The City of Angels.

“Vegas, Vegas, Vegas!” Austin, Tino and I chanted as we walked through the airport to board our plane.
“My men!” Austin called to his friends who were waiting in the distance.
“Brody’s here, try not to freak out now!” He joked to me as we neared the guys.
“Very funny!” I retaliated although I could feel myself beginning to geek out.

Brody was stood with Tal and Ryan, Austin’s friends I had met at the Young Hollywood party.

“What’s up? You guys ready to hit the skies?” Brody asked with a smile.
“Hell yeah! VEGAS!” Alan shouted as himself, Phil, Kim and Aaron caught up with us.
“Let’s go. Passports ready?” Brody asked all of us and we all nodded and held our passports up in reply.
“Is Brody some sort of air marshal or what’s going on?!” I asked Austin quietly, with amusement in my voice as I watched him herd everyone to our plane.
“You’ll understand when you see the plane!” Austin said with a laugh, which confused me.

We continued to walk for a few minutes until a large black van collected us and drove us the remainder of the way. When we pulled up outside the plane, everything began to make sense.

“WHAT?” I shouted out loud, to nobody in particular as we were all piling out of the van. “A fucking private plane?!” I added to the laughter that was surrounding me.
“It’s Brody’s families.” Austin said to me, watching for the recognition of Brody’s organisation to sink in.
“This is fucking insane!” I said to Austin, entirely shocked.
“It’s pretty cool alright. What’s more insane is that in 1 hour, you’ll be in Vegas!” Austin said as he grabbed my bag from my hand and flung it over his shoulder. “After you, my lady!” He finished as he stood aside and motioned for me to climb the stairs to the jet.

We all took a seat on the plane and were handed a glass of champagne. Once we were in the air the music started and the noise levels were out of this world. I took a second to take in all my new favourite people and this new life style I seemed to have been handed. I was well aware that Austin and his pals all worked hard for everything they were given and everything they earned, however, I seemed to have just walked into such luxuries. I was beyond appreciative.

Once we landed in Vegas we climbed into yet another van that brought us to Planet Hollywood where we were staying the night. It was 11:30pm and we had the entire night ahead of us. Austin, Alan, Kim and I were sharing one suite and the rest were sharing two other suites. Planet Hollywood gave us the three suites free of charge, provided the boys would advertise the hotel and casino while we were here.

Kim and I wasted no time in getting ourselves ready. I threw on the outfit I had been planning on wearing and Kim threw on hers. Alan and Austin cleaned up also and we all met in the lobby, took a group photo in front of the Planet Hollywood sign so we could advertise the place and then hit up a bar the guys knew that they loved to go to when they were here.

The night was passing in a blur of alcohol and dancing. Cameras were flashing all night and by half way through the night, we already had plenty of photos to look back on.

“So Fi, Austin told me you’re going to be holding a shoot for your summer line soon! You must be so excited!” Tal said as he sat beside me while I was taking a breather, leaving Kim to dance with Aaron and Alan.
“Yeah I cannot wait! I haven’t got a warehouse or a work space yet, so I’m going to have the shots taken in a park right near where I live. It’s really nice. There’s a pond.” I said in reply to Tal, my body entirely consumed with alcohol.
“That’s rad. You can use my space if you need it for shoots? Just let me know and I can hook it up. Do you have a photographer?” He asked me.
“Thanks Tal, that’s really kind of you. I haven’t got a photographer no. But I have my friend Tadhg and Tadhg has a pretty good camera so we’re just going to work it out between us.” I said back to him.
“You want your stuff to look great, Fi, not acceptable. I’ll tell you what, I’ll call my photographer and hook it up.” Tal said, as if it were nothing.
“Tal, really?!” I questioned him.
“Hell yeah, it’s no sweat!” he replied with a wave of his hand.
“Thank you so much! You’re dry!” I said pointing my finger at his empty whiskey. “Let me get you another, to say thanks!”

As I was at the bar grabbing Tal another drink I was tapped on the shoulder by an overly excited Austin. He was bouncing on his feet, biting his lip and smiling mad.

“Everything okay there, Tigger?” I asked him, amused.
“Look!” He said as he put his hands on my shoulder and turned me towards the booth our group was sat at.

I saw Alan and Kim with their arms around each other, their lips almost glued together.

“We did it!” Austin said simply and wrapped his arms around my shoulders from behind me.
“They look good together!” I said as I turned around to face him.
“You know who else looks good together?” He asked and I raised my eyebrow “Us!” he replied with a smile as he closed the gap between our mouths. “You know we have the afternoon off before our show tomorrow. How about I take you out on a lunch date?” Austin asked me.
“Sounds lovely!” I replied with a huge smile as I reached up to his lips for one more kiss.
“Alright come on, let’s break up the love birds, I want to get you into bed so I can cuddle your face off!” Austin replied as he lightly steered me in Alan and Kim’s direction.

