The Starlet

I like the loving wives category but it can be difficult to come up with something different. I try to explore alternate realities or situations with angst.

I do spell and grammar checks and proofread but bound to miss some. If that bothers you too much maybe think about reading something else.

Please check the tags, don't read it if it's not your thing. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy it, they are free and they are just stories.

Best Wishes, Satin.

***

It was a strange comment, but I was sure I'd heard my Mother in law correctly as I arrived at the party... "Go on Rhian, I will manage your husband for you when he arrives."

Neither of them realised I was there amongst the throng of people, I moved away into the crowd before either woman spotted me. Helping myself to a free drink before standing back in the shadows to observe my wife. I could also see her mother checking for my arrival.

The nature of the party worried me, a lot of those attending looked high and there was a constant stream of people heading towards the wash rooms... I was pretty sure they didn't all have weak bladders.

It wasn't an untypical comment, my Mother In law believed she managed the whole of our lives not just Rhian's music career. As her manager and agent, she cut a powerful figure in the industry, all due to being in control of a genuine superstar. Rhian was laughing and talking with Dan Wilkins, I noted how closely they stood, they touched hands and looked to the entire world to be lovers. At one point Rhian stroked Dan's face and there seemed to be an intense conversation, both of them looked emotional. The last time I had seen something similar I had punched Dan in the face, that didn't work out to well for me but I thought it had quelled his desires... seemingly not enough!

I wasn't supposed to be there of course, aiming for surprise at her end of tour party on an exclusive Mediterranean Island. It looked like I would be refused entry to the private resort, mentioning I was actually the star's husband overcame the resistance, despite the questioning looks.

***

We had met eight years previously when I was a lead guitarist in a local rock band. We were doing quite well, playing a local venue's second stage was a step up from our the usual sweaty rock bars. The headline band on the main stage were good, the female lead singer was outstanding. I, like most of the crowd was mesmerised! She had an unbelievable voice, looked absolutely stunning and totally owned the stage, it was hard to take your eyes off her. She reminded me a lot of a young Stevie Nicks, with a similar break in her voice.

After the gig I went back across town towards home, deciding to have a final beer at my local before crashing out. A woman walked in and sat at the bar, she was in jeans, a hoody and wore a cap.

She ordered a coffee; the landlord was grumpy about it as it involved more effort for him than a beer.

"Jesus Jack, give the woman a break, it's hardly a herculean effort to make a coffee!" He wandered away grumbling.

I turned toward her, "Pay no attention to Jack there; he isn't happy unless he has got something to be unhappy about."

She glanced up, it was her... the singer, but she looked completely different without any make-up and not in a bad way. Then she smiled, "I am pleased to help him out then."

We talked about... nothing really, nothing that I can recall anyway, I can remember her face, beautiful... almost ethereal.

I didn't want to come across as a fan or stalker for that matter, so said I was a part time barman for Jack, which was true. Interestingly she didn't mention being a singer; just that she was visiting town on business. I guessed she wanted some peace and time away from all the hype of gigs and music.

I couldn't resist testing her on it, "So how has your night been?"

"Yeah really good, I enjoy my work."

She introduced herself as Rhian and I replied that mine was Mark. We had 'normal' conversation, she seemed to appreciate it and then asked me about my night.

"Well I went to see a band across town, they were fantastic and the female lead was mesmerising."

Immediately she looked annoyed, "You knew!!?"

"Yeah, I was there; I play in a band who were supporting at the venue."

Her reply was an accusatory, "You should have said you knew who I was!"

"I was going to, but it looked like you wanted to talk about something else and have a quiet drink in a bar like a normal person. I am not your number one fan or stalking you or anything."

"Yeah well, it's just the band stuff is 24 7 and full on, I am avoiding the post gig party, it's just not my thing."

"It's nice listening to your accent by the way; you sound different on stage.

"I have to sing with less accent, and use all those American inflections, it sells better."

We continued chatting and had a nice time, I had no illusions about anything romantic... she was so out of my league, even without the whole lead singer, talented musician vibe.

So her next comment surprised me, "Can we do this again?"

"Aren't you on tour?"

"We have a week long mid tour break, then another two months until we wrap it up."

"I am not sure if that's a good idea."

"Why!?"

"Well you're a stunning woman on tour, hundreds of guys are in lust with you. You might be the next big thing, with huge demands on your time... there are so many things that could go wrong. Despite my big tough exterior, I could see myself getting hurt by someone like you."

"I am a long way from being a big thing... I am just a girl asking a guy out."

***

I was stunned to see her at our gig the following night. She was semi in disguise again but jumping around excitedly near the front.

