**Disclaimer: This story is completely fictional. The only characters/situations that really do exist are Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Clive Davis, RCA Records, the National Education Association and of course, the White House. Everything else has been made up entirely by the author and any relation to real events is purely coincidental.** ©® JRD 2003
Part One
Finally, American Idol was over. Ruben Studdard had won and Clay Aiken could get back to his life in North Carolina; or so he thought. All he wanted was a few days of rest, but as soon as the cameras were off, he was whisked away to a recording studio, asked to do numerous television, radio and magazine interviews, photo shoots, and of course he was asked to sing.
Clay was signing a record deal, along with Ruben, with RCA records and Clive Davis. This was not something that could be taken lightly. If the truth had been known, Clay was delighted to have won second place. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for the pressure of stardom and all the traveling. Towards the end of the show he had become tired, he missed his friends and family and wanted to go home.
Today, Clay was on his way to the RCA office to sign a contract and fill out the necessary paperwork for his first album. He was excited but also down, just wanting some alone time. Luckily, he didn’t have much to do, just a signing, record one or two songs and then that was it; at least that’s what he hoped. Clay stepped out of the car and was immediately bombarded by fans, something he had gotten used to. He really wanted to sign each and every autograph, but couldn’t. He didn’t have the time. If he signed one, he’d have to sign 700 and he just couldn’t. Instead, he smiled, waved and of course winked to the fans and followed some security guards inside.
Once inside the building, Clay met with Mr. Davis (as he called him) and talked a little bit with his producers.
“I’ll have the legal department bring up copies of the contract while you’re recording and when you’re finished you can sign them and be on your way.” Clive smiled. “I’m anxious to hear great things from you, Clayton.” He patted him on the shoulder and shook his hand.
“Thank you, sir.” Clay said, modestly.
He exited his office and walked down the long and familiar hallway, to the elevators and then to the studio, where everyone was once again waiting for him.
“I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to this being famous thing.” Clay thought to himself.
The recording took over 3 hours, which is more time than Clay had thought it would take. Clive, Clay and his mom were waiting in the studio for the contracts. Clay was nervously playing with his black and white “What Would Jesus Do” bracelet. He always did that when he was trying to keep himself from being impatient.
He had taken it off and was looking at it while tapping his foot when Clive said, “Let me call them one more time and see where they are.”
“That’s really okay, Mr. Davis, I’m sure they’ll be here soon.” Faye said, patting her son’s knee.
She knew he was tired and wanted to go, but she didn’t want to seem like one of those celebrities who needed everything done immediately, and done their way or not at all.
As soon as that was said, the door opened and Larry, one of the attorneys for RCA records, arrived with file folders and a stressed smile.
“I’m sorry they are so late, our new intern had some trouble.”
Clay smiled at him “No problem, its okay,” he added in his southern tone.
Clay opened one of the folders Larry had given him and scratched his head.
He glanced at his mom, who was also confused and Mr. Davis finally said, “I don’t think this is the right document, Lawrence.”
“Really?” Larry said, putting on his glasses. He sighed in frustration.
“Give me just a moment.” He pulled out his cell phone and called upstairs to the legal department.
“Julia! These are still the wrong files. How many times am I going to have to explain this to you? Clayton Aiken. A-I-K-E-N.”
Larry spelled out Clay’s last name while ripping this poor, mystery girl to shreds over the phone.
“We are already running late, so find them and bring them down, NOW.” He hung up violently and apologized again to all three of them.
“Young college girl, you know? This is her first week and I’m starting to regret hiring her. She just can’t get anything right and she never…” Larry was cut off as a young girl opened the door.
She smiled, although afraid and didn’t make eye contact with anyone.
“Here.” Larry shoved the wrong files into her hands, but Julia wasn’t paying attention and dropped them all, right at Clay’s feet with the papers going everywhere.
“I’m sorry!” She immediately covered her mouth and then bent down to pick them up.
“Julia! For crying out loud, you can’t even carry a few file folders? What is wrong with you?” Larry said, obviously upset.
“I apologize. Here you go.” He said calmly, handing out the contracts.
As Julia picked up the folders, Clay helped her and whispered, “Don’t worry about it, okay? It’s not a big deal at all. It’s been a long day for all of us.”
Julia nodded, and smiled briefly. She got up, smoothed out her skirt and turned to face Larry.
“I’m sorry, Larry. I really am, it’s just that Bethany’s not here and I’m trying to cover for her, and the files were in the corner of that room and it’s a mess and I couldn’t find them, and the phone kept ringing…” She tried to explain.
“I don’t want anymore excuses.” He pointed a finger at her.
She swallowed hard, afraid of losing this job.
Julia answered, “I’ll wait outside. Again, I’m sorry.” She said to Clive, Faye and Clay.
Julia held the folders with both hands and waited outside in the hallway for Larry to finish.
Clive had to leave. He had another meeting, but left Clay and his mom to sign the contracts with Larry. He smiled at the young girl waiting outside as he went to the elevator. A few more minutes later, Clay and his mom came out as well.
“I have to say something mom, that’s just not right.” He whispered as they opened the door.
Julia was leaning against the wall, biting her lip, holding the folders and thinking of all the things Larry would say to her after all these people left. She didn’t notice Clay come up behind her, but when he lightly put his hand on her back, she jumped a bit.
“Did you need something?” She asked, sweetly.
“No.” Clay smiled, looking down on her. She was petite, much shorter than he was.
“I just wanted to say thanks, and not to listen to him too much.” He winked at her and smirked, suddenly getting an idea.
“If you’d like, my mom and I can stay, that way he won’t rake you over the coals while we’re standing here.” Julia looked down, then back up at Clay, then to his mom.
“That’s so sweet of you, but it’s really not that bad. He’s just had a long day and he needs someone to take it out on. I happen to be that person.” Julia laughed and looked at Clay again.
At that same time, Larry came out of the recording studio and told Julia to follow him.
“Have a good day, ya’ll.” She smiled, following Larry down the hall and waving goodbye.
Clay looked at his mom, with his mouth open wide and asked, “Did she just say ya’ll?”
Faye smiled, and nodded.
