Just an Illusion - The B Side

by D. Kelly

  His answering smile is all I need to feel like everything is right in our world again.

  Nausea plagued me when I woke up this morning, and I felt like I hadn’t slept at all last night; yesterday was exhausting. I hate the fact Noah isn’t coming to this signing with me. My nerves are out of control, but I try to snack on some toast and coffee while Noah tries to ease my mind.

  They all head out shortly after breakfast to start their interviews, leaving me to twiddle my thumbs in anticipation. Belle and I have texted all morning, Anna has texted wishing me luck, and even Warren sent me a text to let me know if he can let Noah ditch out for a little bit, he will. My signing is from noon to three, but I plan on showing up thirty minutes prior.

  I wish I knew what to expect. SOS said the response has been better than they expected, but I have no clue what that means. I listened to BAD’s first interview where Noah got grilled like crazy about everything—the fan who attacked him last night, the one who attacked me, how I punched her, about our engagement, and they want to know when the wedding is. I know all his interviews are going to go like this; there’s no way he’s going to make it to my signing. It’s a relief because I’m terrified, but I’m also slightly disappointed.

  When Mac knocks on my door, I’m trembling.

  “Nervous?” he asks from the front seat when we’re about halfway to the bookstore.

  “Terrified. I don’t know how the guys do it every day.”

  “It’s different in a way. Equally terrifying, but they just have to perform and bail. You actually have to talk, smile, and be personable. It’s a different kind of beast, if you ask me. Did you think about this part when you published the book? That one day you would have to do this?”

  It’s why I almost didn’t publish. “In a broad aspect, I guess. But I don’t think anyone who publishes independently believes their book will be picked up by one of the biggest publishing houses within weeks of release. If anything, I thought this was something I’d have to worry about years down the road.”

  “Well, you’re here now, so you might as well enjoy the ride. You’re tough, Mel, you’ll get through today and come out on the other side stronger than ever.”

  “Thanks, Mac.”

  After he parks the car, we enter through the rear door of the store. The store manager is waiting for me and after introductions are made, she leads me into a room to wait until it’s time. Mac waits outside the door and a few minutes later, the door opens once again.

  “What are you guys doing here?” I exclaim when Anna and Sam walk through the door.

  “Well, we couldn’t let our newest star go to her first signing alone, could we?” Sam asks as he gives me a quick hug.

  Anna moves in for a hug and squeals, “Yeah, superstar, no way would I have missed this.”

  “I’m so glad you guys are here! Thank you.”

  Sam comes closer. “So how is your hand? Can you sign today?”

  Lifting it up, I show them the slight bruising. “I’ll be fine, I took some acetaminophen a little while ago. I’m sorry about that, I didn’t mean to jeopardize today.”

  We all take a seat and they both look me over.

  “We heard you guys had quite a night trying to get into the hotel. Someone assaulted you, Mel, you had every right to defend yourself,” Sam points out, clearly in my corner.

  “I’m glad you did it. Those girls take way too many liberties with these guys. Just because they’re famous doesn’t mean they don’t deserve human decency. I’m so glad it’s almost over,” Anna says emphatically.

  Sam nods in agreement. “I know it’s going to be a change, but I’m looking forward to having my husband around more. We’re not getting any younger and life on the road is getting harder for Warren. He loves it, but I think he’s ready to retire with BAD, at least from touring. I’m sure he’ll always scout new talent.”

  It’s an end of an era for these guys. It almost makes me sad I missed so much, but I’m thrilled I got to be here for the best part.

  “You okay, Mel?” Anna asks, concern coming over her face when I start to fan myself.

  “Sure, I just need some water.” As I stand up to get it, the room spins rapidly and their voices sound like they’re underwater. Slowly, I’m lowered back down onto a chair with Anna and Sam hovering above me. After a minute or two, the buzzing in my ears goes away and I feel fine.

  “Maybe we should cancel.” Anna’s worried expression matches her tone.

