Chapter One
Aidan Castillo’s voice travels through the microphone and out into the air of the Star Diner. His brown eyes scan the crowd that sways back and forth with the melody of his voice. Often with his performances, the world around Aidan drowns out. At the Star Diner, however, he only feels more alive and in the moment. He hears every whistle, every gasp whenever he reaches for a note that is seemingly out of his vocal register. To others, this could be distracting, but not for the young hopeful. As is usual during his vocal routines, his gaze rests on the form of Chase Nolan, the seasoned host of the diner. Chase’s brilliant blue eyes beam warmth and encouragement, nodding to Aidan. Aidan forms the last note in his voice, ending his performance with a smile and a roaring crowd.
“Thank you!” Aidan calls out to the patrons as he departs the stage. Fellow member of waitstaff, Gage Hanson approaches Aidan, smiling as she brings him into a warm hug. Though the hint of marijuana that clung to Gage’s clothes at one point made Aidan sick, it was now a bitter perfume that always causes a chuckle to escape his lips.
“You did great.” Gage encourages. Aidan lets out a breath, a bittersweet look on his face.
“Well, I could sing like Celine Dion and it wouldn’t matter to Howie.” He reminds her. Gage frowns as they think about Howard Carmichael. Howie was the famous, or infamous, owner of Star. A media mogul, he was known for his eye for talent that helped him launch the careers of dozens in the entertainment industry. Comedians, actors, technical producers, but those familiar with him remember his humble beginnings as a purveyor of the best music and musicians.
Unfortunately for Aidan, he and Howie did not see eye to eye, which meant his chances of becoming a success were slim, to say the least. Aidan was sure that come the May Talent Showcase in only a month, he would not even be considered to present his vocal stylings. Gage shrugs.
As though speaking his name summoned the man, Aidan’s nose twitches at the odor of nicotine and he feels the owner’s lips press up to his ear. With his boss behind him, Aidan winces as a meaty hand digs into his shoulder. The vocalist’s eyes tear up but his glare remains forward, not wanting to give the man the satisfaction of seeing him sweat. “Beautiful performance Aidan. I will have my own performance in a few minutes, thanks for warming my mic up for me.” Howard pats the young man on the back a little too hard to exclaim his announcement before leaving, nodding silently to Gage. Gage rolls her eyes and flips off the departing man to his back.
“You know what would really piss off Howie, I can always enter ourselves as a duet. Howie is not going to leave me off the card, I get the most tips out of everyone here. The guests love me and so do most of the staff besides Beth. Howie knows better than anyone, the entertainment industry is forty percent talent, sixty percent politics.” Aidan can’t help but scoff. If only he knew this fact before traveling to New York back in September. “But in your favor, I am sure Howie will have to take into account that you are a Castillo.”
Gage is of course alluding to the fact that Aidan is the son of famed Spanish vocalist Adrian Castillo, who got his start in the industry at STAR. Gage is the only one that Aidan ever confided this fact to. Carmichael had deduced Aidan’s heritage himself and often held this fact over the young man. Despite some already knowing his secret, Aidan had been using the surname Castle so that others did not assume that he was using his name for success. After all, his father never approved of anything that he did.
Another reason Aidan was keeping his identity hidden is that Chase made it adamant that he is not a fan of “legacies” who joined the diner, dismissing them as talentless hacks who use their name to achieve success. This meant that for the sake of their friendship, Aidan keeps Chase in the dark. While it allows the two to grow closer, Aidan can only hope that when it came time to confess, Chase understood.
“Well, in that case, I especially hope he keeps my real name far from the Talent Showcase, I still need to prove that I got here on my own. Not to mention, I can’t lose Chase. From the very first day that we met, there was a spark, that I’ve never felt with anyone. I can’t lose that.” At this thought, Aidan’s mind travels back to the day he arrived in New York, the day he had met his new family at Star, and the day his life changed forever.
On his first day in New York, Aidan was racked with nerves over his audition with Carmichael. Stepping out of the New York City cab, he was ready to start building his own legacy as a vocalist. Aidan took in a deep breath, his throat immediately closing tight in protest of the smoke and fog that traveled down his gullet. His hand moved to his throat and soothingly rubbed it as he made his retreat into Star Diner. Inside, the twenty-three-year-old was immediately rescued from the near toxic air.