“It’s meant to be!” Clay joked.
“But, they did tell me I should stay single to be more appealing to all the teeny-boppers.” He laughed at himself.
“Come on, honey. I think it’s now obvious that you’re in need of some rest.” Faye patted him on the back as the two walked to take the stairs down to the car.
Part Two
The next morning, Julia arrived at the office early. She was hoping to impress Larry by getting a lot of work done, but the way her morning was going, it seemed she wouldn’t get as much done as she had hoped. Julia unlocked the door to her small, stuffy office and put down her briefcase. She sighed and saw that she already had 6 messages on her phone. After picking up the receiver to listen to the messages, she flopped down in her chair and looked through some mail. The first five messages were Larry, telling her all she did wrong and how much she needed to fix. On the verge of tears, Julia was about to hang up, when the last message, number six, came on.
“Julia, hi, this is Clay Aiken. We met briefly yesterday afternoon. I wanted to let you know that I spoke with Larry late last night and told him I left something at the studio. He told me to leave you a message and let you know I’d be coming by this afternoon, to check and see if it’s still there. Um, he also said that you’d be free to let me in the studio and everything, so I hope that’s okay. I’ll be coming by around 2, so I guess I’ll see you then. Thanks a lot Julia, bye.”
Julia smiled as she hung up the phone, knowing that she at least had a break this afternoon.
Around 1:30, Julia walked to Larry’s office and knocked on the door.
“Larry?” She said, quietly.
“What is it?” He asked, not looking up from his desk.
“I was wondering if I could have the key to the studio since Clay will be coming by to look for something.” Julia explained.
“Bring it back.” Larry sighed as he threw her his keys.
She wasn’t ready to catch them and they fell to the floor.
“Are you done with the files for Anita Martin?” He asked after she bent down to pick them up.
“Not yet, I’m still working on them.” She answered, timidly, on her way out.
“Get on it, I need them by 3.” He told her rudely, going back to his work.
Julia was working on the files that Larry needed when there was a knock on her door. She looked up and smiled, seeing it was Clay.
“Mr. Aiken!” She said, as she got up from behind her desk.
There wasn’t room in her office for him to sit. It was simply a desk in a room not much bigger than the desk itself. It used to be a storage closet and there were noisy air-conditioning vents in the ceiling and a heating vent on the floor. She went to shake his hand.
“Hi.” Clay said, extending his hand as well. “Listen, thanks for taking the time to do this for me. I’m sorry to bother you.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I welcome the break, trust me.” Julia laughed, feeling a bit nervous.
“I have Larry’s keys here, let me just grab them.” She reached over her desk and grabbed his keys.
“I should probably just take the one that goes to the studio, he’d kill me if I lost them all.” She tried to get the studio key off of the key ring.
It wasn’t cooperating as easily as she had though it would, especially since her hands were shaking. Clay tried to joke with her, noticing she was a bit uneasy.
“I better back up and give you some room.” He said.
“It’s…just…not…coming…off…THERE!” She said, as the key slipped off the ring and fell into the heating grate on the floor.
“Crap!” She yelled, her eyes growing wide. Clay looked around, wondering if anyone had heard her.
Julia immediately got down on her knees and looked into the vent.
“Can you see it?” Clay said, getting down on his knees as well.
“Yeah, I see it shining down there.” Julia pointed out.
She had grabbed a flashlight that was sitting on her desk.
“Yup, that’s it!” She smiled as she shined the light into the darkness.
Clay looked at her and laughed. “Do you always have a flashlight handy?”
“When the power goes out as much as it does in this closet I call my office, yes.” Julia stood up.
“This grate comes off, so if you’ll help me move it, we should be able to get the key fairly easily.”
Clay stayed on his knees but moved out of her way and helped her lift the grate off the ground.
Julia layed down on her stomach and stuck her arm down into the vent and using the flashlight with her free hand, tried to see where the key was.
“Ugh.” She sighed. “I can’t reach it.” Julia looked at Clay.
“You want me to try?” He laughed, giving her a worried look.
“Okay, but if my arm gets stuck I’m suing you.” Clay smiled, putting his arm in the hole. Julia laughed as well.
“That’d be okay, I wouldn’t have to pay lawyer fees. I could represent myself.” Julia watched Clay trying to get the key out and thought how cute he was.
He interrupted her thoughts by saying “And God said, ‘Let there be light.’”
“Oh! Sorry, here ya go.” Julia shined the light into the vent so he could see.
“Ah!” Clay said, pulling his arm out with the key in his hand.
“Bravo!” Julia said, clapping her hands.
“Thank you so much, I would have been dead if I had lost that key.” She helped Clay up as he dusted himself off.
“I don’t doubt it.” He smiled at her.
“Larry’s pretty tough of you. I don’t know how you put up with that.”
Julia put the grate back over the vent and shrugged.
“Comes with the territory, I guess. Follow me.”
Clay grabbed his jacket and followed her.
“Oh, I get to go the backwards way. This is a treat for me.” He said, rubbing his hands together.
“Oh yeah, very exciting.” Julia said, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
They climbed the stairs and were soon on the 5th floor, where the studio was.
“Now what is it that you left behind?” Julia said as she opened the door and turned on the lights.
“It was my black WWJD bracelet.” He said, immediately looking at the couch.
They checked the floor, in the actual recording booth, behind the controls and on the floor. Neither one of them could find it.
“Should you check underneath the cushions of the couch?” Julia suggested.
“Nah, I doubt it would have fallen between the cracks.” He sighed, trying to remember where it would be.
“I apologize, now this has been a waste of time.” Clay said, feeling bad.
“No, really Mr. Aiken, don’t worry about it at all. I understand it’s important to you. I never walk out of my house without my cross necklace.” Julia said, pointing to the small silver cross she wore around her neck.
Clay nodded. “Mr. Aiken? Now do I look like the kind of guy who wants to be called Mr. Aiken?” He smirked.
“Well, I’m just taught that we refer to our clients with Mr. or Ms. in front of their name.” Julia said seriously.
“Julia, I’m just giving you a hard time. You don’t get out much do you?” He laughed, patting her on the shoulder.
