AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As we head out of my apartment, I’m grateful that she seems too excited to worry about any residual awkwardness from my confessions at the smoothie place.
Even though it’s cold and snowing lightly, the arena is close enough to walk to. When we get inside, Ellie’s enthusiasm is contagious, and it helps me relax. She’s like a kid at Christmas when we get to our seats. She comments on everything, from the stage—which is huge—to the audience—which is full of teenage girls.
I didn’t want to risk being recognized, so while we’ve got good seats, we aren’t sitting in the VIP section. It’s clear from the way Ellie is glowing that she’d be happy if we were sitting in the top row.
When Amber hits the stage, Ellie is on her feet. She was obviously not overstating her fandom. She knows the lyrics to every song, and she sings and dances her way through the show. Watching her is the most fun I’ve had in ages. Her excitement is so genuine.
By the time Amber struts off the stage for the last time, Ellie is flushed and lovely. It’s a side of her I’ve never seen, and it makes me happy to see her happy. Which sounds stupid, even just in my head.
The backstage passes I’ve got tucked in my jacket are going to blow her mind.
She doesn’t ask why we stay seated as the crowd begins to leave. She’s so busy reliving her favorite parts that I’m not sure she even notices. When I finally stand up, she follows me toward the stage.
When we get to the restricted area, a rather intense looking man barks, “Passes.”
His scowl deepens as he stares at me. I can’t tell if he recognizes me, but he doesn’t say anything when I thrust the passes in his face.
He looks at them, then back at me, and steps aside to let us by.
Our exchange causes Ellie to go silent. She grabs my arm and leans into me as we walk under the stage toward the dressing rooms.
“Slater,” she whispers into my ear. “Where are we going?”
I raise both my eyebrows. She knows where we’re going.
“Nooooooo.” She stops dead in her tracks. “I can’t meet Amber Hope.”
Instead of happy, she looks terrified. She tugs on my arm and starts dragging me back the way we came.
For a second, I’m too stunned by her reaction to do anything other than let her.
The bouncer watches us closely as I dig in my heels to halt our retreat. “What’s wrong?”
“Amber Hope is a superstar. I’m just a normal girl.”
I almost snort. I want to believe she’s joking, but I can tell she isn’t. This girl has a serious case of awe for my best friend. “Do you know what people always say after they meet Amber?”
She shakes her head slowly.
“That she seems so normal.” It’s a bit of an exaggeration. Amber is larger than life, even in real life. But she’s great with fans, and she’ll put Ellie at ease.
“You’re right.” She squares her shoulders. “Amber Hope is a normal girl,” she says in a tone that makes it clear she’s trying to convince herself.
I stifle a laugh. “Come on.”
I grab her hand and tug her down the hallway, ignoring the way her hand fits perfectly into mine.
There’s only one door with someone standing guard, so it’s easy to find Amber. I flash him our passes and knock once before reaching for the handle.
“Amber Hope is a normal girl,” Ellie whispers to herself.
I squeeze her hand once and swing open the door. I step inside but Ellie hangs back, practically hiding behind me and gripping my hand even tighter.
Amber squeals—which is her normal response to seeing me—and flies across the room. I drop Ellie’s hand when Amber launches herself into my arms. She’s still wearing the sequined dress she had on for her encore, and she smells like hairspray, sweat, and Amber. A wave of nostalgia floods through me.
I smile as she grabs my cheeks and says, “I’m so happy to see you.”
We’re both startled by a clatter behind me.