Instead, Aidan was met with the ruby red and aquamarine tones of the diner’s stools, seats, and walls. All the while smells of fries fresh from the deep fryer wafted from the kitchen. Burgers must’ve just been taken off the grill. Then there was the bacon… the hickory, maple scent that sent the young man’s eyes to the back of his head as his mouth began to salivate. Aidan’s stomach began to express its own song, rumbling in protest over not having been fed much since he began his travels the week prior.
Despite protests from his family about pursuing a singing career like his father Adrian Castillo, Aidan made the trek to New York to audition at STAR. Due to their lack of support, Aidan left with nothing but a couple of hundred dollars which he nabbed from his parent’s safe before embarking on his journey.
Aidan had already used most of his funds for travel to New York without his parent’s knowledge. With fifteen dollars left, he figured he should use the last of it to soothe his stomach and buy a meal.
“Welcome to the Star Diner! Where the stars shine bright—.” The now-familiar voice began.
“Look alive!” A loud, clear voice broke his trance. Aidan ducked out of the way just before a tray of food smashed into him. The woman holding the tray, paused looking back at him with a curious inflection on her face and a hint of marijuana that made Aidan’s nose flare. “Are you here to see Carmichael?” Aidan cleared his throat, his nerves suddenly getting the best of him. The woman chuckled, approaching a table of five and starting to drop off the delicious entrees. The aroma from the food drowned out the smell of the herb and reminded Aidan of his hunger.
The once-strange man with a white dress shirt and black bow tie walked toward Aidan and smiled. Aidan took in the man, taller than himself yet not a giant. Wavy brown hair contrasted his crystal blue-green gaze which was bright with life. His pearly white smile was framed by a groomed, trimmed beard that accentuated his dimples. His shirt hugged to his form, highlighting the muscles underneath. Even then, a flash of that white shirt and his dimples always made Aidan go beet red. “Gage, go easy on him. Not everyone can be as sharp as you. By the way, you’re up in five minutes.” The man looked Aidan up and down. It felt like an inspection, yet Aidan didn’t feel uncomfortable. He felt warm, his heart pacing.
“Are you Howard Carmichael?” Aidan managed to get out. The man shook his head to preface his response. Aidan’s brown eyes settled on the brunette locks catching the air before forcing himself to meet the man eye-to-eye. To Aidan’s relief, the man did not appear to notice his lingering stare.
“That’s a negative, man. I’m Chase Nolan, the Host with the Most. Welcome to the famous Star Diner!” The wink that followed the man’s greeting made Aidan’s heart flutter. It is a wink that to this day, continues to make Aidan melt like putty. The name sparked recognition for Aidan, as he thought about his research into the STAR Diner prior to his travels. By this point, Gage, returned to Aidan with a smile.
“You’ve got good reflexes, I almost decapitated you with my tray.” Gage playfully nudged his shoulder. Aidan chuckled in response. Gage’s smile turned to a serious scowl. “You have a bright attitude for a man who just narrowly escaped his own demise.” Aidan motioned to his thick neck.
“Wouldn’t have been a clean decapitation. Then again, maybe the walk back would have done the job.” Aidan replied with a similar playful gaze. Chase crossed his arms and raised an interested eyebrow.
“Oh, we got jokes…are you a comedian?” Chase’s eyes beamed with eagerness and pride.
“No, my father always said comedians just use sarcasm to hide their insecurities—” Aidan paused as Gage pointed to Chase multiple times with wide, pleading blue eyes. Aidan gasped as he focused on Chase. “Oh God… you’re a comedian, aren’t you?”
“Quick on the uptake huh?” Chase confirmed with an awkward chuckle as his hand ran through the fields of golden brown locks.
“Is it suddenly getting really hot in here?” Aidan started to fan himself with his shirt, hoping this eased any tension. Aidan was sure this meant the end of a possible friendship with the man. Instead, Chase’s eyes softened.
“It’s okay, my ex-wife hates comedians, too. It’s why she started sleeping around” The man jokes with a pat on Aidan’s back. Aidan was able to let out an awkward laugh and relax just slightly into Chase’s firm yet soft touch. His skin still burning him up from the inside. “So, you know that I am Chase the host who hides his insecurities with brilliant comedic stylings. It’s a pleasure to meet you, assuming that you aren’t a legacy.”