Julia sighed, and turned the lights off in the studio. “Sadly, no; I don’t.” She laughed it off, locking the door.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t find your bracelet.” Julia said, sincerely.
“It’s okay. I know where I can find another one. That one just meant a lot because it was the one I wore throughout the competition and I just kinda wanted it with me. Sentimental value, ya know?” Clay explained.
Julia nodded. They walked to the elevator, and Julia turned to face Clay as he pressed the down button.
“Well, you take care now, MR. AIKEN.” Julia emphasized shaking his hand one more time.
“I’m sure I’ll see you again. This studio will be your home in a few weeks.”
Clay laughed, and bit his bottom lip. “Yeah, yeah…that’s what I hear.” He sighed.
“Thanks for looking for the bracelet and don’t let Larry be too hard on you. I’m serious about that.” He pointed his finger at her, and shook it hard.
“I won’t, I promise.” She nodded as the elevator dinged.
Clay stepped in and waved as he pressed the button to go down. The doors closed and Julia made her way down the hall to take the stairs to her office. She heard the doors open again and looked over her shoulder to make sure everything was okay.
“Julia?” Clay said, stepping out of the elevator.
“My mom’s going to visit an old friend who lives in the city tonight and Ruben is telling me not to bother him because he wants to sleep, so I don’t have anyone to eat dinner with me. Would you like to grab a bite to eat?” He asked, desperately wanting some company other than his mother or Ruben.
Julia was caught off guard by his comment. “Uh, sure. I mean, if you really wanna eat with me.”
She walked towards him.
Clay looked deep in thought before he said, “Well, yeah. I asked you, I think, unless I was just telepathically sending you messages.”
Julia smiled. “Larry usually makes me stay pretty late, what time did you want to go?” She asked, leaning against the wall.
“How about 7?” Clay suggested.
“That’d be perfect. I should be home by then, no problem. Did you want me to meet you somewhere or what would be easiest for you?”
“I was going to just order room service in at the hotel. I know it’s nothing fancy, but I’m afraid if we tried to go out anywhere, we’d be bombarded by screaming fans and while it’s flattering and all, I’m just not up to it tonight.” Clay explained.
“Okay!” Julia smiled. “I’ll just meet you at your hotel then at 7.” She said.
“Great. I look forward to it.” Clay pressed the elevator button again.
“Do you have my number? You can just call when you’re on your way and I’ll give you directions.” Clay was looking for a sheet of paper or a pen in his pockets.
“I have a pen.” Julia said, pulling one out of her hair.
As soon as she grabbed the pen, her chestnut brown hair fell just below her shoulders, Clay felt a bit of attraction to her for the first time. Her soft green eyes were somewhat hidden behind her glasses, but they were beautiful. She was petite, almost a whole foot shorter than him, but carried herself with confidence. He was reminded of the way he looked and felt before American Idol had taken hold of him. He was sure of himself and pleased with who he was; glasses, freckles, spiky red hair, striped shirts, khaki pants and all.
Clay stopped his thought process as he said, “Hey, now that’s a neat trick!”
Clay laughed, pointing at her. “How’d ya do that?” He asked, walking around behind her.
“Oh stop, it was not that exciting.” Julia laughed.
“Okay, it’s 810-555-4397.” Clay said, giving her his cell phone number as Julia wrote it on her hand.
“Got it. Are you sure you want to do this? If you think I’m shaky, nervous and shy now, just wait. Tonight I’ll be even worse! I have to admit, I’m not real used to this whole going-out-and-doing-something-after-work thing.” Julia said as the elevator arrived.
“I’m up for a challenge.” Clay said, stepping into the elevator.
“I mean, look at me.” He said, standing up straight and adjusting his jacket.
“I just fought with a 6 foot 4 inch, 350 pound black man for a recording contract and almost won! I think I can handle a little thing like you, sweetheart. No problem!” He nodded, getting cocky.
“We’ll just see about that.” Julia teased.
“Tonight at 7.” Clay said.
“I’ll be there.” Julia laughed at him as the doors closed and Clay made a funny face, while waving goodbye.
Part Three
When Julia returned to the office, she realized the mountain of work she had to do. She quickly rushed through the tasks Larry had left for her and was packing up her things to leave at 6:00. That would give her almost an hour to change clothes and get ready. Just as she was locking her office door, Larry came up behind her.
“And just where do you think you’re going?” He asked, his arms folded across his chest.
“I’m done. I finished everything and I’ll give you the final copies in the morning.” Julia said, pushing her glasses up on her nose. “Everyone else is gone, it’s after 5.”
“Well, that’s just too bad. They aren’t interns, they already know their job and how to do it, the RIGHT way.” Larry smiled. “Follow me, you’re not done yet.”
Julia opened her mouth to protest, but knew that she couldn’t. She followed him, sighing heavily and waiting for his instructions.
Larry ended up only keeping Julia at the office until 6:30, but that left her with less than half an hour to change. She rushed out of the office and out to her car, hoping traffic wouldn’t be too horrible.
“Of course.” Julia said out loud as she pulled out of the parking garage. “This is New York, is there ever a time when traffic isn’t bad?”
She sighed and looked at her watch, she was never going to make it on time.
After a few minutes of horrible traffic, Julia arrived at her apartment. She bounded in the doorway and ran to her bedroom trying to find something to wear. She tried on outfit after outfit, but found nothing she really liked.
Finally, Julia decided on a green shirt that had ¾ inch sleeves and some dark jeans, knowing it didn’t have to be formal. She debated on whether to put her contacts in or not, while trying to fix her hair. It was now 7:15; she had to go.
“My hair looks awful!” She screamed as she put down her brush and looked in the mirror.
Julia had never in her life felt that she was pretty. She wore glasses for as long as she could remember and contacts were always such a hassle. She had green eyes that sparkled and lit up with just the right amount of make-up, and a round, cherub looking face that always showed what she was thinking.
She wasn’t skinny, but wasn’t fat either and her petite 5’3” frame made her huggable. Julia knew she wasn’t anything like the girls Clay normally hung out with, but he probably just wanted some company. She was a fun girl, and smart, everyone always wanted to be her friend, but nothing more.
