Beautiful Roomie: Maxwell Brothers Romance Series, #9

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Chapter One

Silas

I HADN’T DONE ALL THAT many gigs, but whenever I did, I felt a flutter of excitement throughout the day leading up to the event. It was hard not to get my hopes up, and the thought that an agent might be lurking was always on my mind. I knew I’d chosen a career path that wasn’t easy. I knew that many people failed, and I knew that most people thought I was completely insane to be even attempting to go that route. I saw it in their eyes whenever they asked me what I did for a living.

"Yeah, I know you like to sing—but what do you want to do with your life?"

It was hard to make them understand that I had no intention of doing anything but being a singer. Sure, I needed money for the bills. That was why I had taken on construction work to at least get me by. But construction was not part of my long-term plan. I was going to become a full-time singer, and I was not going to let anything get in my way. I knew going in it wasn’t going to be an easy ride, and I didn’t mind this one bit. All the men in my family were hard workers, and I was no different.

I stood in front of the mirror now, assessing my outfit. I considered going for the full-on country look, but I didn’t want to come across as too cheesy. I put the hat on and took it off about a million times before deciding that it was too much. My brother, Xavier, had told me once that while he was proud of me, he often wished I’d chosen something a bit more mainstream to focus my talents on.

You could’ve been a rock star, you know.

He’d said he was joking, but I knew that deep down he wondered why I had chosen this path. The men in my family weren’t just hard workers. They were also rugged men. Most of them, at least. They were motorcycle-riding, leather-wearing tough guys, and country music simply didn’t fall into place in that rock-and-roll lifestyle. But I’d always loved country music. There was something about it that had always spoken to me in a way that no other music had ever done before. It was soulful, real, and touching.

I was the only one in my family that could sing. It was a standing joke between all of us that I wasn’t really an Aarons. It wasn’t like I was the only one that could sing well; it was that I was the only one that could sing at all. I had no idea where the talent came from. All I knew was that one day I was singing a song at school, along with the rest of the kids, and the teacher pulled me aside afterward to tell me that my voice was wonderful. I could still remember the day clearly.

It is? I asked, surprised. I’d always loved singing, but I had no idea that I was actually any good at it.

The teacher, a young woman with a slight lisp, smiled at me. She nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright with excitement.

Oh, Silas, you have the voice of an angel. Now, have you considered joining the choir? Because we could really use someone like you.

My face had gone red, and I remember shaking my head in embarrassment. I had no intention of joining the choir. My brothers would tease me senseless if they ever found out. Which they would. The school wasn’t all that big, and word always got around.

No, uh, I don’t think so.

Why not? You’re so talented. And anyway, you’ll only improve with practice. This could be the start of something great for you. Don’t you want to sing?

I did want to sing. I just hadn’t realized it until then. After a little more coaxing, she finally convinced me to join the choir. She invited me to practice and told me that if I didn’t want to go, I wouldn’t have to. Of course, after just one practice I knew that I would join. And teasing would just have to become a part of my life. It seemed worth it for the chance to sing, and to this day it was something I would never regret.

I’d been invited to sing that night at a local bar. I knew the owner, and he’d been promising to get me on stage for a while. It was a small bar, but I was not in the position yet to be picky. To me, any chance was one that I had to take.

The owner, Mark, called me over the moment I walked in. I tried to ignore how quiet the bar was and told myself that it was only because I’d arrived a little early. But I knew that wasn’t the case, and I could see that Mark looked a little embarrassed for me. He gestured around the room and shrugged.

Slow night tonight, it seems. Sorry man. It’s hard to predict these things. Some nights the place is so busy we can hardly move in here, and other nights it’s just not. The luck of the draw and all that.

I smiled to reassure him. It’s okay, really. I know what these things are like. It’s out of your control. I’m fine with it.

He looked relieved. I was sure that he was used to dealing with singers that expected a full audience from him at all times. Perhaps one day I’d become arrogant, but I certainly didn’t plan on it. I liked Mark, and no matter what, I was grateful that he had at least given me an opportunity. He wouldn’t have asked me to sing at his bar if he didn’t at least think I was good.

