Stephanie, Part 21 free porn video

Not for the first time this week, I'm woken up by the sound of loud music emanating from the living room. As I have for the last few days, I yawn, stretch and swing my tired body out of bed, pulling on my fluffy dark red dressing gown before padding through to the living room to find my girlfriend gently swaying to Three Times a Lady. I let out a gentle sigh as I encircle her tiny waist from behind and gently sway along with her, which elicits a contented sigh from the petite blonde girl. "I still say you were robbed," I say, making my lover giggle. "Meh, joint runner-up's not bad," Kayla sighs. "I just miss, you know, being able to dance, heh. Seems weird not getting up at 6am to go to a dance studio and spend all day jiving, or waltzing..." "So you'll get up at 7am and wake me up instead?" I tease, smiling sympathetically as Kayla pouts. "It's okay. I don't mind getting up early if you're up too." "Thanks," Kayla sighs. "Heh, for a second I thought you were going to say 'I don't mind getting up early, I'm still on US time'." "If I was still on US time, I wouldn't have got any sleep at all!" I giggle as I think back to the American tour I and the rest of the band went on last month- the rest of the band except Kayla, that is. It wasn't the first time I'd been to America, and it certainly won't be the last- but it was the first (and hopefully last) time I went without the woman I love. Sure, I had lots of fun seeing the sights of New York and Los Angeles, singing in front of an American crowd and meeting all the fans, especially seeing Leah again- who had a predictable response when I introduced her to Becca and Adeola! But as much fun as we had, there was no escaping the fact that the band was incomplete, and so was I. However, my anxiety was eased considerably when I returned home to find that Kayla had laid on a private 'welcome home' party, including champagne, caviar and some very expensive, very skimpy lingerie for the both of us. "I SO wish I could've been in two places at once, just for that week," Kayla says, before sighing and freeing herself from my hold. "Ah well. Like you keep telling me, we'll be back in America soon, hehe!" "Yep!" I giggle as I follow my girlfriend to the kitchen area, where we soon have some coffee brewing. "Kinda wish we were free over New Year, you know Alexa and Jenny wouldn't have a problem with us going to Florida with Snikki." "Yeah, but the New Year show is a BIG gig," Kayla reminds me, which also reminds me of her priorities in life- fame, fortune and friendship, but in that (descending) order. "Well, either way, we need to decide what we're doing for Christmas first, though!" I giggle. "Still don't know if we'll be eating with my parents or yours." "Don't you mean 'my parents or your niece'?" Kayla teases, making me giggle as I think of my eighteen-month-old namesake. "Don't think Tom and Amanda will be too happy with how much we've spent on her this year, though!" "Meh, we can afford it," I shrug. "What's the point of being rich and famous if you can't spoil the people you love, anyway?" "Steph..." Kayla says with a coy smile. "Is that your way of trying to get me to tell you what I've got you for Christmas?" "Like I'd ever dream of doing that," I giggle as Kayla and I share a kiss. "What have you got me, anyway?" "Oh- you- hehe!" Kayla giggles as we return to the living area and flop down on the sofa, coffees in hand. "You'll find out in five days' time, hehe! Then you'll spend the next month pestering me about what I've got you for your birthday, no doubt." Kayla giggles again as I stick a playful tongue out at her. "And THAT had better not be one of MY presents, hehe!" I giggle and blush as I think of the last time we shared a bed, when my tongue got a serious 'workout', though even that memory brings with it some anxiety. It's been months since I was last 'functional' in a sexual sense, and while Kayla says she doesn't mind, that she always preferred 'small', I still can't help but worry that I'm not giving her what she REALLY wants... After a quick breakfast, the two of us return to our bedrooms to get ready for the day. Even though we're not officially on the clock today (or, indeed, until after Christmas), we've still agreed to do some ad hoc publicity work for heavenly Talent today by going down to the local coffee shop owned by Joshua Benedict. The caf? does good business most days anyway, but it always noticeably increases whenever one of us or an Angel is there! And, of course, it helps that we get free drinks and food while we're there. It also means, of course, that we have to be 'properly attired' when we're at the shop, meaning that after a quick shower, I head back to my room and apply a full face of make-up before pulling on a clingy turtleneck top, a pair of thin black tights, a pleated black miniskirt and, of course, a pair of matte black knee-high boots with a chunky 4 inch heel. As I'm zipping up my boots and examining myself in the mirror, it still thrills me to be able to not only dress like this, but be expected to dress like this, and have millions of fans who love me for dressing like this. The 'public Stephanie Abbott' is the woman I always dreamed of being when I was growing up. She's the fashion icon that the 15-year-old 'Steve' would've obsessed over, would've spent countless hours and hundreds of pounds trying to emulate. And yet, a part of me just wants to spend the day crashed on the sofa in a comfy pair of leggings and a loose sweatshirt... Despite the cold weather, the usual gaggle of fans greets us at the entrance to the coffee shop, and Kayla and I are only too happy to pose for selfies and answer quick questions- Kayla in particular, as most of the fans are (understandably) there to see her. However, one of the fans' questions causes me to instantly tense up. "Is your boyfriend gonna be here?" The fan asks Kayla, making her giggle nervously and avoid my gaze. "No comment," Kayla replies. "And no comment on whether or not he even is my boyfriend!" Luckily, this seems to satisfy the fan's curiosity, but it still makes the atmosphere between me and Kayla awkward as we enter the coffee shop and find our table- especially as two young men are already sitting waiting for us. One of whom, as you may have been able to guess, is the 'boyfriend' in question. "Hey girls!" CJ, the 'boyfriend', says, greeting both of us with hugs and air kisses as we approach. CJ, of course, isn't actually Kayla's boyfriend, rather a good friend who she met whilst on Strictly Come Dancing (he's one of the choreographers). Naturally, with the British tabloid press being what they are, they saw photos of Kayla and CJ at a party together and immediately put two