Austin and I managed to pull Alan and Kim apart long enough to tell them and everyone else we were going back to our suite which gained many wolf whistles and jeers from everyone. When we got into our room we jumped into bed and straight into each other’s arms. Austin’s arms were becoming my favourite place to be.

“Does it bother you that I’m taking things so slowly?!” Austin asked me which made me chuckle.
“Think about it. You just asked me does it bother me that you’re treating me with respect and courting me.” I said as I looked into his eyes. “Austin you’re a gentleman. A pure gentleman. I couldn’t have asked to be treated any other way!” I said, mesmerised by what Austin had asked me.
“Alright.” He said with a little chuckle. “Well does it bother you that we haven’t had sex yet?” he then asked with a cheeky smile on his face.
“Does it bother you?!” I asked him, mirroring his look.
“Well yeah. I’d jump you right now, but I’d rather treat you right and do it when the time is right.” He said, shrugging his shoulders.
“Then that’s what I’m happy doing too!” I said simply.
Austin gave my nose a kiss, pulled me a little closer to his body and we both nodded off in pure ecstasy.

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“GOOD MORNING!” Alan shouted as he ran into our room the following morning.

I was lying on my right hand side. Austin’s left leg was in between my two legs, his front against my back, his arm lazily hung over my hips and his face was buried in the rook my neck.

“Fuck offff!” I heard Austin moan in a gruff, sleepy voice. He tickled my neck as he gave out to Alan who was now, at the end of the bed, pulling at Austin’s feet.
“Get UP!” It’s a brand new day baby and I’M ALIVE.” Alan shouted as he then pulled on my feet, trying to pull me down the bed. Austin’s grip tightened on me, keeping me in place.
“Alan I will fucking end your life if you don’t get out.” Austin said which made me laugh.
“Where’s Kim?” I quizzed Alan.
“I’M HERE!” I heard from the kitchen of the suite.
“Alan have you guys slept yet?” Austin asked, now sitting up in the bed. Alan was still fully dressed from the night before.
“Nope. Kim and I hit the casinos last night. It got rowdy!” He said as he began to dance around the room.
“Alan, we’re playing a show tonight, bro. You better get some sleep at some stage or you’re gonna crash!” Austin said with a laugh.
“Rock and roll, man. Don’t worry about it!” Alan replied with his devil horns in the air.

Once Austin and I managed to get Alan and Kim out of our room, we ordered some breakfast to the suite and both showered and got dressed. I threw together a Vegas appropriate outfit and we hit the streets.

We both did some shopping, picking up articles of clothing and accessories here and there. Austin didn’t once let me take my purse out of my bag, much to my disobliging. He would say “my treat” every time he handed me a new shopping bag.

“Austin can you please let me buy you something? Or even let me buy something myself? I feel like a gold digger.” I said with a laugh, although speaking my mind.
“Absolutely not. You’re a lady. Let me treat you like one!” He said with his hands on my face.
“You don’t have to buy me, Austin. I’m not going anywhere!” I said, holding my arms up and looking around me.
“I like treating you!” He retaliated with a shrug of his shoulders.

“Austin? Austin Carlile?!” Came the voice of a girl of about 16 years, standing beside us with a group of friends, all looking as anxious as her.
“Hey!” Austin said in a friendly tone.
“I’m a huge fan of your band!” She said, nerves clear in her persona.
“Well thank you!” Austin replied. “Did you want a photo?” he asked her, seeing how nervous she was.
“Yes please!” she said bashfully.
“I got it!” She said as she held her camera out at arm’s reach, trying to get herself and Austin in the shot.
“Thanks so much, Fiona.” She said looking at the photo I had taken while my mouth dropped.
“Ho-How did you know my name?” I asked her.
“We all know who you are! You were all over the internet and in magazines with Austin at that LA party ya’ll were at. And in Newport the next day. Some pap photographed ya’ll as you were leaving Austin’s house and in Newport.” Another one of the girls pitched in.

I looked straight to Austin, shock all over my face and he laughed.

“You’re famous, Fi!” He said, happiness laced in his voice. “Have you all checked out her clothing line?” He asked the group of kids.
“Uh yeah…” one of the girls said quietly, opening her flannel to reveal one of my “Daydreamer” tees.
“NO WAY!” I shouted, pointing towards her. “That’s amazing!” I said as I ran to her and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you so much!” I said, squeezing her.
“Thank YOU. I love all your clothes. I have 3 of your shirts.” She replied.

I was in disbelief. Austin walked over and gave her a high-5. We took photos with her and then Austin took photos with the rest of the group. Some requesting me, some happy to pose just with their idol. I didn’t mind being left out of some!

After roughly 30 minutes, we politely excused ourselves from Austin’s fans and ducked into a restaurant for our lunch date. We filled ourselves up with delicious food and conversation.