Thanks, Silas. You’re a good man. But, well, uh . . . there’s something else, he started.

I sighed. You don’t think it’s worth me playing, I said. It was something I’d been worried about the moment I walked in.

"What? Oh, no. I definitely want you to play."

Oh yeah? Oh good. I want to play. So, what’s the problem?

Uh, look, it’s just that I’m not going to be able to pay you the full fifty dollars tonight. It’s just . . . well, as you can see, the place is not exactly thriving. I have to be careful with the money. And I’m probably not going to make a lot on people buying drinks with this small crowd. I hope you understand.

I smiled again. It was a bit of a joke really, to get paid so little for a full night of singing, but I knew that it was just part of my journey. One day I would look back on these nights and laugh at how little I made. Right now, I would just go up there and do what I could to make the best of it. It wasn’t like I was losing out on a lot of money anyway. It was either make a few bucks or sit at home and get nothing.

That’s fine, Mark. Thanks for letting me know. I know it’s out of your control, like we said. And hopefully one day I’ll get to come back on a busy night.

You’re a good sport. Right, let me get up there and introduce you, he said.

I looked around the room and sighed. Why did it have to be so quiet the night I was going to sing? It probably had more to do with the fact that I’d been asked to come and sing on a Tuesday night rather than on the weekend. Was I just not good enough for a weekend slot? I tried to see if anyone looked like a potential agent but it was hard to say. For the most part, everyone just looked bored, but perhaps this was all part of their master plan to stay hidden. Like an undercover cop waiting for his victim. I watched as Mark took the stage. Even he looked a little bored.

Okay everyone, thanks for joining us tonight. Remember that it’s half price on drinks for the next hour, so make the most of it. Now, please make some noise for our singer, Silas Aarons!

The words were met with the sound of a few hands clapping together, although I had a feeling it was only the barman and one other person, and I made my way up on stage. I took a seat and smiled out into the empty room. I saw a few people look nervously my way, and I tried to ignore the look of pity that crossed their faces.

Thanks so much for having me, Mark. Hi, everyone; I’m Silas Aarons, and I hope you enjoy my songs.

I took a deep breath and started playing. I was sure that I would one day be part of a band, but for now, I enjoyed the fact that it was just me and my guitar. There was something very emotional about being up on stage all by myself. The moment I started playing the guitar and singing, I felt the nerves wash off me. Instead of anxiety, all I could feel was the music itself. And for the next two hours, all I did was sing and play. I ignored the room around me, forgot where I was, and allowed myself to become fully immersed in the moment. When I finished my last song, I half expected the bar to be full and for people to be crowded around the stage. But, of course, this was far from the reality of what I saw. A few people were hanging around the stage, but nobody was even looking my way. Mark could’ve just played a CD for all that my effort was worth. I looked around to see if he was there but I couldn’t find him. Perhaps it was for the better. I didn’t want him to see just how uninterested the crowd had been. I cleared my throat, stood up, and said a thank you. I noticed two people look my way, and heard a very drunk man clap and whistle for me. I shot him a grateful look before heading off the stage.

I walked straight to the bar and ordered myself a drink. The barman told me that I had been brilliant, and despite the lack of enthusiasm from the crowd, I actually believed him. That was the thing with me—call it delusion or positivity—but I really believed that I had a shot at making it big one day. I took a seat, took a few big sips of my beer, and looked around for potential lurking agents. All I needed was for someone to give me just one shot. I needed just one opportunity to show the world that I had what it took to make it big. I knew I had it in me. This was just one small step toward something greater. I could feel it inside me. I ignored the pitying glances that came my way and focused on what I knew was coming. I would not give up.

Chapter Two

Riley

I HAD LOTS OF AMBITIONS growing up. I wanted to be a singer once. Of course, when I realized I couldn’t sing to save my life, I moved on to more realistic desires. I moved between wanting to be a writer and wanting to be an illustrator. Sometimes I combined those dreams together. I walked into bookstores, trailing my hands over the spines of the books, wondering if I would one day see my own name appear. Would it say Riley Yelling or my surname have changed by then?

