Full Transcript for In The Beginning...

one who lives in the south of France. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:02.000 I'm really not. 00:01:03.000 --> 00:01:04.000 “Can you believe this is happening?” I asked her excitedly. One of the three security guards glanced at us over his shoulder. 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:05.000 “I cannot, honestly”. She responded joyfully “I'm so excited for you”. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:06.000 I giggled and I did not like the sound I heard coming from my mouth. 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:08.000 (Arabella laughs in the background) It seemed neither did the second security guard who looked over his shoulder, bemused. 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:11.000 “I'm nervous”, or rather“I'm nervous”. I announced in a voice that was much louder than intended and caused the last of the three security guards to stare at us over his shoulder, raising his eyebrows. I gave him an uneasy smile and I believe he rolled his eyes. 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:14.000 (Arabella snorts in the background) They must see a lot of people losing their minds. Meeting the band, “I'll be fine, right?” I asked Sylvia“Sure.” Sylvia's answer sounded like a question. Then the thought occurred to me, whatever happens, today is the day I will finally meet The Band. 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:21.000 It's a big deal, okay, like(Arabella laughs) we are obviously giving away(In the back ground Arabella attempts a quote from LOTR ”It is not this day” but fails, realising it doesn’t fit too late and hopes no one notices) how big a fan we are, but this is kind of the whole point of the story,(Nicole laughs) Okay. So if you're with us so far, 00:01:22.000 --> 00:01:23.000 Yes 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:25.000 Here we go. 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:27.000 Momentary breakout. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:29.000 That was until a minute later, when I was distracted by a trailer door with the words VIP dressing room written on it. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:31.000 Oh, by the way, everyone. Just a little side note, Nicole has ADHD, so when she gets distracted by a little something, she really does. So there is that theme that keeps running through this. So, 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:33.000 Yep 00:01:34.000 --> 00:01:35.000 yes, yes. 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:37.000 So, Bella would just, what Bella means is this part is also not fiction. 00:01:37.000 --> 00:01:38.000 (Nicole laughs) 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:40.000 Okay, that's it. 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:42.000 That was until a minute later when I was distracted by a trailer door with the words VIP dressing room written on it. I was lost in thought, curiously studying the trailer, when a voice said, “There you are”. 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:43.000 I looked up to find another security guard jogging to me. 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:44.000 “I've been looking everywhere for you”. 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:45.000 I looked around me and realized I had completely lost the rest of the group. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:47.000 (Arabella laughs) I gasped “I'm, I'm so sorry”. I told him “I hadn't realized where the time went”. 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:48.000 “Don't sweat it”. He answered a little stiffly, “But we better get moving, we're behind time and he's waiting for you”. 00:01:48.000 --> 00:01:49.000 To my great surprise, he took a step up the little steps to the trailer door and knocked on it. “Wait a second”. He told me. 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:51.000 “Open” my heart... 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:52.000 What was that accent? 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:56.000 (Both howling with laughter) I'm not trying,(Arabella mock imitates the way Nicole said “Open”) I'm not trying. 00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:57.000 Bella and I, when we started doing this podcast, we said look, try not to do. The guys are all from California except for one guy who's from a different part of America. But the point being, we decided, let's not actively do the accent. If it comes naturally, great. But there will be times where my mouth will do something super weird and I apologize, like just now. 00:01:57.000 --> 00:01:58.000 Open, whhhaaat? 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:00.000 It's all right, I randomly become French, apparently, so it's just chaos with us. 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:02.000 So who is the weirdest one here? 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:04.000 (Both laugh) So what does he say? He says open like a normal person. 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:06.000 (Nicole clears her throat)“Wait a second”, he told me. 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:07.000 “Open”. 00:02:07.000 --> 00:02:09.000 My heart jumped as I recognized the voice coming from inside the trailer. The security guard next to me smiled and pushed open the door. “Good luck”, Good luck? 00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:10.000 oh, 00:02:11.000 --> 00:02:12.000 oh no. 00:02:13.000 --> 00:02:14.000 He wasn't really helping to calm my pulse that was starting to make me feel a little light-headed. I walked slowly through the door that he held open for me. Once I was inside, he closed the door behind me. I stared at the closed door for a few seconds, trying to calm my heart before turning on the empty trailer. It wasn't what I expected. 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:15.000 The inside of the trailer was quite luxurious in accents of white and black. Two empty beer bottles stood on the low table in between two black leather sofas. Straight across from me was a doorway with a closed door leading into what I assumed was a bathroom of some kind. There was a mini fridge against the far wall to my left. All in all, it was very lovely. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:17.000 I wondered where everybody was. Should I even be in a trailer? I thought,“Hello?”. My voice didn't betray my nervousness to my astonishment and relief, it was too quiet, though. I took a breath to relax and thought about sitting down, but then decided against it. 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:18.000 “Hello”, I tried again. 00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:19.000 Still nothing. I bit my thumbnail staring around, realising something seemed off. I went back to the main door of the trailer to check if the security was still there. 00:02:19.000 --> 00:02:20.000 As I reached for the

handle, I heard a door open and he said “Hey there”. 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:21.000 I spun around in shock and, seeing him, put a hand to my chest involuntarily gasping for air. 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:22.000 He gave a dry chuckle. “Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you”. 00:02:22.000 --> 00:02:23.000 “I'm fine. I'm fine”. It didn't sound like I was. 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:24.000 (Both laugh) 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:26.000 Frequently it does not. 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:31.000 No, it doesn't,(Exaggerated) “I'm fine. I'm fine”(More laughter) It checks out, though I mean, I can't imagine making any other sound. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:33.000 No. (Nicole laughs) 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:35.000 My heart was racing ten kilometres ahead of the rest of my body. I felt completely detached from myself, as if I was floating on air, the actual Mike Solomon in the flesh. My mouth went dry when I took in the man standing in the bathroom doorway. He was wearing a pair of light blue jeans that hung low on his hips, fixed by a black belt. He was barefoot and shirtless. 