“A legacy?” Aidan questioned. Gage rolled her eyes teasingly.
“Legacies are what Chase calls performers who are children of members of the industry or former members of the diner.” Gage explains.
“Yes, I have taught her so well. Legacies have a certain level of entitlement that makes them believe that they are owed a spot among our ranks. Not to mention, they often take spots at the talent showcase from deserving entertainers. Legacies wouldn’t know talent if it hit them square between the eyes.” Chase punctuated this explanation with a playful nudge to Aidan’s forehead.
With this knowledge, Aidan paused before his response. Often when he told people that he was a Castillo, they tried to get close to him, because his father was a ticket into the entertainment business. Or worse, as Chase proved, they assumed he was only afforded opportunities due to who his father was. This was a unique opportunity, to be himself, to be who he chose to be. Aidan let out a breath and smiled weakly.
“Aidan Castle. And again I’m really sorry about my ‘insecurity’ judgment. I tend to put my foot in my mouth.”
“Don’t we all. No idea why… ‘defeet’ never tastes good.” Chase said with a comforting tone and a smile. Though from anyone else’s mouth this would have been a groan-worthy pun, Aidan could not help but laugh. Aidan felt his shoulders fall slightly and relax, releasing a breath. Chase shook his head. “Don’t deserve the laugh with that one but thanks, Aidan.” Gage looked at the pair with a knowing glance. She used a pale, skinny hand to move the hair from her face. Black fingernails lightly combing through her auburn hair. Gage then moved her hand in front of her face, looking at the time on her watch, her blue-grey eyes widening.
“Son of a bitch, I’m on.” Gage removed her apron, handing it to Chase as she hurried to the diner’s stage which was present on the far side of the diner. Gage hopped onto the stage as a few fellow waiters rolled a piano and mic onto the platform. Gage sat at the piano and adjusted the mic so that it was by her face. She looked at the crowd and smiled. “My name is Gage Hanson, and this is a song I’ve written called ‘See Me’.” Gage’s hands started to fly across the keys, crafting a beautiful tune that bounced off the walls. Gage leaned into the mic and began to express a story through her notes and vocals. The crowd watched in total silence and awe-filled eyes at her melodic voice. As the song reached a crescendo, Gage reached for the final note, but her voice broke. Her eyes seemingly cursed herself as she swiftly ended the song with a flourish. Aidan was in awe at her talent, leading the applause.
“Oh good God, she was great.” Aidan commented with awe in his voice. “Do all the singers know how to play the piano?” Aidan looked to Chase curiously. Aidan had not even noticed that the two stood shoulder to shoulder with one another. Despite him noticing, neither made any effort to widen the distance between them. Chase merely broke his stare from the stage and locked eyes with Aidan.
“Most of the singers try to be double or triple threats here.” Aidan narrowed his eyes. Chase sighed. “You are killing me, newbie. Over the past decade or so, Carmichael has adopted the attitude that singers come a dime a dozen. Being able to warble a tune isn’t as special anymore. Most singers here get lost in the shuffle and rarely get picked up at the talent showcase, that’s if they even get to perform.” Aidan’s eyes widened, worry filling his dark expression. “Crap, you’re just a singer, aren’t you?”.
“Yeah, singing is all I’ve got in my arsenal, unfortunately. So, I guess I come a dime a dozen.” Chase’s eyes softened and the man let out a breath.
“Well then, meet with Carmichael, and blow him away. You are special, Aidan, I can tell.” Aidan’s cheeks felt as if he’d been slapped, burning with flattery.
“Why are you being so nice to me? I mean, I am a socially awkward kid who just accidentally insulted your whole life’s work?” Chase’s gaze moved to the ceiling, as if he had carefully chosen his next words.
“Cause I was just like you at one point. A young hopeful with a fresh look at the world. Now, I’m 32, divorced, and I barely get to see my daughter. All I’m saying is that this life, it’s tough. Why am I going to go ahead and make it tougher for someone who’s trying to make it, just like me.” Aidan nods, grateful for the man who as little as five minutes ago, was a complete stranger. Yet, Aidan felt electricity in the air between them. Something in his gut felt warm and comforted, telling him that he could trust Chase completely. That the man was honest with his intentions and had Aidan’s best interests at heart, and Aidan began this relationship with a lie.
