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I pumped my arms as I ran, the cool November L.A. breeze blowing on my face and whisking the sweat off as fast as it could escape my pores. I was breathing evenly, in through my nose and out of my mouth, and running comfortably, not straining. I decided to go a bit longer and push myself a bit more. I love a challenge and running wasn’t a challenge to my body any more. I had been running and building up my body for two years now … ever since HE left me. I switched on my IPOD and filled my head with music instead of thoughts. I didn’t like thinking of him, it’d been over a year since I’d even seen him in person and I liked it just fine that way. The beginning violin strains of Mi Mancherai began and I felt my body relax slightly. I flexed the muscles in my arms and kicked up the speed of my feet a notch and felt my pulse quicken. That was more like it! I closed my eyes to the alluring sound of the delicious, deep voice of Josh Groban.
“Mi mancherai se te ne vai
Mi manchera la tua serenita …” He could sing his way to world peace in my opinion. I’d never heard of him until two weeks before when my friend burned a copy of his CD and gave it to me. He knew I liked the more classical music when I ran and he thought I would like Josh … he was right. I could be feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders and when I turn on his music it all drifts away. I’d never even seen the man behind the “voice” and envisioned him as an older, beefy guy with slicked back jet black hair and a goatee. I would soon find out, I was going to be seeing him in a few hours. I was now sucking in air through my mouth and blowing it back out the same way. I turned the corner and found myself running uphill. My body was up to the challenge. It wasn’t a few years ago when I was still married to the now famed Chicago morning show disc jockey, Jim Anderson. He had been on the morning show here in L.A. and gaining popularity. We were married just over a year. I was a disc jockey too – I still am, but at that time I followed Jim on the radio time slot. When he was finished with his broadcast at 9AM, I took over and manned the air waves until 2PM. It worked out well for a while, when I was starting my show he would leave and get all his work done and then when I was finished I did what I needed to do, voice overs, commercials, speeches and whatnot, then we met up for dinner at a restaurant and went home. Everything was fine and dandy until the day I caught him in our bed with not only one woman but two. I could feel the heat building in my head and ran faster to disperse it. I kicked Jim out that day and after our divorce he headed towards an offer of a job in Chicago and I took over his place on the morning show. When he first left I found myself plunged into deep depression and gaining weight at a rapid speed. After a lengthy visit with my doctor he put me on anti-depressants and an exercise program. Now here I was – 60 pounds lighter and able to bench press 250 pounds! As I made my way back up the hill towards my house I smiled. One day I would thank that two-timing bastard. I made it back to my house right as my lungs began to burn and my mouth was so dry I couldn’t feel my tongue any longer. I ran right up the stairs to the shower where I peeled off my sweaty clothes and hopped into the shower. I stood under the hot spray for some time before I scrubbed my skin clean then got out.
I padded naked into my bedroom and stood in front of the mirror. I turned sideways and ran my hand down the front of my body. I worked hard to achieve this flat stomach and smiled proudly. I turned the other way and scrutinized my backside. I sighed. It was still bigger then I would have liked but it was better then it was before. The problem was that it was muscular and therefore had attained a shape I wasn’t fond of. I sighed as I dug through my closet for something to wear to the concert. I had been invited to the concert by a friend of mine from our sister station KRIT, they play “lite” music and my station, KRAT played metal. They were the “lite” side and we were the “dark” side. Yeah, I was a metal head. I had piercings, my eye brow, my nose, my belly button, but only one tattoo, a tiny rose on my back just below my shoulder. I grabbed a pair of low-rise flare denim jeans and slipped them on over the thong I’d slipped on before heading into the closet then flipped through the tops hanging in groups of colors. I chose a simple pale green gauze top and slipped it on. I didn’t bother to put on a bra then checked myself in the mirror. I smoothed the top down and then added a small necklace that hung down into the deep plunge of the shirt, between my breasts. I stuck a pair of dangly earrings into the holes in my ears then went back into the bathroom to put on make-up. With a wicked wink of my eye I decided to put the make-up on heavily, the blue of my eyes standing out brightly against the black I smeared around my eyes. After all I had a reputation to uphold. I was Lori, top jock for the RAT radio in Los Angeles! I gave one last check in the mirror before I left. I smiled, not too bad. I grabbed my black sparkly purse and headed out.
I met Phil Townsend at the offices of KRIT. He kissed me on the cheek in a greeting then held me out at arm’s length and looked me over.
“Woah, you look fantastic!” He gushed. I smiled. I knew I did, I dressed that way on purpose.
“Thank you, Phil, so do you.” He dressed simply in jeans and a button down shirt. There was nothing special about it but I felt as though I should return the compliment.