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:36.000 (Nicole gives a low chuckle) 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:38.000 (Half sings) Happy days 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:40.000 Of course he was. 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:42.000 (Both laugh) I mean, sorry, mean. What is he doing? 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:44.000 His body was acutely muscled, with both his arms and most of his chest covered in tattoos and, in true American fashion, he was wearing a black cap over a white bandana covering his typically tousled, dirty blonde hair. At 40, he still managed to pull off, looking like he played college football American football, that is. 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:46.000 Let us not be mistaken for Americans. 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:48.000 No, we are not. 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:50.000 We know what football is. And then there's American football. 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:51.000 (Both chuckle) 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:53.000 His presence was massive. He took up the whole room with his energy. Then again, he was six foot tall, very tall, compared to my five foot two. 00:02:54.000 --> 00:02:55.000 She is short. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:57.000 He was frowning at me, his amber eyes puzzled. I swallowed, hoping that it would take care of the dryness. 00:02:57.000 --> 00:02:58.000 “Hello”. 00:02:58.000 --> 00:02:59.000 He smiled, showing off dimples in both cheeks. His lips were moving but I couldn't hear a word he was saying. 00:02:59.000 --> 00:03:01.000 (Arabella laughs and Nicole starts to chuckle) So starstruck I've gone deaf. 00:03:01.000 --> 00:03:02.000 (Nicole laughs properly) 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:05.000 You have lost one of your senses!(Nicole gasps with laughter) 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:07.000 Which is probably okay, 00:03:08.000 --> 00:03:09.000 You know, if you suddenly find the lead, the frontman of your favourite brand, half naked in front of you, you'll be like huummmnuhhh (Makes melting noises) 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:11.000 Especially as I expected him to be behind a desk or something I don't know, a table signing autographs 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:13.000 A desk? Is he a businessman? A desk? 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:14.000 (Continues laughing as Nicole backtracks) 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:16.000 No, no, not a desk, sorry, you know what I mean. Like sitting at a table where you bring a poster, and he signs it. Not like appearing from the toilet like a, like a freaking creep 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:18.000 What? Now a creep? Just ‘cause he goes to the loo. 00:03:18.000 --> 00:03:19.000 (Both laughing harder as the weirder this gets) 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:23.000 No, sorry, I misspoke,(more laughter) And this is why we do not mention who the band is, because of shit like this alright. Okay, moving on. 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:25.000 He smiled, showing off dimples in both cheeks. His lips were moving, but I could not hear a word he was saying,“Are you okay?” He asked, waving his hand slowly in front of his own face to get my attention. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:26.000 “Oh”, I said much louder than intended. “Yes, yes, I'm fine”. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:27.000 He must be used to people falling all over him by now. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:28.000 "Beer”, he asked, pointing towards the small mini fridge. 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:29.000 "I don't drink beer”, I said automatically, but realised I should probably have one. 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:30.000 "I mean, I only drink brown beer”. 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:31.000 "Whiskey?” He offered instead. 00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:32.000 “Please". 00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:33.000 To my surprise, he pulled a bottle of Jack Daniels from a duffel bag next to the sofa. He moved to the counter and glanced over his shoulder at me every so often. He seemed perplexed by something. It made me feel panicked and I wished I knew what he was thinking. He poured the whiskey in silence while I stared at his back. 00:03:33.000 --> 00:03:36.000 (Arabella chuckles) He looked over his shoulder again “You can sit down you know”, I sat down on one of the sofas immediately, as if he had commanded me. 00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:37.000 A little foreshadowing, no? 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:38.000 (Arabella laughs) 00:03:39.000 --> 00:03:40.000 Just a tiny… 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:42.000 What? 00:03:43.000 --> 00:03:44.000 What? No. 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:45.000 (Nicole laughs) 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:47.000 I sat down on one of the sofas immediately, as if he had commanded me. I still hadn't accepted that it was real life yet. 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:49.000 That's fair. 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:51.000 He walked over and handed me the small glass of whiskey. My heart bounced when he came close to me. I put my glass of whiskey down on the low table with the empty beer bottles. As he sat down across from me with a beer in his hand, he watched me intently, or maybe it just felt that way. I got the impression he was waiting for me to say something, but suddenly I couldn't think for me to say something. But suddenly I couldn't

think of anything to say. When I felt sufficiently awkward, I said, “um, happy birthday for last Friday”. 00:03:51.000 --> 00:03:52.000 “Thank you”, He chuckled. “Feels good to be 21”. 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:53.000 I laughed, knowing full well he turned 40 three days ago and looked down because for some reason I had started blushing. 00:03:53.000 --> 00:03:55.000 “What's your name?” My eyes snapped up as he spoke. 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:57.000 “Nicole?”“Are you sure?” He asked playfully. 00:03:57.000 --> 00:03:59.000 (Arabella laughs)“Sorry”, I replied bashfully. “I'm a little nervous”. 00:03:59.000 --> 00:04:00.000 “I'm Mike”. I laughed. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:02.000 “What?”“There's no need for you to introduce yourself”. I told him. “I know who you are”. 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:03.000 “I know you do”. He answered gently. “It's just polite”. 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:05.000 (Arabella carries on chuckling in the background) There was another silence, during which I stared at him with a small nervous smile. 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:06.000 “So, like I'm not sure how this normally works”, I started, “But, I must say I was expecting the whole band”. 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:07.000 Oddly, my words made him choke on his beer, which only served to confuse me even more. 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:10.000 When he had regained his composure, he chuckled “Aren't we eager” Before I could formulate a sentence, to ask him what he means? He stretched and groaned“Are you alright?” I asked him. 00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:11.000 “My back's killing me”. 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:12.000 “What have you been doing?” I asked curiously. “I mean, besides the tour”. 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:13.000 “Last night we were up late”, he said, looking rather surprised at me. “It wasn't a great idea the night before a gig, but we had friends in London we never see”. 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:14.000 “I'm not judging you”. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:15.000 “Today we had an interview and then the festival”. 