Don't You Dare

Seven pairs of eyes stared up in awe at the bright lights of New York City. Hurried people rushed around them as they all stood on the sidewalk next to the busy street, mobbed with cars and cabs and pedestrians. The iconic skyscrapers loomed over them, intimidating and wonderful, as they absorbed the sights.

“This is so fucking cool,” Jimmy spoke hazily with childlike eyes, watching the yellow blur of taxis as they swiftly moved past him.

None of them had ever been to the city before, not even the band, despite having played in certain areas of New York before, so Val scheduled a couple of off-days for them to hang out in the city. It was intoxicating in a way that none of them had ever experienced before.

“I think I’m in love,” Zack whispered, with just as much daze and wonderment in his voice.

Johnny nodded in agreement.

"I could stand here all day,” Val stated.

Each of them thought it felt surreal to be in such a beautiful city with their best friends as a result of their band being successful and on tour. It didn’t seem real and none of them felt deserving of it, but they would take the opportunity and make the absolute best of it.

They took the Staten Island ferry across the New York Harbor, which rode right past the Statue of Liberty, where they were able to take pictures upon pictures with the green statue in the background - mostly of Jimmy who tried to pose in such a way that it looked like he was pinching, licking, or holding the Statue of Liberty in his hands.

Then they walked through Grand Central Station, looking at the beautiful ceiling of the main concourse and laughing as Jimmy and Johnny caused a ruckus, chasing each other through the crowds of people around the four-sided clock. They strolled through Central Park, where Jimmy chased the ducks around the pond, naturally.

In front of the Flatiron Building, which was shaped exactly like an iron, the group posed and took so many pictures together. And in Times Square, which was lit up so much at night that it seemed to be daylight, they took more pictures.

But by far the most exhilarating sight was the view from the top of the Rockefeller Center observation deck at dusk.

The group crammed into the small elevator, riding it up 70 floors to the top. Their inner ears popped with the pressure from the quick ascent.

“Tell me again why we’re not going to the top of the Empire State Building like everyone else,” Johnny requested with a sarcastic attitude.

“Because if you go to the top of the Empire State Building, you can’t see the Empire State Building in the skyline,” Val explained. “My friend tipped me off to the idea. The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building are arguably the most iconic landmarks in the New York skyline. We’ll be able to see them both from up here.”

“Hm,” Johnny replied with a huff, understanding her reasoning but still uncertain about not going to the top of the most notable building in New York.

The elevator dinged and opened, revealing a gift shop and floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors. They hurried out the doors, immediately hit with a blast of whipping cold wind. Clear plexiglass prevented any idiot, namely Jimmy, from accidentally or purposefully falling over the side of the railing, but still allowed for a clear, uninterrupted view of the city surrounding them.

“Whoa,” Brian breathed, taking in the view, shoving his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket.

“Shit, you were right, Val,” Johnny acknowledged, pressing his nose up against the glass. “Seeing the Empire State Building from here is way cool.”

Val nodded in agreement, pleased to hear him admit she was right.

“Look, the walkway wraps all the way around,” Zack pointed out, moving around the corner to see the rest of the skyline.

Val, Johnny, Matt, and Jimmy followed, spreading out, spanning their group across the 360-degree view of the city.

“This is the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen,” Aubrey said softly as she peeked through the glass at the beautiful sight.

Brian looked over at her. She was smiling, looking so youthful and beautiful with her hair billowing over her shoulder from the thrashing wind. The addition of the sunset and the New York City skyline behind her sent chills up and down his spine. He could’ve stared at that sight forever.

There was no longer any doubt in his mind. He was falling in love with her. He had been toying with the idea for a few days now, trying to disprove the thought, but it was official. This day had sealed the deal.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and opened the camera.

“Aubrey,” he called, getting her attention.

She glanced over her shoulder at him to see what he wanted. He held up his phone with the camera pointed at her.

“Smile,” he said, positioning himself just right to grab the skyline and the sunset in the background.

Her heart fluttered as she smiled and he snapped a pic of her.

“Beautiful,” he said, looking at the picture on his phone.

With the rest of their group spread out across the observation deck and out of sight, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to his side then leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“So, uh,” he cleared his throat, looking out at the city. “I’m really glad you’re here. Really glad you came on tour with us.”

She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. “Me too, Brian. I’m really glad I’m here too.”

Ø

“Hey, look!” Jimmy shouted, pointing at a window sign ahead of them. “Take a picture of me in front of my building!”

Confused, everyone glanced up to see what he was talking about. The window read: The James New York.

“It’s my building!” Jimmy exclaimed, reiterating his excitement.

Everyone chuckled at his childlike exuberance.

“I’ll take a picture; go stand in front of it,” Val laughed then pulled out her camera.

Jimmy posed, gaping and pointing to his name, while Val snapped a picture of him.