She stopped thinking about the way she looked and left her hair down. She ran out of her apartment in a whirlwind and decided to take a taxi to Clay’s hotel. She had to call him first and find out where he was staying. The numbers on her hand had smudged off a little, but she could still make them out. She dialed his number carefully on her cell phone and her heart skipped a beat when he answered.
“Clay! I’m so sorry. It’s Julia. I’m running late…Larry kept me and traffic is horrible. I’m about to take a cab now, I should be there soon.” She spouted off, not letting him get a word in, before taking a breath.
“It’s okay, really. I’m just watching some TV. I actually just got out of the shower, so you’re fine.” Clay told her where he was staying as well as what room he was in.
Julia hailed a cab after hanging up. She sat in the backseat, watching the driver weave in and out of New York traffic. Julia kept looking at herself in the mirror, thinking, “I should turn around. I should tell the driver to take me back to my apartment. This is crazy! What does Clay want with a pathetic, plain-Jane girl like me? He doesn’t really want to just hang out with me, does he? He probably feels sorry for me. After the way I acted around him, he probably pities me for being such a freak. Ugh! I’m such a nerd. I really shouldn’t go.”
Part Four
Just as Julia finished thinking about turning back, they arrived at the hotel. She took a deep breath and paid the driver, then walked into the lobby of the hotel.
The lobby itself was more beautiful and elegant than anything she’d ever seen. She felt as if she were in a movie. There was a sweeping staircase that was enormous and a huge chandelier that hung from the ceiling. Everything was clean, sparkling and shining, and Julia was in awe.
“May I help you, miss?” An elderly doorman asked her.
“Oh, uh, no…thanks. I’m just looking for room 407, which way?” Julia said, nervous.
“Just up the elevator to the 4th floor and make a right.” He smiled at her and she nodded, walking towards the elevator.
Clay was in his room, relaxing on his king-size bed. His hands were behind his head and he was listening to some music. His eyes were closed and his foot was tapping to the beat of the music. He hadn’t had time to himself in so long; he hardly knew what to do with it. Clay was actually comfortable. He thought he might be a bit nervous with Julia coming over, but he wasn’t.
There was a knock on the door interrupting his solitude. He sat up and turned down the music yelling, “I’ll be right there!”
He put on some socks (his feet were getting cold) and lightly jogged to answer the door. Clay opened it and saw Julia, nervous again, with a small smile on her face.
“I’m sorry.” She said, biting her lip. “Things got really hectic at the office and then the traffic, and I look horrible and…”
Clay laughed. “Don’t worry about it. You don’t look awful, Julia! You look great. Relax. You’re here now, it wasn’t a problem, okay? Now come on in!”
Clay’s drawl was now very apparent, as he opened the door a little wider and Julia walked into the room. Clay was wearing jeans and a green, plaid button down shirt with a white t-shirt underneath, which made Julia feel comfortable knowing he didn’t dress up for the occasion.
“Do you always watch the TV without sound?” Julia asked, sitting down on the foot of the bed.
“Well, no.” Clay smiled at her sarcasm. I had it on mute while I listened to some music, but I think Entertainment Tonight is on now. I like that show.”
Clay turned up the volume on the TV and resumed his position on the bed; lying down, hands behind his head, legs crossed at the ankle.
Mary Hart, the anchor on Entertainment Tonight was now on the screen. Clay and Julia were watching as she said “More Clay and Ruben. American Idol fever is sweeping the nation. We’ve got the inside scoop on Clay’s love-life, as well as a behind the scenes peek at Ruben’s first music video, coming up next!”
Clay sighed and turned the TV off. Julia glanced at him.
“I don’t wanna hear that stuff. How do they know anything about my non-existent love life?” Clay asked, sighing. “I just want to be normal again.” Clay sat up and put his head in his hands.
“It’s everywhere, isn’t it?” Julia asked, sympathetically. Clay nodded, looking up at her.
“It’s harder than I ever imagined. I can’t go anywhere, do anything; say anything. I can’t wear what I want or look how I want. I can’t just BE ME.”
Julia tried to make light of the conversation. “See, that’s kinda funny because there are a lot of days when I wish I could be anyone but ME.” She saw Clay smile and she was glad she cracked him a little bit.
“Let’s do something.” Julia said, feeling sorry for Clay. She looked around the room and went to the table to grab the room service menu.
“You hungry?” She asked, holding up the menu.
“I was, but I’m not anymore.” Clay said, honestly. “You order whatever you want though.”
“No way! I’m not gonna eat unless you eat. I’m not starving or anything.” Julia put the menu back down on the table. She noticed a deck of cards sitting on the table, and got an idea.
“You play cards?” She asked, as Clay got up and walked over to her.
“Oh, no. Those are Ruben’s. He’s been trying to teach me how to play poker, but I’m no good at it.” Clay said, sheepishly, scratching his head.
“Let’s play something easier than poker.” Julia smiled. “Go fish?” She held up the pack of cards and wiggled it back and forth.
Clay nodded. “Sure.”
The two sat down on the bed and proceeded to play, for over an hour. They were laughing, joking and having a good time, just enjoying each other’s company.
“I win, again!” Julia said, laughing.
“I told you I wasn’t any good.” Clay said, hanging his head in defeat.
“Aww, it’s okay. I bet you can beat me in Slap Jack!” Julia said, thinking of another easy card game.
“How do you play?” Clay asked, watching Julia get excited.
“We divide the cards into two equal piles; one for you and one for me. Then, we each flip over cards as fast as we can to make one big pile in the middle, like this.”
Julia demonstrated with her card, then Clay took one of his and put it down in the same spot.
“We keep doing this until someone flips over a jack.” Julia looked through her cards and picked out a jack and put it on the top of the pile.
“When you see the jack, you wanna slap it, like this.” Julia slapped her hand down on the jack and looked up at Clay.
“Now I get all the cards below the jack. But what happens is, usually more than just one person slaps the jack at the same time, and whoever has their hand on the bottom, wins the cards. Get it?” Julia asked, shuffling the cards again.