  “No, I’m fine. I just need some water.”

  Sam hands me a bottle of water and after they’re convinced I’m not going to fall over, they sit back down.

  “We can cancel if you’re not feeling well, Amelia,” Sam assures me.

  “It’s okay. I saw my doctor yesterday, I’m just a little anemic. She gave me some iron pills to help. I’ll be fine. You know how it goes … stress, lack of sleep. I was so nervous I only ate a few bites of toast this morning.”

  “Anna, run out and see if there is somewhere on this street where we can get her some fruit or some juice. Anything with a little natural sugar.”

  “I’m on it.”

  After Anna leaves, Sam keeps me chatting. After spending the holidays together, I feel like I’ve gotten to know him more as a friend and less like a boss. Anna makes it back in record time with a fresh bowl of fruit. She opens it up for me, and they both glare at me until I eat it.

  When I finish about half the bowl, I put it down on the table.

  “Much better,” Anna declares triumphantly.

  There’s a soft knock on the door and the manager pokes her head in. “Ms. Greyson, it’s time. There’s quite a crowd out here.” She’s smiling from ear to ear, surely hoping for the day’s sales to be phenomenal.

  When we get to the signing table, the first people in line are Belle and Veronica. I’m absolutely stunned and my eyes well up with tears. Looking past them, I observe the line goes all the way out the door. I had no idea this many people would show up for my book.

  “What are you guys doing here?” I ask incredulously, giving each of them a hug before sitting down in my spot to sign their books.

  Veronica fills me in as I personalize their books. “That beautiful man of yours insisted we come. It was his Christmas present to us both. We’re staying at your hotel for a few days. We’ll be here with you today for moral support but no way in hell were we not going to be first in line for our girl’s very first book signing.”

  “Thank you. This means more to me than you could possibly know.”

  Veronica smiles wide. “We know, baby girl, we always know.”

  Belle smirks when she hands me her book. “You can sign it with your left hand if that helps.”

  “I’m good, but thanks for the offer.”

  “You must not have hit her hard enough,” she replies with a laugh as she takes her book and heads off to pay.

  The readers are all so nice. I’ve even been able to meet some I chat with often on social media. The amount of requests for selfies throws me for a loop; it’s comical how many years I spent hiding in plain sight to only be thrown back into the spotlight, so to speak. Between touring with the band, being Noah’s fiancée, and now the book, I’m right back where I started.

  We’re halfway through the signing when some of the fans start asking more personal questions. Now it’s my turn to be asked about Noah and our relationship. Women are swooning over the fact he’s a rock star and I’m an author. They swear it’s a real-life romance novel in the making. I can see how some people may think of it that way, but to me, Noah is just the man I happened to fall in love with.

  Many of the women have admired my ring longingly, as it sparkles under the fluorescent lighting in the store. They’ve gushed over Noah’s excellent taste in jewelry and each time it brings a smile to my face. Noah would be so proud knowing how much everyone loves this ring.

  We’re down to the last half hour of the signing now
and the line has dwindled to just a few people scattered here and there. What amazes me is how busy the store still is. Most of the readers are sticking around, chatting, making plans to get together for drinks and dinner, even forming book clubs with some new local reader friends. It’s a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.

  Suddenly there’s a spark of excitement as loud whispers and squeals make their way through the store on the heels of four BAD men and their security guards. Unlike the hotel, no one has rushed up to them, or even followed too closely behind them. But the smile on Noah’s face as he steps up to my table is one I’ll never forget in my entire life.

  When he hands me a copy of my book, I decide to play with him. “Who should I make this out to, sir?”

  “I think, ‘To my future husband and future father of my children, I’m sorry this book wasn’t dedicated to you, but the next one has your name all over it. Or something like that,” he adds, still beaming. That was pretty good, though, so I write it word for word, promising myself my next book will indeed be dedicated to him.

