The Girl In The Band - The Lead Singer - Chapter 19

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”Don’t go that way!” said Chad as he tightened his grip on my hand and stopped me from heading for the front door. “Why not?” I asked, annoyed at having my arm pulled. Even if it was Chad Dumont doing the pulling. Leading me down another hall, towards the back of the building, Chad said, “Too many cameras and thrill seekers out the front.

There’s a service entrance out back that the beautiful people like us aren’t supposed to use.” While not exactly running, Chad, with his longer stride, was walking at a brisk pace I’m not used to, and I had to walk fairly fast to keep up. Chad glanced over at me as we turned towards a storage area and asked, “So. Where are you from, Michelle?” Jeesh, hasn’t he read any of the mountains of propaganda that Mr. Winters has been flooding the media with? I’ve gone over it so much; I think I’m believing our own cover story.

I said, “I’m from Oklahoma.” He looked at me and said, “I’ve been there. It’s very flat.” I had to take his word for it since I’ve never been there myself. We zigged and zagged through rows of God knows what. I saw a sign that read ‘Employees Only’. I asked, “Do you know where you’re going? Are we going to get in trouble?”

I have to admit, that even though the person holding my hand was quite famous, he was still a guy I didn’t know and we were deep into the bowels of a building that obviously didn’t get many visitors. “Don’t worry about it,” said Chad. He was pulling me towards a large metal door. He reached up and pounded on a red button near the door.

He looked at me and said, “Disables the alarm for a few seconds.” He then whacked the latch and pushed his shoulder against the door. With a metallic groan, the door swung open. A moment after we stepped outside the building, the door slammed shut with a clunk. “Do you always go this way?” I asked as we descended some concrete steps into a somewhat narrow, cluttered alley. “Usually,” he said. “Unfortunately, we can’t get back in that way. Come on! I’m hungry!”

The slice of pizza was huge as big as a whole pizza at Pizza Hut. Chad found a table towards the back and we sat down. As soon as he sat down, Chad took a bite of his slice. He closed his eyes and moaned softly. “Now that’s pizza!” Conscious of my figure, I took a nibble from the end of the slice. I said, “So, where were you before you became a big star?” Chad laughed and said, “Just like you.

I went from being a nobody little punk breaking windows in old buildings in Long Branch, New Jersey to what I am now.” He took another bite of his pizza and chewed for a few moments. “I hope it lasts a while, but I’ll tell you right now I have no intention of winding up singing for little old ladies in Branson, Missouri. No, not me. I’m the kind that likes to live fast and play hard.”

Frowning after nibbling more on my pizza, I said, “Well, I’m the last person you want hanging around you. I’m actually a very quiet, private person.” Chad laughed and said, “You’re too funny! You splash your dates all over the media and break up with one of the biggest names in Hollywood and then to the world media you practically accuse him of rape!

That’s real quiet and private!” I put my pizza down and scowled at him. “Are you making fun of me? It wasn’t like I paraded Tommy around so the media could see us together! And I never accused him of rape!” Chad didn’t say anything. He just got up and held up his index finger to suggest I remain seated. He went up the cashier, took a gossip newspaper from the rack, and paid for it.

He returned to his seat and held up the front page of the newspaper. Screaming across the page in huge typeface were the words, “‘I WAS RAPED BY TOMMY KINCAID!’ says teary-eyed songbird Michelle Grayson.”An enlarged, and fuzzy picture of me running and crying through the hotel lobby was next to the picture. “You were saying?” Chad gave me a wry smile. I snatched the paper from his hands and looked at it with my mouth gaping open. “I never said that!” I sputtered. “How can they print that?”

I scanned the article, catching a few sentences here and there. One paragraph stated that the appearance of Tommy in Nashville Tennessee this week had been canceled because of the ‘scandal’. The story continued with a quote by Tommy about the cancellation, “If it hadn’t been for Grayson, I’d be in Tennessee.” I started thinking of Tommy’s career going down the toilet, and it was all my fault! Cancel that, I thought. Stop thinking like a girl!

He came on to me, not the other way around! Still, I didn’t say these words to any reporter. I slammed the paper down and announced, “Well, as soon as we’re through with lunch, I’m marching right over to their office and giving them a piece of my mind!” Chad laughed and said, “It’s going to be a long march. Their office is in New York.” I settled back into my chair and said, “Well, I’ll go see Mr. Winters. He has lawyers and stuff.

He’ll know what to do.” Chad shook his head. “Maybe Old Man Winters wants all this publicity. After all, everyone is now talking about you and Tommy.” “It’s not good publicity!” I said. “So? Publicity is publicity,” Chad said. “It’s not like he killed someone or dangled a baby out a window.

He only tried to do what half the guys in the country want to do with you.” What a ghastly thought! Chad finished off his slice of pizza and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Well, I need to get back to the studio.” He fumbled around in his pocket for a moment, and then pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. He said, “I’d like to see you again sometime if you want to. Can I have your phone number so I can call you?”