We caught up during our break; she said she loved our songs. It was more old school rock and blues, influenced a lot by bands like Free. Rhian's band were commercial and mainstream, her voice and lyrics stood out though. I was elated; her focus remained on me throughout the second part of our set. I introduced her to the guys afterward; only our bass player Pete recognised who she was, but then Elvis could have walked in the building and Pete would have just shrugged, unless he was buying the beers.

It turns out Rhi or Rhian to me was from a well to do background, her family had money. At first I thought she might be a poor little rich girl playing at the music thing, but she was even more obsessive about it than me. We got on fantastically well and grew closer. So she was beautiful, talented, rich, funny and nice. This was bound to go wrong, I am not this lucky... ever!

Maybe that's why I didn't jump into our relationship, I tried to pre-empt problems, one of those was her mother Katherine, who managed Rhian and seemed to know her way around the industry. Despite being pleasant at face value, I knew she didn't like me, maybe she saw me as a threat to her daughter's career or that I was stealing her away. I tried to explain I just wanted the best for Rhian and had no intention of riding on her coat tails. Rhian shared a lot of her traits, the levels of determination and focus were almost scary. I was pretty laid back but not a push over, and had to tell her to rein it in at times.

When we went out, I often got 'a look' from people which asked the question, 'how did you manage that?' Rhian either didn't seem to notice or was particularly good at disregarding it.

Despite those few niggles, life was good; she quickly established herself as part of my life and I really missed her when she was away. Rhian was absolute dynamite in the bedroom; it was her pure enthusiasm which put her on another level. It wasn't unusual for us to go at it two or three times each night. When we disagreed, she was able to fuck any problems away. Afterward I couldn't even remember what we had disagreed about! It was hard to recall what my life was like before she came into it.

Rhian was as determined in her private life as she was in her career. Quickly we were engaged and then married. I was in heaven, married to the girl of my dreams and pursuing my musical ambitions albeit with limited success. Rhian was chasing her own dream and seemed to be outpacing me, there was certainly more interest in her, than yet another bluesy rock band. I was really happy for her, she deserved to succeed and I supported her as much as possible.

***

Her break was an offer to support a major act's European tour. The exposure and coverage would be immense; it was the opportunity to build a bigger fan base.

Rhian was worried about being away for three months, but I encouraged her to go for it. She suggested I went along as our band were breaking up anyway, after James quit and Joey got married! Most of the other guys wanted to try something new, so we called it a day and I went with Rhian as a roady and general dogsbody. We had a fantastic time and I helped crew for the bigger act as well, learning a lot. Rhian was gaining rave reviews as the support act, I still had to encourage her, she was her own worst critic and suffered from nerves to the point of sickness. I missed playing, but had some time to practice and write stuff.

I was uncomfortable with the fact her outfits were getting progressively raunchier; mostly skimpy PVC dresses, I thought that had all died out 20 years ago but seemingly not. The biggest battle was keeping her feet on the ground; suddenly a lot of new people were very interested and hanging around us. We managed to avoid the excesses of the constant partying but still had plenty of fun together.

***

I arrived one night to see Dan Wilkes from the record label far too close to Rhian, almost pawing her in her revealing stage outfit before resting his hand on her ass. He looked pissed off as I walked up to him, he obviously thought I was just another roadie, "Who the fuck are you?"

"I would be the husband!"

I punched the guy and he went down like a sack of shit.

Rhian exploded, "What the fuck are you doing Mark!?"

I had expected some credit from Rhian for protecting her but I was sorely mistaken, she continued to scream furiously at me!

"I was taking his grubby hands of you, maybe you should have thought about doing the same thing!"

My attempt to storm off was rudely interrupted by two security guards who escorted me out of the venue, ripped my pass off and dumped me in the car park. It could have been worse, they didn't beat me up! I walked back to the hotel trying to calm down; I may have been side-tracked into the hotel bar to continue the calming process.

Rhian and her mother arrived two hours later. Again any contrition was sadly absent; the general theme of my berating was how dare I jeopardise her career.

"I wasn't thinking about careers, I was thinking of protecting my wife, although I should maybe ask why you were allowing it and was if it the first time."

That cooled her jets, "It's nothing, some innocent flirting is just part of the getting on in the game."

"Oh yeah and just how far will you go to succeed?"

That set here off again, "How dare you insinuate I'd do that!"

Her mother stepped in at that point, "You need to apologise to Dan in front of the crew tomorrow,"

"I can guarantee that is one thing that is not going to happen Katherine!"

"In that case you leave is no choice, you're sacked from the tour Mark!"

"Seriously!? I didn't even know I was employed, well I guess that leaves the way clear for Rhian and Dan then!"

Rhian tried a softer approach, "Just apologise Mark, he could press charges."

"I'll take my chances thanks."

I wasn't too worried, I didn't think any of them would want the poor publicity but that didn't alter the fact I was 'sacked' and on my way back home to our little cottage. There was no contact from Rhian and the tour continued. I shouldn't have been surprised; she'd do anything to succeed, ably supported by her dragon of a mother.

