Beyond Her Fame

  Beyond Her Fame

  A. M. Torres

  Copyright © 2022 A. M. Torres

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  ISBN-13: 9781234567890

  ISBN-10: 1477123456

  Cover design by: Art Painter

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309

  Printed in the United States of America

  To my husband, Randy, who always supported me to live my dream.

  Chapter One

  Zavier

  "Noelle! Look over here!”

  "Looking beautiful Noelle!"

  "Noelle! Noelle let me get a shot!"

  "Noelle, whose dress are you wearing tonight?"

  She was stunning. Her hair was placed into a messy side bun with a few loose hairs on each side of her soft face. She wore a champagne halter dress with a slit that showed off a porcelain thigh whenever she walked.

  I swallowed discreetly as I went back to my job. I surveyed as many paparazzi and people on the carpet as I could and noticed a few more celebrities coming. I quietly stepped towards Noelle and gently placed my right hand in the middle of her back to not scare her. She turned towards me and for a second, I was lost within her hazel eyes. Even through my shades she affected me.

  "We have to get going, Noelle." I whispered while gesturing my head towards the oncoming crowd.

  She smiled and nodded her head. She turned back towards the paparazzi and waved at them as she walked away. Noelle mingled with some celebrities and even took a few selfies before she made her way inside and sat near the center stage. It was the last out of the many awards shows she had attended this year. I stood in the back as the ceremony began. As the lights grew dim to begin as a performance began. With the area filled with tons of security, I couldn’t help but think back to the past three years…

  ◆◆◆

  I had always envisioned myself becoming a member of the FBI. My father said I had the qualities of a protector. Being the only brother with younger siblings was a huge factor. Also, during my high school years, I played defense, which only helped to hone in my protective skills. After high school I attended college to study law. My hope was to eventually land a job within law enforcement. However, life took me on a different path. While I was in my senior year of college, I went to a nightclub to blow off steam with some friends. It was a high-end club, but we were able to get in. The manager saw my strong size and offered me a job as a bouncer. I was barely making a living working at the coffee shop, so I took the job. I made pretty good money and did my job to the best of my ability. Also having blue eyes, a tall frame, and a strong physic was an advantage. One day, an up-and-coming pop singer named Calixta came into the club to make an appearance. I protected her from some drunk trying to grab her ass. She was impressed by my speed and hired me after numerous background checks and non-disclosure agreements.

  That was the first time I got a taste of celebrity life. I traveled the world and saw places I'd never even heard of. Trips to fancy restaurants with food that even my own mom couldn't beat. And a paycheck that never made me afraid of falling behind on my bills ever again. But like everything in life, with the good also comes the bad. The paparazzi at every corner. The pressure to be thin, young, and beautiful all the time. I saw how it destroyed Calixta's life. On the outside she seemed confident and energetic. At every event, she was poised and smiling. Even her social media expressed nothing but confidence and beauty. But her private life was hell. She was always working out, trying to lose five pounds every week although she weighed 110 pounds. She partied constantly. She even dabbled with drugs and alcohol. She claimed it helped to enhance her creativity and deal with the stress of life. On a few occasions while she was high on cocaine, she even tried to sleep with me. Although Calixta was beautiful, I couldn't take advantage of her like that.

  After only eight months working with her, I had to hand in my resignation. Calixta was upset but she understood my predicament. She apologized for her behavior and begged me to let her find a new job for me. Calixta was not a bad person. She just had issues too severe for me to handle. She found me a new job with a different artist. A fellow singer who had more of an eclectic tone and was more low-key. I went to the interview and met with her manager, Laurie. I didn't hear back from them and thought maybe I didn't get the job. I was during deciding if I should go back to my childhood home or not when I got a phone call. I had the job. A week later I had finally met her. I went to a photo shoot for one of her music videos and I was escorted to the backroom. I knocked on the door when I heard a soft voice telling me to come in.

  When I walked in, I was speechless. She had almond-shaped, hazel eyes. A small button nose and high cheekbones. A diamond-shaped face and bow-shaped lips. She was wearing a robe and her long, golden-brown hair was blown out with big curls. She did have make-up on, but it looked more natural than clownish. She introduced herself and stuck out a hand to shake mine. When our hands first made contact an electric shock flowed between us. I tried to hide the look on my face but I'm afraid I failed. She just laughed and said that we probably had a good connection.

  That was about a year ago. And it had been bliss. Noelle was also an upcoming singer and she already had three #1 hits for the year. She never really liked to party and instead chose to focus her energy on her music. She was a bit of a workaholic, but her music was something she put her heart and soul in. Whenever she wasn't in public she preferred to stay home. Which was a nice change for me. Clubbing held little appeal to me, so it was nice to work for someone who enjoyed being home unless going on a business venture.