and two together to make, well, two. Kayla has, of course, refused to confirm that the relationship exists, but she's also not explicitly denied it either- mainly because it's good publicity for herself and the band. As good publicity as it is, though, it'll make it a million times harder for me and Kayla when we do eventually decide to come out- or rather IF we decide to... "Hey CJ," I say with a smile. "Let me guess what they were all asking out there?" CJ asks, smirking as Kayla and I both roll our eyes. "Aww, you two are cute when you're synchronised!" Needless to say, this causes the two of us to blush simultaneously as well (it should also go without saying that CJ is aware of our 'secret'). "Shut up..." Kayla mumbles between her giggles. "And yes, yes they were asking 'that' again." "And you didn't have the heart to disappoint them, right?" CJ asks, giggling and letting out a mock sigh as Kayla shakes her head. "What are we going to do with them, Troy?" "No idea, mate," Troy replies, shooting a glance at me that makes my cheeks redden even more- not least because Kayla isn't the only member of Out of Heaven whose love life has been speculated about in the tabloids. Troy Stafford is a young model who was recently signed to Heavenly Talent, and who quickly became friendly with many of the 'core group', myself included. Troy and I have been photographed together at parties, just as Kayla and CJ have, and just as with them, the tabloids quickly got their sums wrong. They got it doubly wrong in our case, though, as Troy has no interest in women- not even women with 'alternative equipment' regardless of how functional or non-functional it is. As for whether or not I'd be interested in Troy if he was straight... That's not a question I can answer right now, as much as I'd love to automatically say 'no'... And no, before you ask, CJ and Troy are NOT a couple. Despite being somewhat 'playful', CJ is in fact totally straight. Part of the reason I always feel tense whenever I see a photograph of him and Kayla out somewhere... "Neither of you have any work to do today, then?" I ask, making both boys smirk. "I'm on the books at Heavenly Talent, this IS work," Troy says, making me giggle. "Besides, we need to keep up appearances for the paparazzi outside, don't we?" "Well- yeah," I sigh. "Though hopefully, not for much longer." "Hopefully," Troy says as he gives my hand a gentle squeeze. Like Kayla and I- more specifically, Kayla- Troy isn't 'out' yet, and for all his laid-back exterior, internally he is terrified at the thought of coming out to the public, especially with his public profile on the rise. "Are you two not doing ANY more work before Christmas, then?" Kayla asks. "Only a few rehearsal sessions," CJ replies. "You two?" "Free as a bird," I reply with a smile. "Assuming you don't count this, which you really shouldn't." I giggle as Troy playfully sighs and shakes his head at me. "Nah, spending time with friends is never work, hehe!" CJ giggles. "I take it we're all watching the interview on Saturday morning, then?" "Oh- definitely," Kayla says. "We probably won't be out too late tomorrow night." "For Viks's birthday?" Troy asks, smiling as we both nod. "There'll be cameras there," I explain. "Parties aren't really that much fun when you constantly have to, you know, watch what you're doing," I smile as I earn sympathetic nods from the boys. "Or when you have the alcohol tolerance of a four-year-old," Kayla says, earning giggles from both men. "I'm kinda wondering why the boss agreed to the interview, anyway," Troy says. "He's never been, you know, a 'spotlight person'." "Which is ironic given how much of an extrovert he is," I muse. "Well, maybe that's just an act," Troy says. "You know, for our benefit? I mean, we all have stage personas, right?" "Well- maybe, I guess," Kayla shrugs. "Whatever he does, though, it must be working. My bank balance is proof of that, hehe!" "Yep!" Troy concurs with a smirk. "But anyway, on the topic of tomorrow night, are we doing costumes for the beautiful Mrs. Benedict's birthday?" CJ asks. "I don't remember seeing anything about it on Facebook..." "Uh- no, not this time," I giggle. "My waist's still recovering from the corset I wore on Tuesday night, hehe!" "It was a friend's birthday party on Tuesday night," Kayla explains to our two friends who aren't as acquainted with Ophelia as we are. "So... Period drama themed?" Troy asks. "Ehh... Sort-of," Kayla says. "You'd understand if you knew Ophelia, hehe!" "You must've met her before at one of the regular parties, surely?" I ask. "Meh, probably," CJ shrugs, making me fidget uncomfortably in my seat- Ophelia's not the sort of person who fades into the background, unless, of course, you don't care about making friends with someone who isn't famous... "Well, costumes or not, Saturday night will be REALLY great, hehe!" Kayla giggles. "Then all that's left will be the gift exchange before Christmas." "Ah, I'm already looking forward to it!" CJ says, his voice rising to a near-squeak. "Have you two decided what you'll be doing over Christmas?" "Umm, just spending time with family," I reply. "Not sure yet if we'll be eating Christmas dinner with my family or Kayla's." "Well- you do kinda need to make a decision quick!" CJ reminds us. "And wherever you go, expect the press to be camped outside waiting for us to arrive," Troy says, making us both sigh. "Ugh, yep," I snort. "And they'll undoubtedly have questions if we go into one of our parents' houses together without either of you," Kayla says. "Only way around that is to spend Christmas apart." "Which is NOT an option," I say, subconsciously reaching for Kayla's hand before remembering the photographers still camped outside. "Still, we're not going to be a secret forever. None of us are. Take it from someone who has a lot of experience with this kind of thing." "Yeah, I know that was addressed to me," Troy sighs. "And believe me, I'd love nothing more than- well, you know." "And I know it really isn't that easy," I sigh. "And I wasn't just thinking of you." Troy smiles sympathetically as I lock eyes with my girlfriend, who lets out a gentle sigh. "Believe me, I have NO problem with people seeing me as- well, 'not straight'," Kayla says in a quiet voice. "I mean, THAT isn't going to lose us any fans, is it?" I grimace as I realise what Kayla's implying, though I know she doesn't mean any malice by it- and I am forced to concede that she has a point. Even if we have been together in secret for over a year. "...Yeah," I whisper. "In happier news, though," CJ says, "will everyone at least be watching the Strictly Christmas Special on the big day?" "Ugh, assuming I can get over the withdrawal symptoms by then!" Kayla