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eleven
Birdie
IcanfeelLiam’seyes on me during the entire show, yet I manage not to look at him once. Instead, I focus on the amazing energy of the crowd and my talented band. I use his burning gaze to put more passion behind my songs. I didn’t even think about the fact that at least one-fourth of the ones we sang tonight came off my first album,Desire Reigns, and most of the songs are about him.
After we finish said title track, we come off stage before our encore. I’m a little surprised Liam isn’t there anymore but don’t think too much of it. He must have slithered off to ‘check the perimeter’ or whatever.
I take a swig of water and wipe my brow, then the band and I are back on stage for two more songs. It’s a wild rush, and over in a blink of an eye. When we’re back off stage again, we gather for our end of show huddle, then Eric is sweeping me away to my dressing room.
“Liam will meet us in the green room. He’ll be following you throughout the fan meet-and-greets and press interviews.”
“Perfect.” The sarcasm in my voice is evident, but Eric doesn’t respond. Once I’m in my dressing room, I collapse on the couch to take a breather. Shows are so much fun, but also a lot of work.
“You sounded great tonight. There was some extra gusto in “Desire Reigns” I haven’t heard in a while. Any reason for that?” Eric’s brown eyes gaze into mine and I see he’s got my number.
I decide to play dumb. “No idea what you’re talking about.”
“Sure it doesn’t have to do with a certain bodyguard named Liam?”
I stand and make my way to the bar. Since the show is over, I can get drunk if I want to, and I want to. “I had a good audience. And, after what happened this morning, I wanted to put on a good show.”
Eric taps his fingers methodically on the bar counter. “If you say so.”
“I say so.”
He’s about to speak again, but there’s a knock on the door.
A voice calls from behind the door. “It’s Liam.”
“Speak of the devil,” Eric mutters. “Come in!”
Liam enters, stepping down into the dressing room. His stance is tight, and his face is stern. He looks a little more pissed than usual. Eric’s right, he has RSF.
“The press is requesting an interview with Birdie. It’s someone from Waves Magazine,” he says, all business.
I pour myself a shot of tequila and down it quickly. Gia told me they might send someone, and she suggested I say something to send a message to the stalker. Not sure I have it in me, but I’ll give it a try. I stop myself from taking another shot, and instead grab a beer from the fridge.
“Let’s get this over with.”
I catch Liam’s gaze going from the empty shot glass then to the beer. He probably thinks I have a problem. Which I don’t, but I let him think what he wants. He can judge me or accept me. I may sing “Desire Reigns” almost every day, but the words aren’t relevant anymore. At least that’s what I tell myself. I catch his eyes and don’t back down from his searing stare.
He holds out his arm to signal me to go. “After you.”
I unlock our eyes and make my way past him. I can feel his eyes on my back as we walk to the green room. It makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
When we enter the room, to my surprise, Liam puts a hand on my lower back and the other out in front to stop people from approaching me. In some cases, this might be hot, but I’m immediately embarrassed. I’ve always allowed my fans to approach me in the green room, that’s what they’re there for.
I don’t say anything to Liam, instead I just push his arm down. Since he’s not expecting it, it gives willingly. He tries to utter his disapproval, but I don’t listen, nor care. Two curvy teenage girls approach me, both wearing Birdie Wilder T-shirts and ask if they can have hugs.
“Of course you can!” I put out my arms and the girls come right in. After we briefly hug, I ask them if they have anything they’d like me to sign. We finish with a picture, which Eric takes. I had a feeling if I asked Liam he’d sneer at the poor girls and scare them. He’s in a mood tonight. He’s acting more like a mad dog than a bodyguard. I ignore him and continue to do the rounds.
I take more pictures and sign more CDs and posters. Liam stands close to me the whole time, ready to pounce if one fan makes a wrong move. It’s seriously putting a damper on my good mood. By the time I reach Waves Magazine, I’m grumpier than I have been all week. Gia is there, thank God. I hope she can stop me if I say anything stupid.
“Katelyn, this is Birdie.”
“Hi Katelyn. Nice to meet you.” I smile and hold out my hand for her to shake.
“You as well, Birdie. I’d just like to get a few quotes if possible?”
