“Thanks.” I take a couple of bites, but I’m too nervous to eat the whole thing. I keep sneaking glances at Asher, but he is avoiding me.
I run upstairs and take a quick shower. I do my hair in two long wet braids and put some makeup on. I pull on my leggings and a t-shirt that I tie at the waist, tightening it. I throw on some tennis shoes and head downstairs.
“Going with cute and casual. I like!” Roxy says when she sees me.
“Let’s go people. Asher ride with me. We need to go over some things.” Liz commands and everyone moves at once.
I put on some sunglasses and climb into Roxy’s car. She keeps the mood light and fun. When we arrive at the venue, I start to feel queasy.
“I don’t know if I can do this.” I mutter.
“Yes, you can. This is what you were meant to do.” She says giving me a confidence boost.
We walk through a back door and I’m led through a maze of long concrete hallways until we finally reach the stage. I walk onto the center of the stage and everyone is setting things up, but my attention is on all the seats. They go so far up, so many people will be staring at me. Suddenly the lights dim down and multicolor lights flare out everywhere. I close my eyes and breath.
“Charleigh.” Asher’s voice breaks through my thoughts.
“Ash, I don’t know if I can do this.” I say panicking.
“Charleigh, look at me.” I do as he says. He is looking at me with so much intensity, it takes my breath away.
“I’m right here with you.” He says softly. I nod and close my eyes. I take a few deep breaths and open them again.
“You good?” He asks.
“Yeah, I’m good. Let’s do this.” I say and he gives me an encouraging smile.
We run through a couple songs and people show me where to go on the stage. The mic is portable, so I don’t have to worry about tripping over it. Thank god, we don’t have to dance or anything. The rest of the band members that play with Michael and Asher are amazing and super nice. I had never met them before, but Michael always talked about how close they were. Normally, Ash is on the drums, but he is sharing the lead singer position with me.
After the sound check, Asher and I had another interview with a radio station. We did it while sitting on the stage. We kept things casual and when our relationship was questioned, we just said we like to keep things personal. Liz said this would make the fans even more infatuated with us.
We have a two-hour break until we have to come back for makeup, a photoshoot, a meet and greet and the show. I’m already tired thinking about it. I never realized how much went into getting ready for a show.
“Let’s get you something to eat.” Roxy says, leading me away from the stage. Asher is sitting on the edge strumming on his guitar.
“What’s he doing?” I ask.
“I don’t know. Sometimes, the musicians just need time on the stage alone. I’ve seen it on some other jobs I’ve worked.”
I look back at him as she walks ahead of me. He looks so alone. It’s weird that tonight he will be surrounded by thousands of people, but right now…. He looks lonely and sad.
Maybe I should stay. I start to head his way when one of the band members stops to talk to him. I change my mind and rush to catch up with Roxy. I’ll see him in two hours. Personally, I think I need some time away from him. My emotions are going crazy right now.
When we reach a small deli that is near the venue, Roxy hands me a ball cap.
“Put on your sunglasses.”
“Inside?”
“Yep. Welcome to being famous!”
“This is crazy. No one is going to recognize me!” I say. She laughs.
“Honey, you are supposedly dating one of the hottest rock stars out there! Trust me these groupies are going to know everything about you!”
“Really? No one is even giving us a second glance.”
“Give it time! Better safe than sorry! By tomorrow, your face is going to be everywhere, mark my words.”
I trust her judgement on this, but I can’t imagine being tackled by fans. That’s a little far fetched to me, but if she says it’s a possibility then I’ll listen.
We eat our sandwiches and head back to the venue.
“You have little over an hour if you want to lay down. You can use the dressing room over there.” She says and I nod. I walk into the dressing room and find Asher laying on a sofa with his eyes closed.
His eyes open when the door shuts behind me. ROXY! That little witch set me up.
“I’m sorry, Roxy told me this was my dressing room.”
“It’s fine. Yours is the next one over.” He says, relaxing back again and closing his eyes.
“Ash… what you said last night….”
“Don’t Charleigh. I’m not talking about it. I need to keep my head clear.”
“All I was going to say is… I love you too. I always have.” I wait for a response but all I get is a clenched jaw.
He doesn’t even open his eyes. I let myself out of the room feeling like an idiot once again. This is the second time I have bared my soul to him and again he made me feel foolish.
I find my dressing room and lay down on the sofa. I cry a little because I can’t have the one thing I want most. I want him to stop playing these games. I want to be with him. I want to be everything to him. But…. I’m not.
I have to face that whatever is holding him back is more than I can break through. I cry because I’m scared of what tonight will bring. Am I going to crash and burn or soar to new heights?
In what only seems like a few minutes, but was actually an hour, Roxy is knocking on my door. I tell her to come in and she rolls in a long rack of clothes. Most of them are black, silver, and sequined.
“Here we go! It’s time to get even more beautiful!” She says excited.
I let her work her magic and by the time she is done, I’m shocked at my reflection. I look like a glorified rock star. My dark hair is flowing down my back and my makeup is dark and edgy. I have on black tight leggings with a silver sequined stripe lining the sides. I have a black sequined bra top that matches. My stomach is bare to the world. She pairs the outfit with some kick ass silver sequined ankle boots and some dangling earrings that reflect in the light. She adds more jewelry with a silver choker and bracelets.