  Sawyer is next up and plops his butt right on the table as he hands me his book. “Please dedicate it ‘To my future brother-in-law, who I’m finally willing to confess is the hotter twin. All my love, Princess.’”

  And because they’re in such goofy moods, I inscribe it almost exactly as he described, adding my own twist. Instead, I put:

  I’m finally willing to confess you’re one of the hottest twins on the planet.

  The least I could do was give him a slight ego boost, right along with his brother.

  Wyatt is next. “So this one is for me this time, not my beautiful wife,” he says, looking right at Anna. “You can inscribe it:

  To Wyatt, Never forget to bring your O game.

  Anna is cracking up at her husband, but her eyes are filled with nothing but love for him.

  Next up is Darren, and he passes me his book as he stares at me solemnly. “Put whatever you think is good, but make it out to Jolt.”

  I can’t hold back my laughter as I write in his book.

  Dear Jolt, Thank you for being a good friend and for making my best friend the happiest she’s ever been. Also, thank you for making me an auntie, but don’t you fucking dare name your kid Jolt.

  Reading what I wrote, he’s laughing hysterically and calls out, “If it were a boy that would have been perfect!” as he walks away. Belle peeks around his arm at the inscription and laughs along with him. Just when I thought I was done, Warren places a book down in front of me.

  “Anything special?”

  “Just make it from your heart,” he replies.

  Warren, Thank you for taking a risk on me and encouraging me to take the path less followed. My entire life has changed for the better and it’s in large part because of you. I love you, big guy.

  When he looks up at me, he blinks. “Damn it, Mel, don’t you know men aren’t supposed to cry before happy hour? We don’t have any liquor to blame the tears on. Your parents would be extremely proud of you.”

  His words bring me comfort. He knew my parents and since they can’t be here, having him to remind me of them is priceless.

  “Speaking of drinks, you ready to get your celebration on, Princess?” Sawyer asks as we pack up.

  “Don’t you guys have somewhere to be?”

  Noah wraps his arms around me from behind, and a few lingering readers snap a quick photo. I don’t mind, though; pictures with Noah I can handle. “Nope, we’ve got the night off to celebrate your success.”

  I’m overcome with emotions but try not to let them show. “Let’s celebrate!”

  The Truth Will Set You Free

  We had an amazing time at dinner last night. Great food, great company, and the love of good friends are all anyone ever needs and we had it in spades. Sawyer was on his best behavior and spent most of the night catching up with Anna. It was evident from the look in his eyes how much he’s missed his friend. I overheard him saying how much he was looking forward to the tour being over so they could spend more time together. Anna seemed sad as she apologized for spending all her free time with Wyatt, but Sawyer brushed her off. It’s hard to fault your best friend for spending her limited time with her husband. It made me realize Sawyer has made a lot of progress since this tour started. He seems more mature and I wonder if it has anything to do with Noah and me settling down.

  Veronica spent the night getting to know Darren and Noah; she seemed to enjoy it immensely. The three of them were thick as thieves all night. Belle and I sat back and watched them with mild amusement. Neither of us could have hoped for a better outcome.

  This afternoon, us girls spent the day shopping, and she let us all know how perfect she thinks they are. A sense of relief flooded through me with her words. Veronica is the only parent I have left; her approval means a lot to me. More than I even realized.

  The afternoon passed quickly and now we’re all in a limo heading to a hotel across town. After tonight’s show, the guys were swooped up and brought to a private suite Warren rented to entertain some people from the label and local friends. In other words, an industry party. Warren thought a new location for the party would be good since our hotel is still under siege by adoring fans. I hope he’s right.

  “Why are you so nervous, Mel?” Belle asks, eyeing me up suspiciously.

  “I’m not nervous, I just don’t like these kinds of events.” If it’s a true industry party, there are going to be high-class women who want to get their claws into our men.

  “I’m with Mel … these parties blow. Do you know how many women I’m going to have to politely extricate Wyatt from tonight?”