  She was very respectful and polite to me. Sometimes we even joked together. She gave a decent paycheck too. I had a decent apartment in L.A. However, I had to move into her home recently because she had an issue with stalkers recently and it helped her rest easier knowing her personal bodyguard lived with her. I thought that would make my life miserable, but it didn't. Since working with Noelle, I have seen the real her. Not the one in the magazines, TV, or music videos. I've seen her get frustrated when a song quality is not up to par. Happy when her best friend and personal shopper got engaged. Sad when her pet dog of ten years passed away. And peaceful when she was by herself. I had learned so much about her and I wanted to know so much more. But I had to be mindful of my contract. Don't get personal and only speak when spoken to.

  Chapter Two

  Noelle

  I had a common dream. To become a singer.

  I can still remember the day I said it. My grandparents were visiting my parents and I during Christmas time when I was about seven years old. The night of Christmas Eve, we all attended a church mass. Although my parents were not very religious, they decided to indulge my grandparents.

  I can remember the itchy, blue dress I had to wear. It wasn’t hideous per say but made me seem like I belonged in the 1950's rather than the early 2000’s. The white Mary janes on my feet and the ponytails in my hair did not help either. The only thing I loved about my look was the white bows that kept my hair in place.

  We attended an old church with high ceilings and pews that went on forever. The place screamed old. I hated it. The paintings and candles frightened me as a child. I had begged my mom to leave. My grandma promised a milkshake if I stayed throughout the service. So, I kept quiet. I stayed within the creepy church to both appease her and have my dessert.

  The service bored me. They spoke in a language I couldn’t understand, and everyone had to be quiet. I remember I kicked my feet to keep from looking at the scary paintings. Then I heard a sound. It was soft and pretty. When I looked up, I saw a girl around my age standing before the congregation singing. Although her voice was soft, it reached throughout the church. I was captivated by her voice. So was everyone else.

  As I stared at the girl, I realized I was not afraid anymore. The fears that plagued my thoughts when I stepped into the church disappeared. It was as if her voice had calmed me. I did not have a religious awakening. But at that moment I had a musical one. I wanted to be like her. I wanted to make people feel something and capture their attention too. I wanted to sing.

  After the service was over, my grandma did indeed give me the promised milkshake. However, I could hardly enjoy my dessert as I talked about the singing girl. I remember my parents and grandparents chuckling at me. They encouraged me to try singing.

  Once winter break was over, I signed up for the spring choir at my elementary school. On my birthday, my parents gifted me a guitar and signed me up for guitar lessons. They said that to help grow my singing talents, I had to be disciplined in every aspect of music as well. I attend every singing and guitar lesson. I practiced every day in my room for hours on end. Sometimes even getting dragged to dinner by my mom because I refused to leave my guitar. I missed out on school dances, sleepovers, and even dating for singing. Ever since that moment in that creepy church, I had strived to become not only a decent singer but the best.

  I guess I did make it. I thought to myself as I sat in the front row of the tenth award show I had attended this year. By the age of twenty-five, I had received one Grammy, multiple number one hits, and produced over five albums. I wa
s growing in popularity on social media, and I wore designer clothes that cost more than a mortgage. I even had my own home in Calabasas and could financially care for my family. I lived the life that most people envied. I had fame, money, and more privilege than I could ever ask for. I might not have been considered an A-list celebrity but saying my name did make people want to appease me. I had more money than I ever imagined. I had accomplished my childhood dream.

  Why am I not happy?

  As the camera panned the front rows, I smiled just as practiced. I waved and smiled at the appropriate jokes. I danced when the artists performed on stage and clapped when a celebrity one an award. I did everything perfect.

  As the ceremony ended, I followed the other celebrities to the after party at a hotel nearby. I went to my reserved seat and sat among other artists and their managers or partners. I made sure to talk to most of the people in the room and even pose for pictures. Everyone was wearing designer clothes and had makeup and hair done to perfection. Everyone gushed over their talents and the winners arrogantly talked about their accomplishments.

  I don’t want to be here.

  Everyone here was dressed to perfection and all for what? A plastic trophy that didn’t mean anything. The winners were not chosen because of talent but by popularity and beauty. I wasn’t here because I cared about winning. No, I was here because to remain relevant I must be in as many places where the paparazzi and celebrities are.

  I wished I was home. In my jean shorts and band tees. Instead, I’m wearing a dress so tight I can barely eat anything, shoes so painful I can’t feel my toes, and an itch in the back of my head that I cannot scratch because I’d ruin my hair. I was in the midst of taking a selfie with one of the winners, when I heard someone calling my name.

  “Noelle! How are you?”

  I turned to see Calixta coming near me. She wore a deep purple gown that had a slit on each leg that left practically nothing to the imagination, but her torso was covered completely. Her black, wavy hair was loose and bounced as she walked towards me. She was beautiful but something seemed off about her the closer she got.