“So rad that girl was wearing your shirt.” Austin said as we sipped on a post lunch coffee.
“I can’t believe it. It was the greatest feeling!” I said, re-living the excitement of seeing her all over again.
“I know, I’ve never seen you so excited!” Austin said with a laugh. “Hey I was thinking of calling a friend I have out here. I wanted to get a bit more done on my sleeve if you wanted to come watch?” Austin asked me as he rubbed his half tattooed arm.
“I’d love to. If we have time I’d like to get one done myself too!” I said in reply.
“You got it. I’ll call him right now!” Austin said, excited.

I had one tattoo on my wrist of a small anchor I had gotten while in Greece on summer holidays with friends a year ago. Ever since I had been eager for more. I had taken the time to consider what I really wanted and decided on a robin in dedication of my Grandmother. Since the day she passed away, there has been a robin perched in my garden regardless of the weather. I was convinced it was her keeping an eye on me.

After lunch Austin and I did a bit more roaming around until it was time to go and get tattooed. We visited all kinds of shops. Even an adult store, just for giggles. Austin posed with a packaged dick ring for an Instagram photo that I posted with the caption;

“@FionaIrishThreads: What happens in Vegas… @austincarlile”

We arrived at the tattoo studio and within minutes Austin was in one chair, catching up with his buddy while he tattooed him while I was sitting straight opposite him getting to know the guy tattooing me. Austin uploaded his own Instagram photo of me getting tattooed with the caption;

“@austincarlile: Check @FionaIrishThreads the badass getting inked in Vegas.”

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“It’s beautiful!” Austin said, as I cleaned my tattoo for the billionth time later on that evening as the guys were getting ready to hit the stage for yet another sold out show.

Alan and Kim had crashed earlier in the day and seemed to be revived as everyone hung out in the boy’s dressing room. With music booming and drink flowing, spirits were high and everyone was excited about the show ahead.

“I love it so much.” I said simply. “Now I have her over here with me as well as at home!” I said as I gave Austin a smile.
“I think she would love it too.” He said as he gave the tattoo a little kiss.
“Show time guys!” A voice called from outside in the corridor, signalling it was time to go to the stage.

The boys hit the stage that night to a packed out venue. They killed it, just like every night. Before the last song Austin made a little speech which made us all gush.

“I want to say a huge thank you to my family who are all standing to my left here!” He began as he signalled to myself, Kim, Brody, Ryan and Tal. “You all keep me smiling and sane, most of all. I love you all to death and can’t thank you guys enough for sharing this wonderful experience with me. You guys fucking rule!” He then turned towards the crowd. “Give it up for them, 1, 2, and 3!” He shouted and then sent us all a smile.

After the show we headed back to get our stuff and then board Brody’s plane to head back to California where the guys would play San Diego again the following night. My first Vegas experience was more than I could have ever imagined it to be.

We had been in the air about 20 minutes and I was catching up with Kim on how everything with her and Alan went when Austin came over to me and showed me his phone.

“Check you out, Miss Thang!” Austin said, signalling for me to take the phone from his hand.
“Carlile and “super close friend” known as Fiona hit the red carpet at Vogue’s Young Hollywood party in LA followed by a sleepover at Carlile’s and a Newport date the following day!” I read aloud. “WHAT?” I shouted with shock as I looked at Austin for some sort of clarity. “Why are they writing about me?!” I asked Austin in a small panic.
“Because you’re hot. Look at the photos though. We look good, girl!” Austin said, nodding towards the phone.

I couldn’t deny that the photos did look great. There were 2 of us on the red carpet. One of which we were looking right at the camera with smiling faces, our arms around each other and the other in which we were still smiling with our arms around each other but we were looking directly at each other and Austin was lowering his head down towards mine. There was also a photo of us leaving Austin’s house the next morning, both of us at his car doors, laughing hysterically. Another two photos from Newport showed us holding hands over a table while having breakfast and the final one was the two of us in the ocean. I was wrapped around Austin’s body, our faces touching as he was playfully biting my nose. I was astonished. The article read:

“Of Mice & Men front man and all round rocker Austin Carlile and the girl he proclaims to be just his “super good friend” seemed to be having a super good weekend as they attended the Young Hollywood party run by Vogue together in LA. They walked the red carpet and Carlile even introduced her to the flashing camera during many interviews. He told viewers that Fiona was an “up and coming fashion designer” and to “check out her stuff.” After a cosy sleep over at Carlile's LA loft, they headed out to Newport the following day where they reportedly walked around hand in hand and seemed the perfect couple all day. They even took time to share an intimate moment in the ocean together. It appears these two are more than just friends. Carlile and Fiona herself often post Instagram photos indicating they have been spending a lot of time together as of late. All we can say is watch this space readers!”

I didn’t know how to react. I was speechless. I was flattered that there didn’t seem to be anything nasty written about me at least. Austin was more than excited. He expressed that he was a little creeped out that we were photographed with each other without even knowing, but he continued to tell me that he was happy to be photographed and seen with me. He said he was excited for my career to take off too and that he could be here to experience it all with me, every step of the way.

He is my light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s all happening, babe. Get ready for the big time!” Austin said as he gave my forehead a kiss.

Notes