Choosing America's Next Superstar by Jeff Erno Page B

don’t want guys and girls bunking together because of some Puritan bullshit prudishness. But you’re gay! They’re gonna put you with some other guy. The whole thing is so self-defeating. I mean, think about it. You’re far more likely to do something naughty and, God-forbid, sexual with another guy than with me!”
    “Sam, for God’s sake, will you shut up?” She was starting to piss him off. Why on earth would she think it was okay to just out him like that in front of everyone?
    “Just relax, dude,” she said. “You’re in New York now. Half the people here are gay. I bet you’re gay, right?” She turned to the desk clerk. He didn’t answer but instead raised an eyebrow.
    “Look,” he said, “all I can do is give you your room keys. Where you decide to actually sleep is up to you. Perhaps you could arrange a swap or something.”
    “Well, thanks for nothing… Raif,” she said, reading his nametag.
    “You’re more than welcome, miss,” he said with the most insincere smile Corey had ever seen. He handed them their keys, and as he did so winked at Corey. Maybe Sam’s gaydar was right again.
     
     
    J IMMY had never felt so flustered. This whole America’s Next Superstar thing was starting to seem like a really bad idea. He felt out of his element in the big city with all the huge buildings and noisy crowds. He’d never seen so many cabs. As he sat in the backseat of the shuttle bus, he stared out the window behind him, and all he could see were taxis.
    He was sitting next to a rather nerdy-looking kid with spiked hair. The guy was tall and super slender and was wearing headphones. He bobbed his head, humming along to the music. It appeared as if everyone involved with this competition was either rude or obnoxious. Or they were dishonest, like that Corey dude.
    Jimmy couldn’t believe his bad luck, running into Corey again at the airport. Well, actually, Corey had kind of saved him right when he was about to be trampled. It didn’t matter, though. That didn’t excuse what he’d done. Back in Detroit he’d pretended to be Jimmy’s friend only to use him. Jimmy wasn’t about to let that happen again.
    As he sat quietly in his seat on the bus, he took a deep breath and looked around. Why was he allowing himself to feel overwhelmed? Why was he being negative? This was the most amazing experience of his life, and he should be celebrating. He should be overjoyed right now.
    How many people actually got a chance to live their dream like this? This was no time for self-pity or depression. For all those years growing up, he’d sat in front of the TV, glued to the screen during every episode of Superstar . Now here he was a part of it!
    As soon as Jimmy got inside the hotel, he called home. “Mama, you wouldn’t believe this city. It’s so huge… and busy. And there are so many people racin’ round here like chickens with their heads off. I ain’t never seen nothing like it. … Aw, now, don’t you worry. Everything’s fine. I just wanted you to know I made it all right. And I’ll be home in about two weeks… hopefully not beforehand. … Yes, I love you too. Tell Daddy I love him… and Charlie. Listen, I gotta go. I got to put my bags in my room and meet my roommate. There’s just one meetin’ tonight for everybody, then tomorrow we start the elimination rounds. I’ll call you after I get my results.”
    Jimmy then registered and picked up his room key from the front desk. He wasn’t exactly sure what nationality that desk clerk was, but he sure was cute. Seemed like he was flirting too. Obviously he was not a true New Yorker or he wouldn’t have been so friendly.
    There was no point waiting for a bellhop. With so many guests checking into the hotel at the same time, they were all running their tails off. Besides, Jimmy just had the two pieces of luggage and his guitar. The one suitcase was a mite bit heavy, but he’d manage. It helped that they had those little wheels on the