Chapter 3: Baby Move Your Butt

“You guys better get going!” Walker glanced to his watch.

“The limo is ready downstairs,” Diana told us as she hung up the phone.

“Okay, we’re there!” Isaac grabbed his coat and was out the door, Zac followed, then Taylor and I lingered behind everyone. Zac was definitely upset with me, it was obvious. The elevator ride was silent. Zac and I stood on opposite sides of the car. Isaac and Taylor stood in the middle, Isaac was minding his own business but not Taylor. An evil smile slipped from his lips. He looked over to me then to Zac in a teasing manner. Zac’s face became almost stone-like. The door opened and I followed Isaac out. Zac’s strides were fast behind as he caught up and grabbed my hand. I was confused, but welcomed the warmth.

When we reached the Apollo our driver promptly opened the door for us and we filed out onto the red carpet. It was just how I’d imagined it. Red carpet and press, everywhere. Zac still held firmly onto my hand as we made our way inside. We shared a table with Nick Lashay from 98 degrees and Jessica Simpson. I felt like I was at a prom except with teenage stars everywhere rather than my peers. Cameramen from Teen People were everywhere snapping pictures. It really bothered me, I could hardly pay attention to the show. I looked around and no one else seemed to be bothered at all. I guess I still had to get used to it, but I couldn’t imagine how they had gotten used to it, doesn’t it kill your vision to have so many flashes in your face?

“We’ll be right back Sam, we have to go announce Sisqo’s performance,” Zac told me as he brushed my shoulders lightly with his arms. I’d never heard of Sisqo before, but the second I heard him sing I knew he’d be a hit. He sang about thongs! Knowing the world I live in, I had no doubt the song would go to number one. I waited patiently for them to return, but after ten minutes I grew slightly restless.

“Are you okay honey?” Jessica Simpson asked me.

“Oh, yeah, I’m ok.. just looking for Zac-” I told her, scanning the room.

“They’re probably backstage getting their photos taken,” She informed me, “They’ll be back any minute.”

“Thanks,” I told her trying to be polite.

I felt fingers creep up on my neck. I gasped as I felt the warmth of the foreign fingers but then I heard Zac’s familiar voice in my ear, “Baby move your butt, butt, butt.....” he sang after Sisqo.

I laughed then lectured, “You scared me!”

“Like that song?” Zac asked, amused at my stunned reaction.

“I like you more,” slipped from my lips. I smiled nervously. I didn’t mean for that to come out. I wished I hadn’t been so openly cliche! I hate when people are like that. They say things they hear every day on TV cause they can’t think of words for themselves, more romantic words, that actually mean--

My stream of thought was interrupted, “Let’s get out of here,” Zac’s hand slid down the length of my arm and firmly grasped on my hand. His touch tingled and all I yearned to be alone with him again.

“Are you sure?” I asked him having second thoughts about drifting out so early on my first ‘spotlight’ event and not wanting him to feel as though he had to leave because of me.

“We can always go to one of these shindigs, but how often can we really be alone?” Zac’s deep caramel eyes searched sincerely into mine and I fell to their mercy.

On our way out Zac explained to Taylor that he was tired and was setting back for the hotel and that he’d leave the limo and take a taxi. Taylor looked to me, “Are you sure you’re ready to leave Sam? Just cause little Zachy is tired doesn’t mean you have to miss out.”

Zac glared at Taylor who smiled arrogantly. He probably knew what we were up to and was just being a jerk I’d guessed, but then he looked at me and I seemed to lose my voice.

“Uhhum..,” his eyes were so sharp when they stared at me that I swore I could feel them piercing my skin. I lost Taylor’s gaze when he began rapidly blinking. Words finally came to me as he searched for something that had gotten in his eye, “I’m beat too.”

“A lot of travel does that to you,” Zac said, very resolute in getting out of the Apollo and with that we both hurried off.

“I thought we’d never get out of there!” he let out a sigh of relief as he opened the cab door for me.

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We wandered through the mirrored hallways of the hotel past the room which I had entered before into the one to it’s right side. The green light allowed us inside as Zac swung open the door and proceeded to a table in the main room. He picked up a basket and offered it in my direction.

“You’ve got to try these! This hotel leaves the best candy!” Zac popped one of the small morsels of chocolate into his mouth. I took a slow bite, still trying to be glamorous. Sure enough it was delicious. The chocolate flavor melted into a vanilla flavor and swirled through every taste bud in my mouth.

“Good?” Zac asked.

“Mmmhmm!” I smiled looking up to my cutie, “So where am I sleeping?” I asked.

“Well you can sleep in here if you like,” He directed his hand in the direction of a room with two beds. One was a single and the other a queen, “Well, if you don’t mind sharing with me and Tay that is.” “Oh. No. Of course I don’t mind!” I smiled and plopped myself down on the single bed. I noticed my bag had been put in the corner of the room. Everything seemed comfy but I couldn’t help but think of what trouble could come. Me, Zac, and Taylor? In one room? Even though there's NOTHING between me and Tay, I can’t help where my mind goes! What if I daze off like that again and Zac gets even madder at me!!

Zac slipped off his shoes and crawled up next to me. He was silent and began concentrating on his feet. I knew I had to say something about earlier.

“You seemed upset earlier,” I started, trying to mollify any bad feelings.

“Yeah,” Zac said flatly, still watching his feet. I looked down to his feet too. I didn’t want to pry because I was unsure of his next move. He seemed on the brink of something, “It’s Taylor,” he finally said.

“What about him?” I asked.

Zac shot me a quick angered look, yet his tone remained low, “You know what about him. You saw the look he gave you and I saw the look you gave back to him! What was that about? You’re just inflating his ego you know. He can be a real jerk sometimes!” Zac again focused on his feet.

“Zac!” I wrapped my arm around his back and held tightly to his hand with my other hand, “I know what you saw, but it didn’t mean anything. I don’t care about Taylor the way I care about you. You’re the one I want. I love you and I’ll always love you.”

He slowly tilted his head towards me and I saw a small smile perk in the corner of his mouth. I peered through his long mane of blonde to make sure. I swooped his hair from his face and tucked it behind his ear. He traced my path with his own hand then took my chin and pulled me towards him. I willingly followed as he lowered me to the bed in one succulent kiss. I opened my eyes as if I’d just waken up from walking on the clouds and pleasantly smiled at our moment. I kissed Zac again lightly and watched him glow.

Zac groveled, “can I clobber you now?”



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