Twisted | By : ClarkWoodFan Category: Singers/Bands/Musicians > Kelly Clarkson Views: 5663 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know Kelly Clarkson. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Chapter 24: Inner Circle
Here we go…another update. And I didn’t make y’all wait forever. What’s gotten into me? Lol. Enjoy y’all. I’m trying to get better at this regular updating thing. Plus, I needed to cheer myself up after reading the sadness of Love Quotes. Oh, and 70032, thanks for the compliment and agreed. But, honestly, if I had one wish, it'd be ME and Kelly/Carrie. lol. ;)
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“Sorry,” Carrie apologized as she jumped in the limo with Matt close behind her. She sat facing the window as he joined her.
“Here’s the schedule,” he handed her a sheet. “The basic stuff, you know. A brief interview and a song following.”
“Thanks,” she smiled as she scanned it and handed it back. “So, we’re ok on time,” she asked, slightly concerned.
“Yeah, “ he answered, taking the sheet back from her. “I called you an hour earlier than I should have.”
“Oh,” she frowned.
“You know,” he began tentatively. “I actually knocked on your door before I called.”
“Hmm,” she turned to look out the window. She figured Matt knew then. Or at least suspected something was up with her. They’d been good friends for years and when she needed someone to help her with the day-to-day things, he was the first person that came to mind because she knew she could trust him. She also knew that she didn’t really owe him an explanation, but she didn’t feel like lying to him. Not to mention, that if she wanted Kelly or Jason to have access to her and her schedule without Matt’s protectiveness, she’d have to explain why.
She took a deep breath as she turned to him. “That’s ‘cause I spent the night with Kelly,” she answered trying to sound as casual as she could. She tried her best to read Matt’s face as he just sat there in silence, but she couldn’t figure him out.
“Oh,” he finally managed. He’d suspected it, but was still surprised that Carrie admitted it so openly. “You mean,” he asked, just to make sure, even if he felt slightly silly for asking what was obvious.
Carrie smiled in spite of herself and nodded. “Yes.”
“Ah,” Matt shook his head.
“Thoughts,” she asked, still unsure.
“Hey, you’re the boss. And you seem happy,” he finally returned the smile.
“I am,” the blonde added.
“Good. You deserve it. But you know,” he cautioned. “It’s not going to be easy.”
Carrie frowned slightly. “Yeah, I know. Eventually, this little bubble of happiness will be faced with the real world. But for now, I’m really happy and I want to keep it that way.”
“I’m happy for you,” he answered honestly. “Though, I never expected this from you…”
She laughed. “To be honest with you, neither did I. Ever. But she’s so incredibly amazing that I couldn’t help to be attracted to that.”
“Look at you all sappy and stuff. So not the Carrie I know,” he laughed.
“Love makes me sappy. Which, trust me, I’m not used to. I never was one for the lovey-dovey crap. But things change, I guess.”
“I’d say. So, not to get all downer on you, but I’ll do my best to keep this under wraps. You know everyone always wants to know about your life and who’s the new man. ‘Cause I’m sure if they see you this happy, they’ll assume it’s a guy.”
She smiled. “Thanks, Matt. I know. We haven’t thought about that aspect yet.”
“ I need to ask so I can help,” he couldn’t hide the curiosity. “Who knows?”
“Well, the only ones who know are Kelly’s brother, her stylist, Ashley, and her backup singers, Jill and Kate.”
“Ok, so basically her inner circle?”
“Yes. The people closest to her, who would never say anything...to anyone.”
“Do you trust them,” he asked unsure.
“I trust Kelly and obviously, she trusts them. So, by extension, yes.”
“Good,” he reassured her. “What about you? You haven’t told anyone else?”
She shifted. “Nope, you’re the first one.”
He smiled at her. “Well, don’t I feel special?” He gave her a quick hug.
“Thanks, Matt,” she genuinely appreciated having him around.
“No problem, kiddo.”
“You know, we’re the same age. I don’t get why you call me kiddo,” she teased.
He chuckled. “I know, but I see you like a little sister.”
“Thanks.”
========
Kelly finished another song as she walked into the lounge where there was a TV set up. Jill and Kate joined her on the couch.
Kate laughed as Kelly took the remote and changed the channel. “Why am I not surprised,” she turned to Jill as they saw the host holding a Copy of Carnival Ride in his hand before he began speaking.
