CHAPTER SIX
DREW
"Back to life. Back to reality."
They were the lyrics to a 90's song. And the words couldn't be more true than this moment.
After Mel left her room, Drew realized that it was time to get ready for her busy day ahead. She immediately put her cell on the charger and plugged it in in the bathroom so she could have it nearby when she showered. Not for anticipation that Zac will call or text, mind you, but lately, as her career blossomed, she was expecting
phone calls almost every waking hour. It was exhausting.
But she loved it.
Drew began her career modeling. She and Mel had dreamt their entire lives of moving to New York City and having fabulous careers and living fabulous lifestyles, filled with fancy restaurants, expensive cocktails, happening parties and top designer shopping. It was a little later than she expected but she was well on her
way to having everything she ever wanted!
Well, almost everything. She didn't have Zac. Not the way she wanted him. Not completely.
Her dream almost never happened. When Ike, Tay, and Zac entered the picture her life was turned upside down. She and Mel had been fans, but when they discovered Mel had a background with the family, she and Drew became permanent fixtures in the Hanson household. As teenage girls in love would do, they cared nothing for NYC and the dreams they--well, Drew--had longed to fulfill. Mel had never pinpointed her dreams. Drew felt in some aspects, Mel still wasn't who she wanted to be. Mel had fallen unhealthily deep for Taylor and he for her. Everyone around them had their concerns but it was felt best to let it run its course.
And it did. As deep and sincere as their love was, it ended just as explosively and tumultuously. And what else could Drew do but be there to pick up the pieces? It was then that Drew's eyes opened and in that moment snapped "back to life, back to reality." They were almost 20 years old, the two of them. Out of high school and nowhere near college where they should have been with their other former classmates. Instead, they were following around three brothers as they lived out THEIR dreams and THEIR careers. How long could this go on?
It was the hardest decision Drew ever had to make. She loved Zac. She was deeply in love with Zac. But she also needed a future. A sense of self. And after days of soul-searching, crying, and thinking over and over, she finally decided what she must do.
So she convinced Mel to get away from Oklahoma and go to New York with her.
They would get jobs, find an apartment together. Drew's ultimate dream was to be a runway model. She longed to wear only the finest designer clothes and walk for the likes of Christian Dior and Burberry, to have her photos taken in exotic locations around the world. She would walk red carpets and present awards and be in magazines and print ads all over the world.
But she couldn't do any of that by chasing around an 18 year old musician.
That conversation with Zac was the hardest one she had ever had. There were tears. And laughter. But mostly tears. And to her surprise and great relief, he ultimately understood. "What kind of man would I be if I stood in the way of your dreams?" he had said to her. "Everybody deserves the chance at their dreams," he had said. They parted friends, intending to stay in touch.
But life always seems to get in the way.
Drew started out modeling. She certainly had the height and the body. She got lots of print and a few small runways. But then one of her agents suggested she take a few acting classes to help with her interviewing and to get more familiar with taking direction and then she was hooked. Bitten by the acting bug. She had taken to sticking to theatre acting because she couldn't bear leaving New York for any length of time. But for awhile now, she had been longing to branch out. So this movie audition comes along. Not only would this be a major motion picture, but she was auditioning for the lead! It was the most exciting opportunity she had ever had!
And then BAM! "Back to life, back to reality."
Zac Hanson re-enters, stage left, in a show entitled "Andrew Brooks: Never A Dull Moment."
Drew started the shower, adjusted the water, and began to undress. If she could get through an entire shower, for once, without her phone going off, it would be the best day she'd had in weeks!
One toe in. She waited. Silence. She smiled and sighed with relief. She put her heel down for a full step in.
BLLLLAARRRRHHGGGGGHH!!!!! Sirens! Fanfare! Bullets blazing! Chaos ensues! Phone begins exploding and convulsing and foaming at the mouthpiece!
Well maybe it wasn't quite that bad. But it might as well have been.
Completely agitated and completely intending to make this a very short conversation, she reached for the counter and snatched up her phone as far as her charger would let her have it. A text. At least it wasn't a call. As she went into her text messages, she muttered to herself, "Yeah, yeah, headshots at 3, I know..." and then was stunned when she opened it up.
