what if she wore a goofy, shapeless, denim smock over a very girly pink t-shirt. She wasn’t exactly a rock and roll vixen standing there in flip flops either, but she was gorgeous just the same. No, she didn’t wear a lot of makeup if any at all, but her lovely full lips and beautiful green eyes spoke for themselves. Her hair wasn’t bleached blonde and teased out like the women on the posters on his bedroom wall, but nevertheless her caramel colored curls had somehow wrapped themselves around his heart. And no she wasn’t very tall at all, but she was just the right size for him.

Come on, let’s get something to eat.

Where? she asked, following his lead through the busy airport. To be honest, she didn’t have much of an appetite at this point. I’m not very hungry.

You will be after the four-hour long flight, Jet said, lining up at a food counter. You might want to at least get something for later, he encouraged.

All right, Paul, what are you getting? Jack asked, studying the blackboard. Holy crap this stuff’s expensive. Let’s split something.

No way, get your own, Paul said, pulling out his wallet.

Maybe just some chocolate milk, Sofia said, reaching into the dispensary.

You’ll need more than that, Jet said, raising an eyebrow. Split this bagel with me at least. He took it and placed it on the tray.

All right, she shrugged since he was being insistent and she was in no mood to argue at this point. I suppose I could.

Oh, how sweet, Jack mocked. Look, Paul, they’re sharing already.

Fuck off, man, Jet said, scowling at him. You’re really starting to piss me off.

Sofia couldn’t help but wince at their unsavory exchange. Wow, what had she been thinking? She’d never make it through the next two weeks alone with these three characters. She should’ve gone home with Janine when she had the chance.

Sitting at a small table for four in the food court, Sofia waited as Jet who sat across from her, diligently unwrapped, and split the poppy seed cream cheese bagel. There you go. Eat up, he said, taking a hearty bite of his half.

Thanks.

Okay, so he was admittedly handsome in a different way, she observed. Not in the traditional tall dark and handsome sense but in a way of his own nonetheless. She found that she really liked his deep blue eyes and the way his lips curled into a playful smile. He wasn’t exactly the sort of guy she’d ever imagine bringing home to her parents, that’s for sure. Not with his long blonde hair, multitudes of bangles and silver hoop earring, yet she couldn’t help but like the way he looked in his unconventional style of dress.

Sofia couldn’t help but notice how fair skinned he was too. She wondered from where his family originated. Most of her close friends she’d known growing up, like herself and Janine were of one type of ethnic descent or another. She hadn’t known any of them to be as fair skinned and blue eyed as Jet.

Sure, there were a handful of Anglo kids in school, like Billy Burns, but he was a weird ginger-haired kid with freckles. Then there was Sarah Graham in her tenth grade English class, but having nothing in common, Sofia hadn’t really spent a lot of time with her. Sarah and her friends went out to parties, dances and concerts. None of which Sofia’s parents would have allowed her to attend. What would have been the point in being friends with people who wouldn’t have understood her? At least, Janine and her other second generation European friends understood all too well where she was coming from.

Of course, Jet and his two friends, Jack, and Paul hailed from the suburbs. The few times she had visited Janine, she had noticed that most of her new neighbors weren’t Polish, Greek, Portuguese or Italian, but of British descent.

What’s the matter with your girl? Paul asked, catching her off guard. You scared or something?

Realizing she’d been staring, she quickly turned her attention toward her untouched bagel.

She should be, Jack snickered with his mouth full.

Jet, who’d been lost in his own thoughts, turned his attention toward her just in time to catch her turn as red as a beet.

Come on, let’s get some magazines, Jack said, shaking his head. This conversation is boring me.

You guys go on ahead. We’ll meet you by the gate in half an hour, Jet said, hoping to give Sofia a breather.

Yeah, whatever, Jack said, standing to leave. Come on, Paul, let’s give loverboy some time alone with his little girlfriend.

Is he always so annoying? Sofia asked when Jack and Paul were a fair distance away.

Most of the time, he is, Jet said with a sympathetic smile. But he’s all right. Don’t let him get to you. Now eat up. You don’t want to pass out on the plane, do you?

I guess not, she said, taking a bite of her bagel. What’s his problem then? she asked after a few moments of uncomfortable silence.

Who? Jack? Jet asked while sipping his pop. He’s just pissed off that I invited Janine along. He shrugged, unbothered. That I dared to invite a girl on our adventure, he said, rolling his eyes.

But I thought you were all good friends?

We are, but he had this idea that this was supposed to be a guys only thing. He wasn’t too keen on bringing chicks with us.

Chicks? she repeated with a frown. I don’t particularly like that reference.

Sorry, force of habit, Jet winced apologetically. Sensitive much? Never mind she was well worth it. I meant women.

She nodded with approval. You’re okay with it, though? With me coming along? Sofia asked awkwardly.

Of course, I invited you two, didn’t I? Besides, I like Janine. She’s cool and we have a lot in common. She’s into the same things as me like music and we like the same bands not to mention she’s one tough chick.

That she is. Sofia smiled fondly. It’s too bad she couldn’t come along. Now you’re stuck with me, she said self-consciously. I’m afraid I don’t know anything about these bands you’re all into. I hope you don’t think I’ll be too much of a drag.

Hey, don’t worry about that. He leaned across the table at her. It’s not your fault that Janine’s so damn responsible. He smiled ruefully. Anyway, how bad can it be? You’re going to LA, to Hollywood. You’ll be just fine, he said, seeing the doubt in her eyes. Oh, sweet thing, if only you knew how fine you’d be in my arms.

Having finished her bagel and chocolate milk, Sofia followed Jet along the corridor. She glanced at the various destinations posted on the monitors and watched as people lined up at their designated gates to board their planes.