“So have you ever met Josh Groban before?” Phil asked me as he led me into the parking garage and towards his silver BMW. He held the door open for me and I climbed into the passenger seat. He got in and started the car.
“I haven’t met him. I haven’t even seen a photo of him.” Phil nodded and pulled the car out of the garage. “I have, however, heard his music and he’s wonderful.” Phil smiled.
“Yeah, he is. I’m honored to be interviewing him tonight.”
“Have you ever met him, Phil?” I asked. He nodded. “What’s he like then, old, stuffy and proper?” I wrinkled up my nose when I asked the question. He chuckled.
“Not quite. He’s actually young and kind of goofy.” I raised one eyebrow up at him.
“Young?” I asked. “Like how young?”
“Like 24 years old young.” I sighed, sat back on the seat and crossed my arms over my chest as Phil headed towards the Greek Theatre.
“That’s not too bad.” I muttered. When he said young I was thinking ‘young’ like 17 young. I’d heard a little about him and how he was another David Foster protégé. David had found him young and ‘raised’ him to be a superstar. I didn’t know any of the other particulars. Michael Buble was a Foster starling as well. I was going on 40 and though I didn’t look it, some days I really felt it. Staying in the rock world kept me youthful at least. We chatted back and forth until we finally made it to the Greek Theatre where Josh was to perform. After providing security with the necessary credentials we pulled up in front where the valet took the BMW from us and we entered the theatre. I slid the backstage pass around my neck as we headed towards the private back stage area. Phil took me on the ten cent tour of the theatre. We were heading towards the dressing room when Phil heard someone call his name. He turned and found an old friend. He excused himself for a minute while he chatted. I sighed and leaned against the wall to wait. I felt butterflies flitting in my belly as I checked my watch and saw that it was still a couple of hours until show time. I couldn’t wait to hear The Voice live and in person. I leaned my head back on the wall and bent my knee and propped my foot against the wall when I heard people coming down the hall. I glanced over and saw three good looking guys coming down the hall towards me. One had brown hair and long sideburns, the other was a blonde and not bad looking but the one in the middle … he had mopped curls that swirled around his head like Medusa. He was laughing and then when he smiled I noticed a gorgeous set of perfect white teeth. He was a slight man but tall with long legs. As he walked he stared. I’d caught his eye. I’d caught all of their attention and the three of them smiled and nodded as they passed by. I smiled shyly and then looked away. I heard them patter off quietly down the hall and turn the corner before I sighed. Woah! He was yummy! It had been a long time since I’d gone out on a date, quite frankly I was a bit gun shy when it came to men anymore – but that one … My hair almost caught on fire when he looked at me with those huge eyes and long, black lashes. I pushed myself away from the wall and went in search of Phil. I found him not far away and, upon seeing me checked his watch then excused himself. He dragged me off down the hall to the dressing room door. I waited anxiously as Phil knocked and then the door was opened by a tall, thin young man with closely cropped dark auburn hair. He smiled when he saw us.
“Phil!” He said and shook Phil’s hand suddenly. “Come in! Your sound man is here already.” He said and stood aside to let us in. Phil pushed me in ahead of himself and then the young man closed the door behind us. I turned and stuck my hand out in greeting.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Josh. I love your music.” The young man took my hand in his, looked at Phil then back at me.
“But I …” He said.
“Chris, this is Lori. She’s from our sister station KRAT.” Phil said. Chris? I felt like such a fool and blushed. “Lori, this is Josh’s younger brother, Chris.” Chris pumped my hand and laughed.
“It’s okay.” He said. “Hey, are you Lori from the morning show?” I smiled and nodded.
“Yeah, that’s me.” I said.
“I love your show! I listen to it every day.” Chris said still hanging on tightly to my hand. I glanced down at it then back up at him. He suddenly became aware that he was still holding my hand and let it go. “I’m so sorry.” He said; a little embarrassed.
“It’s okay.” I said. “So what’s your favorite metal band?” I asked, changing the subject.
“Oh that’s easy!” He said, excited. “Static X.” I nodded. They were a great old metal band that wasn’t together any more. Pretty heavy for a kid who’s brother sang Italian love ballads. I was impressed.
“Good choice.” I said and then noticed how Chris was eyeballing me. I nervously licked my lips. “Too bad they aren’t still recording.”
“I know.” He said.
“Hey, Chris.” Phil said. Chris’ head snapped around to look at Phil. “When’s your brother going to be here?” Chris looked at the clock on the wall.
“He should have been here by now.” He said. Phil searched his pockets and then looked nervously at me.
“I think I dropped my notebook.” I looked around on the floor for it. “Do you think you could retrace our steps and see if you can see it?” He asked me. “I should stay here in case Josh comes back.” I nodded.