It was Zac.
Already.
He never was one to waste time.
"Enjoyed talking last night. Things here are a little nuts."
Drew panicked. If she turned off the water now she would have to adjust her water again, the whole nine yards. If she let it run, she would run out of hot water.
Shower. Text. Shower. Text.
Dammit!
She chose text. "It was nice to talk to you, too. Nuts how?"
Immediate response. Christ, was he in the next room or something?? "Typical Tay drama. Ike about to blow a fuse cause he can't stay focused. Now he thinks my talking to you will cause further issues."
Surprise surprise.
Her fingers flew. "Well if you don't want to meet up next time you're here I understand. Talking to you felt like yesterday. I know you're married. Don't want to get you in any trouble." She realized the nervous pain when she pressed send. Had he changed his mind?
Another text. "No. I have to see you."
She smiled. There were butterflies. Good butterflies? Or nasty moths? She wasn't sure. "OK. Let me know when and where and I'll meet you," she texted back.
"Unless you changed your mind," he texted back.
Great. He was in the next room AND he could read her mind. If she shone a Zac signal out her window would he come flying in next??
"No. I want to see you and catch up, too."
He responded. "OK. Let me get it figured out and I'll get back to you. Can we talk tonight after our show?"
So. Two phone conversations in 24 hours? That was the most action she'd seen in over a week. Well, that was a lie. There was that new guy she was wanting Mel to meet. Hrm. She might need to put taking care of that little issue on her list of things to do that day.
"Of course. My phone is always on. The city never sleeps lol!"
"Cool. Wish us luck. Tay's gonna need it."
She wished him luck then put down her phone. Damn. This shower was gonna have to be quick. And she surely needed time to think. The shower was usually where she got her best thinking done. But there was no time for it today!
After her lightening-speed shower and after convincing herself that she had thoroughly rinsed the product
out of her hair, she threw on a robe and walked briskly from her bathroom to her closet. Shit. Her closet was huge and she was having fashion block. Which was the wardrobe equivalent to writers block. Head shots, head shots, what to wear, what to wear...
She had carefully chosen a t-shirt and skinny jeans. It was only head shots after all and if she learned anything from her modeling days it was to always dress simply. The studio would do her hair and face when she got there. And possibly provide her with another shirt. Well, better pack an extra just in case.
When Mel walked in her room, Drew was going through what was usually the most difficult part of her
day: picking out a pair of shoes.
"I'm out of here. Going by the Times for a few hours," Mel said. She looked at Drew and her situation and cocked her head to the side. Three different pairs of Manolo Blahniks appeared to be today's menu choices. "Drew, do you really have time for this?" she asked.
"No! I really don't!"
"Well you're wearing gray, you can pretty much wear any shoe you want."
"I KNOW! Help!"
"Close your eyes and pick a pair. Don't open them till I've put the other two away and out of sight."
Good ole' Mel. Always thinking on her feet. Or on her Manolos, in this case.
Shoe problem solved, Drew was following Mel out the apartment door. She had an hour to get to her
destination. And about 10 more hours until she talked to Zac again.
______________________________________
TAYLOR
When they got a quick break in sound check, Taylor took that time to swiftly step outside and get away from
everyone else. He had Googled the phone number for the New York Times earlier that morning and he took the first chance he had to use it.
After being transferred a couple of times, Bob Sheldon's direct line was finally ringing. Taylor decided he would play it calm, cool, and collected. He very rarely tried to use his celebrity to get something he wanted. If he had to this time, it wasn't beneath him.
"Sheldon here," he answered.
"Uh, hi, Mr. Sheldon. This is Taylor Hanson of Hanson. How are you today?"
"Mr. Hanson! I understand you put on a hell of a show last night! What can I do for you?"
"Oh, thank you, we had a blast. Listen, uh, that reporter that came out last night--"
"Melody Bradshaw! Great girl, one of our best!'
