Author’s note: the song Justin’s singing is “Scandalicious” by Nick Carter.
THREE WEEKS LATER
After three weeks in L.A., Justin appeared more than comfortable with his new world. Tonight was his first performance. Nothing big, he just had to sing one number in one of the most important bars in L.A. However, he was nervous as hell.
“I’m so nervous about tonight!”
“Don’t worry Baby, they’ll love you.”
“But it’s not Pittsburgh, Kip. Shit, we’re in L.A. This city could make my fortune or be my misfortune. I’m so afraid I’m going fuck up.”
“You won’t,” Kip said as he tried to calm him. He knew that Justin was talented enough to not fuck it up.
“You know, there’s something that still bothers me,” Justin said.
“What?” Kip asked, curious to learn what really bothered the young singer.
“The song I’m going to sing tonight wasn’t written by me,” Justin revealed. “I mean… I like writing my own songs and performing them. Instead, Emmett gave me some lyrics and told me, ‘This is the song you’re going to sing for your debut’.” Justin declared in a cheap imitation of Emmett.
“Well Baby, you know that sometimes you have to compromise before you achieve the glory.”
***
In the meantime, Brian was vegetating in his big, luxurious apartment. After the problem with the stereo system his tour had been cancelled and now he didn’t have anything to do. He was watching TV when somebody knocked on his door.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Brian said as he opened the door.
“I came to see how my favourite star is doing.”
“Emmett, I don’t have time for your shit.”
“Why? Is there something urgent you have to do? I thought that after the tour had been cancelled…”
“SHUT THE FUCK UP!”
“Oh, we’re nervous, aren’t we? Look, I came here for business. No matter what, I’m still your manager.”
“No, Emmett… Michael is my manager,” Brian clarified. “You’re just his pathetic helper.”
“I’m gonna pretend I didn’t hear that comment and I’ll keep on talking.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Brian said sardonically.
“Anyway, as I was saying before being rudely interrupted, I’m still your manager and I have to take care of you. So tonight we’re going to Insomnia to spy on the competition.”
“What do you mean?” Brian asked, suddenly interested in what Emmett had to say.
“I mean that tonight at Insomnia there’s a young singer named, Justin Taylor making his debut.”
“Who the fuck is Justin Taylor?”
“He’s someone who’ll create difficulties for you.”
“Really? Oh God I’m so afraid!” Brian replied sardonically.
“Well, if I was in your shoes, I would be afraid,” Emmett added maliciously.
“Brian Kinney is not afraid of anyone.”
“Then I have to give you my compliments. You’re really brave,” Emmett continued.
“Look, since I have nothing to do I’ll go with you, but I’m not afraid. Just curious.”
“Whatever. Anyway did I tell you who’s Taylor’s manager?” Emmett asked, as he smiled proudly.
“No, but come on, I’m dying to know who it is!” Brian replied in his usual sardonic tone.
“Me!” Emmett said as he kept smiling.
“Well, now I only have pity for this Justin Taylor,” Brian said, bursting into laughter.
Well, I only have pity for you; idiot, Emmett thought. You have no idea of how a scorned lover can be dangerous to you. I’ll be responsible for your ruin and I’ve only just started.
*******************
Insomnia was one of the most famous bars in L.A. It was where most of the famed American singers had made their debut and Brian Kinney had been one of them.
Brian and Emmett walked in and found seats just as the house lights went down and the spotlight illuminated the young singer, Justin Taylor. The music started and the boy began to sing.
I entered the party ready to leave
When somebody offered me sex on the beach
I turned around and got into shock at first
I got a feelin' that she must have smelled my thirst
Brian’s first thought was that the young singer would make a wonderful fuck. The boy was sex on legs and his gaydar told him exactly what he needed to know. “Hey Em, did you know that your pet is a fag?”
“Yeah, just like you.”
“So is Sonny Boy prepared to go back in the closet? That’s if he’s been out at all?”
Actually, Emmett hadn’t told Justin anything yet, but he nodded anyway.
She must be scandalicious
Oh yeah
He was talented indeed but nothing special and like he told Emmett, Brian Kinney wasn’t afraid of anyone. Brian noticed that Justin was cute and really young. He knew girls would love his sunshine smile and his bubble butt, but he felt that was all the young singer had going for him.
“You’ve were wonderful,” Kip told Justin after his performance.
“Really? I was so nervous I thought I was going to pass out.”
“Leave the reviews to an expert.” A hot voice suddenly interrupted.
“I know you… you’re Brian Kinney!” Justin said smiling. He was so exited to see his favourite singer, Brian Kinney standing right in front of him.
“If you ask me, your performance was nothing special,” Brian said with his usual diva attitude.
“How dare you to speak to him like that, Mr. I’m full of myself Kinney!”
“No Kip, leave it. Why did you say that?” Justin was disappointed to learn what his idol thought of his performance, but he was willing to accept any suggestions the seasoned performer had to give him.
“First of all the song sucked. Secondly, you have the voice of a child. Finally, the song was sung almost entirely by the chorus.”
Although, Justin was disappointed by what he’d been told, he still got up the courage to ask his idol for his comments. “What would you suggest, then?”
“Well, you should sing a song that emphasizes your vocal qualities… that’s if you have any vocal qualities,” Brian said in a tone that left Justin believing he didn’t have any talent.