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:16.000 I suppose most fans didn't ask him about the ins and outs of his life. I felt like I was having a conversation for the first time in my life, and I'd forgotten all the things normal people talk about. He watched me with his eyebrows raised. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:17.000 “I'm pretty good at massages”, I heard myself say. 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:18.000 He looked at me in surprise again but quickly masked his emotion and smiled. I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried to breathe evenly. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:19.000 “Should I lie down on the sofa”, he asked. 00:04:19.000 --> 00:04:21.000 It was my turn to be surprised. “What for?”“Was that not you offering to massage me?” He asked casually. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:23.000 (Arabella bursts out laughing) I stopped myself from gaping. 00:04:23.000 --> 00:04:24.000 “Sure” I wasn't going to complain. 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:25.000 I stood up, hoping I wouldn't fall over. He pulled out a bottom part of the sofa to make it into a wider daybed, then picked up two of the cushions from the sofa he had been sitting on and positioned them where I had been sitting moments before. He lay down on the cushions and I kneeled gingerly beside him wondering how the hell I got myself into these situations. As much as I wanted to be so close to him, my pulse and breathing were out of control. Hoping that I wouldn't be sick on him or pass out, I reached across his shoulders my right. 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:27.000 (Both laugh) My right… 00:04:28.000 --> 00:04:29.000 Just throw up on him. Why don't you? 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:31.000 Say again? 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:33.000 I said, just throw up on him, why don't you? 00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:35.000 Well, we're going to try not to. Okay? 00:04:35.000 --> 00:04:36.000 (Nicole laughs) 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:38.000 What an impression. 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:40.000 My right hand couldn't comfortably reach, but I started moving my hands clumsily, nonetheless. He lifted his head. 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:41.000 “It would be much easier if you sat on my ass”. 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:43.000 “Yes, it would”. I cringed once he had his head back on his arms. “But that would be uh, strange, wouldn't it?”“Not the strangest thing that's happened, believe me”, he laughed. “Not even the strangest thing that's happened today”. 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:44.000 I did what he suggested. Once I was sitting on his behind, I said “Tell me if I'm hurting you”. 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:46.000 He chuckled arrogantly, apparently unlikely. I took a stabilizing breath and placed my hand, my shaking hands, on his shoulder blades. “Are my hands cold?”“No”, he responded lazily. “They're fine”. 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:47.000 I kneaded the muscles. Sorry, ooh, 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:49.000 You needed the muscle, did you? (asked suggestively) 00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:51.000 Yes, yes, because he's got. Have you not understood? The muscles are stiff and big. 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:53.000 Yes, yes… 00:04:54.000 --> 00:04:55.000 I have to knead them, like a bread. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:57.000 It, it, I know, but it sounded… the way that you did it…It was like ‘” I NEEDED it”. 00:04:58.000 --> 00:04:59.000 Oh, I see, I neeeeded, like it's, it's a need. 00:04:59.000 --> 00:05:01.000 (Arabella laughs) The muscle I did I do, Mike, if you're listening. I do, do, need, I do need those muscles. 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:02.000 Anyway, moving on, yeah. 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:03.000 I kneaded the muscles on and around his shoulders with my fingers. I applied pressure in circles with the palms of my hands down the side of his spine. It was tough. His muscles were large. 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:06.000 (Both laugh)“Is it supposed to be turning me on or putting me to sleep?”“What?” I asked, freezing immediately in shock? 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:07.000 “Don't stop”. He laughed. “It's working”. 00:05:07.000 --> 00:05:08.000 I thought about the statement… that statement trying to decipher whether he was kidding or

not. While working out the tension in his back, my hands were starting to ache with the effort of trying to soften the stone that was supposed to be back muscle. 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:09.000 “You're really stiff”, I half complained, bawling my fists and hearing my knuckles crack. 00:05:09.000 --> 00:05:10.000 “I know”, he said suggestively. 00:05:10.000 --> 00:05:13.000 (Arabella chuckles) I frowned “Am I missing something here?” Mike lifted so suddenly, trying to look at me that I found myself in a heap on the floor. 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:15.000 Obviously (laughing) 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:17.000 It is your natural place. 00:05:18.000 --> 00:05:19.000 Oh wow, 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:21.000 In a heap on the floor. 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:23.000 What?! 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:26.000 (laughing) I didn't mean it like THAT. 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:28.000 Oh, okay, because it came out really suggestive there. 00:05:29.000 --> 00:05:31.000 (Still laughing apologetically) I meant that you fall a lot. You are clumsy, my love. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:33.000 You are correct. 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:35.000 You are. 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:37.000 You are correct. 00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:39.000 You are very clumsy. 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:40.000 (Still laughing now with Nicole) 00:05:41.000 --> 00:05:42.000 “Shit, Are you okay?” He said, jumping off the sofa and offering me his hand and pulling me up. 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:43.000 “I'm okay”. I told him. “I'm just really confused”. 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:44.000 “Did Billy not explain anything to you?” Mike asked impatiently. 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:47.000 “Who's Billy?”“He's the head of…look, never mind”. He answered, “Tell me, why do you think you're here?”“There was a group…I got lost because that happens, and then I was in a trailer and you weren't wearing a shirt, and that was great, but weird”. 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:49.000 (Arabella laughs)“What is happening?” Mike seemed to ask himself. 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:50.000 “Yes, and I won a meet and greet”. 00:05:50.000 --> 00:05:52.000 His eyes widened in shock. “That would have been the first thing to say. Like wasn't it bizarre that I was here without the rest of the band?”“Which is why I said I was expecting the rest of the band”. I reminded him. “I assumed you knew what was going on. I've never done a group meet and greet before”. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:54.000 (Arabella carries on chuckling in the background)“Damn it”. He grabbed a shirt and pulled it on, looking unsure whether he should laugh or die of embarrassment. 00:05:54.000 --> 00:05:55.000 “I'm sorry”. He rubbed over his face. 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:57.000 “I'm sorry too”. I said “Hang on! Aren't you supposed to be at the meet and greet?”“In 20 minutes” He told me. “But there's a whole little reception for you guys before you get there. 00:05:57.000 --> 00:06:00.000 “So just one more question before I go then”. I told him. “Who were you expecting?”(Both chuckle) Not audacious or anything. 00:06:01.000 -->