“Thank you. For most of my life, people who have been nice to me have always wanted something in return. In short, I’ve never really had a genuine friend.” Aidan recalled various friendships where his classmates only wanted to meet his father to get a personal concert or autograph from the Spanish vocalist. Aidan shook his head at these thoughts. As long as he kept everyone from learning who his father was, this would not be an issue. Chase’s soft voice pulled Aidan from his head.
“Well, I strive to be genuine. What you see is what you get.” Chase assured. Aidan chuckled, looking down at the clean linoleum which reflected his still-red complexion at him. His brown hair looked voluminous and well-kempt. His soulful eyes reflected excitement, but also anxiety and worry. There was a spark of guilt, that he was not being completely genuine with Chase.
Gage scurried over to the pair, a smile on her face. “Oh God, how did I do? I felt like I was so pitchy. Also, my voice broke on that final note. You know what they say, it’s how you leave them.” Aidan shook his head.
“You did great. I am sure that you are going to get picked up at the end of this year.” Aidan noted enthusiastically. Gage smiled.
“Thanks. You are so sweet, we’ll see how long that lasts.” At Aidan’s confused face, Gage cleared her throat. “All I mean is, everyone starts out nice, then they realize how cutthroat this place is. You see that girl over there?” Gage motioned to a young woman waiting on a table. Aidan nodded hesitantly. “That was my best friend Beth. We came here together, as a duo from Maine. Now, we only speak when circumstances force us to.” Gage explained. Aidan frowned.
“That is cynical.” Gage shrugged.
“Or possibly realistic.” Gage crossed her arms as Beth walked past her. “Hey, Beth!” Gage greeted. This elicited a roll of Beth’s brown eyes.
“What do you want?” Beth snapped. Gage remained silent and took a step back as Beth left, walking off to finish her order. Gage appeared content that she proved her point, yet still disappointed. A tear formed at the base of her eye. Gage hid her sadness well, immediately wiping it away before it made a descent down her face.
Chase placed a comforting hand on the shoulder of Aidan and Gage. “That doesn’t mean you can’t make friends here.” Chase encouraged. Gage smiled.
“Yeah, Chase and I are practically old chums at this point.” Aidan smiled.
“Well, I definitely picked up on the same tone of deadpan humor and sarcasm.” Aidan noted. Chase laughed.
“I walk her to her apartment every night, I’ve taught her well through our nightly talks. People forget how shady New York can be, especially at night.” Chase stated. Aidan nodded as Gage cleared her throat.
“Not to mention all the times that he’s walked me home he’s never once made a pass or made me feel uncomfortable. That is tough to find in some older cis-male coworkers.” Gage jokes. Chase stifles a loud, disruptive laugh.
“Commentary like that is supposed to be my area of expertise.” Chase teased. A woman walked toward the trio. She wore the same waitress outfit Gage donned.
“Aidan?” She asked. Aidan nodded. “Carmichael has been expecting you. And Gage, I need your help bringing table 8 their dinner. Chase.” With this, the two women left, leaving Aidan with Chase. Aidan felt his mind starting to race as he wondered what the story was between Chase and the woman, perhaps an ex-girlfriend. Aidan became so lost in thought that he had finally remembered what it was that the woman had told him.
This was the moment; it was now or never. Aidan felt his heart skip a beat. Though he had told himself several times that he was ready for this, he suddenly found himself unsure. Chase chuckled.
“What’s going on?” Chase asked. Aidan felt his mouth get dry, his lips sticking together as if held closed by glue. Though he could not admit it, he would much rather continue his conversation with Chase. It could be the last time they spoke, he might bomb his audition and be sent packing back to his family in Massachusetts, never to see the funny man with beautiful eyes and bright smile again.
“Audition jitters.” Aidan was able to get out. Chase smiled as Aidan’s brown eyes welled up with tears, his tan skin heating up. Chase hesitated, staring into Aidan’s eyes, seemingly lost in them. Chase was able to successfully break their hold, clearing his throat.
“Deep breaths, deep breaths. You do not want to risk cottonmouth.” Chase encouraged. As Beth walked by with a tray of drinks, Chase snagged a glass of water. Given his profession, Chase was all too familiar with the dangers of performing with a throat as arid and dry as the Sahara.
“Hey!” Beth snapped.