He pushed the pen and paper towards me. I put my still almost pristine slice of pizza down and picked up the pen. I couldn’t believe it! Chad wanted my phone number. Wait ‘til Kayla hears about this! I stared at the pen a moment while I asked myself if I really wanted Chad to have my phone number. I looked up from the pen and into Chad’s face. Oh, yeah. I wanted him to call me.

I quickly wrote my number down and slid the paper and pen back to him. Hal Winters’ secretary pushed the intercom button and said, “There’s a Michelle Grayson here to see you, Mr. Winters.” There was a pause for a moment before a tinny-sounding Mr. Winter's voice said, “I have a few moments. Please send her in.” The secretary nodded towards the door. I walked around her desk and opened the door, and then entered Mr. Winters’ office.

As I entered, Mr. Winters looked up from his desk and stood. He gestured towards one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Please, Ms. Grayson. Have a seat.” I sat in the proffered chair crossing my legs at the ankles under the chair. Mr. Winters returned his gaze to some papers on his desk as he sat down. Finally, he looked up at me and asked, “So, Ms. Grayson. To what do I owe this pleasure? Are you enjoying seeing Tommy’s career destroyed?”

My face reddened and I squirmed a little in my chair. I said, “I, I really don’t think I, um, well, you know, destroyed Tommy’s career. It might take a hit, but I don’t think it’ll be down long, but that is one of the things I wanted to talk to you about.” “Oh? And what would you like to say?

That maybe you’re now pregnant with Tommy’s child?” asked Mr. Winters as he leaned back in his plush, executive chair. I ignored his snippy comment as I opened my purse and pulled out a folded, wrinkled piece of paper. I’d just taken the first page of the paper Chad bought. I handed it to Mr. Winters. “I, I just wanted to let you know that I didn’t, I will say those things. I don’t know where they got that.

I was hoping that you had some lawyers or something to threaten them about this lie,” I said as Mr. Winters studied the paper. Mr. Winters looked at me over the top of the page. He said, “Are you sure you didn’t say these things? I seem to remember you and Ms. Gray being quite upset about this.” Frowning, I said, “I didn’t talk to any reporters.

I can’t help it if someone followed us around and took pictures.” Mr. Winters touched the tips of his fingers together as he stared intently at me. He said, “Knowing how this paper operates, I have to say I believe you, but generally, it’s not cost-effective to sue them. Besides, it’s gotten you in the entertainment news.

You’d be surprised who is talking about you. The phone has been ringing off the wall from the media, people, and companies wanting access to you. Tommy has been getting some bad press, but you’re right. It’ll mostly blow over, probably before the weekend. I do need something from you though, to make sure that happens.” Hesitantly, I asked, “Like what?” Mr. Winters leaned forward and said, “I’m going to call a press conference for tomorrow morning.

I want you to publicly deny that you were raped or attacked and that you and Tommy just had a misunderstanding.” “Mr. Winters,” I said, trying to sound stern. “Tommy did try to have sex with me. It wasn’t just a misunderstanding!” “You have to diffuse the situation,” Mr. Winters said as he stood up behind his desk. “Tommy has apologized publicly for his lack of judgment.” “He hasn’t apologized to me.” Mr. Winters walked to the front of his desk and then leaned against it facing me.

“That can be arranged.” I stood up, feeling my anger build as I said, “I don’t want his apology arranged! I want it to be sincere!” Mr. Winters folded his arms across his chest. Harshly, he said, “Well, Michael. If Tommy was really intent on having his way with you, we’d be having a completely different problem on our hands. If you know what I mean.” True. If Tommy had gotten my panties off, I guess I’d have to be apologizing to him for being such a big fake and leading him on.

And kissing him, With some wind taken out of my sails, I said, “Okay, Mr. Winters. You win. I’ll do the press conference. But I want Tommy to apologize. Regardless of everything else, he shouldn’t have tried to have sex with me. I’m only fourteen for God’s sake!” Mr. Winters relaxed a little and said, “Done. I’ll be glad when all this is behind us. Now, what was the other thing you wanted to ask me about?”

I sat back down in the chair and I felt my face redden. Speaking suddenly became difficult. “I, well you see, I” Mr. Winters frowned and said, “I’m not trying to be rude, but I am pretty busy.” “Okay,” I said. “I, I want to know if you, if you were, uh, serious about what you said the other day?”

Mr. Winters folded his arms again and said, “I say a lot of things, young lady. And I’m always serious. Can you be a bit more specific?” “Sorry,” I said. “I was wondering if you really meant what you said about… uh… about… about me getting a sex change?” Looking surprised, Mr. Winters said, “Uh, well, actually yes. I thought you’d spend more than a couple of days considering it. What do you think about that?”

I looked at the floor, and I suddenly felt sick just thinking about doing something crazy like that. I said, “Well, I’ll never really be fully a man, even with HRT. And lately, being a girl just feels so… well… normal to me. Right now it’s fun, but I’m not sure if it will be fun six months from now. I want to know what you really think the future has to offer me.” Instead of sitting behind his desk, Mr. Winters hesitated a moment, looking thoughtful.