“Sure.” I said and went to the door. “I’ll be right back.” I left the room and as I heard the door close behind me began sprinting down the hall.
Josh arrived at the stadium about three hours earlier. He spent the first hour with his vocal coach, warming up and practicing. Now he sat in the green room with Craig and Eric from the band.
“Jenny and me are going to Florida next week.” Craig said and casually stuck his feet up on the cocktail table in front of him. Josh sighed.
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do.” He said glancing at himself in the mirror.
“Why don’t you come to Florida?” Josh tucked his hands under the hair around his neck and lifted it up. He turned his head and looked at his ears. He frowned. He hated them! They were huge! He dropped his hair and scrunched it back into place. He didn’t know what he was going to do with his free time but he sure as hell wasn’t going to Florida with Craig and Jenny. They had been given a three week vacation in the middle of the tour and for the second year in a row it ended in his home town of L.A. He looked forward to going home every night and sleeping in his own bed, peeing in his own toilet.
“No thanks, Florida is too humid for me. It gives me the frizzies.” Eric and Craig burst out into a hearty laugh and Josh snickered.
“I’m going to spend my time right here.” Eric said. “The other guys and I have some gigs lined up at a few night clubs. You should join us one of those nights and we’ll let you bang your heart out on the drums.” Josh raised his eyebrows and nodded.
“That sounds great! I’d like to learn to play the guitar, maybe I could get someone to teach me.” Eric pulled a cigarette out of the pack and stuck it into his mouth.
“I know this hot little number, long ,black hair, sweet, tight ass … I could get her to give you a few lessons.” Josh made a face.
“Don’t you even think about lighting that in here.” Josh said and pointed to Eric as he flicked the button on his lighter and the flame popped up. He quickly let it go and then stuck the lighter back in his pocket.
“Dang Josh.” Josh rolled his eyes and then suddenly his phone went off.
“Josh.” Came a voice over the walkie talkie. Josh pulled the phone off the waistband of his jeans and clicked the talk button.
“Yes.” He said.
“David’s here and he’s got some people he wants you to meet.” Came the voice of the stage manager. Josh made a face at Craig and Eric. “He says you should come to the stage for a minute.” Josh pushed the button on the walkie talkie again.
“All I have is a minute.” He said. “I have an interview in like 10.”
“He said it won’t take long.” Josh hopped up off the chair. “And bring Craig and Eric.” Craig sighed.
“What the fuck does he want?” Craig got up off the couch reluctantly. Josh laughed and opened the door that led to the hall.
“Let’s go ladies …” He said motioning for the guys to leave. Eric left then Craig next and Josh followed letting the door slam behind them. They walked off down the hall speculating as to who or what David Romano, Josh’s voice coach wanted them to meet. Had to be girls or he wouldn’t have specifically called for Eric and Craig too. They were the only 3 bachelors left in the band at that point.
“Yeah well I don’t trust his taste in women.” Eric said. “Have you seen his girlfriend?” Craig frowned.
“He has a girlfriend?” Josh laughed out loud. And then howled like a dog.
“What’s her name, Fido?” Craig almost doubled over at that. When they rounded the corner the three of them caught sight of a marvelous female creature propped up against the wall. She was so still Josh wasn’t sure if she was real or not until she blinked. His heart leaped from the middle of his chest into his throat and he swallowed hard. The lump stayed and he felt like he might choke if he was forced to say anything. Butterflies batted around in his belly and his legs felt rubbery. Josh watched her as he strolled on. He caressed her body with his eyes as he passed. Three men glaring, not able to speak. As soon as they were around the corner and out of earshot they all let out the breaths they held from the time they first saw her.
“Alan.” Josh shook his head as if he’d heard a voice from another planet.
“Alan?” He asked, confused. Eric smacked him on the shoulder.
“Earth to Josh! Yeah, ummm David’s girlfriend, remember?” Josh burst into laughter.
“Oh God, that was baaad!” He said as they approached David and a gaggle of older women. They all collectively sighed as the three men approached and suddenly Josh was surrounded.
Josh glanced down at his watch and felt panic flood his entire being.
“Good God, I was supposed to be at an interview 15 minutes ago!” He said out loud. He excused himself from David's flock of Opera buddies and took off running
I was rounding the corner quickly when suddenly it was like I’d run smack into a brick wall. I felt myself tumbling backwards and arms grabbed out for me. I reached out and clutched onto someone as I went down, the back of my head smacking onto the floor. I saw stars momentarily and then when the dust settled I felt a body on top of me. I opened my eyes and felt dizzy. I closed them again and after a minute I tried it again. Someone was stroking my face.