“Take what you want out of my tips tonight.” Chase assured. Beth smiled as she walked back to the bar to retrieve a replacement drink, content enough that Chase now owed her this favor. Aidan’s heart twinged as Chase handed the red, sheer, plastic cup to him. Their fingers lingered with one another. The two locked their gazes once more. Chase smiled, this time it was him that turned red like the cup. Aidan’s face felt like he was on stage, a stage light beaming down on him, a single bead of sweat forming at his temple.
Aidan pulled the cup to him and drank from it desperately. The cool, iced water soothed his throat. Still, it did not do much to cool his overall body as he was still in the presence of Chase. Aidan offered the still half-filled cup back to the comedian. Chase nodded as he absentmindedly drank from it, cooling himself. Aidan took a step back and chuckled. He was unsure if Chase was simply joking or if this was a rare moment when the charismatic man got a little flustered.
“Thank you so much, Chase, for everything.” Aidan got out. The corners of Chase’s pink, full lips twitched into a smile, a tongue licking them swiftly before retreating back into his mouth.
“Remember one thing Aidan, I have your back. And sometimes, that’s all you need here. Now, do you need a hug?” Chase asked. Again, Aidan was not sure if this was a joke or if the offer was serious. After all, he wanted a hug, especially if it meant calming his nerves and being close to Chase. Still, he felt he wasn’t sure this hug would smooth his hot flash or exasperate it. Then there was the fact that while Chase had done a lot to help him feel safe, Aidan looked to Beth and Gage. At that moment, the pair bumped into each other, staring daggers at each other as they continued their rounds.
At that moment, Aidan knew that a hug was the easiest position to stab someone in the back. No matter how much he and Chase had been connected, it was better to err on the side of caution. Instead, Aidan let out a half-hearted chuckle.
“Not today, but I’ll take a celebratory hug if I get through this.” Aidan answered. Chase nodded as he stepped aside and motioned to Carmichael’s office.
Aidan took a deep breath in and out and made his way to meet Howard Carmichael. This was it, the moment he had waited years for. The moment he had sacrificed so much for including his various scholarships and his pursuit of a college degree.
Each heartbeat seemed to accentuate his footsteps. Finally, having made it to a bright emerald-colored door, the young hopeful reached his hand out and knocked. He was met with silence. Though it only lasted a moment, for Aidan it felt like an eternity.
“Come in!”
“Hey, Aidan, can I borrow you for a moment?” Aidan feels his heart flutter and his mind break from his memories at the deep, friendly voice that projects from behind him. It is a velvet voice that seems to wrap around Aidan and comfort him. With its softness, a smile always came to his face. Granted, often lauded as the best comedian currently at the Star Diner, Chase was familiar with putting a smile on other’s faces.
Aidan turns and finds his eyes drawn to Chase’s pink lips. Aidan smiles as he nods and follows the man to the front of the diner.
“What’s up Chase?”
“First, let me just say that you were phenomenal on that stage. I have no doubt that Howard is going to choose you for the showcase.” Aidan smiles at the relative naivety being displayed by Chase. He is lucky not to have the displeasure of seeing the boss’s true colors. Aidan does his best not to let this sour his mood.
“Yeah, Gage and I were just discussing that. I am very confident that one of the spaces has your name on it.”
“I hope so, this is my tenth season at the diner, we all know that if a talent isn’t picked up by an agent after ten years, Howard lets them go. This is my last year to impress, and….”
“And this is going to be your year, Chase. You are the funniest comedian this diner has ever seen.”
“And yet, I have never gotten picked up. It can just beat down on you.” He whispers. Aidan could sympathize with Chase. After all, out of the small thirty-person staff, only ten were invited to perform in front of the crowd of agents and scouts. Out of these ten, it was often the top two or three that were signed for representation.
“I understand, but you’re still very young, there is always the chance that you find success beyond this place. You can always do more. We all can. Carmichael is not the end all be all.”
“I have what, nine years on you Aidan, so trust me when I say that Carmichael’s words hold a lot of weight. And no one who has passed through without representation makes it.” The younger man runs a comforting hand on the upper arm of Chase. He struggles to keep his fingers from lingering although he wants to admire the muscular frame that rests under the comedian’s usual attire.
“Well, I am just not as cynical as you.”
“Is it cynicism, or is it my patented charm and wit?”
“Now that is funny. You certainly are charming.”