“Our next guest,” he began. “Comes to us from America. She found fame thanks to a little show called American Idol, which as you all know brought someone named Kelly Clarkson as well. Please, let’s give a big Aussie welcome to…Carrie Underwood.”
“Thanks,” she smiled as she walked onto the set and shook his hand.
“So, is this your first time in Australia,” asked motioning to the couch.
“Yes,” she sat.
“Ok, so, tell us a bit about yourself.”
“Well, I’m from a small town in Oklahoma. It’s in the middle of the States. I was raised by my parents out in the country. I have two older sisters. Tried out for American Idol on whim. That’s about it.”
The host smiled. “Well, that’s a short version. American Idol, what made you audition?”
Carrie turned her eyes to him. “I think it was just one of those things. I was in college at the time and figured that it was worth a shot. If it didn’t work, I could finish school and go on with whatever else came along.”
“Which would’ve been?”
“I was majoring in mass media and journalism.”
“So,” he joked. “Means I won’t be able to trip you up with random, personal questions?”
She laughed politely. “I hope not. But you never know, sometimes, I say things I shouldn’t.”
He laughed in return. “I guess I’ll have to give it a shot…at some point. Had you heard anything about Australia before coming over?”
”Well, my last tour was with Keith Urban,” there was some cheering from the audience. “I’m sure the ladies appreciate that. He raved about you all and said I should come down.”
“Smart man, that Keith. So, you’re singing for us?”
“Yes,” Carrie nodded. “I’ll be doing a song I found really funny when they first offered it to me. It’s called ‘The More Boys I Meet.’ Then, it goes…the more I love my dog.”
The host laughed. “So, as you know, that’s an opening. Does that mean, you’re unlucky in love?”
Carrie smiled and shook her head. “No, no.”
“Oh,” he took the cue. “So you there is someone special?”
Carrie wasn’t sure what to say. “Uh, well, I didn’t say that either. I really would rather not talk about it.” The host nodded allowing her to continue. “There’s just some things that I want to keep to myself.”
“Fair enough,” he smiled. “But your smile isn’t doing much to hide we’re onto something…”
Carrie didn’t answer and just shrugged. “So, anyway. The name of the CD is Carnival Ride, Y’all should get it.” That earned her a laugh from the host and the audience.
“On that lovely note,” he stood and she did as well. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Carrie Underwood!”
She walked over to the other side of the stage as she joined her band for the song.
Kate and Jill laughed as they turned to Kelly. The Texan smiled brightly at her girlfriend on the screen.
“Well,” Kate broke her daydream. “Looks like the cat’s out of the bag…”
“What,” Kelly managed to tear her eyes away from the screen. “Nah, she did ok.”
“You think,” Jill chimed in.
“Yeah,” Kelly nodded, glacing quickly back to the screen. “Those interviews are horribly unpredictable. It’s not like she yelled out that, ‘Hey, look! I’m dating the other Idol,’ you know?” The girls laughed.
“True,” Kate moved back on the couch. “But the way she was smiling, even the blind could see that she’s got someone.”
Kelly laughed.
“So,” she nudged her. “Feels good, huh?”
Kelly sighed. “You have no idea….”
“So,” Jason walked into the lounge. “I’m sure you were watching her, but we need to get back to recording.”
“Yes, yes,” Kelly stood.
========
“Honey, I’m home,” Carrie yelled as Kelly opened her suite door. She could hear the laughter coming from the other people in the room.
“Hey,” Kelly hugged her. “Um,” she shifted nervously as she saw Matt standing next to Carrie. “Care?”
“Oh,” she turned to him and smiled. “Come on in,” she told him.
“Are you sure,” he frowned.
Carrie turned her gaze to the Texan. “Do you mind?”
Kelly shook her head. “No, no, come in,” she moved back and both came into the room.
“Hey,” Carrie greeted Jason, Ashley, Jill and Kate.
“Hey,” they all answered in unison.
“Um, Care,” Kelly spoke up as her eyes turned to Matt as the three of them joined the others on the chairs and couch.
“Oh,” the blonde answered. “Matt and I had an interesting talk this morning,” she shrugged. “He knows.”
“Oh,” Jason sighed. “Good,” he added enthusiastically. “Do you know how much easier it’ll be to work out y’all schedules?” They shared a laugh.