“I think so.” Clay nodded, with a look of determination on his face.
Clay and Julia played a few rounds, and Julia was still winning.
“You have to have better reflexes than this, Clay. C’mon!” Julia joked with him.
Just as Julia said that, Clay flipped over a jack and put his hand down on it right away. Julia’s hand went down immediately too, on top of Clay’s. Both of them felt something when their hands touched. Their eyes locked for a moment as Clay looked up at her and smiled. Julia quickly looked away.
“Ah ha! I finally got one! Yes!” Clay jumped off the bed and did a fist pump in the air.
Julia started laughing.
“So you got one, big deal.” Julia joked rolling her eyes.
“Oh no, the game’s over sister. I think I’ll walk away from this while I’m winning. You ready to order some food?” Clay said, in a better mood.
“Sure!” Julia said, putting the cards back in the box. “I just want chicken fingers.”
“Me too.” Clay smiled, watching her and realizing this was the type of thing he missed about his own life.
He missed just hanging out with people and not worrying about how he looked, or what he said, or how he acted.
Clay went to the phone and dialed the number for room service, but hung up quickly.
“They’re closed already.” He frowned.
“I didn’t know room service closed. What kind of bogus deal is that?” Julia asked, standing up and putting the cards back on the table.
“Hey! I know of this really cute little diner, just around the corner from here.” Julia glanced at her watch.
“It’s already 10:45, there can’t be that many people out on a Tuesday night. Wanna go?” She suggested.
Clay had a moment of worry. His hair wasn’t styled like it normally is, he was wearing his glasses and some of his old clothes, not a stylish striped shirt.
“Sure. Why not?” Clay said, sitting down to put on some shoes.
“I’m not supposed to go anywhere without my bodyguards though…” Clay thought to himself.
“Ready?” Julia asked, after using the bathroom.
Clay nodded and he followed her out the door after grabbing his black bucket hat.
“What’s that for?” Julia asked as they got on the elevator.
“It’s my disguise. You never can be too careful.” Clay sighed, as they stepped inside and the elevator doors closed.
Part Five
The two of them arrived at the small diner and were relieved when they saw that there weren’t many people there. They sat in a booth in the corner, and Clay felt comfortable enough to take off his hat. Aside from the two waitresses, the cook behind the counter and a family of four, there was no one in the restaurant. Julia had been quiet on their walk over and wondered what Clay was thinking and feeling.
“I’m sorry to have made you come out here. I know you wanted to just stay in the room. I could have gotten some food and brought it back.” Julia said, sincerely.
“No, it’s okay.” Clay patted her hand and the waitress interrupted them, asking what they wanted to drink.
They both ordered a coke, and as soon as the waitress walked away, two little girls who were eating in the diner with their parents approached the table. Julia wondered how Clay would react, knowing they wanted an autograph.
“Mr. Aiken. My name is Crystal and this is my sister Lindsay and we were wondering if you would please sign our napkin please and take a picture with us sir.” The little girl looked back at her mom and dad and they nodded, smiling at their daughters.
Clay looked down on them and smiled. He always liked the really young fans the best. They were innocent and sweet, seeing a famous person and only wanting a picture.
“Of course! Here’s one for Crystal, and one for Lindsay.” He said as he signed their napkin with a pen the girls had brought over.
“Now, we’ll let my good friend Julia here, take a picture.” Clay handed her the camera and mouthed “Sorry!” to her as she shook her head and motioned not to worry about it.
He crouched down next to the girls with one on either side and smiled as Julia used the disposable camera. “Say cheese! 1-2-3.”
The camera flashed, the girls smiled and ran off back to their mom and dad.
“That was cute.” Julia said, as the waitress brought their cokes.
They both ordered chicken fingers and the waitress left to go place their order with the cook.
“So, Julia.” Clay said, looking directly into her eyes. “Tell me a little about yourself. You know a lot about me and my problems, what are you like?”
“Me? Nothing too exciting here.” Julia hated talking about herself.
“I’m from a small town in Texas, lived there all my life. Raised in the church, good ole Southern Baptist pride. My father was a preacher and my mother is a school teacher."
She stopped, thought for a moment, then continued.
"I was valedictorian of my high school class, and I’ve been studying up here to get my law degree. I graduate from law school in just a couple months and I’m trying to get a job in Washington DC. I really want to focus on public education and be a legal assistant for a non-profit organization.”
She sighed and played with the straw in her coke. “That’s about it for me.”
“Good for you.” Clay said, amazed at her lofty goals. “I know you’ll be great at whatever you do.”
He smiled. “I knew you were from the south. You hide your accent well, but every now and then a little comes out.” He winked at her.
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Julia. Just in this short time I’ve hung out with you, I’m able to see you are a great person.” Clay said, as the waitress arrived with their food.
“That was quick!” Julia said, smiling at the waitress.
“I’m sorry, darlin’, but I just have to ask. Are you Clay Aiken from American Idol?” The waitress said, smiling.
“Why, yes. Yes, I am.” Clay said, becoming shy.
“I hardly recognized you. You look so different in person!” The waitress said, chomping on her gum.
“Um, thank you?” Clay said, not knowing how to respond to that.
“Hey, you’re here with a girl. Are you two datin’?” She asked, wanting to be the first to get the scoop.
Clay immediately looked at Julia. Clay didn’t want anything leaking out to the press. Inside he was freaking out, not knowing what to say. He liked Julia, a lot. He had a great time with her, but there was no way he could say they were dating.
Julia immediately looked at Clay. She liked him a lot, but he was famous, she wasn’t. She could only dream of ever dating him. Julia wasn’t good enough for someone like Clay. She would love to date him, but knew that would never happen.
Both of them were blushing and the waitress was just standing there, chewing her gum waiting for an answer.
“No, ma’am. I’m afraid we aren’t. We’re just friends.” Julia answered, not wanting Clay to feel more pressure.
“Oh.” The waitress was disappointed. “Well you two enjoy your chicken.” She walked away as Julia exchanged a look with Clay.
“Thank you.” Clay said, breathing a sigh of relief.
“No problem.” Julia said, grabbing some ketchup.