He then sat down in the empty chair next to me and rolled it closer. He tapped his fingers to his lips a few times before speaking. He said, “Michelle, in all honesty, I have to say that I truly believe that you possess that rare mix of talent, looks, and personality that will propel you right to the top and keep you there for years. There’s no doubt the camera loves you. Tampax has told me that since your campaign started, they’ve seen an almost fifteen percent growth in sales.

They want to shoot more commercials. I’ve got companies that make everything from soft drinks to shoes wanting to use your image in their advertising. “And let’s talk about music. While your brother’s band is outperforming the studio's expectations, most of the calls for interviews are aimed just at you. Since we’re promoting the band, I’ve been turning down most of those requests. However, coming up on your schedule are teen award shows, both as a nominee and presenter.

It’s all but assured that you will get nominated for best new country female vocal and your song will be nominated for a best country song. The Japanese can’t get enough of you. “And most surprising is all the interest from movie producers. You haven’t been famous all that long, yet those producers are calling. “And lastly, I think you’ve got staying power.

Long after you stop being a teen idol, I think you’ll continue on with adult audiences and I see you doing more movies. Does that cover it?” “Snap!” I breathed. “Are you serious? You’re not just saying that, are you?” Nodding, Mr. Winters said, “I’m very serious. I really do believe that a young girl called Michelle Grayson is going to be a huge star.” My head was spinning. John would shit bricks and his brain would explode if he heard what Mr. Winters said.

That would be so sweet. Okay, it’d actually be kinda gross and messy… but still! “I… I don’t know what to say, Mr. Winters.” I said. “I’m very flattered and…” Interrupting, Mr. Winters said with annoyance in his voice, “Miss Grayson, I don’t waste time flattering teen girls. I think you have potential and I’m here to help you achieve that potential. Having said that, I urge you to spend a little more time considering this sex change thing.

If it’s right for you, then I think I can help you to greater success. If it’s not right, then no amount of success will end your misery.” “Thanks, Mr. Winters. I’ll give it a lot of serious thought.” “Good,” said Mr. Winters, “I know a therapist in Canada who can help you with your self-evaluation. Now, I have a thousand things to do. I’ll see you here tomorrow at about nine. Wear a dress, make-up and all that and make sure your hair looks nice. This is a public appearance and you’re representing the studio.”

“Oh, God!” gagged John. “Just look at this!” He waved a magazine in the air for a moment. My picture – a close-up – was taking up a full page. The facing page contained the ad copy and a picture of a couple of bottles of foundation.

Stifling a laugh, John continued in a mocking tone, “‘Michelle is wearing make-up for normal/dry skin in natural beige.’ If someone had told me a year ago I’d be seeing my brother’s picture in a magazine selling make-up...” His voice trailed away as he shook his head. John was over at Mom’s and my house for dinner. He sat on the couch looking through some magazines. I didn’t realize it until John started making comments about my appearances in the magazines that almost every magazine we had in the house was for teen girls or women.

As Mom was laying out the plates on the dinner table, she said, “Now John, you know that’s all part of her job now. Because she has that fresh, girl-next-door look, she’s in big demand.” Picking up a teen magazine, John said, “Yeah, whatever, Mom.” He thumbed through a few pages and started laughing again. “Oh man, here he is giving beauty advice! And... and... advice on boys?! I can’t believe it!” I snatched the magazine from John’s hands and looked at the page he’d been reading. I said, “I didn’t write this. Mr. Winters had this sent to the magazine. They were going to want me to start a monthly advice column until... until my break-up with Tommy.” John looked over at Mom and said, “And you know what really pisses me off?

Just about every guy me and the other guys run into always asks us stuff about Michelle.” I sat down at the table and smiling at John asked, “Oh? What kind of stuff?” John frowned and asked, “Why would you care? They’re guys.” Exasperated I said, “Because I’m a girl!” Shaking his head, John said, “No you’re not.

You’re my little dick-head brother.” Mom slapped the tabletop and said sternly, “John!” John slouched back into his chair and said, “Sorry, Mom. But still... it’s true! It doesn’t matter how much make-up he wears, or tampons he buys, he’s still Michael!” “I’m a girl!” Mom looked at the ceiling briefly and then said, “John, will you please stop this?

You have to stop calling Michelle ‘Michael’ or ‘your little brother’ and so on. If you don’t get to where you refer to her automatically as a girl, you’re very likely to accidentally say something you shouldn’t when in front of fans or the media, and that would be the end, wouldn’t it?” John held up his hands and cried out, “Okay! Okay! I surrender! Michelle, you’re a girl.

There!” John took a few bites of dinner and said, “I just don’t understand how you switched to liking guys so quickly. It ain’t natural.” I swallowed the bite of dinner I was working on and then answered, “I don’t completely understand it myself, but some of it I’m sure is due to the indoctrination I got at the hands of Kayla and also because, it, well, to me it feels so natural.”