* * *
I’ve hadsome big moments in my life—ones that filled me up, made me feel like more than Iam.
The gig at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night blows them out of thewater.
“That was unreal,” the bassist says, congratulating me in the wings after the show and clapping a hand on my shoulder. “You play it better thanRandy.”
I shake my head. “I’m sure your guitarist will be back in notime.”
“Six to eight weeks to get the cast off,” the lead singer comments as he passes us. “Could be six to eight months if we get to keep you in themeantime.”
I take all of it in, grateful they gave me this shot and that it worked out, but I’m looking around for a familiarface.
I finally see her in the wings and take a minute to soak herin.
Annie looks gorgeous in tight black jeans and an off-the-shoulder top, her dark hair waving over her shoulders, but she could be wearing a bag for all I care. I’m so glad she’shere.
“You were amazing!” she gushes, throwing her arms aroundme.
“I’m sweaty,” Iwarn.
“You’re perfect.” The warmth in her voice cracks mychest.
I pull her against me because I need that mouth. It feels like a lifetime since I’ve had it, which is crazy because it’s only been a fewdays.
Since I got back from Dallas on Sunday, we haven’t had a chance to be alone together because of midterms and studying and the fact that either Beck or Rae and Elle seem to be swarming our rooms everysecond.
When I pull back, she looks dazed but recovers fast. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not into rockstars.”
I lean in until my lips brush her ear. “Glad to be yourexception.”
After the show, we hang out backstage with the band and our friends, sitting around a couch and chairs in the dressingroom.
A bottle of champagne arrives with a card from Zeke, saying, “To the first ofmany.”
Elle and Beck pop it while Annie retrieves me abeer.
“Since you hate champagne,” she murmurs. I love that sheremembers.
“But I don’t hate you. Come here.” I set the beer on the table and pull her into my lap on thecouch.
Elle clears her throat, and it takes me a moment to realize everyone’s watchingus.
“We’re gonna go find a bathroom,” Ellesays.
“All of us?” Beckechoes.
“Yeah, all of us.” She grabs his arm. “We’ll catch you guys outsidelater.”
After they trail out of the room, I drop my head back against thecouch.
“You were unbelievable,” Annie murmurs. “It’s what I wanted for you. And it’s only thebeginning.”
She bends to kiss me, but I hold heraway.
I want to touch her and forget everything else, but… “There’s something I have tosay.”
“Is this about where you went on the weekend?” Annie asks, her mouthpursing.