I barely thought about those dreams anymore. First, the only thing I worried about was paying my rent. Second, I still hadn’t found a man that made me want to take his last name. It felt like all I did at the moment was worry about making it from payday to payday. It wasn’t even like I was staying in a big apartment. I had chosen a place close to work, but the landlord had called a few months ago to say that he’d be increasing the rent. It wasn’t even by the regular ten percent that I was used to. He’d added on far more than I could cope with. Someone told me that I could probably sue him, or at least dispute it, but I wasn’t sure I wanted the effort. It wasn’t like I had any intention of staying there longer. I would simply have to find a new place.

The phone rang just as I was about to leave for work. I frowned when I saw my landlord’s number appear on the screen. This was a very strange time for him to call me.

Sorry to bother you, Riley, he said as soon as I answered.

No bother. Is everything okay?

I know rent is due in a week, but I’m going to have to get it from you a little sooner. Tomorrow if possible.

You want the rent tomorrow.

Yes, if you can. Thanks, Riley. I appreciate it. I better get going. I have a dinner appointment to get to. But thanks for understanding.

I stared at the phone once he had put it down. He wanted me to pay rent early, and with less than a day’s notice? And he had the nerve to say that he was off to a dinner appointment. I felt angry. I thought he had raised the rent because he was battling with money, but now I was starting to wonder if perhaps he was just enjoying the sense of superiority he had over me. Like he owned me. And how was I supposed to pay him so soon?

I made my way to work feeling annoyed. The moment I arrived at the bar, I took a deep breath and plastered on a smile. I was not going to get tips if I was growling all night, and I needed those tips now more than anything else. I needed this job more than anything else, and that thought filled me with a deep sense of frustration. I hated that I was so reliant on a job I didn’t even enjoy.

As I walked into the bar, I saw Paisley and went over to say hello. The only nice part about work was that I got to do it with my best friend. I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it without her. Paisley and I were very different people on paper, but in real life, we were very similar. She had been raised with a lot of money, something that I hadn’t, but she was a very down-to-earth person despite this. She was a lot of fun, and a good person, and by far the easiest person to talk to. Unlike me, she actually enjoyed working at the bar. And unlike me, she was good at it. Although she said I was good at it too, but I didn’t see that. I was always waiting for the night to end.

Hey, you. What’s wrong? Something happen? You’re scowling.

I am? Damn, I’m far too transparent. I was trying to smile so that nobody would see.

She chuckled. Don’t worry, most people wouldn’t pick it up. It’s only because I know you so well. So, what’s going on?

I sighed. My rent is due tomorrow.

Tomorrow? Isn’t that a bit early?

Yep. And I don’t think I have enough.

Screw that, Riley. You’re not his puppy dog. You don’t have to come running when he says. Surely your contract tells you when you have to pay rent?

That’s the thing. I actually looked through the contract the other day. He’s also written in there that he can change his mind about rent and days when he wants to. Obviously, he’s worded it a lot better, but it’s there in black and white, and I’m not sure I have a say in the matter.

What a bastard. Although, I’m still sure you can do something about it if you wanted to. You sure you don’t want to take it further? I can organize you a lawyer if you want. My family knows plenty of lawyers.

I shook my head. No. I’m sure. I’m going to start looking for something cheaper, even if it means having to move a bit further out of the city.

Why don’t I pay your rent this month? It will give you a chance to sort out your finances. Come on, we’re best friends, and you know I don’t mind.

I smiled at her. Thanks, Paisley. But you know I would never say yes to something like that. I’ll be fine. I’m going to try and make as many tips as possible tonight, and hopefully all will be okay. And I’ll start looking for a new place immediately. I’ve got this.

You’re so stubborn. But if you’re short you’ll let me know?

I nodded. I’ll let you know. Thanks. Okay, we better get to work. The boss is giving us funny looks.

We worked in one of the busiest bars in the area, and despite it being a Wednesday night, I knew that tonight was not going to be any different. It was right in the heart of the city, and the bar had a solid reputation for people with money. I watched as people in suits came filtering through the doors after a long day at the office. Within no time, their ties were loose and their jackets were off, and they were ordering drink after drink after drink. I man with his tie now tied around his head smiled at me.