I found myself at home, feeling disregarded and ignored. At least I had plenty of time to write, most of it about my current feelings and angst. I really missed my days in the band, recalling the dreams and hopes I had before boarding on the all-encompassing Rhian showboat.

She hadn't called and I certainly wasn't going to, I didn't regret my actions even though the subsequent dismissal was humiliating. I started thinking about what I wanted to do, before calling my old mates to see what they were all up to. It was my old bass player Pete who offered a suggestion.

***

Rhian finally called after a week, "Have you calmed down yet?"

"Have you?"

"I don't want to argue Mark, I am sorry about what you saw, I would have stopped him if it had gone any further, you need to trust me and not act like a jealous idiot."

"Really you'd want me to let that go?"

"Well no, I liked you protecting me but you didn't need to thump him. It's worked by the way, he hasn't been anywhere near me since... he thinks you're a psycho!"

"Great, tell him that I am. Anyway your mum seemed very keen to sack me."

"She was just handling the fall out and minimising the damage, she persuaded him not to press charges."

"So I should thank her for sacking me?"

"It's just this tour Mark; you can come back for the next one."

"You sound confident."

I could almost hear her smiling down the phone, "It's why mum was so concerned, we have a tour lined up with me as the headline act, it's my biggest break yet and it's going to be amazing."

"I am delighted for you, I really am! The thing is, I am going with Pete to work as a roadie for a world rock tour, 'The Chain' are headlining it, I'm on sound checks and instruments."

"No way!! You can't do that, I need you on my first solo tour with me and you can do so much more than being just a roadie."

"I won't live on the back of your career Rhian, I need to find my own place, preferably one where I don't get sacked and treated as a lackey."

That drew a silence, I really was uncomfortable about it all, the last thing I wanted was to be a hanger on, and I couldn't resist the dig about getting sacked.

"Jesus Mark, if you aren't on tour with me, we'll hardly see each other!"

***

Rhian was not happy and begged me to join her on tour. Both tours were doing well, but her rise was stratospheric, she was becoming a world-wide superstar and couldn't seem to put a foot wrong, sell-out crowds, repeated chart and download hits, the world was her oyster.

Before I knew it, we had bought a new house and then a beach house, not that I had much say in the matter. I was more comfortable in the little cottage we'd had since first getting together. When I raised it Rhian dismissed my concerns saying her mum had arranged it and that they were a great investments, also she needed somewhere with security.

Her music videos hyped up the sex aspects and showcased a lot of her body; as well as cavorting with hot young male dancers and simulating sex, a lot of it made me feel uncomfortable but I reminded myself it was all image, smoke and mirrors. After the release of her last video, she reminded me she was performing as her stage persona Rhi; it had nothing to do with Rhian my wife.

I saw more of her on TV than anywhere else, performing in front of thousands, then seeing her on talk shows and at red carpet nights. Our contact was limited to video calls and messages.

In seven months we only managed to get together three times and they required logistical miracles for me to travel and catch up with her. On the first two times we managed to spend time together, Rhian reminded me of the girl I'd met and we had a great time. She was clearly thinking about her career but we made time for each other and reconnected as a couple. The third visit was different; I was competing for her time against other commitments and the ever growing entourage. I was scheduled in by her PA for lunch and dinner; the pretty young girl seemed pleased that she had found time in Rhian's busy schedule for me!

Rhian breezed in for lunch, after a brief hug and kiss; she sat and proceeded to tell me about how busy she was. It felt like a business meeting... all about her and her career. It sounded like her mother had turned into a complete control freak and now had the authority to ensure her demands were met. Some of that attitude seemed to rubbing off on Rhian.

We talked about her tour, I gently asked about the inevitable temptations, drink, drugs or.. whatever. That gave her another opportunity to remind me that I should be with her.

When I suggested that we needed to talk properly, she hardly acknowledged the comment, saying we'd have more time at dinner. There were several interruptions by phone before her mother called, reminding her that she had to be at the studio in time for a sponsors shoot... with that she was gone again!

I sat waiting for her at dinner, thinking about the girl I had fallen in love with, the vibrant, talented and adorable woman who'd said she was just a girl asking a boy out. Did she still exist or was she now the embodiment of her persona: glamorous, successful, full of her self-importance, too busy for a husband and perhaps far too good to attend dinner on time. Checking my watch again... thirty minutes late... time for me to leave.

She caught me up at the hotel as I was packing, which was a miracle in itself as it only ever took me five minutes.

"Where are you going, you just got here!"

"Back on tour, you're clearly too busy for me to be around."

"I am sorry for being late; I got there as soon as I could."

"Well I won't argue about what was more important than your husband!"

