Number One Fan

Page | 374

Number One

Fan

By

Lakia Nichole

Number One Fan

Copyright © 2015 by Lakia Nichole

All rights reserved.

NEW BREED PUBLISHING

ISBN 13: 978-0-9833438-7-5

ISBN 10: 098334387X

Library Of Congress Cat. Num. in-Pub.-Data

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

New Breed Publishing Presents: Number One Fan

Cover Design by: Kreative Solutions by Mahogani/Tanisha Pettiford

Editing/Typesetting; Illuminnessence Publishing/Allison Edwards

This novel is a work of fiction, any resemblance to real people, living or dead, establishments, actual events, and/or locals are intended to give the fiction a sense of reality and authenticity. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously, as are those fictionalized events and incidents that may involve real persons and did not occur or are set in the future.

Dedicated to those who struggle to find love.

Let love find you. Until then, love yourself.

Prologue

As Kennedy violently attacks Barry, he realizes that he’s fucked up big time. He never really wanted a relationship with Kennedy, because she was too clingy and lacked spunk. However, the sex with Kennedy was fantastic, so he kept seeing her. That is, until he met his new lady, Sharon. Barry didn’t expect to see Kennedy at the club, so getting jumped from behind was furthest from his mind. Kennedy continues to swing on Barry, until the bouncer intervenes.

Bitch, get off me! Barry yells, as Kennedy’s best friend Taren and the bouncer both try to pry Kennedy off of him. Onlookers watch in amusement, as instigation and laughter ensue.

This is how you do me, Barry? Kennedy yells throughout the place.

He doesn’t want you, because you’re a basic bitch! He’s with me now, so take your raggedy ass back home! yells Sharon. As the bouncer grabs hold of Kennedy’s swinging arms, Taren intervenes to calm Kennedy down.

Kennedy, he’s not worth it! Let’s just go! Come on!

I need you to leave. Bye Kennedy. It’s over! Barry says, as he wipes some of his drink off his face that splattered in the midst of the attack.

With no explanation? Kennedy asks with a wailing voice of disappointment. .

I gave you an explanation! I’m his girl, now! How much more pathetic do you want to look right now? You need to go!

Come on, young lady. The bouncer says, as he forces a distraught Kennedy out of the club, as Taren follows behind.

On the way home, Taren feels helpless in comforting her friend, whose heart is oozing with much disappointment, rejection, and self-doubt. Kennedy was in love with Barry, and she thought they’d be together forever. However, Barry used to complain quite often that Kennedy needed to be more outgoing and more exciting in the bedroom. Kennedy’s assumption of Barry’s complaining was nothing more than being picky, so his words went in one ear and out the other.

Kennedy thought she was a good and interesting enough woman, until she discovered what he had been up to at the club. Apparently, she hadn’t been interesting enough, and she had to find out the truth the hard way. Kennedy looks are stunning but they could only get her but so far with men. Her relationship struggles with men in the past have put a huge void in her self-esteem. Kennedy lacks ambition, doesn’t go out often, and spends a lot of time at home in her Downtown Baltimore apartment.

Unlike most thirty-two year olds without children, Kennedy isn’t interested much in experiencing what life can offer. She’s never left Maryland, unless it was for a funeral or wedding. She’s never been to any place exotic, and she’s never done anything risqué like attend a strip club or go skinny-dipping. She doesn’t have the desire to do a lot of things that women her age do. Her best friend of ten years, Taren has to make her put on a mini skirt with heels and drag her out the house for a girl’s night out, sometimes. It’s why they went to the club. If Kennedy is not at home, she’s at her job, working as an assistant manager at a hotel.

It’s easy for guys to become attracted to Kennedy, considering her youthful look. Her long natural hair frames her caramel colored face. Her facial features are accentuated with light make-up daily, enhancing her hazel eyes and high cheek bones, and her body resembles that of a bikini model that stands at a size five feet, eight inches tall. As a result, getting a man is never a problem. It’s her dull personality and neediness that prevents her from keeping one.

As Kennedy regains her composure in the passenger seat of Taren’s car, she musters up enough vocal strength to talk.

This night calls for a nice hot shower, some wine, and Chase Harper’s CD playing on repeat.

Girl, no matter what you go through, you’re still able to bring up your favorite singer in a conversation. Taren says with laughter.

His music always makes me feel better after a hard day. Tonight is definitely no exception.

How does his music make you feel better?

His music is the soundtrack of my life. I can relate to his lyrics so much. If I ever get the chance to meet him, I will tell him thanks. He has no idea how his gift as a singer has touched me. No idea. Kennedy replies with a solemn look in her eyes, as she watches the moon follow the car from above.

The summer breeze from the drive dries the tears on her face, as she vows in silence not to ever cry over a dude again. All she need is her peace of mind and Chase Harper. That is it and that is all.