  I smiled when she stopped in front of me, “Calixta, how are you?”

  “Oh, girl! I am having a fuck-tastic time. I cannot believe I won an award tonight. I mean we all want to win something right? I’m just ready to dance all night.” She was talking too fast as her eyes looked in all directions. She could hardly stand still or look me in the eye.

  I could immediately tell she was not in the right state of mind. That happened a lot during after parties. Most of the people drink to relax. Others choose to dabble in other substances to calm their nerves or celebrate their wins. I have been tempted before but didn’t want to risk my health. However, Calixta partaking in the activities was nothing new. A lot of people did that, and she was no exception. It was the norm.

  “How’s that bodyguard of yours?” She asked a little too loudly. Several people around us looked back at us curiously.

  “Oh, he is great. Thank you for asking. He does his job very well.” I made sure to speak louder. I could not have rumors spreading now. Things were going well for me in the public eye, and I did not want to ruin that.

  “Have you fucked him yet?” She blurted.

  “Excuse me?” I replied, I’m certain the shock was evident on my face.

  A server passed by us carrying a tray of champagne glasses filled with alcohol. Calixta grabbed a flute and downed the liquid in one gulp. “C’mon,” She slurred as she began to sway a bit on her feet. “That man is practically sex on legs. You need to hop on that before someone else does!” Her voice escalated with each word.

  More eyes started looking our way as a boisterous laugh sounded from her. I could feel my ears growing hot. Her behavior had caused unwarranted attention. I was about to walk away from her when her manager stepped next to her and escorted her away. As she was dragged away from me, I felt him beside me.

  I could feel his mouth close to my ear as he whispered, “I saw her acting out and immediately flagged down her manager. I didn’t want to cause a scene, so I thought it was best he escorted her away from you.” I nodded my head, afraid to look at him. Most of the onlookers had gone back to their conversations but some kept eyeing us. I smiled and stepped away from him.

  I turned to finally look at his face and whispered back, “If anything she just made me really want to go home. Can you please get the car?” I made the mistake of looking into his eyes. His blue orbs made my chest freeze for a second. Calixta wasn’t wrong about one thing. Zavier was very handsome. There were many moments that his smile would make my heart beat a little faster. Or one look would cause my face to warm.

  “Of course. Will you be okay without me for a moment?” He asked. I could feel an emotion in his voice. His eyes shined a little brighter. For a second, I hoped he felt something towards me. Something more akin to romantic feelings. I shook my head to get rid of those thoughts.

  “Yes,” I responded, “I will just go to the bathroom while you get the car. I’ll be right out.”

  He gave me a small smile then turned around. I watched his back as it disappeared among the crowd. Despite all the beautifully dressed people around me, it was as if none of them existed. He was the only person I could see.

  Zavier made me feel so many things. I wanted to experience a lot of things with him. Calixta may have embarrassed me but at least she was able to express the feelings that I did not want to admit. However, I would not admit those feelings because he is my employee. It wouldn’t be appropriate.

  I just had to grow feelings for him, didn’t I?

  Chapter Three

  Zavier

  Many hours later the ceremony was over, and I escorted Noelle to the after party. It was loud and many celebrities were there. Noelle smiled and mingled. After a couple hours she signaled me to get the car. As soon as we pulled away from the building her smile dropped, and she kicked off her heels. I looked at the rearview mirror as I saw her face twist in pain.

  “Noelle, you okay?”

  “Yeah,” She hissed as she rubbed the indentation on her feet, “These damn heels. I wish I didn’t have to wear them.”

  “It’s a good thing this was the last show. Won’t have to attend one for a long time.”

  She mumbled something to herself as she looked out of the window. She wasn’t normally this quiet. It felt as if she was upset about something. I cleared my throat as I glanced back at her through the rear-view mirror.

  "Did you at least have a good time?"

  She rolled her eyes but still stared at the window. "As much fun as I do at every event." Sarcasm dripped from her tone.

  "I'm sure next time will be better."

  "Possibly."

  I could sense she did not want to talk, and I did not want to push her. We were quiet the rest of the ride.

  Forty-five minutes later we pulled up to her house. I parked the car and moved to open the door for her. She placed her small hand in mine as her naked feet touched the concrete. I stepped back to let her pass when I felt a hand on my arm.

  “Zavier?” I turned towards her as she whispered my name. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get bitchy with you. Forgive me?” She looked into my eyes as her mouth pouted. I didn’t want her to be upset.

  I squeezed her hand as I replied, “There’s nothing to forgive. Hell, if I had to wear those heels, I’d probably be pissed too.” I teased.

  She giggled as she shook her head. She then peaked at me from under lashes as she smirked at me. “Seal it with a hug?”