giggles as I sit back with a forced smile on my face. Once Strictly becomes the topic of conversation, as it always inevitably does, it's a good bet we won't be talking about anything else for the rest of the morning... Sure enough, when we leave the coffee shop just after noon, we haven't talked about anything else other than dancing, television, and dancing on television. This leaves me feeling more than a little marginalised, even while Kayla and I pose for selfies with yet more fans before we head home. It doesn't take long for my girlfriend to realise this, though, and even less time to figure out why. "Steph?" Kayla asks as we head to the nearest tube station. "You okay?" "Hmm?" I reply. "Umm, yeah, fine!" "Bit bored by all the dancing chat?" My girlfriend asks sympathetically, smiling as I start to blush. "No," I lie. "Maybe a little..." "I get it," Kayla says softly. "I'd probably be bored as well if I hadn't experienced it for myself. Heh, and jealous as hell too, hehe!" "Maybe a little," I mumble, before giggling. "Ah, I dunno. I mean, I'm famous enough, aren't I?" "Is there such a thing as 'famous enough'?" Kayla teases, before letting out a giggle and a sigh of her own. "I dunno. I mean, I'm living the dream every second of every day, and- is it greedy to want even more out of life?" I pause before answering my girlfriend- for all her hunger for fame, I sometimes forget that she is, before everything else, a 21- year-old woman, and an often insecure 21-year-old woman. "...I dunno," I reply. "Depends on what you'd call 'too much fame'. Millions of fans on Instagram is one thing, but if you have the press constantly intruding in your life..." "Ah- yeah..." Kayla grimaces, clearly remembering that the pressures of fame have caused me more than one 'issue' in the past. "I think Sheryl Crow put it best," I say. "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got." "Yeah," Kayla chuckles. "I guess, anyway... Heh, you can't argue that we DON'T have a lot, hehe!" "I've got everything I could ever have dreamed of," I say quietly as I gaze down at my body, particularly the soft breasts on my chest, the cute skirt hanging from my narrow waist and the tights and the boots covering my soft, hairless legs. "This is beyond even my wildest dreams, in fact. Heh, sometimes when I wake up, I feel the need to pinch myself to remind me that this is reality, heh. I mean, okay, I haven't had it all easy, but- umm..." "But you're one of life's winners?" Kayla asks with a warm smile. "WE are two of life's winners," I say, mirroring my girlfriend's smile. "With a lot of free time on our hands, heh!" Kayla chuckles. "Do you want to go out anywhere tonight?" "Ehh... WAY too cold!" I reply. "How about a game night in instead? Get everyone round, have a few drinks, that sort of thing? I mean, with Strictly and all that it's been ages-" "Sounds perfect!" Kayla interrupts, giggling happily as we board our train back home. The rest of the afternoon is spent preparing for our impromptu party, including making a trip to the local Tesco to pick up snacks, beer and wine and ensuring that all of our many game controllers are fully charged. The first knock on our door comes just after 6:30pm, and I let out a mock frustrated sigh when I see who's on the other side of it. "One mention of the word 'videogames' and you're practically camped on our doorstep," I tease my two friends, who both sigh and let out mock snorts of laughter. "Hilarious," Ian replies in his soft Welsh accent, before turning to his friend. "And if you make a joke about 'pitching a tent', you can walk home." "Wouldn't even dream of it," Lee says as he enters our living room and helps himself to a beer. "But thanks for the invite anyway. Are we expecting many tonight?" "We'll know when they get here," I reply with a shrug. "Just felt like the company of, you know, close friends tonight." "So- so are we expecting any photographers tonight?" Ian asks, and I can't help but smile sympathetically- Ian's experiences while growing up have caused him to dread the limelight just as much as Kayla craves it. "No," Kayla replies with a smile. "Steph's not quite right when she says 'close friends' tonight- we're actually only expecting FAMILY tonight." I smile and blink back a tear as I exchange a loving look with my girlfriend- this is the Kayla I fell in love with, not the singer, not the megastar, but the ordinary 21 year old girl who loves sitting around in leggings and a hoodie playing videogames with her friends. A girl I haven't seen in ages and for a while genuinely wondered whether or not I'd ever see again... "You two coming to Viks's party tomorrow?" I ask as I turn on our Switches and boot up the new Smash Bros game. "Uh- probably not," Ian replies. "Going back to Cardiff early Saturday morning, spending Christmas with, umm, our families..." "We'll be back in London for the new year, though!" Lee says with a smirk as he gives his best friend a nudge. "Ah, I almost forgot, it's your birthday at New Year, isn't it?" I tease the young transman, who lets out a loud sigh before nodding. "The 30th," Ian confirms. "Stuart's already insisted on throwing me a party." Which will be a lot less 'showy' than Viks's tomorrow, I think to myself. And probably a lot more fun, too... "Well, count us in!" I giggle. "Right, Kayla?" "Oh- definitely!" My girlfriend giggles. "Even if it is a BOY's party." "GIRL," Ian and Lee retort, making us both giggle as another knock comes from the door, which I quickly answer. "Evening!" Keith says as he leads Stuart, Mikey and Paul Kennedy into our flat. "Oh- is it going to be boys only tonight?" I protest as the four young men start setting up their own Switches. "It's a midweek game night and most of our other halves have kids to look after," Mikey replies. "Or try to keep from being too excited about C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S," Keith says. "Hence why Dan isn't here. A 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and a minus 7-month-old? He's got no chance." "And your twins are...?" I ask. "Too young to understand what's going on," Keith replies. "And the little man is staying at his grandparents' tonight." "Who'd have guessed fatherhood would involve so much time slacking off?" I ask, earning an eye roll from the young man. "You're the one throwing this party," Keith reminds us as he cracks open beers for himself and his friends. "Why are you having a game night, anyway?" Stuart asks. "Especially this close to Christmas? Not that I'm complaining, of course." "Meh, just felt like spending time with family," I reply. "The irony of course is that your brother's a barman, so this is by far the busiest time of the year for him," Stuart retorts. "Yeah, well, I