Introduction

Chase Harper isn’t the typical Rhythm and Blues singer. His talent transcends his titillating voice. He’s known to be a fashion icon thanks to his own flair for style. His generous nature and role as a humanitarian by giving to countless charities is never overlooked but with his modesty, his lack of need for attention from that is prevalent. His male fans want to be like him, and his female fans want to be with him Chase is very good looking with a caramel complexion, thick eyebrows that frames his deep set dark brown eyes, a head full of hair that he likes to keep unkempt, and a body of a God standing at six feet tall. Most popular in the nineties, Chase had hit after hit. He has some classic bangers, but his ballads are what he’s most known for. His voice range of baritone over countless sexy tunes is why he’s adored by all of his fans. His impressive song catalog stems from years of hard work and dedication from the studio.

When hip hop took over in the nineties, the love for R&B ballads declined. The industry was making room for hip hop, while R&B artists were forced to move aside. It drastically changed Chase’s career to the point where he had to beg his manager to find gigs. Chase eventually took a break from music for many years and when he returned, it was like he had to start all over again. In a new generation of folks who listens to the likes of Trey Songz and Iggy Azalea, Chase’s return to stardom was a hard pill for him to swallow. He realized that the music lovers of today are assumedly the children of his fans from back in the day.

Getting back into the business would require more hard work for Chase than ever before. He knew he would still have some loyal fans, to help familiarize himself with today’s fans, his manager Tom helped put together The Return tour, which is also the title of Chase’s new studio album released by an independent record label. It was his way of saying thanks to all of his fans that continued to stand by him and celebrate his return to the music business.

Chase was excited to get back out there and prove to the industry that he still had what it takes. He still had that flavor that he wanted the critics to taste. He was eager to get back on a stage and perform, because it’s where he felt the most at home.

During his time away from the business, Chase had to figure out which direction to go musically. He wanted to stay relevant, but he didn’t want to lose his musical identity with flamboyancy, props, and auto tune. Chase’s desire had always been about just creating real Rhythm and Blues with a mixture of pop and alternative soul. Today, it seemed like popularity and looks will get you farther in the business than actual talent. Chase’s return to the music business was his way of helping to remove that kind of perception. His focus was to show music lovers and critics that genuine artists still existed.

Chase doesn’t need a fogged out stage with one hundred dancers, laser lights, and fireworks. All he needed was his guitar and his voice. Chase understood that he had a lot of proving to do, as he had to start from the ground up again. Because of the politics of the music industry, he was forced to perform gigs in smaller venues. As an artist who was used to selling out arenas in the United States, it’s something he had to get used to. However, he’s just grateful to be able to perform at all. He owed it to his fans, as well as to himself.

Chapter 1

Chase stepped off the stage with a guitar in hand, sweating profusely from his free-styled choreography, and wearing a smile so big it could brighten a room. Cheers and applause from the crowd ensued as he made his way back stage to his manager who handed him a towel to wipe dry. He had just performed his first concert in years.

Man! That was awesome! I haven’t felt this good in a long time, Tom.

It’s like old times, my friend! Welcome back. You put on a kick ass performance. Baltimore still loves you! Tom replied, as they both start packing immediately for the next gig in Philadelphia.

Yes, they do! I just wish….

What’s that, Chase? Tom asks, picking up on Chase’s hesitation.

I don’t want to sound selfish, man. It’s just that I miss the bigger venues, homey!

Hey! Say no more. It’ll happen for you again. If you keep working hard like this, you’ll be selling out venues of twenty thousand in no time. I promise you.

I believe you, Tom. You’ve been my manager for years, dude. I trust you’ll get me back to where I need to be. Chase says while preparing to pack his things.

Packing as soon as possible after performing is necessary so Chase doesn’t miss their next scheduled gig in Philadelphia. While Tom finished business with the venue’s manager, Chase decided to go out onto the floor of the Downtown Baltimore venue where fans were waiting to meet with him. Chase made it his mission to personally thank the fans for attending his shows with photo opportunities, autographs, and small conversation. After packing and freshening up for his flight, he entered the floor near the stage with bags in tow, and he’s swarmed by a flock of female admirers trying to gain his attention. Fans bombard him with a camera, and others simply ask exuding excitement for the singer.

Chase noticed one female admirer who stood out amongst the crowd, not only because of her unique beauty, but with her patience and calm manner. It’s unusual for Chase to see within a crowd of excited fans but her beauty stood out for him to take notice of. The fan made her way over to him after patiently waiting for the crowd to disperse, while her friend followed behind. Chase noticed her walk as she sashayed across the floor. Her long flowing skirt moved rhythmically to her swaying hips, teasing Chase’s eyes as he tries to remain professional and gentleman-like by not staring too hard.

Hi Chase! I’m Kennedy. It’s an honor to meet you. Kennedy says as they shake hands.

And my name is Taren! Taren adds, as she forces a handshake with his other hand.

It’s nice to meet you both! Did you enjoy the show?

Yes! Kennedy answers. You sang all of my favorites. I know all of your music, and I want to tell you thanks for putting music out there for people can relate to. I thought I’d tell you now while I have the chance.

Kennedy is your number one fan! Taren adds, embarrassing Kennedy.

Thanks a bunch. I’m so glad to hear this.

Can we get a picture? Kennedy asked, as her heart continues to pound hard as if it’s going to burst