Chapter 4

Jason's face contorts into a mix of shock and disbelief when he sees me. He quickly masks his expression with a practised smile, but I can see the surprise lingering in his eyes."Your sister has been telling me all about how you're my fan," he says. I furrow my brows in confusion, turning to Eva for an explanation.She meets my gaze with a glint of mischief in her eyes, her grip on my hands almost painful.

"Don't be shy," she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I've told him everything about how you've always had a crush on him since we were teenagers, and about his posters in your room. You used to talk about how you wanted to marry him in the future."

I feel the blood rushing to my cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and anger coursing through me. I shake off Eva's grip,"I think I get the message," I mumble to Eva, my voice cold and controlled.

Eva looks at me as if she feels sorry and faces Hayden. "Actually, the only reason I agreed to meet you was because Avery pestered me to do it," she says. Then she turns toward me and hugs me. " I'm sorry, Avery. I was just so excited for you to meet Hayden, cause you've talked about meeting him since we were teenagers." Before she lets go of me, she whispers, "Just go along with it."

How can I go along with it? Hayden knows I don't know him. She's just making a fool of herself. Hayden looks at our exchange with a question in his eyes. "So, Avery is my fan?" Eva smiles at Hayden. "Yes, she is,She's just so excited to meet you that's why she isn't saying anything and a little angry because I told you the truth."

"Oh, okay. It's a pleasure to meet a fan," Hayden says, smiling as he stretches his hand towards me for a handshake. I fold my arms while I look at his outstretched hand, then look at Eva with an angry look in my eyes, hoping she'd understand that there's no way I'm going along with it.

As I stood there in the VIP lounge, Eva's forceful smile sent shivers down my spine as she removed my arms from their folded position. With a strong grip, she took my right arm and placed it in Hayden's hand, ignoring my obvious discomfort.

Hayden looked at me with concern, his calloused palms brushing against mine. It was clear that he played guitar often. As he smile and held my hand for a few seconds longer than necessary, I couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling a warmth spreading through my fingertips.

But my happiness was short-lived as Eva announced that she was leaving to meet a friend. Confused and suspicious, Why is she leaving me alone with Hayden? And didn't she say all her friends were busy, so what is she up to now? And I'm sure even if her friends came to this concert, they'd be in the VIP lounge, so where's she going?

As she hugged me before leaving, she whispered, "Don't screw this up for me, Avery. Talk me up to him. Unless you want problems with mom and dad." The threat was clear.

Eva then walked over to Hayden, trying to kiss him on the lips, but he turned his head, causing her to kiss his cheek instead. Her smile quickly turned into a frown, which she tried to hide.She pats his chest. "I'll be back in a minute." Eva leaves the VIP lounge.

I walked towards the back seat, slipping my hoodie back on and stashing my glasses back into my pocket. As I closed my eyes and tried to doze off, I was interrupted by the sound of a familiar voice.

"So you're my fan," Hayden said, a lopsided grin on his face.

I opened my eyes and was surprised to see Hayden sitting right next to me. "Don't you have other fans to meet and autographs to sign?" I quipped.

Hayden chuckled. "You could have fooled me into thinking you were my biggest fan, with all the love and adoration you've shown me."I rolled my eyes. But my annoyance quickly turned to concern when Hayden suddenly clutched his chest and let out a scream.Panic coursed through me as I rushed to check on him. The VIP lounge had already cleared out, and I was left alone with him. "Hayden, are you okay?"

He whispered something in my ear, and I leaned in closer to hear him. "That look killed me," he said, bursting into laughter.I hit him on the chest, frustrated that he had scared me. "It's not funny, you scared me". "Actually, it's kind of hilarious that the only way to get your attention is to play dead," he teased, grasping my hands to prevent me from hitting him again.

I pulled my hands away and returned to my seat, still fuming. "I'm going back to sleep," I said, slipping on my hoodie.Hayden's grin faltered."Don't tell me you're angry."