“Well,” Carrie turned to Kelly. She was a little afraid that she hadn’t asked her girlfriend before having that talk with Matt. It wasn’t that she couldn’t make her own decisions, but she figured something that important should be discussed first. “There was that. Plus, he’s really one of my closest people. I really couldn’t lie to him.”
“It’s ok,” Kelly nodded reassuringly as she reached for Carrie’s hand. “I trust your judgment. And it’s really not fair for me to tell my friends if you can’t do the same.”
Carrie smiled and squeezed her hand. “Thanks.”
“So, Matt,” Jill spoke up. “Were you taken for a loop?”
He laughed. “Totally.”
Jason stood to shake his hand. “Welcome to the group, then.”
“Thanks,” he smiled. “Looks like I might be working with you on figuring stuff out.”
“Definitely. My sis barely knows where she’s going from one place to the next.”
“Hey,” Kelly whined.
“Don’t worry,” Matt reassured her. “I’m sure Carrie will help you with that. She’s incredibly organized and good about knowing her schedule. Seriously, I think she just keeps me around for company.”
Carrie laughed. “Maybe sometimes. I do like having someone to remind me of stuff. Even if I already know it.”
“So,” Matt asked, “What’s the calendar for now?”
Jason pulled out his blackberry. “We are here until Monday. When does Carrie have to get back?”
“Um,” Matt shifted uncomfortably. “I hate to say it, but she’s leaving tomorrow morning.”
“What,” Carrie practically choked. “I thought I leave Sunday,” she shook her head with a frown.
“Well, you were going to, but I got a call from Anne. They're ready to announce that you're hosting the CMAs and the re-release for Christmas, and the rest of your tour so they need you back home. Let’s just say, you’re going to be a busy girl.”
“Wow,” Kelly looked surprised at Carrie. “You’ve got a lot on your plate…” Both girls shared a sad smile.
“I’m sure you do too,” the blonde turned to Jason.
“She’s right,” he nodded. “You’ve got your tour with Reba, figuring out the single and release date, doing promo. It’s gonna be a whirlwind. You know the label’s gonna pimp this out as the comeback,” he rolled his eyes.
“What,” Carrie asked surprised. “Comeback? She never went away.”
“Maybe not,” Kelly nodded sadly. “But the last one didn’t live up to expectations, so you know. The pressure’s on.”
“Aw,” Carrie hugged her. “Whatever. It was brilliant,” she smiled as she pulled back. “If anyone can handle it, it’s you, babe.”
“Thanks,” Kelly whispered.
“So,” Jason stood. “How about you and I,” he looked at Matt. “Head down to the restaurant and order dinner?” He turned to Ashley, Jill and Kate. “Y’all ladies should join us.”
“But, Jay,” Kelly protested. “We aren’t done yet.”
He smiled, knowing his sister. “I know, sis. But, she leaves tomorrow and I’m sure you’d rather spend time with her without us all, right?”
Carrie blushed slightly as Kelly laughed. “Gah,” she got up to hug him. “I hate when you do that!”
“Do what,” he feigned innocence.
“You know what. Read my mind. It’s annoying!”
“Ha. It’s the smart older brother thing,” he ruffled her hair. “You know you love me.”
“I do,” she smiled. “And thanks.”
He shook his head. “No prob. Y’all ready,” he asked as they all got up.
Carrie stood next to Kelly. “Seriously, y’all don’t have to leave. I mean, we can order room service and watch a movie or something,” she offered.
“Oooh,” Kate perked up. “That sounds fun,” she smiled.
Jason laughed. “Thanks, Carrie, but I know my sister. She would kill us.”
Kelly laughed. “No, I wouldn’t….” she shook her head. “I might maim you, but not kill you.”
“Kel,” Carrie’s eyes widened.
“Oh, they know I’m kidding,” she smirked. “But really, y’all can stay if you want to…honest.”
Matt nodded as he walked with Jason. “Nah. I’m good.”
“Yeah,” Jill added. “I wanna people watch downstairs.”
“I’ll see y’all before I leave, right,” Carrie asked hopefully as she stood next to Kelly.
Kelly turned to her. “Hello, of course. Trust me, can’t get rid of them. I’ve tried…” Everyone laughed. “No, but seriously. We’ll see y’all in the morning,” the Texan ushered them to the door.
“Bye,” Carrie waved as the Texan quickly began closing the door, laughing.
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