Deep satisfaction flashed across his face. “Come on…I’ve got a bunch of shit I have to take care of before we go on. Opening band’s gonna be hitting the stage soon.”
Sebastian led me down a dim, hazy corridor to a large reception room on the left. The light within was subdued but brighter than out in the hall and the areas backstage.
I peeked inside at the overstuffed, worn couches. Guys who screamed sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll lounged on them, slinging back beers and laughing loud, talking shit like all these guys seemed to love to do.
Really, the atmosphere seemed almost laid-back except for the glimmer of lust that seemed to cling to the air. Thick, dark, and ominous.
Girls who’d barely made the transition into women hung on the sidelines, chatting and clearly waiting to be noticed. Most fit in, as if they’d been drawn into the chaotic vibe, clothes as dark as the makeup painted around their eyes.
But I guess it wouldn’t be a real concert if there weren’t a few who looked as if they’d forgotten groupies went out of style in the eighties. Or maybe they were just giving it a good go to bring it back.
Sebastian introduced me to a couple of people, some of the road crew and his tour manager, and a few friends who followed them show to show.
He took it upon himself to hoist me onto a table where my boots swung a foot from the grimy floor, before he handed me a beer and sealed my mouth with a possessive, perfect kiss, then sent a look around the room at everyone who was watching us.
Off limits.
It was cute and sweet and protective, and I couldn’t help my own buzz of excitement that rippled through me as I sat back and enjoyed my time. Even though I missed Kallie, that beneath everything was the unending fear of the fight I knew was coming, tonight I felt liberated and unrestrained. There was no question my daughter was safe, that she was having a blast, playing butterflies and princesses and living in her fairy tales.
Showered with love and care.
So I let my reservations go. Let my body sway as the opening band took to the stage, and my mind wandered to the fans I could hear screaming through the walls.
I sat by myself for a long time, every so often making idle chat with the few people who approached me, all of them men. The only attention I received from the women were a few sneers and jealous stares.
An hour later, Sebastian appeared in front of me, all smiles and child-like exuberance. “We’re getting ready to go on, baby. You ready?”
“Absolutely.”
He helped me down, and I followed his long strides back down the hall where he led me to the side of the stage.
VIP.
“This is you.”
I grinned up at him, teeth going to my lip as I tried to hide the rush of emotions I felt. I couldn’t believe I was here, experiencing this with him. All the videos I’d watched of him onstage, night after night when I’d been missing him like crazy, wondering how he was and what he was doing while out on the road.
And here I was.
“Sebastian,” Ash called from where he stood with the rest of the guys across the space. “Get your ass over here.”
“Be right back,” Sebastian promised.
I watched as he sauntered away, my stomach twisting in knots at the raw, striking beauty of the man.
I turned and peered out from behind the long curtain where I was hidden in the shadows. Energy vibrated from the crowd and another round of nerves rustled through me. It seemed insane I was here, back in the midst of music from which I’d run so far. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to stand backstage while that fervor held fast to the air, anticipation building strong as fans waited for their beloved band to take the stage.
But this was different than anything I’d ever experienced in my days as Delaney Rhoads.
There was an underlying charge here, a furor in the crowd that spoke of lawlessness and disorder.