"Yeah, um, I've actually been going back through and reading some of her stuff after I noticed the great job she had done on our review today," he lied. He hadn't even read the article. "I didn't want to impose, but I was hoping to be able to speak to her or maybe even you, if you like, about possibly doing a larger, maybe full
interview. See, we have an album coming out soon and right now we're doing a nationwide promotional tour, and I would love to do some more promoting in the city and the Times was the first outlet I thought about. We love reading it, even back home in Tulsa." He knew he was laying it on a little thick.
But Bob Sheldon seemed to buy it. "Glad to hear it! The city loves you boys, you know that! I can tell you definitely have an eye for talent and quality and I'm honored that you're approaching the Times first!"
"Well, thank you, exactly. We do have one request, though. We would like to have the same reporter do our article. You know, since she's already familiar and all."
"Great minds think alike, Taylor! Can I call you Taylor?"
"Please."
"Well, Taylor, I can get with her and get right on it and give you a call back no later than 24 hours from now. How's that sound?"
"Um, well, I was hoping there was a way to go ahead and have her contact information on hand. You can never be over-prepared, you know."
Bob Sheldon chuckled. "Taylor, I like you. I want you to know, I have a personal interest in Ms. Bradshaw. Not only is she one of our best and hardest-working, but I think of her as family. I don't normally like giving out my employees' personal information but I'll do this for you just once. Just because I like you. I don't want you to think I'm trying to be a dick here, but if any trouble comes out of this, I'll pull the plug on it without a second thought. I definitely want to do this article and do business with you, but keep in mind there are countless other bands and artists and acts that could take your place in 2.5 seconds. This is New York City, after all."
"Yes, sir, I completely understand. I run a business just like you do. I promise no trouble will come of this.." Taylor swallowed the huge lump of nerves that had formed in his throat.
And then, Bob Sheldon provided Taylor with what felt like the Holy Grail. He wrote Mel's phone
number on the palm of his hand, intending to wash it off as soon as he programmed it into his phone. 555-1020. Only two numbers off from Zac's. What were the odds of that? He may just be able to memorize it. It would save him from having to answer any uncomfortable questions should they arise.
He thanked Mr. Sheldon and hung up with him. He had what he was after. Now to do something with it.
He suddenly found himself speechless with no clue what to do or where to go from here.
DREW
"Back to life. Back to reality."
They were the lyrics to a 90's song. And the words couldn't be more true than this moment.
After Mel left her room, Drew realized that it was time to get ready for her busy day ahead. She immediately put her cell on the charger and plugged it in in the bathroom so she could have it nearby when she showered. Not for anticipation that Zac will call or text, mind you, but lately, as her career blossomed, she was expecting
phone calls almost every waking hour. It was exhausting.
But she loved it.
Drew began her career modeling. She and Mel had dreamt their entire lives of moving to New York City and having fabulous careers and living fabulous lifestyles, filled with fancy restaurants, expensive cocktails, happening parties and top designer shopping. It was a little later than she expected but she was well on her
way to having everything she ever wanted!
Well, almost everything. She didn't have Zac. Not the way she wanted him. Not completely.
Her dream almost never happened. When Ike, Tay, and Zac entered the picture her life was turned upside down. She and Mel had been fans, but when they discovered Mel had a background with the family, she and Drew became permanent fixtures in the Hanson household. As teenage girls in love would do, they cared nothing for NYC and the dreams they--well, Drew--had longed to fulfill. Mel had never pinpointed her dreams. Drew felt in some aspects, Mel still wasn't who she wanted to be. Mel had fallen unhealthily deep for Taylor and he for her. Everyone around them had their concerns but it was felt best to let it run its course.
And it did. As deep and sincere as their love was, it ended just as explosively and tumultuously. And what else could Drew do but be there to pick up the pieces? It was then that Drew's eyes opened and in that moment snapped "back to life, back to reality." They were almost 20 years old, the two of them. Out of high school and nowhere near college where they should have been with their other former classmates. Instead, they were following around three brothers as they lived out THEIR dreams and THEIR careers. How long could this go on?
It was the hardest decision Drew ever had to make. She loved Zac. She was deeply in love with Zac. But she also needed a future. A sense of self. And after days of soul-searching, crying, and thinking over and over, she finally decided what she must do.
So she convinced Mel to get away from Oklahoma and go to New York with her.
