Love on the Fast Track

Chapter 42:

After their final performance, Rosy Secret quickly exited the stage, leaving the audience wanting more.

Joanna got up, grabbed Norah’s hand, and started heading backstage. “Come on, Norah, we’re going to their hangout spot. A family friend of mine shared it with me when I frequented Glamour Club,” she said.

Not being very familiar with Glamour Club, Norah followed Joanna toward the band’s resting area.

“I’m sorry, but this area is off-limits to guests,” the security guard said, blocking their way.

“I’m from the Andrews family. Do you really want to stop me?” Joanna replied, her tone laced with entitlement. Facing the security guard’s obstruction, she added, “Do you think I can’t have you removed from your job?”

The guard remained professional. “I’m just doing my duty. Please, ladies, don’t make this difficult.”

Norah’s expression turned serious. “If we can’t enter, could you at least relay a message? Tell the lead of Rosy Secret, Starbear, that I’m waiting for him in the upstairs lounge.”

After delivering the message, Norah led Joanna away.

“Are we just going to leave like that?” Joanna asked, puzzled. “Do you think the security guard will actually relay your message? And will the guitarist come to meet us?”

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“The band’s lead is the guitarist,” Norah replied. “Let’s see if he shows up.”

They headed to the upstairs lounge, where Norah and Joanna put on the masks provided by the club.

Joanna, confused by Norah’s actions, followed her lead without question. She trusted that whatever Norah had in mind wouldn’t cause her any harm. Still, she felt dizzy, knowing she’d had too many drinks. She softly leaned on Norah’s shoulder, squinting to ease her dizziness.

As they waited for the guitarist, Norah gave Joanna a brief massage to help sober her up.

Shortly after, a man wearing a mask entered the room. “Starbear?” He paused, surprised to find two masked women waiting.

“Emerson, you saw my message in the chat group, right?” Norah asked.

Emerson Moran’s expression tightened as he shut the door behind him. “Is that really you?”

Joanna watched quietly, curious about the unfolding scene.

In the room, vibrant neon lighting cast a glow on them, obscuring their facial expressions and adding to the already palpable tension.

Emerson chose a seat as far away from Norah as possible, his actions betraying a certain discomfort. “Starbear, what’s the reason for your visit?” he asked.

The sudden appearance of Starbear, after a long silence in the group chat, brought back a sense of apprehension to Emerson, even as Rosy Secret’s leader.

Emerson was puzzled by the intense vibe a young woman like her could radiate. Reflecting on the band’s recent actions, Emerson felt a pang of guilt.

“I caught your show earlier,” Norah stated, her look icy. “I was… surprised.”

Emerson clenched his left fist. “Is that so? Well, the band has been performing together for years.”

“It’d be disappointing if we hadn’t made any progress,” Norah said. “However, I noted that many of your allegedly original tracks aren’t creations of Rosy Secret. Why claim them as the band’s?”

Norah confronted Emerson directly, catching him off guard with her assertion.

Joanna was taken aback. She couldn’t grasp how Norah knew the band’s music wasn’t authentic.

Feigning composure, Emerson defended himself. “What do you mean? Every melody and lyric came from us! Starbeam, perhaps your time away has muddled your memory.”

Norah scoffed, saying, “Do you think I can’t recognize my own work? Those pieces your band has appropriated were my creations. Do you honestly believe they match the original quality? It feels like ever since your band’s songwriter left, everything you guys make is just a bunch of noise!”

“Starbeam, provide evidence for your accusations! How can you say those things?” Emerson shot back.

“Because I’m the author of those songs!” Norah’s gaze carried a touch of melancholy as she faced Emerson.

Joanna’s jaw dropped in astonishment. The revelation that Norah had been behind Rosy Secret’s acclaimed music was beyond her imagination. She had no idea that Norah’s compositions could resonate so profoundly.

Emerson, still processing the shock, stammered. “But… the band used those songs and lyrics shared in the group chat, right? I recall warning you those weren’t ready yet and to hold off on using them. But you not only went ahead and used them, but did so poorly.”

Norah sat back, arms crossed, disdain clearly evident. “It looks like without my input, the band has lost its edge.”

Emerson, standing abruptly, pointed at Norah, his voice raised. “So, you were the band’s songwriter. Big deal! We’ve thrived even in your absence!”

“Our earnings and fame have grown,” Emerson sneered. “Don’t flatter yourself!” Norah retorted sharply. “So, you capitalize on my work and then claim I’m irrelevant? The lack of gratitude is astounding.”

Emerson, visibly agitated, leaned in and said, “Starbeam, I’ve been patient with you because of your past contributions, but don’t test my patience!”

Norah snapped back, “You’re the one pushing your luck! You shamelessly take the songs and lyrics shared in the group and pass them off as the band’s original work. That is crossing a line!”

Emerson sneered dismissively. “We used them, yes. But you should have asked for permission first. Consider this your official notice—you’re out of Rosy Secret.”

Norah let out a bitter laugh, reminiscing about Emerson’s once idealistic nature, now overshadowed by his greed. “Please, leave the chat group. Don’t hinder our progress!” Emerson glanced at Norah on the couch and left the room with an icy demeanor.

Joanna sat up, fuming. “Norah, that’s going too far. I’m going to find them and teach them a lesson.”noveldrama

Joanna couldn’t believe that Norah had been the creative force behind Rosy Secret. Thinking about Emerson’s arrogant attitude extinguished her desire to get the guitarist’s contact information. Now, she was intent on giving the band a lesson they needed for their shamelessness in stealing Norah’s work.

A newfound determination filled Norah. “His arrogance stems from a plan to exclude me all along. But if I could be the reason for Rosy Secret’s success, I can do the same for others. His success, built on my work, will only make his downfall sweeter when the time comes.”

With her eyes narrowing, Norah’s smile radiated unwavering confidence.

“Norah, just say the word, and I’m with you all the way,” Joanna said, fists clenched, already plotting their next move.

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