  “He doesn’t do that himself, honey?” Veronica asks Anna, who smiles sweetly.

  “Oh, he does. I get the sly ones who think they’re being sneaky with a brushed finger or accidental bump to the thigh. These girls are piranhas.”

  “Yeah, I’m not doing that. If Darren knows what’s good for him, he’ll stay far away from them. And if he doesn’t, I know where the door is.”

  Anna laughs. “Just wait until he looks at you across the room with the biggest ‘help me’ expression on his face. You have to remember their label is going to be there and just because they’re retiring doesn’t mean they don’t still have to play by the rules. They have to be nice and polite to everyone, but I’m not on contract, so I can do whatever I want to, and they won’t kick out a wife.”

  “Guess that means Mel shouldn’t punch anyone tonight,” Belle teases.

  “It’s not like I randomly go around punching people. That bitch ripped my ring right off my hand.” The same ring I’ve been spinning in circles for the last ten minutes on the ride over here.

  The limo stops in front of the hotel, and Mac steps forward and escorts us all inside. There aren’t any crowds here, which is good. This should stay low-key, at least for a while. The elevator takes us all the way up to the top floor and opens into the party. For a minute, I thought Mac was going to leave us to fend for ourselves, but he stepped out after us and led us to our men.

  They’re all tucked away in a corner with four guys in suits. After making the introductions, we’re encouraged to have a seat with them. They continue to talk shop, but one of the men keeps staring at me. I glance down quickly to make sure my skirt is low enough and I’m not flashing anything I shouldn’t be—I’m not, but he continues to stare.

  Noah seems to catch on and laces his fingers through mine. Even his eyes begin to flit back and forth between me and Bob, if I remember his name correctly. Once their conversation dies down and everyone goes off to mingle, Bob stays behind.

  “You don’t remember me, do you, Mellie Sunshine?” His voice is kind but he’s giving me the creeps.

  “I’m sorry, should I? By the way, I don’t go by that name anymore.”

  “I suppose you wouldn’t. You’re all grown up now. When I was in my younger years, I toured with your parents. I left your
tour for an office job when you were about nine years old. Your dad was a close friend of mine.”

  I call bullshit on his memory—close friends attend funerals—but maybe in his mind he was.

  “I’m sorry, Bob, I don’t remember much from that time. You should reminisce with Warren … he still remembers all the good old days.” I’ve effectively shut him down without being rude. Noah gives my hand an encouraging squeeze.

  “Maybe I will. It was good to see you again, Amelia. Take care of this one, Noah, she comes from good stock.”

  After Bob leaves, I turn to Noah, eyes flashing in anger. “Good stock? What am I, a fucking dairy cow?”

  Noah laughs and kisses me tenderly. “I don’t think he meant it that way, but Bob has always been sort of a creeper.”

  “Maybe that’s why he stopped touring with us. Enough about Bob, how was your night?”

  “Actually, my head really hurts.”

  This is what I was worried about. He’s been better, but this was his first show since the incident; with the fans and the music, it must have set him back. “I’m sorry. I’ve got some acetaminophen in my purse, do you want some?”

  “I took some after we finished our show. I’m hoping it will kick in. If it doesn’t, I’ve got the pain medicine the doctor gave me back at the hotel. In the meantime, why don’t we stay here in our dark corner and make out like teenagers?” Noah’s free hand slides up my thigh, but I push him away.

  “Down, boy. We can people watch, but no way am I going to neck with you in front of your bosses. If you’re feeling better, we can do that later back at the hotel.”

  “Promise?” he asks, pressing his lips against the base of my neck.

  “Mm, I promise.”

  Noah and I sit in the corner for a few hours with surprisingly few interruptions. We watch as Sawyer takes way too many shots, Anna takes down wicked trolls one smile at a time, and Belle, Darren, and Veronica talk the night away. The way Darren stands behind Belle all the time with his hands around her belly, it’s only a matter of time before they’re outing themselves to the world.