Chapter 56 Meet my mentor

Chapter 56 Meet my mentor


LAURA'S POV:

The most important dance you'll have in your life is one that does not require music, just peace and stillness— living freely, wholly without drums, without pianos or any other noise. Just you in your own harmony. And that was what I had for three weeks. Three whole weeks without any reminder of Jaxon Fallon.

My whole life was rolling back to normal, to the old Laura Jacobs before the Gala. We recorded and mastered five tracks from my Debut album in those three weeks. I spent more time with Ria and Gwen, taking rides and public tours together. We were currently on our way back from our usual evening workout session and Hermes was driving us home. Brian had insisted I started going out with my security detail again since the night with Jaxon and that was how Hermes was called back.

I was lying back against the soft leather seat at the back of the car with Gwen, listening to my heart beat over the purr of the car. Gwen suddenly looked up from her phone and frowned at me. “How come you didn't say anything about the masquerade ball night?”

I stared at her blankly, elevating my head from the headrest— ignoring the dull pain doing that sent to my neck. “What are you talking about?”

“The masquerade ball night.” She repeated, wide eyed.

“Oh, Ryan said something about it— I didn't really take it to mind. What about it?” I grunted falling back against the seat.

“Don't fucking tell me you're not going?” She retorted, her eyes now as wide my fist in shock.

“Of course I'm going.” I grunted. Spastic. Even if I didn't want to, I would still end up going one way or the other. The whole Hollywood would be there, movie folks, singers alike. Jenna would literally drag my ass there, even if I didn't want to.

“So why didn't you tell me about it.” She accused.

“I forgot.” I defended.

“Just so much like you.”

I sighed and shut my eyes, I was still having a slight ache in my back from the intensed workout today— if I could even give an arm, to avoid going there. I would, really.

“Laura, look.” She nudged me from the side. I groaned my disapproval and shot back at her. “What is it again?”

She shoved her phone in my face. “Did you know Jaxon would be attending the ball tonight.”

My face turned into a frown. Didn't he fall under the whole celebrity lot. “What do I care about that, he's probably one of the big financiers. He can go wherever he pleases.”

“That's not what I'm saying.”

I also knew exactly what she was saying.

“I don't have to live my life in fear of Jaxon and he thinks I'm married to Brian and is cleverly keeping his distance.” I pointed out.

“Of course, I know that Eustene. But I still suggest you go with Brian and Hermes too.”

“Do you think he's going to kidnap me or something?” I sneered.

“It's not really above him, considering he cornered you in a party last time.”

This wasn't getting us anywhere.

I sat up from my seat. “You know what?”

She lowered her phone and looked up at me. “What?”

“Just come with me too, Miss Sherlock Holmes.”

She chuckled. “You just had to ask.”

This took me unawares, I blinked still frowning at her. I had just simply fallen into her trap. This was what she wanted all along.

“You're shameless, you know. Really fucking shameless.” I spat out and fell back into my seat.

“It's only fair you bring me along, don't you think so?” She said stifling a chuckle.

I closed my eyes firmly. Feeling too lazy to argue with her.

….

It was almost ten p.m that night, when Hermes rolled the car into a curb in the venue.

'Do Re Mi' by Blackbeard was playing on the stereo as we sauntered through the huge double doors of the chateau. Inside, everyone was wearing masquerade-style masks. Silver, gold, black and blue camouflaged the beauty faces of the famous and rich attendees. I was wearing a red mask which was rare here, my mask had lace curvings over the eye and forehead. Gwen had opted for a black zorro mask that suited her blue gown perfectly, her hour glass figure was on full display as the gown highlighted her curves and figure, she looked breathtakingly stunning.

We strode to the centre of the room, each lifting a glass of champagne off a waiter in the hallway. I nodded at a few familiar faces and even stopped by to introduce some of the Hollywood folks to Gwen, who was thrilled seeing a lot of famous people in one place.

We were just about turning from Claire Jack, when a loud voice suddenly boomed through the hall.

“Is that Laura Jacobs?”

Several heads snapped our way and I wheeled around. Gwen gasped beside me.

“Is that who I think it is.” She said under her breath.

I nodded. “Yes that's Hecker.” Old Jim Hecker!

He was one of the few who wasn't wearing a mask and his long mane of a brown hair was beautifully combed to one side of his face. He didn't look old at all. Not one bit.

I smiled as I nudged Gwen towards him, ignoring the many eyes on us.

“Hi, old Jim.” I greeted, hugging him warmly.

He kissed both my cheeks. “Oh, dear. dear. You look so spectacular as ever. Laura.”

His eyes roamed over me, studying me like I was studying him.

“And you don't look one bit older, sir.” I remarked.

He chuckled then turned on Gwen. “And who is this damsel by your side.”

“Oh, now this is Gwen— my best friend, I think I have told you about her.”

“Of course I remember.” He extended a hand to shake her.

“Hi Sir.” Gwen called shyly.

“And Gwen, meet Ryan's Dad, old Jim Hecker.”

Her eyes almost popped out from the shock. “Are you for real?”

I nodded. “Yes for real.”

“How could he be Ryan's Dad, they don't look alike and they don't bear the same name.” She argued in disbelief.

I chuckled. I didn't believe at first too when I found out. Not many people knew Ryan's Dad was the famous Hollywood retired singer and song writer: Jim Hecker.

Hecker nodded. “I'm really Ryan's old man, that punk wouldn't tell you about me.”

“He didn't.” Gwen agreed, her voice still sounded skeptical.

“And also I didn't tell you.” I smiled mischievously at Gwen. “Hecker taught me everything I know about music.”

Now she had to take off her mask and stare wide eyed at me. “How? You're kidding right. Because I know you had a coach then with Ryan..” Her voice trailed off suddenly and her narrowed more in realization.

She didn't need to say it out.

Jim Hecker saw a tiny spark of light in me, that day when Ryan brought me to him. He told me that and he made me believe that.

He saw something beyond a weak, pitiful and broken girl and he chased that light out, till the tiny spark erupted into flames.