Chapter Six

“I Wanna Be With You”

“Ring.” Reese pleaded with the phone. It had been three days and no call from Tyler. Reese flipped on the television.

“Sources close to both Tyler Richards and Willa Ford have both confirmed that the pair is in fact a couple.” The entertainment reporter stated.

Reese was about ready to throw a brick through the television. Every tabloid entertainment show was pegging Tyler and Willa as the new super-couple of the pop world. It was becoming almost too much for Reese to handle. The gang had the day off and Rylie, Rachael, and Reese had been shopping all day while the boys rested. Reese had been on edge for most of the day waiting for Tyler to call. Suddenly there was a knock on the hotel room door.

“Coming.” Reese said as she walked to the door.

“Hey lady.” Wade said as Reese opened the door.

“What up dawg?” Reese asked back.

Wade shook his head. “You’ve been spending too much time with Justin.”

Reese laughed. “Seriously, what’s up?”

“All of us are chilling in the lounge and we were wondering if ‘Ms. My Album Debuted at Number One’ wanted to join us.” Wade asked.

“Of course I do.” Reese said stepping into the hallway.

The pair walked to the end of the hallway and into the lounge.

Reese noticed all the lights were turned off. “You guys telling scary stories or something….”

“SURPRISE!” a chorus of voices shouted.

“What in the world?” Reese asked as she looked around.

“Congratulations party.” Wade said.

Reese almost started to cry. “Thank you guys so much. I can’t believe you went to all this trouble.”

The entire room was decorated and there was a buffet set up along with a huge cake that read ‘Congratulations to the New Princess of Pop.’

“This is so sweet.” Reese said tearing up.

“Justin! She made direct eye contact with you and now she’s gonna cry.” Rylie said.

“Good going.” Rachael added.

Justin shook his head and Reese laughed. “You two never stop.”

Rylie and Rachael high fived each other. “You know it.”

The party was in full swing and it didn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. Reese was bombarded with so many well wishes that it was almost overwhelming. When no one was looking she slipped out onto the balcony. She stood there for a few moments just thinking about how lucky she was. Then a crashing realization hit her. This situation with Tyler wasn’t getting any better. It was the crack in her silver lining.

“Penny for your thoughts.” Wade said stepping out onto the balcony.

“Hey Wade.” She said.

“Something wrong?” he asked.

“How could anything be wrong? My life is perfect.” Reese told him.

“I think that’s what you want people to think.” Wade said.

She turned and faced him. “You know me too well.”

“No word from Tyler?” he asked.

She nodded. “I don’t understand his deal.”

“Me neither.” Wade said angrily.

“Whoa, where’s the hostility coming from?” Reese asked.

“Never mind.” He said beginning to walk away.

Reese stepped forward and grabbed his arm. “Wade?”

He looked into her eyes. “Nothing.”

“Wade, you can tell me.” Reese said.

“It’s just that…Tyler..” Wade started.

“What?” Reese asked.

“It seems like he doesn’t care about you and I think that it’s a shame that you waste your time worrying about where he is and what he’s doing when its pretty obvious he doesn’t do the same for you.” Wade said.

Reese looked liked she had been slapped.

“Look, I’m sorry. I know that was harsh, but…Reese? Are you crying?” Wade asked.

Reese wiped the tears off her cheek with the back of her hand. “You’re right.” She mumbled.

“Come here.” He said opening up his arms. Reese walked into the embrace.

“But I love him you know? And I know that he loves me too. Well, I used to think so. Now I’m not so sure.” Reese said.

Wade was about to say something when Reese’s cell phone rang.

“Hello?” she mumbled into the phone. “Tyler?! Where have you been? Stolen? Crazy fans? Heehee. Yeah, thank you. So when are you coming out? The 22nd? The show is on the 23rd. Is that enough time? Yeah, I guess so. Yeah, I saw ‘Entertainment Tonight.’ I don’t, I know. Okay. I lov…”

“Everything okay?” Wade asked.

Reese nodded. “Tyler’s cell phone was stolen so he couldn’t call me.”

‘This dude never heard of using a regular phone.’ Wade thought to himself, but didn’t say anything.

“Anyway, he’s coming out to the Indiana show on the 22nd to rehearse with me for the duet.” Reese continued.

“Cool.” Wade said unenthusiastically.

“Umm..Wade thanks for listening to me. You’re a great friend.” Reese said kissing him on the cheek and heading back into the party.

“Great friend. Wonderful.” Wade mumbled to himself.

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