didn't invite him for precisely that reason," I say with a smug grin. "Now are we going to gab, or are we going to game?" "Sure you don't want to wait for more GIRLS first?" Lee teases. "Those are fighting words, Charlton," Kayla says with a mock growl, making me smile contentedly as she starts (and eventually wins) the first fight. Kayla and I don't stay outnumbered for long, as Nikki, Sarah, Katie and Lauren show up a few minutes later, followed by my friend Ellie and her sister Jade. It doesn't take long for the party to hit full swing, and the drinks are flowing freely when another unexpected knock comes from the front door. "Oh- hi," I say to the two unexpected faces that greet me when I open the door. "Hi!" CJ replies with a grin. "Room for two more?" "Umm, sure," I say, showing CJ and Troy into the flat. "Didn't know you two were invited?" "Kayla invited us," Troy replies. "Why, were- were we not supposed to come?" "No, of course you guys are welcome here!" I say, wondering to myself just why I didn't invite them- does that make me as elitist as Kayla to casually dismiss friends just because they ARE famous?. Either way, I know I'm going to need to have a serious talk with my girlfriend later tonight... "Hello!" Mikey says to the two new arrivals, clearly confused by their presence at the party. "Umm... We've met before, haven't we? At one of Charlotte's parties?" "Yeah, probably," CJ does as he and Troy shake hands with all the guests. "You're Krystie Fullerton's husband, aren't you?" "Yep!" Mikey replies with a happy grin. "You're friends of Steph and Kayla, aren't you? Don't think I've ever seen you at a game night before..." "Though in fairness, it has been a while since the last one," Stuart says. "You know Kayla from Strictly, don't you?" "Yep!" CJ says, wrapping an arm around my girlfriend, an action that brings a frown to my face. "And I'm Steph's gay best friend," Troy says as he wraps his arm around my shoulder, which stops my frown and makes me giggle and blush. "Guessing that wouldn't be a problem here of all places?" "This is a safe space, guaranteed," Keith says with a proud smile. "Just ask Stu and Ian if you don't believe me." "Umm... Aren't you Jamie-Lee Burke's husband?" Troy asks Stuart as I giggle again, immediately realising what Troy's implying by his confusion. "...Yes, and Ian and I are NOT lovers," Stuart sighs. "GOD no," Ian says. "We've both- we've both got the same tattoo as Stephanie and Jamie." "Ah, the fellowship tattoo!" CJ enthuses. "I've never actually seen one, you know?" I smirk as Stuart and Ian roll up their shirt sleeves to show CJ the artwork that also adorns my thigh. "Okay, make me feel jealous, why don't you?" Kayla teases. "Out of Heaven can't have, like, a 'team tattoo' 'cause Becca's got this massive phobia of needles." I force out a giggle, though I still can't help but feel uncomfortable with the whole situation, namely my 'public friends' and 'real friends' mingling. Though as Jamie would no doubt remind me, the most important word in those two phrases is 'friend'- and I'd genuinely count all the guys as my friends. "We're in the middle of a Smash Bros tournament at the moment," Keith says once the tattoo admiration ends. "You could still jump in if you'd like?" "Sure, I love Smash Bros," Troy says as he takes a seat and a spare controller. The rest of the evening goes smoothly enough- Stuart, Mikey and the guys waste no time in making CJ and Troy feel like part of the gang, and the drinks combined with the games mean a lot of fun is had. And yet, I can't but still feel uncomfortable throughout the night- something my girlfriend quickly picks up on. "You okay?" Kayla asks as we clear away the empty beer bottles and pizza boxes. "Hmm?" I reply. "Umm, yeah, fine, just a bit, you know, tired..." "You've seemed 'tired' all evening," Kayla says. "Ever since CJ and Troy arrived..." "What- what's that supposed to mean?" I ask, before sighing as my girlfriend frowns. "Sorry... It's- ugh, I dunno. Ever since we became friends with the boys, things have been different, you know? I mean yes, in public, that's to be expected, like, but- you know? At a games night, a private party? I just- I just felt, you know, weird... Is it bad that I felt like they were, you know, intruding?" "...I wish I could say 'no'," Kayla sighs, before smiling sympathetically and sitting me down next to her on the sofa. "But- but I know how you feel, kinda." "Did- did you invite CJ and Troy around hoping that it'd attract the attention of the press?" I ask, earning an angry look from my girlfriend. "What?" Kayla spits. "NO, I didn't do that! For starters, I'd never do that to Ian, as you well know! In invited them because we've been hanging out with them a lot lately, and I thought it'd be cool if they got to know the rest of the guys a bit better. And you have to admit, they did hit it off well." "Yeah, they did," I chuckle. "Ugh, I dunno, I'm probably just being paranoid, it's just- sometimes I think you're closer to CJ than you are to me, you know? It was the same when you were on the show, too..." "God, you are insecure, aren't you?" Kayla giggles, before grimacing and blushing. "...Sorry, that- that kinda came out wrong... But believe me, Steph, YOU aren't just my girlfriend, but also my best friend. Not CJ, not anyone else, YOU. I know it's a pain that we still have to hide ourselves away, but Strictly's over now, it's only a few weeks until Valentine's Day, then everyone will know the truth. I promise." "Thanks," I whisper. "Until then, we'll just let everyone- including our fans- believe that we have boyfriends instead?" "Ugh, it- it wouldn't have been my first choice, that," Kayla replies. "But like I've said a million times we are-" "We are public property," I say. "Yeah, I know. You can have fame or freedom, but not both. I just- I'm sick of lying to the public, you know? I want them to be as happy for us as our friends are. As WE are." "So am I," Kayla says, before sighing. "But I- I'm still a little scared, you know? That everyone's going to turn on us..." "Fame doesn't last forever," I say. "Doesn't mean that WE can't." "Yeah, I know, enjoy it while I can," Kayla chuckles. "It's odd, I- I never joined the band expecting to be an LGBT icon, you know?" "Yeah, I do kinda know!" I reply, making my girlfriend giggle. "Yeah- god..." Kayla sighs. "I know I shouldn't, but I do sometimes wonder what I'd be doing now if 'Out of Heaven' wasn't a thing." "Crushing it on the Voice or the X Factor?" I say, making Kayla giggle yet again. "Ehh... Maybe," Kayla says. "And you, MISS Abbott, would most definitely be MISS Abbott, no matter what anyone says!" "Well- maybe," I shrug. "A tougher question would be whether or