They would get jobs, find an apartment together. Drew's ultimate dream was to be a runway model. She longed to wear only the finest designer clothes and walk for the likes of Christian Dior and Burberry, to have her photos taken in exotic locations around the world. She would walk red carpets and present awards and be in magazines and print ads all over the world.
But she couldn't do any of that by chasing around an 18 year old musician.
That conversation with Zac was the hardest one she had ever had. There were tears. And laughter. But mostly tears. And to her surprise and great relief, he ultimately understood. "What kind of man would I be if I stood in the way of your dreams?" he had said to her. "Everybody deserves the chance at their dreams," he had said. They parted friends, intending to stay in touch.
But life always seems to get in the way.
Drew started out modeling. She certainly had the height and the body. She got lots of print and a few small runways. But then one of her agents suggested she take a few acting classes to help with her interviewing and to get more familiar with taking direction and then she was hooked. Bitten by the acting bug. She had taken to sticking to theatre acting because she couldn't bear leaving New York for any length of time. But for awhile now, she had been longing to branch out. So this movie audition comes along. Not only would this be a major motion picture, but she was auditioning for the lead! It was the most exciting opportunity she had ever had!
And then BAM! "Back to life, back to reality."
Zac Hanson re-enters, stage left, in a show entitled "Andrew Brooks: Never A Dull Moment."
Drew started the shower, adjusted the water, and began to undress. If she could get through an entire shower, for once, without her phone going off, it would be the best day she'd had in weeks!
One toe in. She waited. Silence. She smiled and sighed with relief. She put her heel down for a full step in.
BLLLLAARRRRHHGGGGGHH!!!!! Sirens! Fanfare! Bullets blazing! Chaos ensues! Phone begins exploding and convulsing and foaming at the mouthpiece!
Well maybe it wasn't quite that bad. But it might as well have been.
Completely agitated and completely intending to make this a very short conversation, she reached for the counter and snatched up her phone as far as her charger would let her have it. A text. At least it wasn't a call. As she went into her text messages, she muttered to herself, "Yeah, yeah, headshots at 3, I know..." and then was stunned when she opened it up.
It was Zac.
Already.
He never was one to waste time.
"Enjoyed talking last night. Things here are a little nuts."
Drew panicked. If she turned off the water now she would have to adjust her water again, the whole nine yards. If she let it run, she would run out of hot water.
Shower. Text. Shower. Text.
Dammit!
She chose text. "It was nice to talk to you, too. Nuts how?"
Immediate response. Christ, was he in the next room or something?? "Typical Tay drama. Ike about to blow a fuse cause he can't stay focused. Now he thinks my talking to you will cause further issues."
Surprise surprise.
Her fingers flew. "Well if you don't want to meet up next time you're here I understand. Talking to you felt like yesterday. I know you're married. Don't want to get you in any trouble." She realized the nervous pain when she pressed send. Had he changed his mind?
Another text. "No. I have to see you."
She smiled. There were butterflies. Good butterflies? Or nasty moths? She wasn't sure. "OK. Let me know when and where and I'll meet you," she texted back.
"Unless you changed your mind," he texted back.
Great. He was in the next room AND he could read her mind. If she shone a Zac signal out her window would he come flying in next??
"No. I want to see you and catch up, too."
He responded. "OK. Let me get it figured out and I'll get back to you. Can we talk tonight after our show?"
So. Two phone conversations in 24 hours? That was the most action she'd seen in over a week. Well, that was a lie. There was that new guy she was wanting Mel to meet. Hrm. She might need to put taking care of that little issue on her list of things to do that day.
"Of course. My phone is always on. The city never sleeps lol!"
"Cool. Wish us luck. Tay's gonna need it."
She wished him luck then put down her phone. Damn. This shower was gonna have to be quick. And she surely needed time to think. The shower was usually where she got her best thinking done. But there was no time for it today!
After her lightening-speed shower and after convincing herself that she had thoroughly rinsed the product
out of her hair, she threw on a robe and walked briskly from her bathroom to her closet. Shit. Her closet was huge and she was having fashion block. Which was the wardrobe equivalent to writers block. Head shots, head shots, what to wear, what to wear...