Clay studied Julia as she put the ketchup on her plate and began to eat. Julia looked up and noticed him watching her.
“Is this the real you, Clayton?” Julia said, using his real name.
“What?” Clay asked, eating a french fry.
“You said before, in the room, that you never feel like you can just be yourself. Are you being yourself right now? Am I getting a taste of you the real you?” Julia asked, taking a bite of some chicken.
Clay smirked, realizing she was asking a tough question, but luckily he knew the answer. “Yes.” He said. “You are most definitely getting the real me.”
“Good.” Julia said, as she continued to eat.
They stayed at the diner for a while, and once they had finished their meal, Clay asked for the check, but the waitress replied “Oh, that man already took care of it for you, hun. The man with the two daughters, remember?”
“How nice!” Julia said, surprised.
“Yeah.” Clay said, putting his hat on. “That was really nice.”
“Look at the impact you’re having on people.” Julia said as they walked out in the street. “You are making a difference, even if it is at the expense of not being yourself.”
Clay nodded, not wanting to think about his fame anymore.
“It’s late, I should get to bed. I have a long day tomorrow.”
“I should be going too.” Julia sighed, not wanting to leave.
She liked him, a lot but knew things would never work out. She’d never see him again and he’d forget about her as soon as she got in the cab.
“Taxi!” Julia called as a cab pulled up on the side of the road.
“I’ll just go home from here. Will you be okay walking back by yourself?” She asked, worried about him.
“I’ll be fine, the hotel’s right over there.” Clay pointed.
“Good.” Julia nodded. Clay walked her to the cab.
“Clay, for what it’s worth, I like the real you. I know it doesn’t mean much coming from a girl like me, but the real you is what makes you special. People can see the real you, even through the spiky hair and striped shirts.” Julia said, looking up at him as she opened the car door.
Clay stopped for a moment, looking at her. After pausing a moment he askd, “Can I see you again? I’ll be back in New York in 2 weeks.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.” Julia said, surprised.
Clay gave her a kiss on the cheek and helped her in the car.
“Thanks for the fun night, we’ll be in touch.”
Julia waved goodbye as the taxi took her home. Clay walked back to the hotel with his hat on, his hands in his pockets and for the first time in a long time, a real smile on his face.
Part Six
Clay left New York the next day, but didn’t stop thinking about Julia. He knew the next two weeks would go by fast and he would get to see her again soon.
For Julia, it was becoming harder and harder to work for Larry. Clay had been right. She didn’t have to take his attitude. Larry didn’t treat her well at all. She was putting in later and later nights, and still getting yelled at and critiqued for every little thing. Even when she corrected the mistakes she made for the next time around, Larry found a new thing to criticize. They had given a presentation to Clive Davis and Larry had called her stupid in front of everyone. She never got up enough guts to talk back to him, because she knew she needed the job.
Julia hadn’t talked to Clay since that night they spent together, but she knew he was busy. In the back of her mind she wanted to believe he really would call her, but she knew in her heart that he wouldn’t. He was a big famous singer now and he didn’t have time for people like her.
Two days before Clay was coming back to New York, there was another new singer in the studio. Larry had called Julia several times having her run up and down from the studio to his office to get paperwork. Larry called and told her to bring the contracts up for the client to sign and Julia did so, but once again grabbed the wrong files by accident. This time, Larry was NOT forgiving.
“This is the last time I’m putting up with you and your mistakes!” Larry screamed.
Julia was scared. She had never seen him so angry.
“You are fired, Julia. Do you understand that or are you too slow to comprehend what I’m saying to you?” Larry said, backing her into a corner.
“I understand you perfectly clear, Larry.” Julia said, through clenched teeth.
“You can have your files, even if they are the wrong ones.” She dropped them at his feet and went to the door.
The agent of the new client had brought one of his children with him, a little boy about 4 years old and he was running around the studio pretending to be an airplane. He stopped, picked something up off the floor, and ran to his father, saying “Daddy, daddy, look what I found!”
He was holding Clay’s WWJD bracelet, and Julia recognized it right away.
“Excuse me, little boy.” Julia said, trying to remain polite. “Can I have that bracelet please?”
“No!” The little boy clasped it in his hand tightly.
Julia reached for it and took it from him as the little boy started to cry.
“I’m sorry, dear,” She said, kneeling down beside the little boy. “But see this bracelet, much like my job apparently, belongs to someone else now.” She shot a look at Larry and stood up to make her way to the door.
“Let me see you out, Ms. Simmons.” Larry said, holding the door open for her.
Julia responded by saying “No, that’s all right. I can see myself out. I have nothing to say to you…except for maybe one thing.”
She was finally getting up the nerve to tell him everything she thought of him, but she knew that would not be the Christian thing to do.
“And what would that one thing be?” Larry crossed his arms in front of his chest like he had done so many times before.
“Thank you.” Julia said, smirking.
“Thank you?” Larry asked, surprised by her comment.
“Yes Larry. Thank you…for absolutely nothing.” She walked out of the room and down the hall, never looking back.
Part Seven
Julia immediately wanted to call Clay, but knew that she couldn’t. She packed up her things and put them all in one box. She didn’t have much. Julia walked out to her black Volkwagon Jetta and unlocked it, putting her stuff in the passenger seat.
She looked on her cell phone for Clay’s number, but realized it was no longer there. It had been erased when she had called other people as duties for Larry. She felt good to no longer be associated with him, but was now worried about her future. Julia clung to the hope that Clay would find her, especially now since she was no longer at RCA.
**2 days later**
Clay was nervous to get off the plane. He knew as soon as he landed that he would surprise Julia at the office with a single rose and take her to dinner again. He missed her company and he felt she was one of the only people he had met after his fame, that really knew the true Clayton.
He arrived at RCA and went to her office, but was surprised to see that it was locked up, the doors closed, the lights off and nothing on the desk inside the room.
“Excuse me, Larry?” Clay knocked on his office door.
“Well, hi there Clay. It’s good to see you! Please have a seat, how have you been?” Larry gestured to the chairs in front of his desk.
“I don’t need to sit, I was just wondering where Julia is.” Clay said, leaning against the door frame.