not the person you'd be going out with would have 'Miss' in front of their name?" "If they were cool enough," Kayla replies, giving me a kiss that instantly melts away my anxiety. "...We sleeping in the same bed tonight, then?" I ask with a cheeky grin that my girlfriend reflects. "I think you know the answer to that," Kayla giggles before giving me another kiss. Sure enough, when I wake up the following morning, my arms are wrapped around the tiny frame of my girlfriend, who's contentedly slumbering next to me. I rest my head back down on my pillow without waking Kayla up- I don't want this moment, right here, right now, to ever end. I don't know whether or not I fell asleep again, but the next thing I'm aware of is my phone waking me up- though it's not the phone's alarm that wakes me up, but rather my ringtone telling me I have an incoming call... "H- hello?" I tiredly say into the phone. "Hi Steph, it's Dawn," the woman on the other end of the phone says, making my hungover brain briefly wonder whether or not I was actually being called by the start of the morning, before remembering that Dawn is the name of the new Heavenly Talent receptionist. "Oh, umm, hi," I say, unwrapping my arms from around Kayla and causing her to slowly stir. "What's up?" "Joshua would like you and Kayla to come into the office today at 10am," Dawn says, making me silently sigh- when the boss summons you, you go, regardless of how tired you are or how cold it is outside. "Thanks," I mumble in reply. "I'll let Kayla know. Did JB say what this meeting was about? I thought we'd had all our bookings for the Christmas period?" "It might be about the interview tomorrow," Dawn says. "You know JB, he doesn't give away unnecessary information." "Yeah, I guess," I reply. "I'll let Kayla know, thanks." "Thanks!" Dawn says, before hanging up the call. "Who was that?" Kayla asks as she props herself up in bed. "Work," I reply. "Got a meeting with JB senior today at 10am." "Oh- what?" Kayla moans. "So much for spending all day in our pyjamas playing on the Switch..." "Really?" I tease. "You didn't get enough of that last night? And you know there'll be fans and press camped outside the office, there always is..." "Well- maybe..." Kayla shrugs. You are a confusing girl sometimes, I think to myself as Kayla slowly extracts herself from my bed and heads to the shower. One day she's desperate for more fame, the next she wants to hibernate away from the outside world... Then again, as I was reminded yesterday, she IS a 21-year-old girl... An hour later, the taxi pulls up outside the head office of Heavenly Talent and Kayla and I step out, straightening the skirts on our smart suits and smiling for the gathered fans and photographers before heading inside. "Hi ladies!" Dawn says with a smile as we approach the reception desk. "JB's in his office, just go up whenever you're ready." "Thanks," Kayla says with a professional smile. "Are Becca and Adeola in?" I ask. "Got here a couple of minutes ago," Dawn replies. So it's the whole band he wants to talk to, not just us, I think to myself. Sure enough, our bandmates are waiting for us inside Joshua's office, as is the big man himself, who greets us with his trademark mile-wide grin. "My heavenly singers!" Joshua enthuses as we sit down next to Becca and Adeola. "I trust that you are both prepared for Christmas?" "Nearly," I reply. "Still need to finalise a few things. I take it you'll be hosting for the whole family?" "Have a wild guess," Adeola teases as her uncle laughs again. "You think I wouldn't spoil my great-niece in only her second Christmas?" Joshua asks. "Just as I know you will be spoiling your niece, Miss Abbott!" "Well- yeah," I reply, blushing as I think about the sheer number of toys that I- and Kayla- have bought for my namesake. "We are all looking forward to a quiet Christmas," Joshua says, his face adopting a serious look. "But those of us in the public eye might not have that luxury, which is why I asked to see you all today." "Is this- is this about tomorrow's interview?" Adeola asks quietly, obviously knowing something the rest of us don't. "Yes," Joshua replies in an uncharacteristically quiet voice. "Naga Munchetty shall be arriving in just over two hours to conduct the interview." "Oh, it- it's being done today, not live?" I ask. "Yes, that was a condition of me accepting the interview," Joshua replies. "We shall be getting some photographs as well, though you will not need to stay for those. I just wanted you to know that things may change after the interview, and I am here to answer any questions you may have. I wanted to tell you all this face to face, rather than by telephone or text, in case you need to speak to me privately before the interview." "Will you be calling the Angels in as well?" Becca asks. "Jamie and Jonathan will be speaking to them," Joshua replies. "I wanted to speak to the four of you personally, to look you in the eye as I told you." I try not to fidget in my seat as Joshua briefly locks eyes with me, then Kayla in turn. "Are- are you retiring?" Kayla asks quietly. "Is that why you-" "No, I am not retiring," Joshua replies in a soft voice. "Not yet anyway. The plan is still for me to step back in March 2021, after my sixtieth birthday. Until then you will still have to put up with me, I'm afraid!" "Oh- Uncle Joshua, for god's sake," Adeola chastises her uncle, who leans back and bellows his trademark laugh. "For almost twenty years she has had to put up with this!" Joshua laughs. "Go on, enjoy the rest of your day. And enjoy the party tonight for my beautiful niece!" "Your OTHER beautiful niece," Adeola reminds her uncle, who roars with laughter once again as we head out of his office. "Well, that was... Cryptic," I muse, trying to attract the gaze of Adeola, who appears to be extremely distracted. "Addie? You got any ideas what that was about?" "Hmm?" Adeola says. "Oh, umm, maybe... I- I'm just as in the dark as you, heh. Anyway, seeing as the four of us are all here, together, fancy getting a bite to eat somewhere?" "The coffee shop again?" Kayla asks. "We were only there yesterday..." "Yeah, we saw!" Becca teases, making me sigh and roll my eyes. "Are you STILL leading those poor boys on?" "No, for reasons that you're well aware of," I reply, which only intensifies our two bandmates' giggles. I open my mouth to speak again, but I pause as my attention is drawn to the office the four of us have just walked past. "Steph?" Becca asks. "I- I'll catch up with you four in reception, okay?" I say, bringing a frown of confusion to my bandmate's face, which vanishes when she sees the nameplate on the office door. "Of course," Becca says with a warm smile as she leads Adeola and Kayla down to the