00:06:02.000 No. 00:06:03.000 --> 00:06:04.000 He looked directly at me, which caused the butterflies in my stomach to dance wildly. 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:05.000 “A call girl?”. I heard myself suggest and regretted it immediately. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:07.000 (Both laugh) Luckily, he laughed “No, more like a specific type of consenting fan”. He said, waving it off and sitting back down on the sofa. “Honestly, I'm sorry. I assure you this is not the way I behave normally with fans”. 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:08.000 “Look, it's fine” I assured him. “I was going to be ill-prepared, no matter what happened when I met you and I was partly to blame for not being clearer”. 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:09.000 “You did give a great massage though”. He offered as consolation. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:11.000 “Thank you”, He wasn't... He was clearly embarrassed, but I was curious. 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:15.000 “If I were”, I swallowed. “You know, whoever you were expecting. Can I say groupie, just to have a word?”“Why not.”(Arabella laughs)“What would you expect?” I asked with, with false confidence. 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:16.000 “A blow job?” He said nonchalantly. 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:18.000 Like ugh, sorry. (Nicole laughs and Arabella gives a low chuckle) I turned crimson at the thought. 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:19.000 “You're blushing”. He noted amused. 00:06:19.000 --> 00:06:20.000 I failed miserably trying to cover up the fact and started stuttering. 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:22.000 “Oh no, it's not about the...” Yes, it is. 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:25.000 (Both laugh) What else is it going to be about? 00:06:26.000 --> 00:06:27.000 I know, I mean, how old are we? 00:06:27.000 --> 00:06:28.000 “Relax”. 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:30.000 Then he narrowed his eyes inquisitively “How old are you?” My immaturity obviously had him second guessing if I had the right to be there. 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:32.000 (Arabella laughs weirdly)“33”, I said embarrassed. 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:33.000 He frowned “You look younger”. 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:35.000 “You thought I was underaged?”“No one would ever bring you back here if you were underaged”. He chuckled. 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:36.000 “Plus, you're married”. I thought out loud. 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:37.000 “That's not why” he said with a note of finality. 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:39.000 (Arabella Ooohs) I frowned but didn't pursue the subject. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:40.000 I realized I should probably go when he read my mind. 00:06:40.000 --> 00:06:41.000 “Do you just want to hang out here for 15 minutes”, Mike suggested, “And then I'll take you down there myself, so you don't end up terrorizing any other musicians”. 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:43.000 (Both let a small bust of laughter out) Seems wise. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:45.000 Very 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:47.000 Inside I was elated. 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:49.000 (Theme music signalling space for an Ad Break)“So, what do you do?” He asked, leaning back on the sofa. 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:50.000 “You mean, besides making a fool of myself?” I smiled. 00:06:50.000 --> 00:06:51.000 “I'm a musician and a writer.” I expected him to look impressed, but he didn't. 00:06:51.000 --> 00:06:53.000 “Would I be able to find any of your music?”“Sure, but I'm not well known”. 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:54.000 He probably expected something more from me at my age. I tried to sound more impressive. 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:55.000 “I used to live in England, and I was in a progressive hard rock band”, I told him. 00:06:55.000 --> 00:06:56.000 “Now, in France, I play in cover bands, for money, rock mostly. I also have some books published”. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:58.000 “Are you English?”“Well, no”, I responded. “I lived in England, but I'm South African”. 00:06:58.000 --> 00:06:59.000 For some reason he looked impressed at that. 00:06:59.000 --> 00:07:01.000 “South Africa”, he asked surprised. “How's that?”“Dangerous but beautiful”. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:03.000 “What makes it dangerous?”“There's high, a high crime rate”. I answered. “Every country has its issues”. 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:04.000 “I didn't realize you weren’t English”. He said, “Your accent sounds kind of English”. 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:05.000 I shrugged “Yours is all American”. 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:06.000 I mean it would be if the podcaster could do the accent continuously… consistently. 00:07:07.000 --> 00:07:08.000 Yes, you know. 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:11.000 (Nicole laughs) But he is American okay. 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:13.000 Very, very American. 00:07:14.000 --> 00:07:16.000 “Do you need visas to move around Europe?” I was surprised by the unexpected question. 00:07:16.000 --> 00:07:17.000 “Not anymore”, I answered. “I've been a French citizen for about six months”. 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:19.000 “Do you like England?”“Sometimes”, I answered, “It's very different from my culture and I had some bad experiences, but my best friend is from there, so I have mixed feelings. 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:22.000 (Arabella says “Yey” in the background and Nicole laughs) Yeahhh “Do you like England?”“The people are cool”, he smiled, “but it's too cold”. 00:07:22.000 --> 00:07:23.000 “Yep”, I chuckled. 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:24.000 (Nicole laughs) 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:26.000 Ain’t that the truth! 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:30.000 “Tell me about it! In South Africa in winter, it's still 20 degrees during the day”“Really?”“Yeah, but only during the day”, I explained. “When the sun sets it gets very cold”. 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:32.000 I cleared my throat. “So, what's? Uh, Orange County like?” He smiled at me...Rather... He smiled at my strange curiosity, like everyone was supposed to know what Orange County was like. 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:33.000 “Sort of like being on holiday all the time, warm and friendly”. 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:35.000 I pulled a face. “Are all the girls like those girls on Laguna Beach on telly?”“Telly” He chuckled at the word. 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:37.000 (Arabella

chuckles)“No, the TV shows are exaggerated. It comes from a place of truth, but you know it has to be more dramatic for TV”. 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:40.000 He looked down at the table in front of me. “Don't you trust me?”“Huh?” I asked confused. “What do you mean?”“You haven't touched your drink”, he stated, gesturing towards the glass in front of me. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:41.000 “Oh”, I picked up the glass and took a sip. “It's good”, I said as the whiskey burnt its way down my throat. 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:42.000 (Both laugh as she finishes the sentence) 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:45.000 So good, don't die. 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:46.000 He watched me a little longer and then smiled again. 00:07:46.000 --> 00:07:47.000 “So, a musician, a musician, a writer, you don't seem very happy about how it's going”. 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:48.000 “What do you mean?” I frowned. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:49.000 Jeez, I I'm like I can't understand him at all or something. I keep asking what he means 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:52.000 Just no idea what's going on(Arabella laughs) 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:54.000 I suppose it makes sense, though, like I'm obviously super like my heart's, like I'm racing in all sorts of ways, so yeah it makes sense. 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:55.000 He watched me a little longer and then smiled again. 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:56.000 “So, musician and writer, you don't seem very happy about how it's going”. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:57.000 “What do you mean?” I frowned. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:58.000 “Well, you don't, you didn’t look thrilled when you were talking about the cover bands”. 00:07:58.000 --> 00:07:59.000 “It's not the ideal”. 00:07:59.000 --> 00:08:01.000 “What would be your ideal?”“Playing in an original metal band, but singing melodic vocals with some fire, a bit like you do these days, I guess” I explained. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:04.000 I want your job!(Both chuckle) 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:07.000 Yes,“Also continuing my writing, probably on the road”. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:08.000 “What kind of books do you write?” He asked intrigued. 00:08:08.000 --> 00:08:09.000 “Fiction, mostly”. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:11.000 “So why France?” Jeez, he's like going through the questions huh, fast. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:13.000 Yeah, well, all of them. 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:15.000 We know why, but you guys will know why later. 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:16.000 (Nicole laughs) 00:08:17.000 --> 00:08:18.000 Yes, 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:20.000 But it makes sense. Keep this in mind for later. 00:08:20.000 --> 00:08:23.000 “So why France?” (In a sort of American accent)(Arabella lets a huff of laughter out) It wasn't that bad. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:26.000 It wasn't that bad. (She keeps on giggling) I just wasn't expecting it. You were doing it. 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:30.000 “So why France? ““The culture is similar to that of South Africa”, I told him. “People are mostly kind and generous. They're also very opinionated, so I fit in well”. (Small giggle escapes from Arabella)“America has a bigger industry for music and books”. 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:31.000 “Well, I couldn't live in the US”. I answered a little too quickly. 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:33.000 (Arabella snorts with laughter)“Why?” He asked leaning forward. 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:35.000 US people don't come at us. We do like Americans, we do. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:37.000 We do love Americans. Um, it's well, uh, yes, 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:39.000 Yes 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:41.000 It's. It's very different culturally. Okay, there are reasons for... 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:43.000 We love everyone. 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:45.000 “I couldn't live in the US” I answered a little too quickly“Why?” He asked, leaning forward slightly as if to hear better. 00:08:45.000 --> 00:08:46.000 “I? Um, I apologize”. I said nervously. 00:08:46.000 --> 00:08:50.000 “You don't like it?”“No”“Why?”“Uh, it just doesn't agree with me”. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:53.000 “How so?”“You're offended?”“No”, he answered, sounding offended. “It's just that I'm trying to understand”. 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:54.000 “It seems to me that money is all everyone cares about” I said cautiously. “There seems to be a big emphasis on being the best and everything seems a tiny bit fake”. 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:55.000 “That's a generalization”. 00:08:55.000 --> 00:08:56.000 “Well, most of the authority figures then” I continued, even though every fibre of my being was telling me not to. “The politics are a mess and never mind”. 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:57.000 “No, please”. Mike said. “Enlighten me”. 00:08:57.000 --> 00:08:59.000 (Arabella laughs)“No, I'd rather not”. 00:08:59.000 --> 00:09:01.000 “For example…”,“For example,” I said regretting mentioning America at all. “It's sometimes good intentioned, but the US always goes off to help other countries and end up making the situation worse”. 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:04.000 (Arabella whistles) Ooooh dangerous (quietly in the background) 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:06.000 How the hell did we end up in this conversation? I chastised myself silently. 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:07.000 “Do I have to like everything?” I attempted innocently. “It's the idea I don't like”. 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:08.000 “Have you ever actually been there?” He asked, raising his eyebrows. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:10.000 I swallowed “Uh no”“Chill”. He laughed. “I know it's a mess, especially with our recent record of presidents”. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:11.000 He got up swiftly from the sofa and surprised me by sitting down next to me. I breathed out loudly. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:13.000 (Arabella laughs) He frowned and then slowly a smile parted his lips. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:15.000 “Are you scared of me?” I shrugged. “It's not fear, its nerves, like, I'm afraid that you would think I'm annoying or typical or may even be disappointed that I don't, that I don't like you. They say you should never meet your idols”. 00:09:15.000 --> 00:09:16.000 I immediately felt like I overshared.

00:09:17.000 --> 00:09:19.000 (Arabella giggles) You don't like him? 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:23.000 “Well, you're not typical”, he assured me. “I'm still deciding about annoying. Are you disappointed yet?”“Who said you were my idol?”(Nicole and Arabella laugh) 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:25.000 Ballsy as fuck. 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:27.000 Yep. 00:09:27.000 --> 00:09:28.000 He blinked a few times, deciding whether to be offended or embarrassed. 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:30.000 “Kidding”, I grinned. “One point for me!” He grinned. “I didn't realize we were awarding points”. 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:31.000 “I just started”. I told him. 00:09:31.000 --> 00:09:34.000 “Why does being around me make you feel nervous?”“Are you serious?” I asked him surprised. “You must realize that fans create this idea of people and they're afraid of having it squashed. Like when you met Metallica, weren't you nervous?”“Well, yeah”, he smiled, “but I wasn't shivering the way you are”. 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:36.000 (Arabella lets out a low dirty laugh)“Oh”, I swallowed. “Well, you're an attractive guy”. 00:09:36.000 --> 00:09:38.000 He chuckled. “You mean you're nervous because you think I'm hot?”“Thanks for stating it so directly and clearly. So clearly and directly”. 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:42.000 (Both laugh)“One point for me, right?”“I'll give you that one”“Thank you”. 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:43.000 Addressing the nerves helped me feel more relaxed. 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:45.000 “Forgive me if I've gotten the wrong impression, but are you in an open relationship?” I asked him suddenly. “I mean romantically monogamous, but not sexually?” He raised his eyebrows, eyebrows in surprise. 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:48.000 “Are you familiar with the lifestyle?” I nodded. “You can say that”“You haven't gotten the wrong impression”. He confirmed. 00:09:48.000 --> 00:09:49.000 There was a knock on the door. 00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:50.000 “Mike”. Someone called “Time to wrap it up”. 00:09:50.000 --> 00:09:51.000 “Already?” I complained out loud. 