Looking through the large glass windows, she could see planes landing and taking off, and felt herself getting nervous. To be honest, she wasn’t looking forward to the flight. The idea of flying for the first time was actually quite daunting for her. Now without Janine there for moral support, she had no one to share her fears with. How would she manage?

Hey, let’s grab some reading material for the flight, Jet said, turning into a convenience shop.

Sure, whatever, Sofia said, following him in, finding Jack and Paul there flipping through various magazines.

Hey, look who’s here, Paul said with a smile.

You fuckers find anything? Jet asked, greeting them with a boyish grin.

Just the same old shit, Jack said, flipping through a metal magazine.

Unaccustomed to all the swearing and cussing, Sofia quickly averted her eyes from them. She observed the many disdainful glares they were getting from a few of the other customers who were standing within earshot. Stepping ever so slightly away from the guys, she hoped no one would notice that she was with these long-haired ruffians.

Seriously, after a few more expletives, she couldn’t help but wonder what Janine saw in these guys. If the swearing wasn’t embarrassing enough, Jack decided it would be funny to reach for the x-rated magazines on the top shelf and flash them at her.

What’s the matter, pussycat? he teased, holding up a very explicit pornographic image. Never seen one of these before?

Fuck, man, put that shit away. Jet snatched the magazine from him and placed it back on the shelf. You want to get us in trouble? he asked, looking apologetically around the shop at the irritated merchant.

Relax… Where’s your sense of humor, man? he said, brushing himself off indignantly.

Got everything you need? Jet asked a few moments later, finding Sofia at the very far end of the shop.

I guess so, she said, holding a handful of candy bars and a pack of gum. She nervously glanced over at the reading material in his hand, afraid of what she might find. She sighed with relief when she realized that it was just a trendy music magazine.

Great, we should get going. Our plane takes off in a few minutes, he said, turning toward the checkout counter.

Having lost track of time, they raced for their gate. Sofia scrambled after them in an effort to keep up. She hadn’t even had time to put her candy bars away properly when they heard their names being called over the loudspeaker. Come on, baby, keep up, Jet said, glancing behind him.

I’m trying, she gasped breathlessly, wondering if this is what the rest of the trip was going to be like, her running around trying to keep up with these long legged rockers.

Try harder! Jack scoffed impatiently while Paul raced up ahead to hold the plane.

Unfortunately not having the forethought to wear running shoes, and trying to balance her boarding pass and candy bars proved to be a little too much for Sofia. To her horror, she somehow managed to trip over her flip flops and fall on her hands and knees, sending her boarding pass and candy bars flying all around her.

Oh, shit! Hold on, Jack, Jet said, cringing as he watched her go down. Sofia, you okay? he asked, coming to her side.

Oh, for fuck’s sake! Jack scoffed, throwing his head back in despair.

Sofia wished for a moment that she had blacked out as a few passersby stopped and gasped, watching her fall. Her first instinct was to cry. But hearing Jet at her side, she fought hard to restrain herself, hoping to salvage what dignity she had left.

I’m fine. She reluctantly took his hand as he helped her up.

You’re fine? he repeated, unconvinced, looking her over. Baby, you went down hard. He shook his head with an expression of pity that just about caused her to lose her resolve.

Let’s just go, she said, pushing him away.

Don’t forget these, Jack said in a moment of compassion, gathering up her boarding pass and candies.

Come along then, Jet said, holding out his hand for her. We’re almost there.

Feeling somewhat numb, and beyond the point of caring, she took his hand and followed him as he graciously slowed his pace to accommodate her.

They finally arrived at their assigned gate and found Paul waiting just beyond the annoyed cabin steward at the check-in counter. Sheepishly handing over their boarding passes, the four of them proceeded to board the plane.

After making their way past the inconvenienced passengers toward their seats at the very back, Sofia gratefully accepted the window seat beside Jet. He filled the pouch in front of his chair with all his magazines and snacks before putting both their carry-on bags in the overhead compartment.

Jack and Paul were seated across the small aisle. At least, she wouldn’t have to deal with them for the duration of the flight.

While he was busy adjusting his seat, Sofia took a moment to study her knees. She could see the start of swelling and bruising underneath the dust and dirt. Her wrists also showed signs of the harsh impact of her stupid fall.

Ouch, that looks a little nasty, Jet said, glancing over at her. You should really get some ice on that.

But where can I get ice? she asked despairingly just as the captain came on over the intercom and announced that the plane was about to take off. Huh? she gasped, caught off guard, feeling the plane back out toward the runway. Already?

The sooner, the better. Jet flashed her an excited smile, unaware of her nervousness. Excuse me, Miss? he said as the flight attendant passed by, checking seatbelts. May I get some ice for my friend, he asked, lifting up the edge of Sofia’s skirt, exposing her bruised knees.

The concerned attendant promised to return with some ice after take off. Sofia gave the woman a grateful smile while indignantly pushing his hand away from her skirt.

Thank you, she said, staring at her lap.

Anytime, Jet said, resting his head back in his seat as the plane continued its way along the runway. He loved flying. He looked forward to it, having gotten used to traveling back and forth to England with his parents often enough. Owning a small property in the outskirts of London, his parents traveled frequently over the years.

Sofia sat petrified as the plane taxied around until coming to an abrupt stop. She held her breath, hearing the engines revving up.

Letting out an involuntary cry of fear, she closed her eyes shut and held tight to the armrests of her seat as the plane quickly accelerated down the runway. She thought she would lose her mind when the nose of the plane lifted off the ground. It was at that moment when she felt a warm reassuring hand take hold of hers. With gratitude, she wrapped her fingers around Jet’s and held on with all of her might.

Only after reaching full altitude and hearing the seatbelt warning turn