Chapter 8
New York, Hilton Hotel

A young girl sat on a plush couch in a posh hotel room with a book in her hand and her eyes scanning over the words on the page. She let her mind form the many images that the words conveyed like a movie playing on a screen. She was so engrossed in those images that she didn’t notice a man creep up on her and put his hands over hers asking guess who in a childlike like voice.

After marking her place and setting the book aside she pretended to think for a second then let a teasing smile play over her flawless features. “Oh I don’t know” she purred in her silky voice reaching up she grabbed the man’s wrists pulling them away from her eyes. “Could it be my annoying best friend?”

“Ouch that hurts Ambs.” The man said with a pout on his heart shaped lips.

“I’m sorry” she said with fake sympathy.

Still pouting he rounded the couch and sat down next to her. “Sure you are.” He replied picking up her hand examining the smooth contours of it, relishing in the softness of her skin. “So what were you reading?” he asked not taking his eyes away from her hand.

She watched as his eyes scanned over the shape of her hands and took pleasure in the feel of his smooth fingers running across the back of it. “I… uh...” she stuttered completely lost in the feelings he was creating with just a simple touch.

He knew exactly what he was doing to her and had to admit it was on purpose to see what kind of reaction he would get. He wasn’t surprised at all, and deep down had hoped he would get something to the effect. Watching her face he smiled inwardly, her eyes were closed and a look of complete and utter relaxation was etched into her features.

She had to admit she couldn’t believe the extent of the feelings he was causing with just a simple touch.  The electricity from it was enough to make her mind fuzzy and make the words catch in her throat. She opened her eyes only to be met with his blue ones and the emotions deep within his soul was enough to break her. Before she knew it, she was leaning forward, her eyes closing only to fly open when her lips met his. She was shocked to find his own eyes closed, and his lips moving against her own she let her eyes close and decided to embrace what she had always wondered. The delight she felt from just this simple thing was overwhelming her senses. And when his hand cupped the back of her neck and his fingers entwined in her hair she couldn’t help the sigh that escaped from her lips.

She had never felt anything like this before, the desire that was burning within her was so strong; she couldn’t help but give in to it. Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled herself towards him, flushing her body against his.

Justin knew what he was doing was wrong, but couldn’t help wanting to throw all his morals out the window to just experience, what it would be like to feel what he had always wondered  it would feel like to be with her that way. Halfheartedly he pulled back and stared down at her face. “We shouldn’t do this.” He breathed

Amber nodded her head not trusting her voice to work at that exact moment. She couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed, she had finally thrown all her reservations out the window and let herself feel something she had always wanted to feel and he was telling her not to.

He watched the disappointed take over her face and rushed to explain what he meant. “It’s not that I don’t want to Amber, because I do.” he laughed nervously reaching up to rub the back of his neck. “It’s just you mean so much to me Ambs, I don’t want to ruin what we have together, and that’s all that would of happened if we were to continue.”

“Okay.” She whispered ducking her head causing her hair to create a veil over her face.

He hooked his index finger under her chin and gently guided her face so it was even with his. He watched as her eyes pooled with unshed tears. “Please don’t cry Amber.”

“Why shouldn’t I?”She asked incredulously “I feel like a fool I finally let myself feel something for once and I’m getting told it’s wrong.”

“It’s not wrong Amber. Don’t you get it; I respect you to damn much to let myself take advantage of you.”

“I wanted it just as much as you did. So how the hell would it be you taking advantage of me huh?”

“I’m sorry Amber, you can be mad at me or whatever all you want. But I can’t do that to you.” He confessed bowing his head and getting up from the couch. “I’ve got some things I need to do before we go to jive, so I’ll talk to you later.”

She watched as he shuffled his way out the door, growled softly as the door closed she stood up and stomped towards the bedroom of her suite she threw open the closet in search of an outfit to wear at the audition, searching through the many pairs of pants she had brought, in hopes of figuring out what she wanted when she had arrived.

“Fuck it; I’ll just grab the first pair that strikes my fancy.” She said pulling down a pair of dark jeans. Then grabbed a shirt off the hanger and decided it was good enough, then continued her stomping on to the bathroom.  

Almost an hour later she stared into the mirror, her long brown hair cascaded in curls down her back, and a touch of very light make-up graced her face; to go with that, she had added silver hoop earrings to her ears. Her outfit was what really caught her attention, a white top with black bold letters that read “Be Who You Are” along with black jeans and her favorite pair of van sneakers.

She grabbed a small gold chain from the corner of the sink and fastened it around her neck, letting the small gold shaped heart rest against her chest. “There now I’m ready” she smiled turning on her heel she switched off the light and padded across the carpet to the door, grabbing her small hand bag and exiting the room.

Hour later
Jive HQ

As they all waited in the plush lobby of jive, waiting for one of the execs to come down Amber sat in one of the many chairs placed against the wall scribbling on a small notebook she carried in her purse. Stopping for a second she read over the words she had previously written then poked her tongue out of the corner of her mouth and began writing again. “I like it” she said a little louder than she expected.