“Oh this I know Aidan, after all, that might be why I never get signed. Howard can’t afford to lose his best-ever host.” Aidan smirks as he runs his hands through the dark brown locks that rested on his head.
“Well, no lies detected. After all, you know how to… excite someone.” Chase bites his bottom lip, his eyes glowing playfully.
“I am a man of many talents.”
“Ooh, I know. You are funny, charming, not to mention your singing voice in the shower–.” Aidan pauses to whistle his approval, his own teasing gaze locked with the man. After arriving in New York, the young Castillo was faced with the harsh reality of living in New York. Fortunately, the man is an inviting host and allows Aidan to stay with him for cheap rent. The older man has been there for the aspiring singer no matter what the situation. In fact, from the very day they met, Chase has continued to prove that he is a true friend and confidant. This only causes further regret over Aidan’s deceit.
“Well, my skills sweep at the Shower Singing Awards. But, we have actually gotten far off-topic with why I originally asked you to talk.”
“Okay, I am all ears.”
“Well….” The comedian pauses, his face turning red as he grabs the front of his shirt and starts to fan himself by shaking it back and forth.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, just nervous. You can do this Chase.” After letting out a deep breath, he is seemingly able to find the words. “I wasn’t sure if Howie told you, but he wanted us to close together tonight. He practically insisted.” Aidan’s eyes narrowed as he contemplated why this is, and if it were connected to the announcement he alluded to earlier. “And admittedly, when he told me, I got really excited.” He feels his lips twitch into a smile at his crush’s words. “Cause, I think over the past few months, we’ve gotten very close. I know that there is that new comedy movie playing down at the theatre. I got two tickets if you want to go see it.”
“Would this be like a date?”
“I don’t know. I know that you are the first man I’ve ever felt this way for before. It is very foreign to me. I mean, my life up until this point: the failed marriage, the failed career, sometimes I find it hard to see the potential. All I can say is that with you I see the potential, and I really want to see where this goes.” At this confession from his crush, Aidan hesitates. Although it was what he wanted, he felt like he couldn’t accept it after keeping his identity secret from his close friend. “And if nothing else, at least I get to brag that I got a hot number to come home with on the first date.” Aidan barely catches the loud, obnoxious laugh as he looks out to the patrons at the diner.
“Hey, before you refer to me as a hot number, at least get me dinner first.” He teases. Chase motions to the diner around them.
“The chef always makes way too many mozzarella sticks so I think we are covered.” Chase covers Aidan’s eyes with his hands, whispering in his ear in a way that makes the singer’s neck hairs reach out to grasp the breath. “Just imagine the smell of ooey-gooey cheese, previously frozen bread crumbs, and freshly defrosted marinara sauce.” Aidan licks his lips playfully to complete the experience Chase has.
“Yummy, they should make that into a Yankee Candle.”
“You and Gage have to stop being funny. I am supposed to be the comedian.”
“Oh stop, as if I could ever do what you could do.” Aidan feels himself trail off as he feels his chest caving in with the guilt of his secret. After all, this was not the first time that Chase was lied to by someone he cared about. And although keeping this secret was easier, what will hurt the most would be if their friendship progressed any further on a lie. He exhales deeply, knowing what he needs to do. “Chase, there is something I need to tell you.”
“Hello Everyone!” The deep, gruff voice tears the pair from their conversation. Aidan and Chase look to the stage, where the boss has taken his place at the mic. “For those who have been living under a rock, I am Howard Carmichael!” Carmichael’s introduction elicits a laugh from the crowd. Aidan noted the hint of arrogance in his tone. After what Carmichael had labeled a “misunderstanding” between the two, Aidan was doing his best to avoid the powerful figure. While Aidan did his best to try and forget, Carmichael would not let him. “It being the first day of April, welcome to the road to the Talent Showcase coming at the end of this May!” The crowd erupts into cheers. Carmichael smiles before motioning for the crowd to quiet down, which they do. Not even his guests would dare to disobey Carmichael.
Aidan watches on as Carmichael clears his throat. “I can now announce some of the talents you will be able to catch this May at the Talent Showcase. Please give a warm round of applause to the talents that will be joining me on stage….” Carmichael pauses as he runs a hand over his thinning hair. He pulls a crumpled yellow piece of paper from his salmon coat pocket. He smooths the paper against his nicotine-stained dress shirt that was likely once a bright white color.
