A Wonderful Night Read online

  As they walk to the door, Chelsea hears people saying, “There is Ben, who is that with him?” She can’t stop the smile the presents itself on her lips. Ben opens the door for Chelsea and Abby. “Do you have your passes yet?” He asks. “Yes,” Abby says as she pulls them out of her purse, handing Chelsea her pass. “Just keep this on you where security can see it and you won’t have a problem.” “Do we get to keep these?” Chelsea asks him. “Yes, they are yours to keep.” “What are the chances…” Abby nudges her. “I’ll see if I can get the guys to sign them for you,” Ben says with a smile. “Thanks Ben,” Chelsea says. “No offense to you, but the way that Jake has been talking, you should be able to get it signed with no problems.” He grins at her.

  He opens the door that leads into the theater seating. Chelsea and Abby walk into the concert hall. “FINALLY,” Jake says into the microphone. Chelsea blushes. “I’ve been waiting on you for what?” He turns and looks at Austin, “Like 10 minutes?" Austin nods, Jake continues, "I asked you not to stand me up.” “Give her a break,” Nate says. “She had to get a beer.” “I had to calm my nerves a bit,” She yells at him as they walk down the aisle toward the stage. “I mean its not everyday that a rock star tells someone that HE wants ME to be his personal guest.” Jake grins. “Okay, you got me there. So was the beer good?” “It was.” “Was it expensive? Nate said the place was a bit pricey.” “Didn’t cost me a thing,” She says. “How the hell did you manage that one?” “Fuck, look at her,” Nate says. “Oh, so you paid for it for her?” Jake says to Nate. She starts laughing. “No, I didn’t, but I’m sure someone did.” “So is that true? Do I have competition tonight?” She takes a deep breath. ‘I can’t believe I’m about to say this.’ “No, Mr. Wilson, I am all yours tonight.” He looks at her and cocks his head to the right side and grins. “I like the sound of that,” He says.

  “You can talk your cutesy bullshit later, let’s get this over with,” Austin says. “Alright, alright,” Jake says. “Ladies please take your seats.” Chelsea smiles at him as she and Abby move toward the front row. Nate grins, "So who does she," he moves his hand toward Abby, "belong to tonight?" "I belong to no one," Abby says. "Damn Nate, guess she told you," Austin says with a laugh. "So, what would it take to convince you otherwise?" Nate asks looking at her eagerly. "I guess we will have to see," She says teasingly with a smile. They both sit down on the right side of the front row. “I don’t fucking stink,” Austin says. Jake starts to say something, thinks it over and shuts his mouth and shakes is head. Mike let's out a sigh. "Right sound check," Jake says. "Lets get this over with," Austin says as Mike counts off. They start playing an old song, ‘Yesterday‘s Regrets‘. Jake watches Chelsea as they play. She, of course, is singing along, trying her best not to look like an idiot. They finish that song and Jake looks at Chelsea, "So, are we good enough for you girls?" Jake asks. "Better every time I see you,” she says. He raises his eyebrows and looks at her, head cocked to the side, "So you've seen us before?" She nods her head, "Yeah a few times." "By a few she means like 7," Abby says. Chelsea elbows Abby. She moans. "Girls you must behave yourselves," Nate says. "And if we don't?" Abby asks. "Better watch what you ask for Ab, your gonna get yourself a spanking,” Chelsea says. Jake laughs, "Never know what you will end up with." "Sounds like someone has been there before,“ Chelsea says. Jake shakes his head. “Now there is a visual to think about.” He shivers. “EWWWW!” Austin yells. Chelsea and Abby laugh. “Seriously,” Mike says, “Can we get through this. Some of us have a few things they want to do before the show tonight.” “Oh, sorry,” Jake says, “Yeah, let’s run through number seven on the set list and make sure it sounds okay.”