“Like what?” Justin asked his interest piqued

“Uh, nothing” She stumbled quickly closing the notebook before he could see.

“No come on tell me please?” he pleaded poking out his lip in his famous puppy dog face then coyly reached for the notebook.

“No, I don’t think I will.” Amber replied holding the notebook out of his reach and sticking her tongue out at him. “You know after all the years we’ve known each other; I thought you would learn that the face does you no good against me. I’m immune to it.”

“Aw come on Amber, you wouldn’t of said anything if you really didn’t want me to know what you were writing.” He said giving her his best Cheshire cat grin. Spotting a moment of weakness he plucked the notebook out of her fingers and quickly walked to the other side of the room before she could take it back. Flipping it open to a random page he read over the little inscription raising his eyebrow he looked up from the paper. “What are these?”

“There little pieces of songs.” Amber explained feeling the blush creep up her cheeks.

“There really good, I especially like this one.” He said turning the notebook towards and pointing to the words she had just barely written down.

“Thanks, but like I said there just little pieces I doubt they will ever be used.”

“Why? Most of the songs hold a lot of meaning, and this one, I can just see there is an underlying emotion to it, that you’re audience will love.”

“I’m not even signed yet so I don’t know how you can say my audience.” She shrugged walking up to him and pulling the notebook out of his fingertips. “What kind of message does it give you anyway?”

Before he could answer a tall dark man walk up and enveloped him into a man hug. “Justin my man, how are you?”

“Doing good Stephens, how about yourself?”

“Not too bad.” He replied stepping back then turning his attention towards Justin long time manager and friend Johnny Wright. “Johnny how are you, been awhile hasn’t it?”

“Good.” He replied

“Mr. Stephens I would like you to meet Amber Andersen.” Justin said motioning towards the small brunette next to him.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Stephens replied extending his hand towards her.

“It’s nice to meet you to.” Amber replied taking his out stretched hand and shaking it softly.

“Shall we head up?

After getting nods from the group he lead the way to the elevators once everyone was on, he turned towards Amber giving her a soft smile. “Now, just to give you a little insight to what is going to happen.” He began as the elevator began to climb. “You will be in a conference room with all the major executives of Jive, they will ask you a couple of questions then they will have you perform your song.

After that they will discuss with some things over with your manager, and then make their decision. Do you have any questions?” he asked as the elevator stopped and the doors slid open.

“No I don’t.” She said freezing in front of the set of black double doors in front of her, she could feel her palms begin to sweat, and the rhythm of her heart pick up speed. What lie behind those doors decided her future, and she didn’t know if she could go through them and face it.

“Amber, are you okay?” Justin asked waving a hand in front of her vacant eyes.

Shaking her head she looked at Justin. “I don’t know if I can do this.” She mumbled

Grabbing her hand Justin pulled her away down the hall. “What happened to that promise you made me?” Justin asked resting the palms of his hands on her shoulders,
when she only looked at him like he had three heads he sighed heavily. “You know the one where you were going to work on believing in yourself?”

When recognition dawned on her features he smiled triumphantly. “Yes that promise.”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged

“What is it going to take for you to finally figure out how fucking amazing you are?” Justin said the frustration evident in his posture.

“I really don’t know.” Amber said her voice just barely above a whisper, she felt like a child who had just been reprimanded by her father.

“Let me tell you something.” Justin said taking a couple deep breaths, all he wanted to do was bash her upside the head to try and knock some sense in to her but knew he
couldn’t do so with so many witnesses so he chose the less violent route. “If those people in that room didn’t like you’re demo you wouldn’t be here! Some other girl who wants the same damn thing you do would be standing right here waiting to go in and then she would get the contract. Do you know why?”

“She believes in herself.” She said softly

“What was that I didn’t hear it?” He asked cupping his right ear.

“She believes in herself.” She said again only this time a little louder.

“I still didn’t hear you.”

“She believes in herself.” She yelled

“Now why don’t you?” Justin asked raising a single eyebrow in her direction.

Nodding softly Amber stared down at her feet letting his words sink in. Suddenly as if someone had struck her lightning she wondered the same question, she couldn’t think of a single reason why she shouldn’t believe in herself, and yes some people throughout her years had pushed her down and told her she wasn’t good enough but why should she let those stupid people ruin her dreams.

All she wanted was a chance, one chance to prove that she was worthy. One single opportunity to prove that she was good enough, and now she was getting that chance and all she was doing was sulking because of those people. “I believe in myself.” She said firmly

Staring into her eyes he saw something that he hadn’t seen in a long time and it made him happy, there was actually a fire burning in those brownish green orbs. “That’s what I like to hear” Justin said happily. “Now I want you to use all of the hurt, and all of the anger you have in that little body of yours and knock them dead.”

“I will.” She replied, pecking his cheek then turning on her heel and walking towards the doors. “I’m ready now Mr. Stephens.”