The doorman, a big guy in a doorman’s uniform who nearly resembled Santa Claus with his white hair and white beard, had been watching the whole scene unfold and he laughed a deep belly laugh at the adorableness of the group, particularly of the tall, skinny kid and his excitement over the name of the building he manned.

“Where are you guys from?” He asked.

“California,” Valary answered.

The doorman whistled. “You a long ways from home, huh? What brings you to New York? Just visiting?”

“The boys are in a touring band,” she replied, pointing to the guys. “They’re playing in Brooklyn tomorrow.”

“Wow,” the doorman acknowledged with a nod. “That sounds like fun.”

“Hey, what is this place?” Jimmy asked him.

“The James hotel,” the doorman answered.

“Oh shit, it’s my hotel,” Jimmy reiterated, turning to his friends with wide eyes.

“Hey, is there a Johnny hotel nearby?” Johnny asked the doorman.

The doorman laughed heartily again. “I don’t think so, kid.”

For some reason, he took a quick liking to the unorthodox group of friends. They seemed genuine and pure to him, and he felt a sudden sense of generosity towards them, wanting to do something nice for them.

He turned back to Jimmy. “Your name’s James?”

Jimmy nodded.

“Do you go by Jimmy?” He wondered.

“I do!” Jimmy answered excitedly with wide eyes.

“Oh, then you’re gonna love this, kid,” the doorman said as he motioned for the group to get closer to him. When they did, he whispered, “Come back in an hour. Guys, you need to wear button down shirts and slacks, and ladies, you need to wear cocktail dresses. We’re having the grand opening of our rooftop bar and tickets have been sold out for months, but I’ll get you in.”

“Sweet,” Zack commended with his eyebrows raised. “We were looking for a place to party tonight.”

“You’re gonna love this place,” the doorman replied then pointed to Jimmy. “Especially you.”

Jimmy’s eyes lit up like a child’s.

And an hour later, the group sauntered back over to The James hotel wearing their best clothes and were led, by the doorman, to the rooftop bar and lounge, which was named none other than Jimmy.

“IT’S CALLED JIMMY!” Jimmy shouted as he raced to the sign. “Hurry, Val! Take another pic!”

Valary did as she was directed, taking a picture of Jimmy in front of the sign.

“I don’t think anyone will give you any trouble, but if anyone asks, you’re with new local online newspapers to write reviews on the place,” the doorman instructed the rest of them.

Aubrey nodded and turned to him. “Thank you for doing this.”

“No problem,” the doorman replied with a nod then walked away. “Enjoy!”

They entered the lounge, which was adorned with small tables and plush leather seats and a long bar against the back wall with rows and rows of bottles of liquor. The room was illuminated with dim, twinkling, ambient lights and filled with people who were standing around chatting, creating the buzz of discussion that was heard over the gentle music.

“Welcome to Jimmy!” The bartender greeted the group as they approached.

“Thanks!” Jimmy replied excitedly, hopping up onto one of the barstools, making himself right at home.

“Here’s our drink menu,” the bartender announced as he slid a picture frame over to them, which contained the menu.

They all scanned the items briefly, reading the list and mentally making their decisions.

“Oh yeah,” Jimmy spoke up first, nodding with a laugh. “I’ll have a ‘Who’s Your Daddy.’”

The rest of the group laughed, as Jimmy acted as if the bar was literally his.

“You got it, sir,” the bartender acknowledged. “What can I get the rest of you?”

Everyone else ordered their drinks and when they were delivered, they took them outside onto the rooftop pool that overlooked the sky at dusk. People were dancing along to the loud music that struck out into the night sky as the DJ stood behind his turntable, playing mixes of his own accord. Stringed lights were strewn around the roof and railings, twinkling along with the lights from the skyscrapers, creating a city life vibe.

Drinks upon drinks were consumed as the hours passed. Music played, the seven friends danced together, and memories were made - as they always were.

“This has been the best fucking tour we’ve ever been on,” Matt said with contentment as they all sat around the edge of the pool later that night, looking out at the night lights of the city. The guys all had their pant legs rolled up to their knees as they their lower legs hung over the edge of the pool and into the water.

“It has been,” Brian agreed with a nod, glancing over at Aubrey who was sitting off to the side with Val, laughing at something she said as they dangled their legs into the pool as well.

“This stop alone has been the best fucking day of any tour we’ve ever been on,” Johnny pointed out. “I fucking love New York.”

“Yeah, I’ve never had so much fun sober before,” Zack said.

“You’re not sober,” Matt pointed out with a laugh.

“I was earlier!” Zack defended. “Definitely not anymore though.”

Each day of the tour seemed to get better and better. But this stop had been the most fun, by far. The group had never laughed so hard or seen so many cool sights or enjoyed each other’s company so much. This particular tour had brought them so much closer together, and this particular day had intensified their bonds and solidified their friendships even more.