  They listen as the guys sound check Life Today. "It's not right yet," Jake says. "You wanna try it without the mic," Ben asks. “This place is just so big,” Jake says, his voice trailing off. “Dude, you’ve done it before without it. Let’s try it and see what you think.” Nate says. “Okay fine…” Jake says. They run through it once more. Ben turns down the mic as Jake backs away from the mic and sings. It sounds absolutely wonderful. And except for the crew, Chelsea and Abby are the only ones there. He finishes singing the chorus. “How was that?” He says stepping back to the mic. “That was it,” Ben says. “Ladies, what did you think?” “Beautiful,” Chelsea manages to say. “I loved it,” Abby says. Chelsea leans over to Abby and whispers, “Told ya that you would leave a fan.” “Its not fair to whisper.” Nate says looking at Chelsea. Jake shakes his head. “Ignore Thompson.” She laughs. “I’ll keep that in mind. But I want you to know I cannot turn down free drinks.” “Okay if he offers you a free drink, you might wanna listen to him,” Jake says. “I’ll buy you one, when do you want it?” Nate says looking at her. “We can go back to that bar across the street.” She makes a face, “Yeah, we don’t want to go back there…” “Did you get hit on there too ?” Jake asks. “Well, I got my drinks for free,” she says, her voice trailing off. “For a date,” Abby says with a laugh. “No that is for the promise of a date. I didn’t give him my number, he gave me his,” Chelsea says softly. “And what did you do with that number?” Jake asks curiously. “Why do you want to know?” “Just for future reference, you know if say, I was to give you my phone number.” “That would go directly in my phone. But that won’t happen,” She says with a laugh. “Oh, really…” Jake says looking at her. Amy, his manager, walks out on the stage. “Are you guys done with sound check?” She asks Jake. Jake looks at the guys. They all nod. “Yeah, we’re done why?” “You have interviews scheduled.” “Dammit…” He says as he looks at Chelsea. She blushes, then grins. “Later?” He asks looking at her. “I’ll be right here.” He grins at her. “I’ll be looking for you,” he says with a wink as he walks off stage.

  Nate walks over and sits down at the front of the stage. “So… I’m serious about that drink.” “Well, I’m going to a bar called Dexter’s after the show,” Chelsea says. “Oh, tell me about this place.” “Its just down the street. I’ve told Jake about it.” “Oh, so you’ll be there and he knows this.” “Ummm… Yeah.” “I’ll see you there then,” He says with a grin. “So you’re gonna come?” Abby asks as she walks closer to the stage.” “Fuck yeah,” he says.

  Ben walks off the stage and grabs Chelsea by the arm, leading her back up the aisle a little ways. “I have a request…” He says as he looks at her. “What is it?” “Jake wants to see you…” “Now?” She asks him, shocked by the sudden request.” “Yeah. And…” He glances toward Abby and Nate, “From the looks of things, she won’t notice that you’re not here.” Chelsea takes a deep breath. “Okay…” She says hesitantly as she follows Ben out the side door.

  He leads her twisting and turning down a few hallways. He knocks on a door. Chelsea hears a voice inside say, “It's open, come on in.” Ben pushes the door open and Chelsea sees Jake sitting on the couch. He grins at her. “Come on in.” She walks inside the room. Ben closes the door back behind her as he walks away. Chelsea begins to feel very nervous, she swallows. ‘Holy shit, I’m alone with Jacob Wilson in his dressing room. He just wants a fuck… I’m okay with that.’ “Are you okay?” He asks. She nods her head slowly, unsure of herself. “Have a seat.” “Okay,” she says as she sits down on the closest end of the couch. “Are you nervous?” “Yeah,” she says as she nods her head again, “Just a little…. Okay a lot. I mean, do you know how fucking sexy you are?” She slaps her hand over her mouth. Abby wasn’t with her to remind her of the stupid things she sometimes says without thinking. He looks at her and grins. “Well, I’ve been told, but why don’t you tell me about it.” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry. I spout things off without thinking. And usually its stupid shit.” “But looking at you makes up for anything that you possibly could say.” She looks at him blankly. “Did you really just say that to me?” “Yeah.” He scoots closer to her. “I did. I think your beautiful.” He runs his hand down her face and pulls it to him. She feels her juices flowing. ‘Am I gonna be his before t
he show fuck?’ she asks herself. ‘Then that means I won’t be his after the show fuck… dammit…’ Before she realizes what is going on, his soft lips are on hers. Gentle, yet showing his desire. She presses her lips against his. He pulls her body closer as he slides closer toward her. There is a knock on the door and it swings open. “Dammit Jacob, I told you that you had interviews.” “This is my manager,” He says as he gestures. “Ummm, yeah hi, who are you?” She asks. “I’m Chelsea,” she say nervously. “And what are you doing back here?” Amy turns her glare to Jake, “Do I need to get security?” “I met her at the meet and greet. I invited her back here, fuck no to the security. Did you not see what you interrupted?” “Sorry, I messed up that fuck for you. Now interviews, Wilson,” She demands. “I’ll see you at the show.” He says as he gives Chelsea an apologizing grin. “Yes, sir, you will.” She says as she stands and walks out the door.