“You are ready! Come on!” She says, opening the door to the dressing room.
She leads me to a room that is set up for a few photos. Asher is there looking sexy as hell in black ripped jeans and a black t-shirt that says The Orphans in silver. His hair is tousled, and he has never looked more Rockstar than right now. He takes my breath away, but the look he gives me really does me in. He is staring at me with hooded eyes and I stop myself from throwing myself at him. He makes me feel so sexy and powerful with his gaze.
He doesn’t say a word, just goes to stand in front of the backdrop. I join him and resist the urge to touch him. He seems so unreal or a fantasy come to life.
“Alright, let’s just get a few shots.” The photographer comes over to us and starts putting us in position.
“Put your hands on his chest and tilt your head towards him, now look at me. Asher, place your hands on her lower back and tilt your head towards her. Yes, just like that.”
When Asher’s hands touch my bare back, I give out a slight gasp. He tugs me closer and there is no longer a gap between our bodies.
“Perfect.” The photographer says with multiple snaps of the camera.
“Now, Asher put your forehead on her temple. Close your eyes. Charleigh, slightly turn towards him with your eyes closed.” We do as he says, and our lips are so close.
I can smell his minty breath. It is so tempting to close the space and kiss him. I shudder when his lips graze the side of my cheek and then they touch the corner of my lips. I move slightly towards him and our lips lightly touch.
“Awesome! Thanks guys!” The photographer exclaims, breaking our spell. Asher steps away quickly, releasing me.
>
“On to the meet and greet!” Liz says, ushering us to the backstage area where there is a line of people with badges waiting. There are security guards standing at attention and assistants holding pens.
They let the first couple of people through and the girls immediately rush Asher. I watch as he interacts with them. He is patient and kind to them, even the ones that are touching him. He slings his arms around them, and they take a photo. They shyly ask for my autograph as well.
It gets a little crazy after that. Girls are pulling down their shirts and Asher is signing their cleavage. He doesn’t look at me at all. There are tons of guys that have my photo that I sign. I receive a lot of marriage proposals and they hand me pieces of paper with their phone numbers on it. When they take pictures with me, they start to get a little handsy.
One guy in particular tried to kiss me and the security guards dragged him away quickly. It kind of freaked me out, but Asher looked over to make sure I was okay.
Many wanted pictures of both of us with them. After a hundred or more fans came through, we were finally told we had to go.
“Are you okay?” Asher asks me.
“Is it like that all the time?”
“Yes, just wait until after the show.” He says.
“Thirty minutes until showtime!” Ralph tells us with a headset on. I feel like I’m going to puke.
“We have a problem!” Liz yells out, rushing towards Asher and me.
“What’s wrong?” Asher asks.
“She is underage!”
“So?” He asks, confused.
“We need her parent’s permission! I can’t believe I was so stupid!” She exclaims.
“I’ve been pretty much on my own for years. I even sign myself out of hospitals. I think we are fine. Besides, my mom could care less what I’m doing.” I say.
“Then why is she here with the police saying that you are a missing person, a runaway?”
“What the hell?” I exclaim in shock.
“FUCK!” Asher yells out.
“Now, you see why we have a problem?” She says panicking.
My mom comes backstage with a police officer in tow.
“Oh Charleigh! There you are! I was so worried!”
“What are you doing here? You knew I wasn’t missing!” I say.
“Miss, you should go home with your mom.” The police officer says. My mom comes towards me. I back away and Asher is right there grabbing my arm, pulling me towards him.
“I’m not going home.” I state.
“Honey, you need to come home now. We miss you so much.” My mom is putting on one hell of a show.
“I’m going to be eighteen in two days.” I state towards the police officer.
“Ma’am, you have found your daughter. My job is done. This is a personal matter now.” The police officer says, walking away.
“Mom, go home. I’m kind of busy right now.”
“Charleigh, you can’t perform unless I say you can, isn’t that right?” She says, looking at Liz. Liz nods with hope.
“What do you want?” I ask dryly.
“I want whatever money you make tonight.” My gut drops. I was hoping to start new with that money.
“Fine.” I say.
“You will come home tonight after the show.”
“No.”
“Yep or no deal.”
“Why do you want me to come home so bad?” I ask warily.
“Just do it or no show.”
“Fine.”
“Alright, she can perform.” My mom says and flounces away like she didn’t just ruin my night. At least I can go on stage. Asher’s hand is still on my arm. I turn towards him. He is staring after my mom.
“What do you think she is up too?” He asks.
“No clue.” I answer, perplexed.
“Ten minutes!!!” Someone yells out.
“Don’t go home tonight.” He says with intensity.
“I’m not planning on it.” He nods and then grabs me by the shoulders.
“Okay, you got this tonight! Go out there and perform your heart out! Let’s do this for Michael.”
“For Michael.” I repeat. He shocks me by grabbing me up in a hug and then quickly kisses my forehead.
“Break a leg out there.”
