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“Is it black?” I ask her.
“No, my dear. I’ve got you in some black pumps, but I’m doing a red dress for you. We want you to stand out against the band.”
“No, I want to blend in,” I protest.
She smiles. “Why blend in? You are so beautiful. You should stand out, Audrey. Your namesake would stand out.”
I smile. I don’t know for sure that I’m named after Audrey Hepburn. I know my dad liked her as an actress, but most people just assume that’s who I was named after.
“Okay, whatever you think is best,” I say, wringing my hands.
“Relax and take two deep breaths for me,” she says. “You’ve got this. Has anyone told you about the night?”
“Just that it’s a red carpet walk with a party,” I reply lamely. I know it’s silly to be so scared, because it’s just a small walk and then we’ll head inside. There’s a party and the boys have to speak at some point. I get to stand off to the side and say nothing. Derek will be the one giving the speech on their behalf. I listened to them writing it last night. It was comical, and I loved every second of listening to them collaborate. All of them were so serious about it, heads down looking at the computer screen. Trying to get the words in the right order. Making sure it sounded like it came from all of them and not just one member of the band. They made sure to recognize their fans for their support during my dad’s death. But in the end, they got a really nice, short and sweet speech out of it.
“Yes, the red carpet is only a small part of it. So just relax and focus on wearing this beautiful red gown with confidence because I know you can, and you will look amazing.”
I smile at her. “Thank you for all of your help. I couldn’t do this without you.”
“I’m happy to help you. Some of the girls I work with aren’t as humble as you are. Let’s get this dress on you.”
“Okay,” I reply.
We get me dressed and it takes no time at all. My dress is a fiery red. It’s long but form fitting to my body. Thankfully, there won’t be any dancing tonight because I’m not sure how I could in this. When I emerge to the see the band, their responses take me by surprise.
“Holy shit,” Brent says.
“You look beautiful, sis,” Aiden says, coming over to hug me.
“Woman you are making me want to rip that dress right off you,” Derek says, hugging me after Aiden and squeezing my ass.
“No, you’ll rip my dress,” Anna scolds him.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replies with a mock salute.
“It’s time,” Aiden announces.
I feel like I could throw up. My stomach is sick, my hands are clammy, and I can’t breathe. I don’t want to do this. I’m the only date of the band, and I feel kind of silly. But they’ve all assured me on numerous occasions that they’re happy that I’m here.
I take three deep breaths, hug Anna one last time, and take Derek’s hand.
“Sexy, it’s going to be okay,” he tells me in a low voice. “Just hold my hand and come with me. You don’t have to talk unless someone directs a question at you. And if you don’t want to answer it, what do you say?”
“No comment,” I say, reminding myself over and over again of what we practiced and what will happen, most likely. Although Derek promised he’d do his best to keep the heat off me.
Derek pulls me over to the band, and we huddle together in a circle. Everyone’s arms are wrapped around the people beside them, creating a tight circle. I’m between Aiden and Derek. I’m glad I get to draw some strength from the two of them.
“Let’s go do this shit,” Derek says.
I recognize the words. He says it every time they get ready to perform. True to form, they follow his lead.
“We fucking got this. Let’s rock,” Aiden replies.
“Let’s give them something to crave,” Brent replies—a clever play on the name of the band.
“I love you guys,” I reply lamely.
“We love you” they all reply in unison. And that’s it. We head off to the bright flashing lights.