  Chelsea roams around the hall, finally making her way back to the door that Ben took had led her out of. She walks back inside and Abby is still talking with Nate. She has leaned up against the stage and actually has her arm propped on his leg. Chelsea laughs to herself, ‘She will be sleeping with him before the night is over.’ Nate laughs at something she says, then runs his hand down the side of her face. “Abby,” Chelsea says. Abby turns and looks at her. “What?” She yells. “I’m going out to the car to smoke.” “Okay. I’ll be somewhere. You can find me when you come back in for the show,” She says as she winks at her. “Oh yeah, right…” Chelsea says as she walks off, walking out the doors of the auditorium. As she starts to walk out the main doors of the building, Ron yells at her. She turns and looks at him. “You might want to take that pass off. Don’t want to lose it.” He says with a grin. She shakes her head. “Thanks Ron.” She says as she takes her pass off and puts it in her bag. She walks out the door and down to her car. She takes a cigarette out of the pack she has in the cup holder in the car and lights it. She sits in her car, thinking about everything that has already happened and what could possibly happen.

  Someone walks by her car and stops to talk to her. “Have you what they sound checked?” The lady asks. Chelsea thinks to herself, ‘Fuck yeah I heard it. I was there for it. Do I admit it or do I play dumb…’ “I think they sound checked Life Today.” “Okay. That is what several people thought it was, but you know how it is through all the doors and the walls, it’s sometimes hard to make out what it is.” “I know. I just hope if they do it, people will be quiet during the a cappella part.” “Oh me too. I’ve heard its beautiful.” “It is,” Chelsea blurts out before she realizes what she is saying. The lady looks at her blankly. “I’m Sadie.” “Nice to meet you, I’m Chelsea.” “Oh, are you here alone?” “No my friend, Abby, is around here somewhere,” she says looking around like she is looking fro her, but knowing good and well she is probably fucking Nate right now. “That is nice, is she a big fan?” “Not until I forced her to come with me,” Chelsea says with a laugh. “She is my official photographer. You know how you get when you’re around Jake.” “Jacob does make you very nervous.” “Yes he does.” “Where are your seats?” She asks . “Front row between Jake and Nate. About six seats from the center.” “Oh, nice seats. I’m right beside you.” “Good choice of seats,” Chelsea says. “There isn’t a bad spot,” she says with a laugh. “You are so right about that.” Chelsea checks her clock. “Wow the doors will open in about 10 minutes,” she says as she reaches for her purse. “Yea, I’ll see you in there.” “Nice to meet you Sadie.” “You too,” she says with a grin.

  Chelsea touches up her make up, then grabs her bag. She makes her way back up to the doors and says a silent prayer that Sadie didn’t make it back to the front doors to see her going in with her pass. They stop her at the door. “Doors don’t open for another 8 minutes,” a man says. She digs in her bag for the pass. She gives them her name as she pulls the pass out. “Oh, I’m sorry. Please, go ahead,” he says as he opens the door. “Its okay, and thank you so much,” she says as she walks inside. She spots Ben in the foyer. “Ben have you seen my friend?” “Yeah, she is actually in her seat already. You girls want a beer?” “Yeah, is the bar this way?” She asks. “Jake told me to keep up with you and do whatever it took to make you happy.” “Doing him would make me happy.” Ben laughs. “FUCK! I said that out loud, didn’t I?” He nods. “Do you want a beer, Ben? I’ll bribe you with anything if you’ll just keep your mouth shut about that.” He laughs. “Sure, I’ll take a Bud Light.” Chelsea walk over to the bar and orders 2 Bud Lights and a Michelob Ultra. She hands him the beer. “Thanks.” “Here’s to stupid shit that flies out of my mouth.” “That I’ll try not to repeat.” “What will it take to make sure you don’t repeat it?” She asks him. “I’m joking. I won’t tell him while we’re still in town,” he takes a drink of his beer. “You know where your seat is at?” “I do,“ she says as they walk in the auditorium. “I’m working sound board right off the side of the stage with Tyler.” He gestures toward the right side of the stage. “Tyler!” He yells. Tyler walks out on stage. “This is Chelsea and her friend, Abby.” He points at each of them, “Per Jake and Nate, we are to keep these girls happy at all cost.” Abby laughs. Chelsea hands her a beer. “Another beer?” “How many have you had?” “Well, that one that we had together and then 2 with Nate and now this one.” “You’re gonna be feeling good later,” Chelsea says with a laugh. “This is only number 4. I’m good. But no more until after the show. I’ve gotta take good pictures remember.” “Yeah and not just of Nate,” Chelsea says as she nudges Abby. “I get the idea. And thanks for dragging me along.” “Anytime.”