Nice headband, I said and chuckled.

He grinned at me and looked at me up and down without any shame. It was the one thing I hated most about the bar. The men always felt like we were their property and that they could do whatever they wanted with us. They loved nothing more than flirting with us and trying to get us to break our professionalism. It was like a challenge to them. I had complained about it once to my boss, but he’d just laughed and said that I should just flirt back. He told me that the more I flirted, the more money I would make. It sickened me, but right now I needed the money.

You’re a pretty little thing, you know that? he said. He was much older than me, but he seemed to like that. That was often the case at the bar. I generally seemed to get hit on by the older men.

I smiled politely. If there was one thing I had mastered over the years, it was how to remain polite even when I didn’t want to be. I’d only lost my cool once, and I had regretted it. I had almost lost my job over it. Now I just smiled no matter what anyone said to me. Thank you. That’s nice of you to say. Can I get you a drink?

You can get both of us a drink.

Both of us?

Come on, why don’t you join me?

I wish I could, but I’m not allowed to drink on the job.

He raised his eyebrows. And do you always do what you’re told?

I do when it comes to my job.

He smiled and practically licked his lips. I tried not to show him my revulsion and continued smiling at him. I was sure that he thought the smiling was a sign of flirting.

Oh yeah? I like a girl that does what she is told. But I also like a girl that likes to break the rules. I’ll have you know that I happen to know your boss really well and I’m sure he won’t have any problem with you sitting with me for a while. Go on, get us each a drink.

I walked over to the bar with gritted teeth and ignored the frustration that was welling up inside me. I spotted Paisley speaking to a group of guys, flirting lightly with each one of them while they practically threw their money at her. I had no idea how she managed to do it so well. She seemed genuinely interested in all of them. I got the man in a drink and walked back to hand it to him.

Just one? What about one for yourself?

I smiled politely. I really wish I could, but I have to do my job. Oh, here’s your change, I said and handed over his money.

He chuckled. I’ll get you one day. I like myself a bit of a challenge. Keep the change.

I didn’t argue. I needed the money, and I was just glad he hadn’t pushed for more. The rest of the night was mostly the same, with me serving drinks while desperately trying to dodge the flirtations from all the men. The later it got, the more the men hit on me, and the drunker they got, the more they pushed to get something out of me. By the end of the night, I was exhausted.

I sat in the back room with Paisley and sighed.

Tonight seemed worse than usual. What’s wrong with these men? Do they really have to flirt like that? I bet you they all have wives back home.

Paisley laughed. You’re just in a bad mood because of your rent. You should look at it differently. I mean, if you just flirted a little bit back with them you might actually make more money. And isn’t that what you’re looking for right now?

I looked over at her stash of money and sighed. She had made more than double what I had made that night. No wonder the boss liked her so much more than me.

They’re only after one thing. I just can’t flirt the way you do.

More flirting, more money, she said as she started counting the bills in front of her.

I shook my head and went through my own, smaller pile of money.

How’d you do? Riley asked.

Not as well as you apparently, but I did okay. It was a busy night, and people were in a generous mood. I have just enough to pay rent at least, so that’s a relief.

You sure you don’t need my help, Riley?

I’m sure.

It wasn’t entirely true. Having enough money to pay rent was just one thing of the many things I had to pay to get by each month. I was sick and tired of spending my time looking at my account and wondering if I had enough to get by. I needed to find a better job, one that I enjoyed and one that paid me enough each month. But right now, the only thing that I could think about was how much I couldn’t wait to get home and sleep.

Chapter Three

Silas

I HAD BEEN LUCKY TO get a job at a local construction company about a year ago. I had to put my ego aside and tell myself that the money was important. I also promised myself that working in construction would not mean that my dream of becoming a singer would be put aside. I could still work toward my goal while making money in another field. Luckily, all my singing gigs were at night, and construction was in the day. If I did both on the same day, I generally felt exhausted, but I would never say no to a gig if one came about.

As it turned out, I didn’t have all that many gigs to go to. They weren’t nearly as easy to come by as I thought, and over the year, I could still count how many I had done. And I’d yet to be invited to something