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:52.000 “I'm sorry” Mike said. 00:09:52.000 --> 00:09:54.000 (Arabella starts to laugh) What? 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:58.000 It’s just like…(Imitating) Already? 00:09:59.000 --> 00:10:00.000 Already? 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:03.000 I think we all felt that like, noooo, not yet!(Nicole laughs) 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:05.000 It's not fair. 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:06.000 “I'm sorry”. Mike said “We run a pretty tight ship around here”. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:10.000 “I understand”. I told him and stood up. “I suppose it would be presumptuous to ask you for a photo and an autograph?”“Not as presumptuous as offering me a massage 30 seconds into meeting me”(Arabella laughs) He pointed out. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:12.000 (Nicole laughs) Owie! 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:14.000 So true. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:16.000 I blushed. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:17.000 Look, I saw an opportunity and I went for it. 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:18.000 I took out my phone as

he scrawled down his autograph for me on a photo of the band. 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:21.000 “It'll take me a while to get all of your autographs”. I told him, “If I keep meeting you one by one”(Arabella chuckles)“I'll make sure you get all of them, don't worry”. 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:23.000 I laughed. “Deal.”“Now hurry up and let's get this photo taken”, he insisted. 00:10:23.000 --> 00:10:24.000 I stood next to him. He put one arm around my shoulders and held my phone with the other as he took the picture. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:25.000 “Thank you”, I told him sincerely as he handed me my photo of the band. “It's been a pleasure”. 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:27.000 “Likewise,”, he countered “Would you like a hug?”“That would be great!” 00:10:28.000 --> 00:10:30.000 Any damn day of the week!(Nicole laughs) 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:33.000 He hugged me briefly and I walked to the door, trying not to feel sad. At the door I turned back towards him. “ Oh, by the way, meeting you wasn't a disappointment”. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:36.000 “I'm glad to hear that”. He grinned. “Can I ask you a favour, please?” I frowned, unsure what kind of favour he could need from me. “Go for it.”“Would you mind going with Billy to sign an NDA?” He asked me. “I revealed some things to you tonight that I'd rather keep private”. 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:37.000 “Goodness, that sounds serious”. I replied, “but yeah, I can do that”. 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:38.000 “It would mean that you'll miss the meet and greet.” he clarified. 00:10:38.000 --> 00:10:39.000 “But I was looking forward to meeting Jay”. 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:40.000 Jason was the band's drummer. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:42.000 “Is he your favourite?”“I'm not sure how to answer that question”. 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:43.000 “Frankly, works for me”. 00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:46.000 “He is my favourite”. I started, “but”“Don't overthink it”. He replied shortly. “Go sign the NDAs and I will make sure you meet the band after”“I'm here with a friend though”. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:49.000 “What's her name?” He asked, “and I'll make sure she gets the message.”“Sylvia.”“Cool”. He walked to the trailer door and wrapped his knuckles on it. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:50.000 The door opened seconds later to reveal the same security guard from before. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:52.000 “Billy, can you take Nicole to sign an NDA with Melissa, please?” Mike asked him. “I'll meet you back here after the meet and greet.”“Okay, but I'm taking you to the meet and greet first.” Billy told him “You're going to be late”. 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:53.000 I was asked to wait outside the trailer while Billy accompanied Mike to the marquee for the meet and greet. He returned five minutes later and asked me to follow him as we weaved our way through the trailers. 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:54.000 I finally had a good look at Billy. He had a dark olive complexion, black hair and brown eyes. 00:10:54.000 --> 00:10:56.000 “So, you're their bodyguard?” I guessed. “Or like part of management?”“I am the head of security”. 00:10:56.000 --> 00:11:00.000 “Why do they need bodyguards?”, I asked, “When they're all so big?”(Arabella quietly chuckles) He shrugged. “Think about it. If they were to hit a fan who tried to get at them, what do you think the media would do?” I nodded. “So, is it normal for the head of security to help with NDAs?” I wondered out loud. 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:01.000 “I'm just taking you there”. He refined. “The band's PA will handle the details”. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:02.000 Melissa Casey was a very smiley woman of 45 with long, straight black hair and blue eyes. She often wore dresses paired with Converse sneakers and could be found sitting on a concert equipment box holding a clipboard. 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:03.000 There was a lot more paperwork to sign than I had anticipated. Melissa was very helpful, though, in explaining the ins and outs of it. I signed a standard unilateral NDA agreeing that I would not disclose any information that Mike had shared with me in the green room concerning the band, their unreleased music or any upcoming album or tour-related information. 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:04.000 “Miss Casey, Mike and I didn't talk about any of the band's music”. I told her “So I'm a bit confused. What he did reveal was more personal”. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:05.000 “That's his prerogative”. She answered “This is just to cover legality when it comes to creative work for the label. When it comes to the band's personal life, that's their business, who they trust with it”. 00:11:05.000 --> 00:11:07.000 I frowned. “Why did Mike want me to sign it then?”“I'm not sure”. 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:11.000 “Does the band or label get people to sign NDAs often?”“When people work with the band long term or spend a lot of time around them, normally either for album recordings or tours?” She responded“Did you have to sign one?”“Of course,” she said, “I work for the label”. 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:13.000 “But I spent 10 minutes with the guy. It's not like we're working together.” Billy wasn't there to escort me back to Mike's trailer as he had to return to be with the band at the meet and greet. Therefore, he asked me to meet him back at Mike's trailer. Unfortunately, it meant that I had to try and find it by memory from the directions Melissa gave me. 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:14.000 (Nicole gave a small chuckle followed by Arabella’s) 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:16.000 Dangerous, Very dangerous. 00:11:17.000 --> 00:11:21.000 I failed, but I did end up at the marquee where the meet and greet was held. Only it was over and there was no one around. I started back the way I'd come and luckily came across Billy, who had apparently been looking for me again, because the first words out of his mouth were“You do not follow instructions well”(Both laugh) Shocked, I cleared my throat. “I'm sorry I got lost”. 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:22.000 “Come on, Mr Solomon is waiting for you again”. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:24.000 He walked