"Is this about the Newspaper stories? You know the rumours aren't true, the press just make shit up all the time."

"They don't help, but that isn't the problem. We've been apart for ages and you don't have the decency or desire to spend any time with me after I flew half way across the world to see you!"

"That's why I need you here with me, you don't have to leave! I have so many commitments; I can't just drop everything for..."

"Go on finish your sentence... you can't just drop everything for your husband. It's the truth after all; we are leading separate lives and never see each other. When I make the effort, you schedule me in like a business contact and then can't even make the time. Without your PA I probably wouldn't have even gotten lunch with you."

"All the more reason for you to join me, my tour finishes this month, you could pack in yours and we could be together, it's just a roadie job after all!"

"It's more than that for me Rhian; it keeps me around music, the type of music I love. I am writing and playing and the guys on tour are great. I owe them for giving me the chance, I am still chasing my dream as well and don't pretend you haven't already got other commitments!"

Her head dropped with the weight of the truth, "There is no need for you to work Mark, I am doing this for both of us. Don't forget you are living off my money."

"Try climbing down off that high horse Rhian; the only reason we need so much is because you wanted the houses and lifestyle. I am living in and paying for the cottage, despite the fact you have millions swilling around, I am still paying my way."

"You know what, you should give it up, you're never going to make it with that old school stuff!"

There was a long pause while I tried to work out if she'd really said that.

"Shit sorry I didn't mean that, I love your music... look just come on tour with me, we will find a role for you."

"So you don't mind about me not making it, as long as I am at your beck and call, you seem to forget how much I supported you before you made it 'big'. We're supposed to want the best for each other, not just the best for you! Anyway won't I cramp your style with 'Mr Record Label'?"

"Like I said you warned him off, but he can help my career and he's very supportive and... and he wants me, he has made that clear enough. So shouldn't you get your act together, join your wife and take care of her needs before someone else does?"

I was totally staggered, where the fuck did that come from! "You bitch, tell you what just call fucking Dan then. I haven't given up my dream but unlike you I can't earn it on my back; this is not a marriage, it's a sham!"

"Mark, Mark, I didn't mean...."

"I hate to break it to you but the world doesn't revolve around you Rhian! You have been listening to far too many people telling you that the sun shines out of your arse! What the fuck has happened to you, you loved music but used to hate the attention, when did that all change?"

"I haven't changed... I haven't... you just can't handle my success!"

"I am leaving before I say something I might really regret!"

I was furious on the drive to the airport. When had my wife turned into a narcissist, it was all about what she wanted. There was no doubt she had 'people' running around after her and telling her how wonderful she was all day long and she had started to believe it.

***

It took a while to calm down this time, we talked on the phone but it was cold and uncomfortable. Rhian apologised for her comments at the same time as justifying them, by saying she just wanted us to be together. She insisted that she hadn't changed; when I highlighted examples of her attitude and arrogance, she explained it that I didn't understand how much pressure was involved.

Days turned into weeks and then months, something had to give if our marriage was to survive. Maybe she was right, I could pack our tour in and meet up with her. I knew they had a big end of tour party planned in a private resort. The whole crew were invited as a reward from the management team. At the last minute, I decided to go and try and patch up my marriage.

***

And that brings us back to the start of this sorry tale!

I turned to find my Mother in Law staring at me... as if things couldn't get any worse! There was no doubting where Rhian got her looks from, Katherine remained a striking woman with even more curves, and cut a powerful figure who exuded confidence.

I decided to attack before she had the chance, "So they are lovers after all?"

"Grow up and don't fuck this up for her Mark, there is a lot riding on this, a multi-million five record deal for starters."

I'd heard the rumours, rumours that Katherine had a long term lover and her husband turned a blind eye to it all, "She takes after you then?"

Katherine continued smoothly, "It's just life honey, I've had my... liaisons and my marriage is still strong, there are bigger considerations than sex. I am very discreet and would never embarrass my husband."

"And yet everybody knows all about your numerous trysts!"

Katherine looked annoyed at that barb and struck back, "Go home Mark, she doesn't need to be rescued this time!"

I looked back at Rhian and Dan, that statement seemed true. I saw her touch Dan's face.

Katherine followed my eyes, "You can't expect someone like her to go without for months on end. She is way out of your league and shouldn't have to settle for you when she can have anyone. You should thank your lucky stars she married you in the first place!"

As her mother continued harping, Rhian turned and our eyes met. She would know exactly what this looked like... her eyes widened as I headed for the exit.

Despite my best efforts she caught me up; we were starting to draw quite the crowd, until we were ushered away into a room by security.

"That wasn't what it looked like!"

"Yeah, it must be awkward kissing and touching another man when your husband arrives to surprise you and save our marriage. I realise I have been gullible but even I have my limits."

"It's not what you think, let's talk about it properly."

