Listen To Your Heart ~ Book One.

Rock and Roll Part 2

"That's rock and roll." (I reply. I start walking towards the dressing room. Fans with backstage passes appear. I didn't care. I was exhausted and I needed a shower, and I had to get the mask off. Billie pushes her way thru, along with Claudia and Finneas. Looking for me.)

"Billie, this is crazy. Even it is him...so what?"

"I need to know, Finneas...okay? I need to see him!"

(She sees me in the distance.)

"There he is."

(She pushes her way thru and grabs me by the arm.)

"Hey...thanks for the roses. Why didn't you tell me you'd be performing?"

(I turn and face her...and I feel my heart skip a beat. My God she was so beautiful. I wanted to kiss her so badly.)

(Suddenly a swarm of reporter's head towards us. Fucking vultures.)

(They start asking me a bunch of questions. Who was I? Who taught me how to play? Was Van Halen doing a tour? Etcetera....Etcetera...Etcetera. I don't get a chance to answer any questions, since they're asking them so damn fast. They notice Billie standing next to me.)

"Billie Eilish! Do you know this mystery guitar player?"

"No, but after hearing him play. I was thinking of asking him to join us for our Live from Home Benefit concert."

"Say what?"

"Billie. You said that we were the only two doing the show."

"I know that, Finneas...but after hearing him play. I want to do their last song at our benefit concert, and for that...I need him."

"No... we don't. There are other guitarists just as good as he is. Hell...I'm better than he is!"

(I felt like laughing in his face.)

"So, what's it's gonna be?" (Billie asks me, completely ignoring Finneas. I lean close to her ear.)

"You're beautiful, and I want to kiss you...again and again."

(Billie blushes.)"I meant about the benefit concert?"

"I'll think about it, after I talk to my agent."

"Agent?" (Billie asks surprised. Guess she figured I'd say yes right away.)

"Yea, agent. I'll call you later."

(Valerie comes up to me and gives me a hug. Billie stares at us both, clearly jealous.)

"Oh my God! That was so incredible! You did Eddie proud!"

"Thanks. I can't believe this isn't a dream. That was some crazy shit."

"Hey man! People are looking for autographs and selfies." Wolfgang yells.

"Oh, right. Excuse me, everyone."

(I walk back towards the stage; Claudia touches my arm and smiles.)

"A rock star, huh?"

"Yea...who knew? Autograph?"

"Yes."

(I sign my first autograph. 'Claudia, always remember the carousel. Phantom Rocker.' I walk towards the stage as Finneas looks at Claudia's autograph,)

"You never mentioned anything to me about a carousel."

"We sat and talked, Finneas. That's all."

======== (Later that night, at Valerie Bertinelli's house.) ========

"You told her that you would have to talk to your agent first about doing the benefit concert? You don't have an agent."

"Well...technically, my agent is more of an advisor. Like a close friend."

"Oh no. Don't you even think about it. No way am I experienced enough to be your agent. No."

"Well...I figured since I did the Van Halen concert for you, that technically you owe me one...but hey..." (Shrugs)