“Julia?” Larry laughed.
“Why on earth are you looking for her?” He scoffed. “I fired her just 2 days ago. She’s long gone, good riddance.”
“You fired her?” Clay said, not believing him.
Larry nodded, smiling.
“I don’t know how you can be so rude. After all she did for you…you fired her? That wasn’t a wise move.” Clay started.
“Listen, Clay. The last thing I need right now is for some scrawny little pipsqueak who hasn’t been in the business for more than 6 months to TELL me how to do my job.” Larry stood up, about to ask him to leave.
Clay turned around and walked down the hall, trying to think what he was going to do. He had no idea how to find her now. After a few more steps he went back to Larry’s office and stuck his head in the door.
“You know, I could stand here and tell you off, like most people would. But instead, I’ll give you the worst insult I can think of.” Clay smirked.
“And what’s that?” Larry asked, taking his glasses off.
“You’re no better than Simon Cowell, in fact you just may be worse.” Clay walked away quickly, laughing to himself as he made his way out to where his bodyguards were waiting.
“No luck?” One of the bodyguards asked.
“No luck.” Clay repeated. “I’ve got to find her. I just don’t know how I can.”
Part Eight
Julia kept Clay’s bracelet, wishing there was some way she could get in touch with him. She was upset that she couldn’t find his number anywhere and she knew she could probably get it from RCA, but she didn’t want to associate with anyone from that place. She knew Clay wasn’t worried about finding her. To him, she was just some girl that he had fun with one night. He was too busy now and he wouldn’t want to be associated with some little intern from RCA. He could now have any woman he wanted.
Clay was trying desperately to get any information on Julia, but no one at RCA knew her well enough to even know where she lived, her phone number or anything. He wished he had gotten more information from her that night. He asked other people to help him, his agent, his manager, even his mom, but they all said it was a waste of time and that he had more important things to do. He had to leave New York again, but vowed to himself he would never give up looking for her. She was too special, and he knew they’d find each other again someday.
Julia went on to graduate from law school, and was able to fulfill her dream of working in Washington DC just 6 months later. She moved out east and was living in Maryland, loving everything about her new life. Julia followed Clay’s every move and became a fan, but was never able to get rid of the bracelet. She kept in on her key chain to remember him and their first real meeting when they had lost the key to the studio.
As Clay’s life became even busier, he realized just how much of an influence he had on people. His fan base grew to enormous proportions and every day he was humbled in thinking just how many people loved him and were touched by his music, yet he felt that something was missing. Whenever he got that feeling, he thought of Julia, the quiet and shy young lady who had made such an impact on him in New York City. He remember what she told him about the influence he had, and he used that to keep him going when times seemed too tough for him to handle.
Part Nine
6 months after their meeting at RCA, Julia was checking herself in the mirror of the ladies’ restroom at the White House. She was at a charity gala raising money for the National Education Association to fund more Special Education programs in public schools. She applied a new coat of lipstick, as her gaze shifted to the long mirror in the entryway. Another woman was coming in, and as the door opened, Julia thought she saw the reflection of a face from her past.
“Excuse me.” Julia asked, the woman politely.
“But is that man, standing just outside this door, who’s surrounded by people, is that Clay Aiken?” She asked, thinking that she was just seeing things.
“Oh yes dear. Do you remember him? He’s that lovely young man who was on that television show a while ago. You should meet him; he is the nicest celebrity I’ve ever met!” The older woman went about her way and Julia had to have a seat in the chair.
“I can’t let him see me. That would just make it too awkward. I don’t want him to know I’m here, he probably doesn’t even know I’m alive. Julia! Get a hold of yourself. He won’t even remember you! He’s a famous singer now, and you met him a LONG time ago.” She was now whispering to herself as she stood up and faced the bathroom door.
“Oh, excuse me.” Julia said, now feeling embarrassed as two ladies tried to get out of the bathroom (she had been blocking the door).
Julia was pacing back and forth now in front of the stalls, trying to talk herself through the situation. “I could just wait and see if he remembers me, or I could make my way over to him and act like I don’t remember him, but that would be rude. Oh, who am I kidding?” She stood, her fists clenched, once again facing the bathroom door that led out to the party where Clay was, right at that moment. “I’m just going to go out there and…”
While Julia was in the bathroom contemplating her fate, Clay was laughing with some people he had done charity work with in North Carolina. For the first time in months, he was really enjoying himself. They were talking about Simon, one of the judges for American Idol, when all of a sudden, Doug, a lawyer for the school district Clay used to work for, suddenly changed the subject.
“Isn’t it about time for you to re-sign with RCA? You wanna be sure to stay on top of your contracts there, Clay. If you ever need anyone to read them over for you before you sign, you know who to call. I see it all the time, people signing their lives away because they don’t read the fine print. I’d hate to see that happen to you.” He nodded, raising his glass to him.
“True, Doug. Thanks for reminding me. I might just take you up on that sometime.” Clay smiled.
Any talk about contracts reminded him of that day he signed his first one, and Julia, whom he hadn’t heard from since.
“If you’ll excuse me gentleman, nature is calling.” Clay joked, making his way through the crowd, shaking hands and promising to find his friends later on. He was heading towards the bathroom, trying to get through all the people.
“CLAY!” A chorus of voices came from the direction of his friends as they yelled to him.
He pushed open the door to the ladies’ restroom by mistake, causing Julia to hit her head on the door, as she was about to exit the bathroom and find Clay herself.
Part Ten
“Oh my gosh!” Clay said, immediately dropping to his knees to see if the young woman was all right.
Julia was holding her head but laughing. “I’m fine, really, I’m fine. It was stupid of me to be standing in the doorway.”
She smiled, looking up, noticing it was Clay.
“It was equally as stupid of me to be trying to get into the ladies’ restroom.” Clay smiled, looking her over, then pausing and giving that sideway smile.
“Julia.” He said slowly, helping her up.
“You’re here. I found you! I can’t believe it!” Clay was excited, and was thankful he was able to see her again.
Julia stood up and was suddenly shy.
“Yeah, it’s me.” She nodded, feeling sick to her stomach. I can’t believe you remember!” Julia smiled, stunned.