"No I am leaving on the next flight out."

"There is no need for that; nothing has happened... nothing serious!"

"Have you had sex with him?"

"No!! I am not having an affair with Dan; I have to schmooze up to the record label, it's just business... I only love you!"

"Tell me, when did the flirting start, the little touches and coy jokes, sharing your problems with him; no doubt he is such a good listener. If you haven't had sex yet, it's just a matter of timing."

Her head dropped but she continued her defence, "Don't be so petty, look I'll be honest... we've kissed but that's about it. Tonight when you saw me touch him, I was telling him I couldn't go through with it."

"Wow, that timing seems almost miraculous, coinciding with my arrival. Except your mum didn't quite 'manage me' like she was supposed to and I got to see your intimate little dance. A suspicious person might think she wanted me to see you two love birds and rub my face in it."

"There was nothing to see, I knew you had arrived, security informed us. I just needed to talk to Dan before I came to find you."

"And why did you need to do that... to warn him I was here? And there is the fact you came here to see him, you weren't rushing off to find me at the end of your tour after being apart for months!"

"No it wasn't that, everyone from the tour came and I couldn't miss it, it was part of thanking everybody involved! I suppose I wanted to end any confusion with Dan, so it didn't cause us a problem."

"Yeah I bet Dan was expecting his reward as well!"

"It's hardly that bad, you're reading far too much into this Mark, I just need to explain it all properly."

"There is no need, your mum has already made things crystal clear on your behalf, you two should really get your stories straight! She has already admitted your affair and informed me that you should have never have settled for me!"

"She can't have done, that's just not true... you have to believe me!"

"Actually I don't have to do anything! For you, I'm sure none of this is a big thing, but for me our marriage is purgatory. You're not the same girl I married, it's all gone to your head, you're condescending and arrogant... you've turned into your mum after all!"

"I am not her, this is not what I intended, I just wanted you with me, I love you... I, I haven't changed that much."

"You are confusing love with contempt. This was always a marriage of convenience for you."

Rhian reacted angrily, "What do you mean by that?!"

"I am a fall back plan, kept in a box at home, while you focus on your dream career and toy with other guys. Following in your mums footsteps no doubt, you're both so entitled after all!"

"Just admit the truth Mark, you can't handle my success, it's my talent and my money and your jealous of it all."

"Is that the line Dan and your mum have been feeding you? Fine Rhian, you can keep it all, just sign the divorce papers when they arrive and leave me alone. You can have Dan, and your mum can have total control just like she always wanted."

***

I switched my phone off, determined to cut myself off from social media and calls from Rhian or Katherine.

Luckily I hadn't told anyone on the rock tour I intended leaving, so I re-joined them in Singapore without so much as a hitch and tried my best to forget Rhian. Pete knew something was up, he never said anything but he was around a lot more which I appreciated. When I finally turned my phone back on, it almost blew up bleeping with messages. I couldn't be bothered to go through them all, mostly Rhian asking me to get in touch with her and swearing nothing had happened.

I really didn't know who to believe now, would Rhian say anything to save our marriage, it certainly wasn't beyond Katherine to manipulate events to suit her own purposes. With me not around, she could control more of Rhian's life, career and money without distraction and that record deal was worth millions.

Did sex make any difference? Regardless she had some form of relationship with him. At best she was on the brink before pulling back, and then again maybe they'd been fucking like rabbits for the whole tour. Thinking about it was driving me mad! I

instigated the divorce, having to fight my lawyer to insist I didn't want to touch her millions, I thought he was actually going to cry with the frustration of it.

Seemingly I did have to endure a meeting with her to progress the paperwork, as ever her mum was there.

Rhian was still arguing her case, "I just wanted you on tour with me and for you to support me."

"Your wanted it all on your own terms Rhian, you wanted the success, the money, and me to be your lap dog. Given the chance you wanted lovers, it wasn't a marriage."

"But I can fix all of that and I never had sex with him!"

"For arguments sake let's say I accept that he hadn't quite managed to get in your panties yet... but he wasn't far off and that's where you were going, your mum said as much."

"Mum said you misunderstood her, she was trying to point out how lucky you were."

"And there it is... you both think I am lucky to have you and should accept your scraps. You never tried to see me or make an effort. Why do you still want me anyway, you devalued and diminished who I was, I am not even sure you like me and you moved on, so go and play the big star!"

"That's just not true, I do value and respect you, we were just so busy!"

"Come on Rhian, you had the money, you could have caught up with me more often but other things were more important. You managed to jet around for all the TV shows and promotional stuff. Be honest with yourself... you left me behind some time ago."

She turned to her mum in desperation, "Say something mum!"

"He has made his choice and doesn't deserve you, take his offer and start afresh. I am sure we can replace him quickly enough."