  Chelsea sits down in her seat beside Abby. “You girls might want to put your passes in your bags,” Ben says as he hears noise outside. “You don’t want to get them ripped from your neck.” “Actually…” Chelsea says. “Give them here. I’ll get them signed and bring them back.” She stands up and gives him a hug. “Thanks Ben! You’re awesome.” “Just make Mr. Wilson happy,” he says as he walks up the stairs and backstage. “Even he knows that you’re gonna sleep with him.” “Abby, he probably thinks I already have slept with him. Ben came to me and told me that Jake wanted to see me. So I go with him back to his dressing room. He kisses me. Then his manager walks in…” “Well, how was the kiss?” “His lips are so fucking soft. I just… AHHHHHH.” “Remember, hold it together until we are alone.” “Right. And Nate?” She grins. “I’ll tell you later, but holy fuck.” Chelsea laughs. “I figured.” “Yes and holy fuck.” About that time, people start coming in. “We should shut up about it now.” Tyler steps out on stage. “Yeah, its about that time.” He grins. “Want another beer?” Abby shakes her head no. “How about you, Chelsea?” “I probably shouldn’t.” “Okay, I’ll have Ben bring it to you.” He says with a grin.

  Chelsea hears some one yelling her name. She looks around to her left. “Hey, how did you get in here so quickly?” She asks Chelsea. “Hey Sadie. I had to go to the bathroom and they went ahead and let me in.” “I should have thought of that,” she says with a laugh. “You lie!” Abby hisses. Sadie sits down beside Chelsea. Chelsea turns to Abby and whispers, “Talk to me, I don’t care about what, just talk to me so she doesn’t start asking questions.” She sits back up. “So are you going to go to the next show?” Sadie asks. “No, this is a hometown show for me and I have to work next week.” “Oh, too bad, I’d enjoy having someone as nice as you for company at my next few shows.” “How many more do you have?” Chelsea asks, trying to be nice. “I’m going to the next 4.” “Congrats. Have fun,” she says with a smile. “He is so nice to meet after the show. You really should go out to the buses with me,” she says. “Okay, that would be fun.” Chelsea replies. Thinking to herself what his reaction will be when he makes his way around. “We’ll do that,” Abby says.

  Chelsea looks around and sees that the place must have sold out. There is not a seat in the place. Chelsea starts to settle in a little bit, she sets her purse down by her f
eet between her and Abby. After 30 minutes, Ben walks back out on stage. There are whistles coming from all around the audience. He stops and kneels down in front of Chelsea. “Get off your ass,” he says to her. She stands up and walks over to him. “Here is your beer.” “You remember what I was drinking?” She asks, a little shocked. “What do you think I’m paid to do?” “Run sound board?” She asks with a smartass grin on her face. “I see what he saw in you.” He says as he grins at her. “And here are these…” He says as he hands her the passes. “Look carefully, one of these, Nate personalized for your friend, Abby, right?” Chelsea nods. “And the other one, Jake personalized for you.” She laughs. “Thanks Ben.” “Enjoy the show. If you need another beer, wave at me or Tyler and we’ll get it.” He walks off as she walk back to Abby. She sits back down beside her and takes a drink of her beer Ben just handed her. “Did you just take Ben’s beer?” Sadie asks. “He handed it to me. Accident I guess, but I’m not complaining.” She says as she turns toward Abby, handing her the beer. “Hold this.” She takes it and takes a drink. “Maybe I need another one.” “Want me to get it for you?” “I’ll get it in a minute,” She says.

  Chelsea looks at the passes. She sees her name on one. “Here, this is yours,” Chelsea says as she hands it to her. “What is it?” “Shut up and look,” She spats at her. She hands the beer back. Chelsea waves her beer back at Ben and points to Abby. Tyler brings a beer out and hands it down to her. “How are you getting these free drinks?” Sadie asks. “Ummm… Abby is a friend of Tyler’s.” “Oh,” Sadie says with a weird look on her face. She turns back toward Abby and looks at the signed pass. All the guys signed it. Jake put ‘Hope to finish what I started.’ Abby reads it. “Sounds promising” She says with a grin. “I hope so,” Chelsea responds as she puts her pass in her bag. Abby looks at hers then puts it in her bag. “A couple of hours.” Abby says with a grin. “Are you totally skipping out on me?” “Fuck no, you owe me.” “After all this, I still owe you?” Chelsea asks. Abby laughs. “Yeah, I guess so.”