so fast that I had to jog after him that time. Billy knocked on the trailer door but opened it immediately and called into the room,“Mike, I found her”. 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:26.000 “Send her in, Billy”“20 minutes”. Billy told me gravely, “Not a second more”. He stood to the side of the trailer with his arms clasped behind him. 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:27.000 I hurried into the trailer and found Mike leaning against the counter. His stance was casual, but his eyes were shining with mischief. 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:29.000 Oh, I see. (Arabella makes a noise in agreement)“Did you get lost again?” He smirked. 00:11:29.000 --> 00:11:30.000 I swallowed, coming to a standstill about two metres away from him. 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:32.000 “I did”, I answered “and once again I'm really confused. I mean, what I signed didn't make an awful lot of sense and”“You think you can breathe for a second.?” Mike asked, “and give me time to explain”. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:34.000 (Arabella lets a small giggle escape) I let out the breath I was holding, feeling a little silly. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:35.000 “I like you”. 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:39.000 I hid my racing thoughts well and replied calmly. “I'm flattered, but that doesn't really explain much, does it?”(Both laugh) He cast a stern look at me. “Don't talk for a minute, okay?” I nodded silently. 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:40.000 “We're on tour at the moment”. 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:43.000 “I know” He sighed “Just shh.” I bit my lip to stop myself from talking again. 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:49.000 “Are you familiar with the concept of BDSM?” I laughed. “Are you kidding?”“No”,(Little giggle escapes from Arabella)“Yes, very familiar” I said, wondering what the hell was going on, “Are you?” He didn't answer my question but said “I want you to continue on tour with us”. 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:51.000 “Huh?” So, it wasn't the most intelligent reply, but what could you expect from me when I was in such a state of shock? 00:11:51.000 --> 00:11:52.000 “It'll be beneficial to you as a musician”, he explained. “I'll introduce you to producers and some of our friends in the industry”. 00:11:52.000 --> 00:11:56.000 “Am I dreaming?” I slapped myself in the face. “Ow” He shook his head chuckling,(Arabella laughs)“You're going to be perfect”. 00:11:56.000 --> 00:11:59.000 “Are you joking?” I demanded, staring around me, “Am I on camera or something?” He smirked mischievously. “I didn't say I’d just give it to you. There are some conditions”“I can't pay you. I don't make that kind of”. 00:11:59.000 --> 00:12:00.000 “I'm not talking about money”. 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:02.000 (Arabella starts laughing)“This is starting…” 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:04.000 As if they need money. 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:06.000 Yeah, I know. 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:08.000 (Nicole starts laughing) It's like… 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:10.000 Money? 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:12.000 “Um, this is starting to feel a lot like coercion”. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:13.000 “Not if it's something you like and consent to”, he pointed out, “and it won't be a, if you do this, I'll do this… kind of situation”. 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:15.000 “So, what is it I'm consenting to?”“I'm offering you an audition of sorts”. 00:12:15.000 --> 00:12:19.000 “You've got me completely confused”. I told him, frowning “what do you mean?”“A blow job? That is if you want to. Of course, I'm not forcing you”“What?”“You really should work on your listening skills”. 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:22.000 (Both laugh)“You want a blow job from me?”“Do you see anyone else here?” He asked, gesturing around the room. 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:24.000 “No”, I said, “but what would I be doing on tour?”“Guess” he laughed. 00:12:25.000 --> 00:12:27.000 Oh, Oh, sweet child. Oh, sweet child(Nicole laughs) 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:30.000 What would I be doing on tour, though? (Imitating an innocent tone)(Arabella laughs) 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:32.000 Bless 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:34.000 “Oh, I said, gathering what he meant at last. “I didn't see that one coming”. 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:36.000 (Arabella makes a drum “Buh bum bum tushhh” sound) Then laughed a little at my own joke. He rolled his eyes. 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:37.000 “So, no point for me on that one?” I attempted. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:46.000 “No.”“You can have anyone, though.” I said, “I don't mean to push my luck or anything, but why me?”“There are surprisingly few people in this industry who understand both BDSM and open relationships.” He responded honestly, “This way I don't waste any time being a teacher”“Seems logical”, I responded. “But you don't even know what I'm into.”“I have a pretty good idea.”“How?”“It's very clear to me that you're a brat.”“You can't just assume things.” I complained “That's not fair”(Arabella laughing) 00:12:47.000 --> 00:12:48.000 Case and point. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:49.000 Case and point. 00:12:49.000 --> 00:12:50.000 (Arabella latterly has realised ‘Case in point’ is the actual phrase and begs the apology of the great humans that listen/are reading this!) 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:54.000 “Grumbling that's not fair”. Mike winked “doesn't sound bratty at all. Tell me I'm wrong.?”“I don't like being this transparent.” I protested“Don't be.” Then he laughed. 00:12:54.000 --> 00:12:59.000 Wow“I'm interested”. I told him “Will you be clearer about the rules?”“Naturally”, he said “If you decide to come with us.”“Which you will decide based on a blow job?”“Are you slow today or something?” 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:01.000 (Very quickly) Yes. 00:13:02.000 --> 00:13:05.000 Mean!(Both start to laugh) Thanks, Bella. Clear, whose side Bella's on. 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:07.000 So slow 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:11.000 Mean to both of you! Mean!“I'm sorry”, he smiled. “I'm just testing which buttons I can press.” I looked from his eyes to his arms and down to his crotch. 00:13:11.000 --> 00:13:18.000 “Okay, but there's going to be nothing dangerous right?”“No.” he responded. “Everything will require

your consent beforehand, but it will be a kind of on-off thing as it's my private life and we are on tour. So, business first, pleasure second. We like to have fun, but it's our career, so none of this in public or while we're working. Otherwise, it'll be pretty 24-7. But I promise you we'll be safe and cared for.”“The rest of the band will know about this?”“Yes, there's nothing we don't know about each other.” He told me. “That's something you'll need to be comfortable with. Do you think you can do that?” There was no way I was going to give up the chance to go on tour with the band. Music, free shows and sex and contacts. Sign me up!(Arabella sings ‘The trifecta!’ and laughs)“Sounds doable”. I answered, underplaying my excitement. 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:25.000 “Will you be able to take off for four weeks from work? Yeah, seriously, that's the length of the European leg of the tour.”“I mostly work for myself.” I told him “I can push some contracts for this, because this is business for me too. The music part I mean”“I don't want to be rude, but we're on a tight schedule.” He reminded me “It's now or never.”“I understand, but is your wife going to know about this?”“Of course,” he responded. “But from now on, let me worry about my relationship” He waited, then ran an irritated hand through his hair “Do you want to do this or not?”“I do. I want to do it.” I said frantically. 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:26.000 “Then shut up and get over here” he ordered. 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:27.000 I walked deliberately towards him. 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:28.000 “Good girl” he said patronizingly when I stood in front of. He seemed to have a knack for finding which of my buttons to press. 