Star Struck(BBW Rocker Romance)(6)

“Oh,” Mandy murmured, not sure what else to say.

“You don’t listen to our work, do you?” Ethan asked suspiciously.

Uh oh, thought Mandy. “Um…not that one, no.”

“Do you know any of our songs?” he prodded, eyes narrowing.

Mandy chewed on her bottom lip. She’d done tons of research on the band, checked out their entire history and even all the latest news and updates on each and every member. How much they were worth, who they were last seen with, their scandals…but she’d never got down to actually listening to anything they’d recorded or even seen any of their performances. Shit.

She heaved a sigh of relief when Jessica suddenly reappeared, apologizing profusely. Her boss set about making plans for Ethan’s planned shopping trip for his all-new wardrobe.

“You have to trust me, Ethan. As your stylist, it’s my job to make you look the very best that you can and that’s exactly what I am going to do. Your live performances will sizzle because your outfits will increase your presence and freedom of expression. That way, you’ll connect more with your audience. I know you already have the confidence, but now it’s about giving your fans what they want… that sexual appeal that will crank up the volume of who you are in the music world. A born rock star.”

“All that…and you hired an intern who doesn’t know a thing about my music,” Ethan said calmly. The room went still. Mandy’s stomach dropped as she felt Jessica’s accusing gaze asking, what the fuck did you tell him?

For once, Jessica looked uncomfortable. “Ethan, I…”

“So here’s what we’re gonna do. Your people can handle my whole new image. I’m all for it. But I need to see more dedication. I need proof that Jessica Charles has concepts on image, performance, and mindset that can benefit an artist on any level. This job isn’t just about the clothes and the image, right? It’s about people. Well, this is my suggestion - Mandy comes along with me for the gig at the London music festival that takes place in about two weeks. She’ll be my personal stylist and tour wardrobe assistant for the duration of the gig. Call my people and they’ll give you all the details you need.”

He rose to his feet, glancing at his watch. “Looks like the one-hour consultation is up.” He faced Jessica, who was on her feet too. “I trust you, Jessica. Everyone else in the band’s been hounding me to get you guys on board. Make this painless, okay? Starting with the Academy Awards event coming up in a month. Let’s just do this.”

Ethan was already walking out the door with Jessica following closely behind, assuring him every step of the way. Mandy, on the other hand, was still frozen in her seat, conscious only of the buzzing in her ears. When Jessica returned, Mandy hadn’t even moved from her position.

“You’ll do it, of course,” Jessica said factually. As if there was any question. “Remember what I told you about fucking things up for me? I’ll not just kick you out; I’ll make it so no self-respecting member of this industry will touch you.” Jessica smiled thinly. “The Strum is the biggest band on earth right now. Go listen to all their fucking records. Next time you meet Ethan Tyler, you’d better sound like you love every line and note they’ve ever created.”





Chapter Two



The next time she met Ethan Tyler, Mandy was ready.

So his band had sold millions of records. So Ethan was one of the most gifted bassists alive. So their music was pretty good. They actually had some really good songs, as at least two of their members – Jaime and Ethan - were also lyricists. Mandy had downloaded as many of their hits as possible from as far back as five years ago when they were just a support band working with bigger names at the top live shows.

Today, few groups had the same impact or loyal following as The Strum. Hiring Jessica Charles to revamp Ethan’s image was her chance to work with the entire band, which was a great opportunity for career advancement. Everyone would want to become clients of the stylist for The Strum and in this town, word always spread quickly.

“Ethan is giving you the chance to understand who he really is as an artist, and in turn create an image which reflects his genuine style,” Jessica told her sagely before sending Mandy on her way to measure Ethan. “You’re going to be my eyes and ears, so don’t mess this up. Whether you’re taking him shopping at Versace or discussing whether he really needs to wear those black leather boots to his next television interview over coffee, remember you represent the voice of Jessica Charles.”