That signified it was time for me to leave. As I stood to I looked at Katherine while speaking to Rhian, "Be careful with all those hangers on Rhian, they may not have your best interests at heart."

"Jesus Mark just stop this, we can sort it all out; we love each other!"

"You should watch out for the drink and drugs as well."

"That's all under control, but with you by my side it wouldn't even be an issue."

"That's how it always starts, look after yourself Rhian, I wish you the best of luck."

"This isn't over Mark; we are destined to be together!"

***

I was sitting in another hotel bar when I saw Rhian on screen at the Brit Awards. I was staggered by her acceptance speech when she said her husband was the one who encouraged and supported her when she had nothing. She couldn't thank me enough and said without my support she wouldn't be doing the thing she loved.

Dan and her mother never got a mention. For a few moments I felt fantastic, then I started wondering if she meant it or was it another manipulation.

***

I was doing ok until the final divorce documents arrived... by email, I guess everything gets modernised. Another email pinged in my inbox, it was from Rhian.

I read the short message, "I am sorry for it all, please accept the attached as a gift and a memory... we were happy there. Love Rhian xxx"

The documents were deeds to our old cottage, she paid off the mortgage. She was right, I loved it there. It was a kind gift and reminded me of the considerate beautiful young woman I had fallen in love with. That left me feeling empty, almost overtaken by melancholy.

***

Suddenly all hell let loose, The Chain's guitarist Jules Koss was rushed to the emergency hospital; everyone knew it was likely to be an overdose. He was a great guy and we had become really friendly, bonding over guitars and playing riffs together, he was also a functioning addict!

They were looking at cancelling the tour but there was a lot riding on it. I am not sure who suggested me; having played a fair bit when setting up, I guess most of the guys on tour had heard me play at some point and I used their songs for the sound checks. Suddenly I was playing in front of the band and management in an improvised audition.

To be honest I wasn't as good as Jules, he was better but he'd been off his face most of the time and his playing was erratic, sometimes brilliant and sometimes off.

Seth the lead singer seemed to have the deciding vote, "You play different to Jules, it's 'bluesier', you're not as quick though."

That was fair comment, "I can change my style, but can't match his speed though."

"No, stick with what feels natural and we might not fuck this up."

That was it, they decided it might just work, they agreed to use me in the background, Seth played guitar as well and we dropped some of the solos. After that is was two days of solid practice with the band.

I was happy... ecstatic in fact, until I realised just how many people I would be playing to. Christ it was hard just to walk on the stage without falling over. I mean I had done it a hundred times for sound checks, but this was very different. I looked at my hands and wondered if I could play at all while shaking so much. Thankfully picking up the guitar felt natural and stopped the trembles.

The band were clever about covering the loss of Jules, I played at the back, just off from the drums. We launched into the first few tracks without any introductions and got the crowd going and me playing. That seemed to remove the idea that the gig would suffer without Jules.

Then Seth talked to the crowd about Jules, and how they were all thinking about him; that got a huge cheer! He then said Jules' friend had been good enough to step in and help them out for a while! The spot hit me and I gave a brief nod, before Seth launched into another track, shouting, "This is for Jules."

We got away with it; in fact I was delighted by the positive reaction. The band agreed I should continue until they worked out what was happening with Jules.

Jules was a crowd favourite, so the band were careful to say I was only covering for him due to a hopefully short illness. The music press weren't so careful, stating that my playing significantly improved the sound and that Jules must have been playing while under the influence of one thing or another.

I went to see Jules in hospital, he looked like a worn out shell, but was lucid. He was moving to a rehab centre later in the week, once he was stabilised. He knew all about me stepping in and wished me the best of luck. More than that he said I was easily good enough to play with the band, which meant a lot to me.

Then he smiled that easy smile he had, "Just don't get too used to it, I will be back!"

"We're counting on it mate, just keeping your seat warm."

Over the next few gigs I played more, and the guys had enough confidence in me to pick up the solos. My playing stretched to the end of the tour. Thankfully Jules recovered but he wasn't sure about touring again soon, there were just too many temptations.

I didn't mind either way, suddenly I was in demand and had a few different offers from bands, and in my terms I'd earned a small fortune from the tour. To be honest I was happier playing smaller gigs and my exposure with 'The Chain' would allow that to happen.

***

I was sitting in the cottage late one night when I received a call, "I hope you are happy now, at least it leaves the way free for me and Dan. You know I fucked him don't you, deep down you know that!"

"Are you drunk Rhian?"

"Yeah drunk on Dan's big cock."

"Why not be honest with me and tell me that's what you had done?"

"Because I was worried about an overreaction, you couldn't handle the truth. The truth is I loved you but you abandoned me, so Dan took care of me!"

"Congratulations, you deserve each other!"

"Yeah I think we do, he is an amazing lover and is really hung."