“For now, I can announce that Beth Crawford, Gage Hanson, and Kyson Chounn have qualified for the Talent Showcase.” Aidan and Chase lock eyes as they cheer for Gage, who hurriedly makes it to the stage. Gage and Kyson shake one another’s hands. Gage offers the same courtesy to Beth, but Beth ignores the gesture and instead shakes Kyson’s hand, standing on her tiptoes and smiling at the man with a seductive gaze. Kyson, in return, narrows his eyes with confusion. Carmichael chuckles.
“The competition is already heating up.” He notes. “Speaking of competition, for the first time in that Talent Showcase’s history, you the audience will have a voice in picking some of the talents who will fill out the talent pool. Next week, you will get to decide between two promising talents. Would you like to know who these competitors are?” The crowd voices their approval. Carmichael grins, flashing everyone, cigarette-stained teeth. Aidan crosses his arms over his chest, his ears perking at this new development.
“Well, get excited because we have old school versus new school. You will get to judge the comedic stylings of Chase Nolan against the beautiful vocals of the hidden legacy in our ranks Aidan Castillo!” The crowd gasps at the development. Aidan’s breath catches in his throat and his eyes widen as he meets Chase’s gaze. Chase’s eyes display shock, but worst of all, pain and betrayal.
Carmichael’s grating laughs fill the diner. “Oh yes, Adrian Castillo’s son is here to match his father’s path.” Gage looks between Aidan and Chase nervously. Carmichael nods. “Aren’t I a stinker, you were trying to keep that a secret, weren’t you, Aidan Castle?” Carmichael teases. Aidan rolls his eyes at the obnoxious man.
“Now, don’t be sour on that account, shake hands.” Carmichael encourages. Though the pair were right next to one another, it feels that they are miles apart. With now a gleam of sadness present in Chase’s gaze, Aidan has no choice but to look down at the ground. Guilt and shame make his heart pound so loud it reverberates in his ears.
“I’m sorry Chase, I was literally just about to tell you–.” Chase shakes Aidan’s hand half-heartedly before swiftly returning to the host’s podium. Tears welling in the man’s eyes, he sniffles, ignoring Aidan and focusing on the stage. Aidan feels tears fill his own eyes as he looks at Carmichael, fury burning in his gaze.
“Oh my, it looks like Chase knows that in just a week, he has to play the game. Let that be a lesson, Mr. Castillo, you don’t win, if you don’t play the game.” Carmichael mocks. Aidan shakes his head incredulously, wondering how the man was able to sound playful to everyone else, with only Aidan knowing what this challenge was truly about. “Well, I wish both competitors the best of luck.” Gage leaves the stage, making her way towards Chase.
Aidan, however, has his focus on Carmichael. He is able to catch the man just outside of his office, away from the prying eyes of the audience, who after all, were there for a show. Aidan turns the man around.
“So, I guess you and I aren’t getting past your misunderstanding.” Aidan challenges. Carmichael chuckles, not turning to face the younger man.
“I guess this is how I’ve chosen to play things, Mr. Castillo. If you had just played your part, this could have been avoided.” The man approaches, though Aidan wants to step back, his feet are frozen in place. A rough, calloused hand grabs the back of his neck and pulls him close, the boss’s tar-filled breath chokes up the vocalist. “And don’t try to play along now, it is far too late for that. Now here’s how this is going to go, you have nothing left here in New York so you are going to resign, and you will leave.” Aidan holds back the tears building up inside of him, his gaze darkening as he shoves the man away.
“Well, you keep saying I have to play the game, well Carmichael you have officially pushed me too far. All that is left to say, is game on.” Without another word, the young vocalist departs, full of disgust with the man who stood before him. As Aidan makes his way out to the floor of the diner, he can’t help but notice the sea of spectators, phones trained on him as they relish in their gossip. He tries not to focus on this, however, his attention instead turns to Chase and Gage who speak in hushed tones. As Gage knows of the misunderstanding as well as his heritage, he is sure that she is doing her best to act as damage control.
Secretly, Aidan hopes that she throws in the towel and focuses on keeping the friendship between herself and Chase strong. After all, Gage had arrived in New York the year before Aidan, and she and Chase had developed a strong friendship over that time. Aidan’s only hope is that he is able to revive the relationship with Chase, which now appears dead on arrival.
Reyes Writes 