Before Us

Sterling Steele was finishing his breakfast in the lobby before starting another day. His dad, country superstar Gunner Steele, had just had another sold-out show the night before. They had a week's break before moving on to the next tour stop. He knew his dad was in a panic because his hair, makeup, and wardrobe gal, Melanie, had gone into labor last night. She was now off the tour. She was now resting and healthy with the baby at the local hospital. Gunner promised to fly her and her husband home to Nashville later that week. Needing to find someone fast, they put an ad out on all the major job sites. Sterling wondered what kind of response he would get. An agency handled this kind of thing, but his dad was desperate. With the last swig of his coffee, Sterling got up and headed outside. He stretched and rolled his shoulders as he looked at the arena across the street. His long night was getting even longer. He and his crew needed to tear down the set and move it from the arena today. Soon the rest of the crew arrived, and they got started.

Sherri and Haven pulled into the farthest back parking lot of the arena. No one needed to find out they were homeless. Sherri’s determination to help Haven and herself move on with their lives, she convinced Haven to go with her. They headed to the back door of the arena, slipping inside and heading towards the front lobby. They moved fast as not to be too conspicuous.

Haven was scrolling through her phone as she followed her mom, looking up every few seconds. She loved the new clothes her favorite designers were coming up with. Suddenly, someone grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to the side. She barely missed being run over by two amps stacked on top of one another. Haven let out a shriek. In a flail of arms and legs, she and the person tumbled to the floor, her landing on top of him. She came nose to nose with the most handsome guy she had ever seen. Short brown hair, brown eyes, and an adorable dimple on his right cheek. They stared at each other, stunned. She scrambled off of him and landed on the floor. He stood up and reached out to help her up. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Long, dark hair and brown eyes, and a creamy complexion. Sterling shook his head for a minute, trying to come back to his senses.

“I’m sorry. I thought you were going to get run over,” he said.

“Well sheesh, you don’t have to tackle someone. A ‘watch out’ would suffice.”

“Yeah. I’m Sterling by the way.” He said, reaching out his hand.

“Haven,” she said, shaking it. “Wow, that’s some operation you got here.”

“My dad had a show last night. I and my crew are tearing down the stage and set. What are you doing here?”

“Me?” she said, blushing a light shade of pink. “My mom has an interview over at the hotel across the street. Someone needed a hair, makeup,  and wardrobe person. I came with her so we could present ourselves as a package deal. She does hair and makeup and I handle wardrobe.”

“Nice. I play in my dad’s band sometimes as well, fill in when someone’s sick or needs time off.”

“Awesome. Well, I better go. I don’t want to be late.” Haven said, waving and walking away. Then she turned around.

“Hey Sterling,” she called.

“Yeah?” he popped up from rolling some cables that were on the floor.

“What is your dad’s name?”

“Gunner. Gunner Steele.” He replied. She bolted through the door and out onto the sidewalk. Sterling watched her dash out and knew he had to convince his dad to hire her and her mom. He reached into his pocket and dialed his dad. No answer. Then he dialed his dad’s assistant, Wendy.

“Hey, Sterling, what’s up? Everything okay?” she said.

“Hey, Wendy. Uh, yeah. There is a gal coming for an interview with her mom. Her name is Haven and we have to convince dad to hire them.”

“This is your dad we’re talking about. He does what he wants. If he’s not interested, he won’t listen to us.” she said.

“Well, we have to give it our best shot. I have to get to know her. Text me when the interview is over.”

“Will do, Sterling,” Wendy said, hanging up and shaking her head.

Haven dashed across the street and took a breath. Opening the lobby door to the hotel, she strolled in. She went and sat beside Sherri.

“Where have you been?” She said. “It’s almost time for the interview.”

“Relax. It’s not like I’m going in with you. However, there is something you should know.”

“What?”

“The person hiring for the job is Gunner Steele,” Haven said.

“What?!” Sherri let out a gasp. “Are you sure? Where did you go, anyway? I thought you were right behind me.”

“I was until someone tackled me,” Haven said.

“Tackled?”

“Yeah, by Gunner’s son, Sterling.”