"You probably need a big cock to fill the void between your legs."

"I loved you but you were average in the sack. You're not the biggest and you cum pretty quick. I didn't want to hurt you, but now we are divorced I can be honest, every woman says their partner is the best but it's just not true."

"What makes you think that you are my only point of reference Rhian, I haven't had any complaints, and none from you until you lost your mind."

"You wouldn't go with someone else; you're such a boy scout!!"

"Go to bed Rhian, it's clear that you're drunk... or worse."

I thought I handled that reply well, but that type of comment eats away at you. Maybe that's what this had all been about, she wanted bigger or better or... whatever. I was irritated that I had let her get to me, this shit needed to be over!

I had decided the best course of action was avoiding all contact and changing numbers, only to be dumbfounded to find Katherine on the doorstep of my cottage. I was about to tell her to go forth and multiply before her words stunned me.

"Rhian is in trouble!"

She had to be joking, she'd contributed to us breaking up and now she was here wanting help. Again I meant to tell her to fuck off, but what I actually said was, "You had better come in."

For once she looked nervous, "I messed things up, Rhian never had an affair. I have come to apologise Mark and to ask for your help,"

"Not that it matters now, but why should I believe you exactly?"

"Because my lies have caused Rhian a whole world of pain. She isn't me, she loves and needs you! She is lost without you and has become unstable."

"It's not my problem anymore Katherine, your plan worked and we divorced remember!"

"I'll admit that originally I thought she deserved some fun with Dan because you had deserted her, and it would ensure the record deal, so I pushed them together. I knew he had the hots for her, Rhian fought against it for months, they got close but then she pulled back. They never had sex; she wouldn't touch him after you saw them together."

"You're wrong there! She called me and told me just how wonderful and talented good old Dan was!"

"It's not true Mark, Dan is still trying but she hates him now. She tried to make you jealous to get you to go on tour and tried the same thing again to get you to come back. She was petrified of losing you and constantly upset with no idea how to fix things and you wouldn't comply. Then the divorce confirmation seem to send her over the edge."

"If that is true, she must have challenged you about lying to me?"

"Yes she was furious; I denied it and said you must have misunderstood me. Then it didn't seem to matter because you dumped all that other stuff on her about the respect, arrogance and contempt. That really affected her badly, she had to come to terms with the fact she wasn't as perfect as everybody told her."

I shrugged, not sure what to say, Katherine continued, "I didn't realise how much she relied on you for support until it was too late. By then you were immune to the coercion, threats and maintaining the lifestyle. I couldn't figure that out, it's what we always worked so hard to achieve and you walked away from it all. That just made you a saint in Rhian's book and she couldn't forgive herself."

"It was never about the money or success for me, I loved her and sex or not she betrayed me. You encouraged her to do that, you made her believe she could do exactly as she wanted, and you can't handle the fact there were consequences... you and her need to move on."

"That's the problem; she can't move on, she is still in love with you! Look I fucked up, I thought he was better for her. I figured you'd break up and we'd let the divorce run its course, then she'd be better off with Dan or someone else. Then I'd protect her future with a pre-nup."

"You can't fix this one Katherine; you can't force me to love her!"

"Oh I don't need to do that, I know you love her Mark you always will, it's no use denying it."

"It's too late for all of that."

"No it isn't, she is hitting the drink hard and... doing some other things, she's in such a mess, please help her, she needs you Mark!"

Seeing Katherine cry was... strange and something I'd never experienced before, in the end and with great reluctance I said I'd think about it.

***

The ringing phone woke me, "Hey Mark... are you happy now... without me? You got all famous as well, didn't need me after all..."

I was about to hang up but she didn't sound right, her words all slurring, she didn't sound right at all!"

"Rhian are you drunk... have you taken anything?"

"Yep, very drunk, lots of people here but I'm all alone! I lost you and I still don't know why."

"Have you taken anything Rhian?!"

"Anything, something, whatever, just sleepy now."

"Stay awake and keep talking to me, are you at home?"

"Yep, we had a big party..."

Then the line went dead!

I rushed down to my car, and hurtled towards the mansion Rhian called home. I got there to be greeted by a wild party, there were bodies everywhere. I pushed my way through and tried to head upstairs, only to crash into Katherine and Dan Wilkes.

Katherine looked at me perplexed, "What are you doing here Mark?"

"She called and sounded totally out of it, where is she?"

Wilkes tried to stop me going up the stairs, saying I wasn't part of Rhian's life anymore. I was already one step up as he grabbed my arm, whirling around, my momentum carrying my full body weight as I smashed my fist into his face. That felt oh so good, but I didn't have time to dwell. I took the stairs two at a time with Katherine following in my wake. I found Rhian in her bedroom totally out of it, an empty bottle was on her bed and there were tablets and white powder bags on the side table.