“How could I forget?” Clay asked, simply.
“You’ve changed.” Clay said, after a few moments of silence, looking her up and down.
She no longer wore her glasses, her hair was up and she was wearing a simple black dress. Julia didn’t look like the same person he had met 6 months ago.
“I mean—you look great.” He complimented her.
“So do you.” She said quietly.
“Ouch, we better get something for your head. Does it hurt?” He asked, walking with her towards the kitchen area.
“No, really, it’s not that bad, I promise.” She smiled, looking up at him, still shocked he remembered her.
“You’re getting a big ole goose egg and its turnin’ purple and stuff.” Clay made an icky face, and stuck out his tongue, making Julia laugh.
The two went into the kitchen and Clay had Julia sit down while he got some ice and put it in a small plastic bag. They started talking while in the kitchen about life, what they were doing now and how busy they always were. Eventually, they ended up outside, walking on the grounds of the White House.
“Do you think we should go back inside?” Julia asked, looking up at him as the moonlight reflected off of the water from a fountain nearby.
“Nah.” Clay shook his head, looking down at Julia.
“Trust me. I’ve gone to enough of these and they don’t even know we’re gone.”
“That’s true. I don’t really like big parties like this with all this whining and dining. All they really want is your money, and that’s just something I don’t have a lot of right now.” She laughed, watching Clay smile at her and laugh a little as well.
It got quiet again; the two were in front of a large fountain, in the middle of a large garden. They looked at the fountain, not making eye contact with each other. The only sound was crickets in the distance, until Julia broke the silence.
“Thanks for the ice…and I’m sorry I never got a hold of you. I’ve missed you, a lot and thought about you all the time. It’s nice to know you’re still the real you.” She looked up at him as a slight breeze blew through and gave them goose bumps.
She looked the other way, and put a strand of hair behind her ear. She turned again to look at him, but before she knew it, Clay had taken her face in his hands and was kissing her softly and gently on the lips.
“You’re welcome for the ice.” He whispered, looking into her eyes as he slowly pulled away.
Julia didn’t move, but stood perfectly still, staring at him. “Did you just…?” She asked, touching her lips with her fingers.
“Yeah, I did.” Clay said, grinning as he grabbed her hands.
“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since I met you in New York City. When I met you and you walked away, and then Larry said he fired you…I never forgot you. I think its crazy we’re here, tonight, meeting again. I don’t wanna let you go this time.” Clay’s eyes were sparkling; he was excited and smiling, while his heart was pounding within his chest.
“I’m more nervous telling you all this than I was when they announced the winner of American Idol.” He joked.
“Julia, please, say something.” Clay waited for her response, crouching down a bit to be more at her level of height.
“I…don’t know….what to say…I mean, you really…like me?” She asked.
“I keep thinking this is a dream and I’m going to wake up at any moment. I never thought anyone would want to be with me, ever, let alone a huge superstar like you!” Julia smiled, squeezing his hands.
“I DO wanna be with you.” Clay said, pulling her closer to him.
“I know that I hardly know anything about you. I know that it is purely coincidence that we ran into each other tonight; but I do believe it could also be God’s plan. Because, I know that since that day in the city, I have never forgotten what your face looks like, how you smile and how sweet you are. I have been praying for someone to be sent to me and I believe you’re it. I don’t know how this is going to work, but we have to give it a try.” Clay said, hugging her. “Please.”
“How do you know all that already? I’m just a normal girl. I wear sweatpants and no make up on the weekends. I throw my hair up in a sloppy bun, and put on my glasses as soon as I get home. I sing in the shower and in the car when I drive to work. I hate cleaning house, but I love watching soap operas and going shopping or just cuddling up on the couch with a good book. I go to church on Sundays and read the Bible every morning. You’re…you’re a celebrity and I’m…I’m just me.” She let go of his hands and turned her back to him.
“I’m a normal guy, Julia. I have tried really hard to make sure fame doesn’t change me. So far, it hasn’t. I need someone like you to keep me grounded, I want a normal girl. I don’t go for all that bleach blonde, plastic, fake-n-bake stuff. You’re you and that’s what I like. That’s what I want.”
“Okay then.” Julia said, smiling as another slight breeze trickled through the lawn. “Let’s make a promise, right here.”
Clay smiled at her, picking up on her excitement. “Do you have a coin?” Julia asked.
Clay was confused, but found a penny in his pocket. He handed it to her and watched her walk up closer to the fountain.
“This is our wishing well, so to speak. We’ll make a wish on this penny, close our eyes and throw it in. So you go first, what’s your wish?” She asked, holding the penny out over the water, as he came up behind her.
“To always be myself, no matter what the future brings.” Clay said, without hesitation.
“Good one!” Julia winked at him.
“What’s yours?” Clay asked. “My wish is that we always try our best to make this work, no matter what happens, because I want this too. I want us to try it.”
Clay couldn’t help but smile as he reached out, holding onto the other side of the penny with his thumb and forefinger.
“On the count of three, drop it in.” Julia whispered.
They counted together “One. Two. Three.”
The penny splashed in the water and sunk to the bottom.
“This is the night where we capture forever and all our tomorrows begin.” Julia said as she opened her eyes, laughing at the joke she made referring to Clay’s first single.
“Yes it is.” Clay smiled, kissing her forehead.
“Hey, watch the goose egg!” Julia giggled as they began to walk back.
“By the way, I have your bracelet.” Julia told him as they entered the ball room.
“You do?” Clay said, astonished that she found it.
“A little boy found it the day I was fired.” Julia laughed.
“Can I have it back?” Clay asked, hoping she’d let him keep it now.
“Well, I’ll keep it for now. That will give you a reason to see me again and this time I’ll make sure you know how and where to find me.” She winked at him.
He led her out onto the dance floor as they held hands, ready to start their lives together.
THE END
.. Or is it? Keep checking back for the continuation of "Make A Wish"! The new story is called "Listen To Your Heart" and it's better than the first one!!
A very important thank you goes out to Julia, without her, this part of the site wouldn't be here! Thank you Julia!!!