“Same.”
We take our positions on the opposite sides of the stage from each other. The band comes out first and the crowd starts roaring. I close my eyes listening to them. This is it; this is the moment I’ve been waiting for.
The band picks up there instruments and starts with a tempo. Asher jogs onto the stage and starts working them into a frenzy. I stare in awe as he has them in the palm of his hands.
“Hey, everyone! So glad to be here tonight! You guys are awesome! Now, I want to introduce you to our songwriter and newest member of The Orphans, the beautiful Charleigh Matthias!!!”
The crowd roars and I take a deep breath. I take a step out and then another. The lights hit me, and I wave to the audience. I join Asher on stage. I have a mic in my hand and watch as he puts on his guitar. The lights are hot, but I could care less. This feeling is unbelievable.
Asher struts over to me and kisses me on the cheek. The crowd goes bananas! He gives me a sexy wink and I smile back at him. He is in his element.
He starts strumming his guitar and the backup drummer starts his tempo back up. The lights start flashing everywhere and Asher grabs the mic. The first notes are almost drowned out by the sound of the crowd.
I start swaying to the beat, waiting for the chorus of the upbeat song. It’s a great opening song and listening to Asher put his own spin on it is even better. Everything seems so loud! I look out into the crowd and see girls going absolutely crazy. Asher walks up to the front and grabs hands. The girls try to cling to him, but he keeps moving. He comes walking up to me and it’s my time.
Our voices clash in the chorus and I let my voice soar. The crowd is fueling my energy and I hit all the notes. The more we do the more comfortable I become. I start walking around the stage and singing with Asher.
In between the upbeat songs, Asher tells everyone to quiet down.
“I have something to say. This next song is the one that gave The Orphans their break!” The crowd screams recognizing the song.
“This amazing, brilliant, gorgeous girl wrote it.” Asher says with pride.
Tears threaten to spill. It feels absolutely amazing to get the recognition I never knew I needed. I smile and give a wave, but my eyes are locked on Asher’s.
I mouth thank you.
He winks at me.
The lights dim down and he gestures for me to take center stage. He starts strumming the romantic melody. I start singing softly, gradually letting it crescendo to the high notes. It’s the same song that Asher sang that first day in music class. The love that was lost, how my heart is broken…
I let my emotions come through my voice. Asher comes up beside me and blends his voice perfectly with mine. We sing together and my face has to show all the feelings I have for him. This song was about us. He just never knew it. He grabs my hand and we face the crowd. When we reach the final note, he turns towards me and cups my cheek, singing to me. We sing in perfect harmony and it’s the most perfect feeling in the world…….
Chapter Twenty
The concert was a success and I’m living on my cloud of dreams. We leave the stage to an uproar. We go back out for an encore, but only one time even though they are chanting our names. It is the most unbelievable experience of my life.
“YOU WERE BRILLIANT!” Ash yells over the crowd backstage.
He picks me up and twirls me around. I laugh and when we stop…. He looks me in the eyes, and I kiss him full on the mouth. He pulls away from me quickly.
“Charleigh, no.” He says in anguish with a shake of his head. My face falls and I look at the ground humiliated again. He tilts my chin up with his hand.
“You were amazing. I’m so proud of you and I know Michael would
be proud too.” He says sincerely and I can see the pride in his eyes. I still don’t understand his reaction to my kiss. I don’t get a chance to say anything else because the band joins us in celebrating.
We are ushered through the maze backstage and taken to a large room. They say this is the VIP room and we have to meet with fans. The band members nudge one another, and I realize that this is the after party.
“Charleigh, there are a few things I need to go over with you and then you can come back.” Liz says, finally catching up to us.
She guides me out of the room, and I follow her to the sound guy. He asks me questions about some mic issues he thought might need fixed. We test it out a few times and he finds the problem. I didn’t notice anything, but I guess that’s why they are the specialist.
“You were wonderful out there! I can’t wait to see you guys do it again!” Liz exclaims.
“This is the only thing left and then you get to go home!” She says.
“I’ll warn you, though, this part gets a little crazy. These people, mostly girls, pay big bucks to hang with the band. Hang in there girl! Oh, your mother and stepfather are looking for you. I’ll send them your way.” She tells me. Before I can tell her to send my mother home instead, she is gone.
I push open the door and the sight before me is horrifying. The band is drinking and the women…. There are scantily dressed women everywhere. Some of the band members are already making out with a few. I find Asher sitting in a chair. There is a girl on his lap, touching him… My heart shatters. He looks up and meets my eyes. Guilt flashes through them, but then he just smiles at me. He lets the whore kiss his neck and rub his chest.
I stand there horrified. I just stand there… that’s all I can do. I just stand there and stare at the man I love. Why? Why is he doing this? The more I stare the more uncomfortable I’m making him. The drummer comes up beside me, handing me a beer. I take it and mumble a thanks. I chug it down, still staring at him. The girl is going for his lips…. the lips I just kissed….
I turn away from the horrifying display. I grab another drink from a table and start chugging it down.
“Not so fast! You are underage, young lady!” Tim’s voice says, right next to me.
Lucky Me Page 18