She was sweating profusely and her heart rhythm was all over the place, non-existent one second and then accelerated. I called 999 and asked for an ambulance and the police, then tried to bring her around. She was breathing but I couldn't wake her.

"What the fuck has she been taking Katherine?"

"I, I don't know Dan was giving her uppers and downers to help her get through and she has been doing some coke."

I dragged her to the en-suite shower and stuck my fingers down her throat, at the second attempt she threw up, a combination of vomit, alcohol and tablets landed in the bottom of the shower, but I still couldn't bring her around.

Thankfully the blue lights arrived quickly and I got Katherine to direct them in. The party goers tried their best to disappear but the police spotted the drugs and started detaining some people.

The crew got Rhian onto a trolley and away in an ambulance, Katherine went with her. I stayed and was delighted to see Dan Wilkes being led away in handcuffs.

***

Rhian had alcohol poisoning and had overdosed; she'd taken a pile of different tablets on top of the coke. It was all kept quiet and she was treated in a private clinic but it was a long and slow road to recovery.

Dan Wilkes was arrested and convicted for possession with intent to supply drugs. He was given 6 months imprisonment with a fine of £5000. Rhian also had to pay a fine and undergo community service, some of that was waived in light of her extensive detox programme and attendance on drugs awareness training.

I checked in on her but tried not to get too close. At least she seemed to have dumped the hangers on and sycophants. She was mortified at having to do the community service, I thought it would do her the world of good, some of it was litter clearing and volunteering at a soup kitchen and food bank. It certainly gave her a different perspective! At the end of her time there, she provided enough money to keep them operational for a further two years.

Then she asked if we could talk!

"Mark, I wanted to thank you for saving me, I hope you can see I am trying to change."

"Yeah you're doing great Rhian, but you can't get over confident or let your guard down. If you start working again all the same temptations will be there."

"Not if you are with me, I am a better person when I'm with you."

"We aren't going back there, that got us into this mess in the first place."

"I am sorry, sorry for it all, the arrogance, the disrespect, trying to make you jealous... all of it."

"I appreciate the apology but I can't forget it Rhian."

"You know I never slept with him, and what I said in the call was all rubbish, you're great in bed and I loved our time together, I miss it so much."

"It doesn't matter, even if that is true, there was plenty of other damage!"

"God I was so arrogant and thought I deserved it all, you're right I was on my way to his bed. You saved my life Mark, I nearly joined the 27 club! You're the one person I can rely on... my one true friend."

"Well friends it is then."

Rhian smiled and nodded as a tear trickled down her cheek, "It's more than I deserve."

The press got hold of her story but were surprisingly sympathetic. She never toured again but continued making music. I went back out with 'The Chain' as Jules was in the same boat as Rhian and wouldn't risk touring again.

***

Some years later...

I pulled in next to the park and saw Rhian playing with Jimmy and Richie; they looked like they were having a fantastic time, rushing between the slide and the swings. Rhian was surprisingly good with them and nothing like her music career persona, she looked like all the other mums, although a cap and scarf was used to stop people recognising her.

The car radio was playing her number one hit as I switched the engine off and went over to them. I got some excited screams of 'Dad', and a couple of quick hugs before they were off again.

"They look like they're wearing you out Rhian."

"Just about... they've never stopped!"

"They will flake out this afternoon no doubt. Congratulations on the song, it sounds great, I am pleased for you."

"Yeah all my dreams come true... kind of. I have different dreams these days, anyway I owe you some royalties, I used your riff!"

"It wasn't much more than a snippet."

"And yet that was the hook and made the song. I gave your 50% of the writing credit, seeing as you wouldn't take any other money off me and you won't let me spoil the kids... you can buy Christie something nice, where is your adorable wife?"

"She is visiting her mum; I'll take the kids over and catch up with them. Thanks for looking after them."

"No problem, they're an absolute delight and I need to keep my 'favourite aunty' credits up, can't have Christie's sister stealing my title."

"No chance of that, I will never hear the end of how good the park was. How is your mum doing?"

"Not so good, she was a bit lost after I sacked her; she found some 'things' to fill her time. Dad found out, it was too obvious to ignore any longer, they are thrashing out the divorce."

"Sorry but it couldn't happen to a nicer person, I am surprised your dad lasted this long!"

"Yeah well, you can't pick your family; you can pick your friends though... thanks for being mine. Get Christie to call me, we are due a girl's night out."

It was Rhian who introduced me to Christie; she was a backing singer from one of her tours. We got on fantastically well and one thing led to another, or in this case... led to two small others, who were currently chasing each other around the swings.

Would I have changed things given the chance? Of course... failure in my marriage still left an emotional scar, the angst and turmoil were overwhelming. But then would I have been successful and have Christie and the kids? I wouldn't risk or change them them for the world.

End.