office's vast reception area, while I knock on the office door. "Come in," the office's occupant says in her soft, mature voice, before squeaking with delight when she sees me enter the room. "Steph! I thought they said you were coming in today!" "Hey Janet!" I giggle, exchanging a gentle hug with the 45-year-old woman before we both take a seat on her office's plush sofa, both of us unconsciously straightening our smart pencil skirts as we relax. "So, what brings you to the glitzy and glamorous world of HR?" Janet asks. "You do, of course!" I reply, making my friend blush and giggle. "Kinda needed a sympathetic ear." "Well I can ALWAYS supply that," Janet says softly. "After everything you've done for me, it's the least I could do." This time, it's my turn to blush, as I remember the circumstances of Janet's employment with Heavenly Talent, and the not insignificant part I played in it. "Thanks," I giggle. "Ellie and her sister wanted to say thanks again for yesterday, by the way," Janet says. "It's so nice that you and Kayla would just invite them along like that, even though they're not, you know-" "Famous?" I say. "They're friends. Fame doesn't factor into it." My face must have made some sort of grimace as I spoke, as Janet's facial expression instantly changes to one of concern. "...And I think I know why you needed MY sympathetic ear instead of the one you live with," Janet whispers. "I checked Ellie's Instagram, I know who was there last night." "You know how to use Instagram?" I tease, making the older woman roll her eyes and sigh. "I'm 45, I'm not geriatric," Janet retorts. "And don't change the subject. You're stressed about the whole CJ and Troy thing, right?" "...It's THAT obvious?" I whisper. "A bit, yeah," Janet replies softly. "I'm hardly the best person to be speaking to about it, though- have you spoken to your counsellor about it?" "Ugh, loads," I reply. "She keeps telling me to focus on the fact that Kayla's committed to me, and I have to her..." "And...?" Janet asks expectantly. "And that's all very well and good," I say, "but just because she's committed doesn't mean she can't 'un-commit'. Ugh, and every time she goes out with CJ..." "The old green-eyed monster?" Janet asks, letting out a soft sigh. "The 'Strictly Curse' is overrated, believe me." "It broke up that Countdown woman's marriage," I retort. "Well- that can't have been that strong a relationship to begin with," Janet shrugs. "Yours and Kayla's is. Any idiot can tell that." "Apart from the millions we're still keeping in the dark," I say. "Our fans included. They all think Kayla's shagging CJ and I'm about to shack up with Troy at a moment's notice." "How do you know Kayla doesn't feel as anxious about you and Troy as you feel about her and CJ?" Janet asks. "Because, umm- erm, wait, you're the HR manager for Heavenly Talent, aren't you?" I ask. "That IS what it says on the door," Janet replies. "So, umm, you know that Troy's...?" I hesitantly ask. "Officially, I can't say 'yes' or 'no'," Janet says. "But as you've told me you already know... Yeah." "And you know he's terrified of coming out?" I ask, smiling weakly as my friend nods. "And I know a thing or two about what that's like," Janet whispers. "And I wonder whether Kayla feels the same way," I moan. "I know she says she doesn't care, but as far as the world knows, she's an ordinary heterosexual girl. They get wind that she's with me and she becomes- well, I dunno. Deviant, maybe?" "Or maybe she only cares about what you think?" Janet advises. "Oh- Kayla DEFINITELY cares about the fans, trust me," I sigh. "Or maybe she cares about you most of all?" Janet says. "Maybe she's even told me as such?" This causes me to frown with confusion. "Umm... When, exactly?" I ask. "More than once, over the last few months," Janet says with a smug grin. "What, just 'cause I'm old and not famous, that Kayla would just see me as, I dunno, irrelevant?" "Well- I, umm..." I stutter. "Maybe you don't know her as well as you think," Janet whispers, giving my hand a gentle squeeze as she tries to soothe my embarrassment. "So talk to her, Steph. Take it from someone who lost their partner of almost two decades because of a lack of communication. Talking. Helps." "Thanks," I whisper as I stand up and exchange a goodbye hug with my friend, before heading down to reception, where my bandmates are all assembled waiting for me. "Hey Steph!" Kayla giggles, giving my hand a stealthy, loving squeeze after I've arrived. "Did you and Janet have a good chat?" "Yeah," I reply with a smile. "It was good. I- girls, I'd- I'd love to go out somewhere for lunch, the four of us, but-" "It's okay," Adeola says. "We'd kinda nixed the idea anyway, all of us have loved ones we don't get enough private time with, you know?" "Yeah," I say, looking my girlfriend in the eyes. "Yeah, I do know." "So we agreed we'd head home for lunch," Kayla says with a warm grin. "We're all seeing each other tonight anyway, at the party, and on Monday for the gift exchange..." "Sounds great!" I giggle, returning Kayla's squeeze before reluctantly releasing each other's hands as we head outside into the waiting taxis. Twenty minutes later, Kayla and I are walking through the front door of our Notting Hill flat, and the second the door is closed, I lean down to give Kayla a kiss- but much to my surprise, she immediately intercepts me with a kiss of her own. "Hey," Kayla whispers with a playful giggle. "Hey," I reply with a smile of my own as I wrap my arms around my girlfriend's tiny form, before moaning happily as Kayla slowly slides her hand underneath my skirt. "...Really? Now?" "You have something else you'd rather do?" Kayla purrs, making me giggle excitedly as I slowly free her from her suit, before she leads me into her bedroom... Fifteen minutes later, the two of us are panting heavily as we lay in my girlfriend's bed, the sheets and our bodies covered in a fine sheen of sweat. "Okay," I say as I try to catch my breath. "Not that I'm complaining, but I'm pretty sure that's the first time we've ever had sex in the mid- morning." "Made love," Kayla says, earning a confused look from me. "Other couples 'have sex'. WE make love." "...First time we've ever made love in the mid-morning," I say, smiling as Kayla giggles and cuddles her petite, naked form closer to me. "And hopefully not the last," Kayla sighs happily. "Especially when my girlfriend's the most beautiful woman in the world." I bite my lip as my eyes lock with Kayla's, allowing me to see that she was 100% sincere in what she just said. "I feel the same way," I whisper, before barely suppressing a sigh. "...And I know what's coming next," Kayla sighs, rolling off the bed and pulling her underwear back on. "What?" I