“Are you okay?” A male voice said. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” When I focused I found myself staring into a pair of huge, frightened, brown eyes surrounded by the most magnificent mop of curls I’d ever seen. I sighed and closed my eyes again. He began touching me all over. “Are you hurt? Can you move?” I began welling up with giggles and covered my mouth to suppress them. “Oh no, don’t cry, I’m so sorry!” He said touching my face again. I burst out in laughs. “Oh my God …” Curly said and made a face. “I almost killed you, probably gave you a concussion and you’re laughing!” He smiled and pulled me to him. I slipped my arms around him and let him hug my body which was now wracked with giggles. Suddenly people came running and Curly was scooped from on top of me and hands grabbed at me and stood me up.
“You shouldn’t have done that!” Curly said. “She could be injured or something. Her back or her head …” A large man pushed himself through the crowd and grabbed me. “Frank, thank God.” The large man looked at me. “He’s my doctor.” Curly said. I nodded and allowed the large man to shine a light in my eyes and examine the bones in my head which was now throbbing. He moved onto my back, checking my spine, my arms, my shoulders.
“What happened Josh?” Frank asked. I felt tingly pains shoot throughout my being when realization dawned on me, the sexy man I had been eyeballing, the same one who moments ago body checked me onto the floor was none other then Josh himself! Josh ran a hand through his hair and paced nervously as Frank examined me.
“I was late for an interview and came running around the corner, I didn’t know she was there!” He glanced at me and I burst into giggles again. The worried frown turned into a handsome smile.
“Oh to have been a fly on the wall!” I said and then laughed. “I wish I could have seen it!” Josh started to laugh and then he pulled me away from the doctor and into his arms where he hugged me to him tightly. He turned my head up to his and suddenly he was serious.
“I could have hurt you.” He said softly and for that brief moment I thought he was going to lean down and kiss me and I would have accepted it. His lips were plump, moist and slightly parted and his breathing came erratically. I couldn’t tell if he was nervous from fright or from the positively charged attraction between the two of us. I felt myself flush hotly and for a moment it was as though there was no one else there in the hall, no one around, just us two.
“I’m okay.” I whispered. He pulled me to him and kissed my forehead. He sighed, relieved. I refused to tell him that my head was pounding like the clapper on a bell. Had he left his lips to linger on my forehead he probably would have felt it throb.
“God,” He said looking at his watch again. “I’m so late for my interview.” I suddenly remembered what I was running after and panicked.
“Phil’s going to kill you first and then me second.” I said.
“Oh!” Josh said. “Are you with Phil?” I nodded and smoothed my hair back after Josh unlocked me from his arm hold.
“Yeah.” I said.
“Did he send you to find me?” He slung an arm over my shoulder and we pushed through the crowd that had gathered around us and headed towards the dressing room.
“No.” I said. “He sent me to find his notepad which I think he probably left in the car because I didn’t see him bring it in.” Josh nodded and then took his arm from around my shoulder before opening the door to the dressing room. Chris smiled when he saw us.
“There he is!” He said as Josh stepped into the room. “I see you had an escort.” He then said when I entered the room.
“Did you find it?” Phil asked coming up to me. I shook my head.
“No, but I found the real Josh.” I said. Josh laughed.
“Yeah, the hard way.”
“How’s that?” Phil asked and motioned for the sound man to begin recording. Josh looked at me and we giggled again.
“I was running around the corner and so was she and we slammed into each other.” I rubbed the sore spot on the back of my head absently.
“More like he tackled me.” Josh laughed out loud.
“Nice way to pick up chicks, bro.” Chris said and then we all giggled.
“Oh my God!” Josh said looking at me. “I don’t even know your name.” Phil introduced us and as realization dawned on him Josh smiled. “From Chris’ favorite radio station.” He pressed his lips together and nodded his head. Chris winked at him. If he thought I didn’t see he was mistaken. It was quite obvious. Phil broke the growing and uncomfortable silence in the room with the beginning of the interview. He was more then able to wing it without his notes, I helped out when I could and then when it was over, Phil and I left to take our seats for the show. I sat down and leaned my elbows down on my knees and then bent over and rubbed my temples. Phil put his arm around my back.
“You sure you’re okay?” He asked, concerned. I sat up and nodded. I was feeling a little queasy from the headache but Josh was lucky I was in such good shape or he may have really hurt me.
“Yeah, I’m okay. I just have a headache. Probably from smacking my head on the floor.” Phil sighed and shook his head.
“Didn’t know you were coming to the WWE did you? Thought this was going to be just a boring old person concert …” I chuckled. Not long after we’d sat down the show started and I made it through most of the concert without a problem but when my head really started to ache I excused myself and hailed a cab. I went home, took a few Advil and went to bed.
