Back To The Viper by Antara Mann Page B

that, just be strong and patient.” She threw herself at his neck, sobbing and laughing at the same time.
    Chad glanced at his watch and stood up abruptly. Rebecca was looking at him, confused.
    “I’m going to be late, honey. You stay here and take care of yourself.” He went out hurriedly and started his car for Ashley’s home. His house was about an hour ride from Ashley’s and it was already past the hour at which they had arranged to meet. When he arrived, he was in such a hurry that he paid no attention to the Buick parked across the street. Chad pressed the doorbell and after a while, he was inside Ashley’s mansion. She had stated clearly on the phone – she wanted everyone to share the experience of their new lives. He wondered what his friends would share.
    Meanwhile the man in the old Buick, who had followed Wayne, was waiting, hidden behind a tree in front of Ashley Greendale’s home. For a while, nothing happened, and he was just about to leave when a car stopped in front of the villa. The photographer looked at the newly arrived man in his side mirror. He was amazed to see the superstar Chad Keeney getting out of his Ferrari and then pushing the doorbell. The photographer whistled. Now that was lucky! He couldn’t miss this chance. If he could take a photo of the star in a compromising pose with Ashley, his payment would triple. He wondered how much Esquire or People would offer him. It would probably be enough for a short vacation in the Bahamas. He smiled joyfully, getting a pre-taste of his success.
     
    ***
    “Come in,” Chad heard Ashley’s invitation. When he entered, he found himself in an elegantly furnished hallway with a huge living room just beyond. It was pleasant and cozy here. Chad felt calm again after the unpleasant conversation with his manager Kevin Baumann.
    “All right, so what do you suggest we do?” He heard Wayne’s thick voice.
    “Harry assured me there was no problem for us to go back to our showcase and perform our song as it was initially, without any changes.”
    “And why would we want that?” Wayne asked.
    “Well, that’s the only way we can go back to our old lives.”
    “Oh, Chad! Come in, we were just discussing whether we want to go back to our past. Are you happy with your present life?”
    “How’s your girlfriend, Chad? She looks very tasty.” Wayne gave him a meaningful wink.
    Chad sighed and sat on the couch.
    “My manager is driving me crazy; he wants me to stay in the closet. I’ve never had a girlfriend before, apart from the one I had in secondary school.”
    “Should I take it, then, that you aren’t pleased with your present?” Ashley asked.
    “If I could choose between being rich and famous as a closet gay or being happy with my boyfriend far from the limelight, I’d choose the second option with no hesitation.” He saw Ashley sigh with relief. “And how are you feeling?”
    “I want my old life, no doubt about it!” Craig said firmly. “I’d rather not be rolling in money, but stay with Monique and my family.”
    “I didn’t know you’re so sentimental.” Wayne turned to him. “You’re ready to give up on a rich and affluent life because of a woman.”
    “Do you mean you’re happy with your present?” Ashley asked Wayne.
    “I don’t see why I shouldn’t be.” He was the producer of rising music talents, had a dream villa in Los Angeles, and was engaged to a supermodel-actress. Well, true, she did cause him some trouble. She was obsessive and controlled him too much. A few days before, they had been having dinner at one of the most prestigious Italian restaurants in LA when she had made a scene about him looking suggestively at the waitress. No woman had ensnared him that much before, but he didn’t mind it. He could always break the engagement and then leave her. A promise meant nothing to him.
    “OK, so everyone except Wayne agrees that we must go back?” Ashley asked.
    The rest of them nodded.
    “It’s three