ask. "The 'and I want the world to know it'," Kayla replies as she scoops my bra and my thong off the floor and tosses them to me. "I wasn't going to say it," I protest. "But you were thinking it, right?" Kayla asks. "Weren't you?" I retort, biting my lip again as my girlfriend frowns, before sighing and sitting back down on her bed. "...Maybe a little," Kayla mumbles. "I- you know, I mean, I- I just want, you know, to be on the 'other side of the door', but I-" "You're scared of actually stepping through that 'door'?" I ask, smiling sympathetically as my girlfriend nods. "We'll be through soon. Valentine's Day. THE day of love. We- huh, that's weird, heh." "What is?" Kayla asks. "Normally you're the one who has to reassure me that we'll be out to the public soon," I say, smiling as Kayla giggles and shakes her head. "I also wish it didn't matter so much," Kayla says. "...And I'd be the one reminding you at this point that as national celebrities, our private lives DO matter to our fans, whether we like it or not." "Well- yeah," I chuckle. "It seems weird knowing that we only have a limited number of days of 'this' being private left," Kayla muses. "Well if you'll forgive me for being, you know, pessimistic," I say, "we only have a limited number of days full stop. Take it from someone who really, really knows- life is a lot better on the other side of the door." "I guess," Kayla sighs. "I know Janet's said the same thing plenty of times as well." "Yeah, she mentioned that the two of you have spoken occasionally," I say. "Obviously she didn't go into details, just that you two occasionally chat, that's all." "Surprised?" Kayla asks, smiling as I start to blush. "It's okay. I didn't think I'd end up making friends with someone like Janet- umm, by which I mean, like, someone older, not someone-" "I get it," I reply. "Though I'm betting when you were younger you never thought you'd end up being friends with someone like me, by which I DO mean, well, you know." "Well- kinda," Kayla says as she starts to blush herself. "I dunno if I've told you this before, but I- ugh, this'll sound stupid..." "You can tell me," I whisper. "Honestly, I won't judge." "When I was in my last year of secondary school," Kayla says, "that was when they launched The Angels, you know, the show? I always- I always imagined what it'd be like to be friends with them, to be part of that clique, the 'seventh Angel', you know?" "I imagine most teenaged girls imagines that," I say softly. "I know I did, and- heh, I wasn't even a girl back then!" "Oh- oh yes you most definitely WERE a girl!" Kayla says, making me grin as she gives me a long, loving kiss. "But anyway, as I was saying..." "Sorry- sorry, go on," I say as I lay back down on the bed. "Back then," Kayla continues, "I thought that if I was part of the Angels, or a clique like Out of Heaven, it'd solve all my problems, I could just float through life without having to care about anything, but- you know? This job is HARD." "Totally," I concur. "But everyone's always so willing to help out," Kayla says. "Like, not just the Angels, but I get just as much out of talking to Janet, or Joshua, or Alexa and Jenny, or Natalie..." I smile as I realise that what Janet said was right- maybe I don't know Kayla as well as I like to think I do. "You can never have too many friends," I whisper happily as I link my fingers with Kayla's. "Come on, get your clothes back on, I'm hungry. For FOOD, not- well, you know." "Oh- yep!" Kayla giggles. "I'm going to be 'full' there for a while, hehe!" I giggle as Kayla and I get dressed in very slouchy hoodies, with Kayla pulling on a tatty pair of jeans while I opt for a pair of leggings and a comfy denim skirt. Our slouchy clothes are discarded a few hours later, though, in favour of expensive dresses and stiletto-heeled pumps, and a short while afterward, we arrive at Charlotte's house, where we're greeted by the woman herself. "Hey girls!" Charlotte giggles as she exchanges gentle hugs with me and Kayla. "Hey Charlotte!" I say. "Is the birthday girl here yet?" "Yep, and surrounded by everyone else, hehe!" Charlotte replies. "Think everyone's got here early today so they can be up early tomorrow for the interview." "Yeah, we're probably going to do the same," Kayla says. "Do you know how the interview went?" "Not a clue," Charlotte replies. "Guess we haven't got long to find out. heh, even if it is 'the longest night' tonight." "Yeah," I chuckle. "Well, got to pay our respects to the birthday girl, hehe!" Kayla and I giggle as Charlotte escorts us to the party room, where everything is already in full swing. After saying hi to Viks and dropping off our presents for her, Kayla and I spend the evening mingling with the guests, catching up with everyone, and paying special attention to the many cameras present in the room. Naturally, Kayla and I end up gravitating toward CJ and Troy respectively for most of the evening, though after this afternoon's 'events', I find myself worrying much less than I did yesterday. Kayla and I eventually leave just after 10pm, leaving 'our' boys to their own devices as we take a taxi home, where we waste no time in snuggling together in my bed. Even though we're too tired after this afternoon for any 'activity', the mere act of falling asleep together is enough to soothe what little anxiety I have. When I wake up the following morning, it's still dark outside, and I'm alone in bed, though the sound of the television coming from the lounge area quickly reminds me that I should probably be up as well. When I enter the lounge area, I find that not only has Kayla already put the TV on, she's also made us both cups of coffee, got out our special 'sofa duvet' (a Christmas present we got last year from Alexa and Jenny) and saved me a spot underneath it. Obviously, I waste no time in accepting all of these invitations, including a long kiss from my girlfriend. "Morning!" I giggle as Kayla snuggles closer to me underneath the duvet. "You know, I DO have a TV in my bedroom..." "Meh, screen's bigger on this one," Kayla shrugs. "And I didn't really want to wake you, not until I knew when the interview was going to be." "Which is...?" I ask. "In about fifteen minutes," Kayla replies. "So you could go back to bed, if you wanted." "Meh, I'm more comfortable here," I reply, making Kayla giggle as I cuddle her closer to my body. The fifteen-minute wait seems to last forever, but eventually the image on the TV changes to the familiar surroundings of Joshua Benedict's office, and his face is the next to appear on-screen. "Joshua Benedict, I'd like to thank you for agreeing to sit down with us today," Naga, the interviewer, says, eliciting a trademark smile from our boss. "The pleasure is