“I guess my sunscreen wasn't very good.” I laughed. I knew it wouldn't be. It was a cheap last minute run to the gas station by our hotel, because I'd left my SPF 50 at home.
“Apparently so.” he was still holding my hand.
“Okay I'm good now!” Colton dropped my hand with a start as a blur of red appeared at his side. I let it fall to my waist, still trying to catch up on the last couple moments of my life.
“Oh, good.” he was smiling at the really pretty girl who I assumed must be Schyler. I noted that he seemed to actually like her. Hmm. Something to try with my own little sister, perhaps? I laughed inwardly at the thought.
“Nat.” I jumped again. Maggie raised her eyebrows and Colton laughed.
“You're like a little deer.” he grinned. I gave him a look, but blushed. Maggie looked between us suspiciously.
“Okay two things.” she finally said. “First, the line is leaving without us.” I glanced behind me and moaned at the huge gap. We'd missed the tree. I started walking to catch up, and the rest of the line followed, mumbling impatiently. Once we'd caught up, Maggie turned back to face me. “Who's that?” she motioned behind us. I gave her a look, then turned.
“Maggie, that's Colton. Colton, this is Maggie.”
“OH. MY. GOSH.” I took a step away from my giddy friend, looking between her and Colton. Colton was blushing. I was definitely missing something.
“Mags. Calm down.” I was bewildered.
“YOU'RE COLTON DIXON!” she was jumping again.
“I am never buying you caffeine again.” I mumbled under my breath. She either didn't hear me or chose to ignore me.
“That's me.” he gave her a little half smile. Schyler looked slightly annoyed.
“Okay what am I missing here.” I gave in.
“Nat this is why you need to actually watch TV THIS IS COLTON DIXON.” even more people were staring at us now. We probably were quite the entertainment.
“I was on American Idol last year.” he smiled apologetically at me.
Oops. Now I was embarrassed. Completely and totally. I wanted to curl up and disappear.
“Are you actually auditioning again!?!?! Oh my GOSH you have to win you are SO GOOD. He plays the piano Nat. He's almost as good as you. And HE SINGS SO GREAT.” I honestly was slightly worried about her sanity.
“Maggie. You need to calm down.” I said, grasping her arm. Slowly, her bouncing stopped.
“Can I have your autograph?” she asked angelically, grabbing her paisley wallet from her back pocket. She pulled out a blue business card from her parent's dental office, and handed it to him. Or rather, shoved it in his face. I sunk to the hot concrete ground, trying to hide behind my hands. I loved Mags to death, but I swear she was going to destroy me someday. I heard a pen uncap and some scribbling and a few more squeals from Maggie. Then I saw a pair of Toms walk up next to me.
“C'mon Natalie. Line's moving.” I heard the smile in his voice. I accepted his hand and he pulled me to my feet. Schyler and Maggie had already gone ahead. The building was now just feet ahead of us.
“I'm so sorry-” I began.
“Your friend is funny.” he interrupted, smiling. “And I actually love the fact that you have- had- no clue who I am.” his brown eyes met mine and he gave me a serious look. Which soon broke into giggles on my end because I can't keep a straight face for over 5 seconds (so says my father).
Chapter One: The Audition
Start from the beginning