00:13:29.000 --> 00:13:30.000 Ooh yeah 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:33.000 (Makes a noise in agreement) I looked him square in the eyes, ignoring the thudding of my heart. He put a hand on my waist and pulled me against him. I was afraid that I might swoon, but I took a small stage breath. I heard him undoing a zip. 00:13:33.000 --> 00:13:34.000 I couldn't believe what was happening. A few hours ago, it seemed like an exciting concert day, and there I was, staring up at the vocalist of The Band. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:35.000 I sunk down to my knees and commenced with the task he demanded. I curled the fingers of my left hand around the base of his cock, moving my head forward and swirling my tongue around the head. I closed my mouth around him and moved my mouth slowly down the shaft. 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:36.000 Damn, he's big. This is hardly an easy task, but why am I complaining? I'm actually doing this to him. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:37.000 I tried my best to get it as far down my throat as possible, but when I felt I might choke, I moved back up again. I started moving my left hand up and down him at the same rhythmical pace. I pulled my mouth off him with a popping sound, then did it again in three quick motions. He groaned and I looked up quickly. It was also to remind myself that it

was Mike Solomon and not just my imagination. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:39.000 Fair 00:13:40.000 --> 00:13:41.000 I cupped his balls with my right hand and squeezed them rhythmically. As I closed my mouth around him again, he gripped some of my hair and pushed my head forward so that he went deeper down my throat. 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:42.000 “Is this okay?” He asked. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:45.000 Without looking at him(Nicole starts laughing as she speaks) I showed him a thumbs up above my head. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:46.000 (Arabella bursts out laughing as well) 00:13:47.000 --> 00:13:48.000 I’d forgotten about that bit! 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:50.000 I can't not laugh at that bit. Okay? I did so well. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:52.000 I’m sorry (Almost crying with laughter) 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:54.000 I did so well up to there. Not, I, I, It's hard for me to read sex scenes out loud on a podcast, okay? 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:56.000 As it is (Still laughing) 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:58.000 You guys have to realize, I smashed that shit! 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:00.000 Yes, you did, I was very proud of you. (Trying to catch her breath with the laughter and wipe tears away) 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:02.000 But honestly, that bit, that is funny. 00:14:03.000 --> 00:14:04.000 Ooooh, thumbs up, fucking funny thumbs up! 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:06.000 Yeah, anyway so let's get back into it before you. You guys lose the flow. 00:14:07.000 --> 00:14:08.000 Yeah, let's go! 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:10.000 Without looking at him. I showed him a thumbs up above my head. He let out a low chuckle in response, before moaning in pleasure. He pushed forward and yanked back a little faster. I wasn't really doing much anymore. Having let go of him completely, I felt him harden a little more. He came in my mouth and I swallowed. After the last couple of convulsions, I heard him zip up and a tissue appeared next to my face. 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:15.000 (Both chuckle)“Here” he offered “if you want to spit.”“Are you crazy?” I asked him. “I'm not wasting that!”(Arabella bursts out laughing)“Oh” he blushed. 00:14:15.000 --> 00:14:28.000 “Oh my God!” I said proudly, “Did I just make you blush?”(Arabella chuckles some more) He smiled at me “Get out of here”“So, um, did I pass the test?”“You certainly did.”“Phew!” I laughed. “Would have been super awkward if I didn't.”(Nicole huffs a quick laugh and Arabella laughs alongside)“One more thing that NDA, was that because you knew I’d agree to come with you?”“I was trying to save time, but you still haven't technically agreed.”“Mike, come on!” I countered. “Of course I'll go.”“I thought you'd say that.”“Don't push your luck Sir.”“You are the brattiest of brats!” 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:31.000 (Lets out a low chuckle) Yes, you are. 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:35.000 “Please remember that you knew this, when you will inevitably want to string me up on my bootstraps!” I told him“Don't give me ideas.” He winked Two sharp raps on the door, interrupted our flirting. 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:47.000 “One minute, you two.”“If we don't want Billy to string us both up, I'm afraid I'll have to see you tomorrow.”“Fair enough” I answered, “but it does beg the question. If he only gives us a one-minute warning and we were still, you know then?”“We'd have to rush a lot.” Mike chuckled “I don't think Billy gives a shit if he makes us rush or not.”“Noted.”“Give Billy your details” he instructed. “He'll pass it on to Melissa and she'll text you with the details.”“I was supposed to meet the rest of the band.”“Did you already forget you're coming on tour?” He asked. “You'll spend so much time with us you'll be sick of it by the end of the day.”(Arabella laughs in the background)“Is that a bet?”“Let's not start gambling before we've even started.” There was another rap on the door. “Okay, I'm leaving.” I called. “See you soon.” Then I hopped out of the trailer to meet Billy. 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:48.000 “Have fun?” He asked with a knowing smile I didn't love. 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:50.000 (Arabella chuckles lowly)“Yeah” I said, frowning uncomfortably and wiping at my face just in case. 00:14:50.000 --> 00:14:51.000 Genius, damn it, what a genius. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:52.000 (Arabella laughs properly) 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:54.000 Yeah, 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:58.000 “I have to give you my details.”“Just your cell phone number and email will do.” I gave him the details and just as we finished, Sylvia walked around the trailer towards us. 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:59.000 “Have fun?” Billy asked her. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:15:00.000 “It was great thanks.” Sylvia answered without the frown or any other form of fidgeting. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:01.000 “Good” I noted he didn't ask for her details. 00:15:01.000 --> 00:15:02.000 We arrived back at her flat in London at around two in the morning. We had filled each other in on our spectacular nights. It turned out Sylvia hung out with the rest of the band a little longer while I was with Mike. I didn't blame Sylvia for being shocked at my night and the invitation to go on tour, as was, I was still having a hard time believing it. I probably wouldn't believe it until I had confirmation on paper. Either way, I didn't regret anything. I mean, how often does it happen to just a fan, to just any fan? It was way more than I had expected from a meet and greet. 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:03.000 Well, yeah. 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:05.000 (Both laugh) Way more. 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:07.000 That was the first episode. 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:09.000 We're looking forward to seeing you here next week on Unruly Confessions for the second episode, so-named Pain in the Ass. 00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:11.000 (Theme music plays out with lyrics)“…. Hanging on to everything you said. 00:15:11.000 --> 00:15:13.000 And everything you did was so wonderful! So unbelievable! What is this world without you? 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:14.000 We’re hanging on to what you were, even if it hurts!...”