all mine," Joshua says. "I'd like to begin by asking a few questions about your early life, if I may," Naga says as Kayla and I relax back into the sofa. The early parts of the interview are almost formulaic- Joshua talks about his childhood in Africa, moving to London, finding work and setting up his own agency. About four minutes in, though, the interview takes an unexpected turn- so unexpected that my jaw almost drops through the floor. "Over the last few years," Naga asks, "you have been seen as not just an ally, but a champion of the LGBT community. The OBE you were awarded twelve months ago was in part because of your support for the community. Is this work something you feel particularly strongly about?" "It is," Joshua replies almost instantly, before pausing and taking a deep breath. "...Because I myself am gay." "Wh- what!?" Kayla squeaks, her mouth hanging just as far open as my own. "This is not something you've announced publicly, though?" Naga asks. "No, it is not," Joshua says in a much more subdued voice than normal. "You must understand that Nigeria in the 1960s and 1970s was not a safe place to be gay. It is not much safer as we approach the end of the 2010s. When I moved to England in 1982, I had hoped that in a more liberal atmosphere, I would be free to be myself. But even then, there was stigma from all sides of society, not least because that coincided with the start of the HIV scare. And, of course, I faced discrimination for being black. I could hide being gay. I could not hide my skin colour." I grip my girlfriend's hand tighter as the interviewer, who is herself from an ethnic minority, nods along with what Joshua says. "But you are married?" Naga asks. "To my best friend," Joshua says. "A marriage should be based on more than sex or sexual orientation. Judith and I have had three happy decades together, three decades during which she alone has known my secret. She has been my rock, and always will be." "So why do you feel the need to come out now, especially in such a public way?" Naga asks in a quiet, calm voice, clearly trying to make Joshua feel like he isn't being confronted. "Because there are still people out there who are afraid to come out," Joshua explains. "And people who are afraid of those who come out. People who feel that a person is less because they are not straight." This time, it's Kayla who squeezes my hand tighter. "I am black, gay and an immigrant," Joshua says. "I arrived in this country aged 21 without a penny to my name. That did not stop me from succeeding. It is about time we stop judging people by labels and start rewarding them for what they have accomplished despite the obstacles that others put in their path." Kayla and I listen in silence as the interview continues for another two minutes, before the show moves on to another topic and Joshua is quickly forgotten about. In our flat, however, what he's said isn't something we're going to forget any time soon. "...We- we should talk to the others," Kayla says as she scrabbles around under the coffee table for her iPad. "I agree," I say, trying to stop my hands from shaking as Kayla signs in to Skype and sets up her iPad so we can both see the screen. Despite the early hour, Becca is already online, and starts a call with us the second we log in. "Hey, you two," Becca says with a look of concern on her unmade-up face. Despite the circumstances, I can't help but muse that in the nearly four years we've known each other, this might be the first time I've seen Becca not wearing any make-up. Well, apart from when we were on tour, anyway. "I'm guessing you were watching?" I ask. "Uh- yes," Becca replies. "And to answer your next two questions: no, I didn't know, and yes, I've texted Addie, like, fifty times, but no reply yet." "It's- I don't even know what it is," Kayla whispers. "I mean, I thought I knew Joshua, but-" Becca and I both frown with concern as my girlfriend suddenly pauses. "Kayla?" I ask. "...This was a trial run," Kayla whispers emotionally. "It was a trial run for us. Joshua would probably remind us that yes, we DO know him, just because we didn't know THAT about him, it- ugh, it's still early, my mind's in, like, a million pieces right now..." "But you're right, though," Becca says softly. "How we act around Joshua isn't going to change, nor should it. It didn't change when we found out about you two, either." At this moment, the three of us suddenly erupt with questions as Adeola's dark-skinned face joins the call. "Whoa, whoa, calm down!" Adeola says, silencing the three of us. "I got your five million texts, and to answer your inevitable first question, yes, I did know, I found out when I was sixteen, and I was sworn to secrecy. Heavenly Talent wasn't as- heh, it wasn't even 'Heavenly Talent' back then, it was still 'Joshua Benedict Talent'. And as much as we'd like to pretend that it wouldn't have made a difference if Uncle Joshua had come out back then, well, let's be honest, it probably would." "Just like it'll make a difference when we come out?" I ask as I wrap an arm around my girlfriend's waist. "Well- umm, uh-" Adeola stammers, clearly caught out by our question. "No- you're right, Adeola, it WILL make a difference," Kayla says. "But what your uncle says is right too- we should stop judging people by labels. Me and Steph being together didn't destroy the band, it made it stronger. Hell, the four of us are having a conversation before sunrise on a Saturday morning, aren't we? Know many professional colleagues who'd do that?" "Well- true, I suppose," Becca giggles. "That's what Uncle Joshua said, actually," Adeola whispers. "After the interview. Told me and Jon that yes, we'll need to be there for him more than usual now, 'cause god knows the press will have a field day with this, but also, we're gonna need to be there for each other too." "And we're next," Kayla whispers. "February 14th next year. It's gonna happen." "Whatever you two need, just ask," Becca whispers softly. "Same goes for me," Adeola says. "And you know Uncle Joshua will do everything he can to support the two of you as well." "He's already done more than we could've hoped for," Kayla whispers as she looks into my eyes and exchanges a gentle kiss with me. Kayla and I spent the rest of the Christmas period together, practically glued at the hip, but unafraid of each other's feelings. We spoke openly and freely throughout the entire holiday period, especially when it came to expressing our love for each other. Eventually, Christmas passed, and as 2019 started, I found myself feeling more and more excited about Valentine's Day, and the possibility of no longer living in secret. I just hoped, more than anything, that nothing would stand in our way again...