“We gotta commemorate this tour, you guys,” Zack decided.

Jimmy and Brian immediately looked at each other and simultaneously shouted: “Tour tattoos!”

“Yeah!” Johnny threw his fist in the air.

"You girls in for tour tattoos?” Matt wondered.

“Yes!” Val agreed excitedly, catching wind of the guy’s conversation. “Especially if AC isn’t coming on tour with us again - we need to permanently brand her as one of us!”

“Do you have any tattoos?” Matt asked Aubrey.

She shook her head. “Nope!”

“Are you gonna get one with us?” Jimmy asked.

“Of course!” She agreed. Even though she had no desire to get a tattoo before, she was thrilled to be included in their group and even more thrilled to be included in getting a tour tattoo. It really made her feel like she belonged. “What are we going to get?”

“Hmm,” Zacky pondered audibly.

“Let’s tattoo this moment! This exact moment!” Jimmy suggested excitedly as he stood up from the pool, water dripping down his legs.

“What are you talking about?” Brian asked with a furrowed brow. “How?”

“Someone write down the date and exact time! And get the exact coordinates of where we’re standing right now!” He explained. “Let’s remember this exact moment, in the James Hotel, in New York City, on tour with the greatest people on this earth! Someone pull up the coordinates on your phone – come on!”

Val quickly swiped her phone out of her small purse and opened up her map app then zeroed in on their location, saving the coordinates. She quickly typed a note to herself of the date, November 25, 2007 and the exact time, 12:42:39 EST.

“Okay, I got it,” Val announced.

“That was a really cool idea, Jimmy,” Aubrey noted. “I’m excited!”

“Fuck yeah,” Jimmy acknowledged. “I want to remember this exact moment for the rest of my life.”

Suddenly, there was a devious look in his eyes.

“Jimmy,” Matt said cautiously. “What are you-”

Before he could even finish his question, Jimmy leaped forward.

“CANNONBALL!” He screeched as he flew into the air, wrapping his arms around his legs as he tucked them to his chest and pummeled straight in the pool, sending outward splashes all over the guys, the girls, and the other guests.

The rest of the group froze, anticipating people getting very upset about their nice attire being soaked and expecting to be kicked out of the bar. But the exact opposite happened. Jimmy seemed to set off a chain reaction as another person shouted and jumped in then another person, until everyone was trying to get in the pool.

Matt, Brian, Zack, and Johnny all slid into the pool. Matt grabbed Val and pulled her in, so naturally Brian did the same to Aubrey, pulling her in then dunking her under water.

She emerged to the surface with a gasp and an insulted look on her face.

“You little shit!” She shouted as she jumped on top of Brian, dunking him under water as well.

Though she did manage to bring him below the surface, her small frame didn’t get him much further, and he stood up quickly, chuckling as he wrapped his arms around her back and held her close.

She moved his hair out of his eyes, running her hand across his forehead then down his cheeks, cupping his face as the chaos ensued around them.

He smiled sweetly at her and she returned the expression.

“I have so much fun with you,” she said softly.

He smiled wider then started to lean in close to kiss her until someone splashed him in the face.

He looked over to see Johnny was the one who had splashed him, with a face that said, Hellooo what are you doing?

Brian nodded a ‘thanks’ at him and gently let go of Aubrey. “Sorry,” he said to her.

“It’s okay,” she smiled then swam over to their friends, where everyone was splashing each other.

Val was on Matt’s shoulders and Zacky motioned for Aubrey to get on his. She did and she and Val played a game of chicken, trying to knock each other into the water.

Jimmy turned out to be the life of the party after that. He had the DJ playing some great hits and remixes and had everyone up and dancing and splashing around in the pool. He even bought an entire bottle of champagne that he shook and sprayed all over the crowd. He was in his element, a whole different side to Jimmy than anyone had seen before. Yes, he was always wild and crazy and funny and quite the social butterfly but he was never leading the crowd into a rave. There were so many people, it was a shock that the roof didn’t cave in.

And later, before they headed back to the bus for the night, they stopped in a tattoo parlor and all of them tattooed that blissful moment permanently on their bodies to always remember that stop in New York City.

Val, on her right shoulder blade.
Aubrey, on the inside her left forearm, below the ditch of her elbow.
Zack, on his left tricep.
Jimmy, on his right forearm, above the back of his hand.
Johnny, on his calf.
Matt, on his ribcage.
Brian, on his right bicep.


A7X
11.25.07
12:42:39 EST
40°43'21"N
74°00'17"W

Notes

So sorry for the delay! Been a crazy week! Hope you guys enjoy! As always, thanks so much for reading!

P.S. The location is a real place - The James hotel in New York, with it's rooftop bar called Jimmy! Very, very cool place and I can't help but think of him every time I see it and I really wanted to incorporate it into this story! &*