She had carefully chosen a t-shirt and skinny jeans. It was only head shots after all and if she learned anything from her modeling days it was to always dress simply. The studio would do her hair and face when she got there. And possibly provide her with another shirt. Well, better pack an extra just in case.
When Mel walked in her room, Drew was going through what was usually the most difficult part of her
day: picking out a pair of shoes.
"I'm out of here. Going by the Times for a few hours," Mel said. She looked at Drew and her situation and cocked her head to the side. Three different pairs of Manolo Blahniks appeared to be today's menu choices. "Drew, do you really have time for this?" she asked.
"No! I really don't!"
"Well you're wearing gray, you can pretty much wear any shoe you want."
"I KNOW! Help!"
"Close your eyes and pick a pair. Don't open them till I've put the other two away and out of sight."
Good ole' Mel. Always thinking on her feet. Or on her Manolos, in this case.
Shoe problem solved, Drew was following Mel out the apartment door. She had an hour to get to her
destination. And about 10 more hours until she talked to Zac again.
______________________________________
TAYLOR
When they got a quick break in sound check, Taylor took that time to swiftly step outside and get away from
everyone else. He had Googled the phone number for the New York Times earlier that morning and he took the first chance he had to use it.
After being transferred a couple of times, Bob Sheldon's direct line was finally ringing. Taylor decided he would play it calm, cool, and collected. He very rarely tried to use his celebrity to get something he wanted. If he had to this time, it wasn't beneath him.
"Sheldon here," he answered.
"Uh, hi, Mr. Sheldon. This is Taylor Hanson of Hanson. How are you today?"
"Mr. Hanson! I understand you put on a hell of a show last night! What can I do for you?"
"Oh, thank you, we had a blast. Listen, uh, that reporter that came out last night--"
"Melody Bradshaw! Great girl, one of our best!'
"Yeah, um, I've actually been going back through and reading some of her stuff after I noticed the great job she had done on our review today," he lied. He hadn't even read the article. "I didn't want to impose, but I was hoping to be able to speak to her or maybe even you, if you like, about possibly doing a larger, maybe full
interview. See, we have an album coming out soon and right now we're doing a nationwide promotional tour, and I would love to do some more promoting in the city and the Times was the first outlet I thought about. We love reading it, even back home in Tulsa." He knew he was laying it on a little thick.
But Bob Sheldon seemed to buy it. "Glad to hear it! The city loves you boys, you know that! I can tell you definitely have an eye for talent and quality and I'm honored that you're approaching the Times first!"
"Well, thank you, exactly. We do have one request, though. We would like to have the same reporter do our article. You know, since she's already familiar and all."
"Great minds think alike, Taylor! Can I call you Taylor?"
"Please."
"Well, Taylor, I can get with her and get right on it and give you a call back no later than 24 hours from now. How's that sound?"
"Um, well, I was hoping there was a way to go ahead and have her contact information on hand. You can never be over-prepared, you know."
Bob Sheldon chuckled. "Taylor, I like you. I want you to know, I have a personal interest in Ms. Bradshaw. Not only is she one of our best and hardest-working, but I think of her as family. I don't normally like giving out my employees' personal information but I'll do this for you just once. Just because I like you. I don't want you to think I'm trying to be a dick here, but if any trouble comes out of this, I'll pull the plug on it without a second thought. I definitely want to do this article and do business with you, but keep in mind there are countless other bands and artists and acts that could take your place in 2.5 seconds. This is New York City, after all."
"Yes, sir, I completely understand. I run a business just like you do. I promise no trouble will come of this.." Taylor swallowed the huge lump of nerves that had formed in his throat.
And then, Bob Sheldon provided Taylor with what felt like the Holy Grail. He wrote Mel's phone
number on the palm of his hand, intending to wash it off as soon as he programmed it into his phone. 555-1020. Only two numbers off from Zac's. What were the odds of that? He may just be able to memorize it. It would save him from having to answer any uncomfortable questions should they arise.
He thanked Mr. Sheldon and hung up with him. He had what he was after. Now to do something with it.
He suddenly found himself speechless with no clue what to do or where to go from here.