“Alright let’s get this started.” He replied pushing open the doors.

As she stepped through the doors she notice a long U shaped table with men in fancy suits sitting around it, and to her surprise she didn’t feel nervous she felt revved up and ready to go. The names they stated were all a blur to her, the only real thing she could think about was showing these people what she was made of. She sat in the chair that was offered and gave them all a confident smile.

“Miss Andersen we’ve listened to your demo and have to say we loved it, but the music today is about the package you present, it’s not just about the voice that is sad to say but it’s true. Now we’re going to start this off by asking you a few questions, kind of like a get to know you. How old are you?”

“I’m eighteen.” She watched as they all began writing on the yellow notepads in front of them.

“How do you feel about your life being an open book to the public? As Justin has probably explained you will have to privacy in this business, every little thing you do will be publicized”

“I’ll admit I don’t really like the idea, but if it’s what I have to do in order for my dreams to become a reality I’m sure I can deal with it.” She said praying silently that it was a good enough answer.

The execs nodded softly.

“Mr. Wright has told us a little about you, now we want to know how much experience you have.”

“Well I’ve been singing since I could talk really, I’ve performed a lot in my hometown at fairs and weddings, I also entered every little talent show there was in school or showcases around the state.” She paused to collect her thoughts and try to calm her racing heart.

“I don’t know really how you want me to answer the question without coming off conceded so I’ll just say anything to do with performing I was in it, because I love to perform, being up on that stage is the best thing to me in the whole world, it gives me so much freedom and it makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to.” She watched silently as everyone in the room just stared at her with blank expressions on her face and silently prayed she hadn’t blown it.  Taking a deep breath she looked towards Justin who was smiling from ear to ear.

Once they all composed themselves and stopped writing on their pads the man in the middle of the table smiled softly at her. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a person answer a question so boldly like that before, I’m going to be honest with you Miss Andersen. I like you a lot. How about you sing for us now?”

“Okay” She said softly pushing up from her chair, and middle aged guy walked over to a small stereo system in the corner and fiddled with some buttons while another moved the chair she was previously sitting on to create the space she was supposed to perform in. “I hope you don’t mind I brought another song along with me, because I found the one I recorded wasn’t really a dance song. The song I’m going to do for you it’s called Fighter.”

“That’s fine. It’s you’re audition.”

 “Thank you.” Amber replied smiling softly then stood in the middle of the floor and waited for the music to begin. Striking the opening pose she counted to 8 when the beat started. “After all you put me through you’d think I’d despise you. But in the end I want to thank you because you made me that much stronger.” She began to sing then broke out in the steps, poring all her frustration, and hurt she had felt the past couple years into this single performance. She was in her element doing what she did best, showing people that she mattered, that she was just as good if not better than the rest.

'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

As the song came to a close she struck her final pose breathing heavily. She looked around discreetly at all the people in the room and mentally gave herself a high five, every one of them were either sitting or standing with their jaws on the floor and their eyes wide. It was so quiet in the room you could hear a pin drop. “Thank you.” She spoke softly taking a deep breath.

When she heard clapping behind her she whipped around and saw Justin standing clapping wildly which caused the rest of the room to join in. She felt the blush creep her cheeks, ducking her head she smiled softly.

“Thanks Miss Andersen if you don’t mind we’d like a word with your Manager.”

“Okay.” She said quietly walking softly to the doors.

“And miss Andersen?”

“Yes sir?”

“That was amazing. You go girl.” He said pumping his fist in the air, giggling softly she walked through the doors with Justin hot on her heels.
Once outside the doors Justin spun her around and picked her up into his arms in a hug. “Oh my god Ambs that was awesome, I’m so fucking proud of you.” He yelled swinging her around.

Laughing softly she hugged she held on to his shoulders. “I can’t believe I actually did it. I wasn’t even nervous Justin. I used all the stuff you told me, and it was just like BAM I was a totally different person.”

“No what you did was you actually let all those stupid little insecurities fly out that damn window and you were yourself.  You showed those people in there the real Amber; the Amber I’ve always known was in you.” He said setting her down on her feet and staring softly into her eyes, his heart swelling with pride.

She stared back all while noticing how close he was actually to her, she could smell the sweet scent of his breath fanning across her face and couldn’t believe the pull there was between all she wanted was to kiss him. Leaning the couple inches between them she let her lips connect with his and sighed happily this was heaven to her, it didn’t matter if she got signed there were so many more opportunities out that all that mattered was this man in front of her, and all she wanted was to be with him.

Deciding to throw all her insecurities that were holding her back from him she pulled away and waited for his eyes to open.

“Wha...” he started to say before she put her fingers to his lips.

“Don’t say anything please.” She pleaded stepping back and giving him a soft smile. “Justin I have something to tell you, it’s something I’ve wanted to say since you surprised me at the fair in Utah.”

“Okay.” He said mildly confused.

“I love you.”

Song Credits
Fighter By Christina Aguilera