The Rock Star Next Door, a Modern Fairytale Read Free Page B

mopes.”
    “ Lex? ” Jessie breathed reverently. “You’re asking me to go out with Lex? ”
    “Yes, he’s Mike’s closest friend and Mike is really worried about him. He c ame out of a nasty breakup a year ago. Mike says the guy’s really depressed, and you did say when we first moved in that you thought he was--”
    “No. ” J essie broke in. “Absolutely not. Lex was making records and touring when we were in eighth grade--”
    “Yeah.” Kyra giggled with girlish delight. “O ur parents wouldn’t let us go t o the concert in La Crosse, but Steve got that sophomore girl to drive us there a nyway . T he one with the big bazookas he liked , what was her name?”
    “Wendy . That is my point, Kyra. ” Jessie paused, giving her friend an imploring gaze. Kyra returned her regard with a confused frown. “ What on earth would Lex and I have to talk about ? H e’s way up there with Seal or Bryan Adams from when we were kids . Y ou wouldn’t presume to set me up on a blind date wit h either of them, would you?”
    Kyra shook her head , giving J essie a look that said she clearly had missed something important in all of this . “You still don’t get it, do you? You still think we’re the kids from Wisconsin, just another high school band looking for our big break. Don’t you read what th e critics say about you?”
    “I try not to.” Jessie returned. It was mostly hype, anyway, designed to sell an image that was far from reality.
    “They compare you to Nicole Kidman, a young version of Kidman, at least that’s what Cosmo said about your ‘glowing locks and china doll complexion.’ You’re famous now, too, honey, you’re not just an invisible shadow in the music world anymore .”
    “You want me to go out with a legend whose very name is synonymous with sex, as a small favor to you?”
    Kyra just smiled her classic cat that got the mouse smirk that she was known for. “Don’t t hink of it as a date. Think of it as a casua l dinner with a business colleague , one who’s been around a bit longer than you, granted, but--”
    Thunderous footsteps down the wooden staircase heralded the arrival of Jack, Jessie’s twin. His little dog, a pug, who had been basking contentedly in the warm su nshine beside Jessie’s Scottie, stood and began his pathetic whining while dancing a jig with nervous exuberance .
    “Your little brat is shameless.” Jessie scoffed as Jack set the c arafe of fre shly brewed coffee on the table and then his mug.  “Look, he’s groveling at your feet.”
    “At least he’s faithful. ” Jack quipped, sitting down and slapping his lap. The little dog flew into his lap and began licking his face and hands as if he were made of steak. “That’s my buddy. ” Jack cooed, patiently allowing the pug to slurp him while the girls scrunched up their faces in disgust.
    “G uess what he w as licking before you came down. ” Kyra teased.
    It didn’t move Jack in the slightest. He soaked in t he worship with a smile. Jack filled Jessie’s cup and then his own. He reached into his back Jean pocket to retrieve a small silver flask, adding Jack Daniels to his morning coffee. “What’s up?” Jack’s aqua eyes shifted from Jessie to Kyra, waiting for an explanation.
    Kyra gave it to him, not sparing any of the details.
    “My sister and Lex. Cool, can you fix me up with Scarlett Johan sso n ?”
    “In your dreams.” Kyra returned. “So, it’s a go?” She gave Jessie a searching look. “The guys are all invited, too, you know.”
    “Not unless I get Scarlett. ” Jack tipped his laced coffee and drank heavily.
    “Bring your own date or go as a threesome. Put on a different spin for the press. Three gay guys from Wisconsin.   Yeah . . .” Kyra broke out into a grin. “Three gay guys, three gay guys . . .” she sang to the tune of Three Blind Mice.
    Jessie was laughing, but then stopped cold as her brother gave her a killing look. Jack was extremely sensitive about being