I glared at him, but his smile was enough to melt my frustration. "Okay, I'm sorry," he said, his smile turning into a sincere expression,"You don't have to call me Hayden, you could call me Jason," he said with a friendly grin.

"I thought you lied about that," I replied.

"Nope, Jason's my first name. Hayden's my middle name, but it just kinda grew on me. That's why most people call me Hayden," he explained."Okay, Jason," I said, returning his smile.

Suddenly, his hand was over his heart, and he was gazing at me with an expression of wonder. "I think I just saw the most beautiful thing ever," he said dramatically.

My eyebrows shot up. "What are you talking about?"

"Your smile," he replied, still beaming.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Oh my god, that's so cheesy."Hey, don't stop now, princess," he teased,my heart skipped a beat at the endearment,my cheeks flushed hot, and I felt a strange flutter in my stomach. What was wrong with me?.

Interrupting my thoughts, Jason leaned closer and asked, "Anyway, since you're my fan, I was wondering what your favourite album is," he said, his eyes glinting mischievously.Before I could answer, Eva's voice interrupted us. "So, what are you guys talking about?"Jason didn't miss a beat. "I was just asking Avery about her favourite album of mine, since she's my biggest fan."

I shot him a glare, but he just grinned back at me, clearly enjoying himself."Oh Avery, there's no need to be shy," Eva said. "At home, she won't stop talking about her favourite album. I think it was your debut album that's why she fell in love with you, right Avery?"

"Yes, right," I answered. We really need to leave before Eva ruins her chance with Jason, especially with the way she's lying, he'll think she's a complete fool. "Anyway, Eva, don't you think we should go home? It's already very late," I said.

"Aren't you guys staying for the after party?" Jason asked. "Well, I'm staying for the after party. You can go," Eva said. I can't believe the nerve of this girl. She has the guts to drag me here yet she doesn't have the decency to take me home.

"Well, could you at least give me your car keys?" I asked Eva angrily. "Why? How would I get home? Can't you take a taxi?" Eva said. "Eva, I don't have any money with me right now," I said.

"I could arrange for someone to take you home," Jason said. I forgot he was even here. "Thanks, if it isn't a bother for you," I said. "Don't worry, I'm happy to help," he said with a smile. "I'll see you at the party, Eva," Jason said. For some reason, Eva's glaring at me. Well, I could also play the game. "Good night, Eva," I said as I glared at her.

Jason takes me to the parking lot. He walks towards one of the cars there. "Aren't you getting in?" he asked. "I thought you were going to ask someone else to take me home," I said. "And miss the opportunity to spend time with my number one fan, never," Jason said dramatically. I roll my eyes and get into the front seat of the car.

"Aren't you going to be late for the after party?" I asked him as he started driving. "Yes, but don't worry," he reassured me with a wink.

As he drove, I couldn't help but admire his confidence and charm. It was no wonder he had so many fans. And by the way, what's your address?" Jason asked. I told him my address.

"Avery, wake up," Jason said. I guess I must have fallen asleep. I realise my head is on Jason's shoulder and I straighten up. I look outside the window and see that we've arrived at my apartment complex.

Jason gets out of the car and opens the door for me. "Thank you," I say with a smile."It's my pleasure, my lady," he replies with a goofy grin, making me laugh. He's standing so close to me that I can feel the warmth of his breath on my face. I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure.

"Thanks for the ride, Jason. Good night," I say, trying not to let my nerves show.

"Goodnight,It was a pleasure to meet you, princess," he says as he pulls me in for a hug. My heart flutters as I breathe in his scent, and I can feel the electricity between us.I watch with bated breath as Jason gets into his car, the engine purring to life beneath him. My heart is still racing from the electricity that seemed to crackle between us just moments before.

As he rolls down the window before driving off, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation building inside me."I'll see you soon, Avery," he says with a charming smile.

My heart skips a beat as I wave goodbye and watch him drive off into the night.