Fanboy

Chapter 4 - Meet and Greet

Finally, it was time for the meet and greet. It was at a CD store in Lakeline Mall back in Austin. There were hundreds of people lined up for me and the band's autographs. I sat at a table with my band members, chatting about what happened.

'Was there any action, Eros? Did shit go down?!' Evangeline asked me, eager for my answer.

'Stop asking about it, the worst that really happened was I got a broken arm.' I answered, rolling my eyes.

'So you're weak?' Jazzy asked jokingly.

'He's not weak, you two. He got hurt, but not too hurt, which is good.' Charlotte defended.

I rolled my eyes but smiled. I didn't need Charlotte to stand up for me, but it was kind of nice. She was like my sister. I checked my watch, it was almost opening time. I organized my sharpies in rainbow order and fidgited with the red one. My other band members were giving eachother 'tatoos' and I let them draw a few on me.

Typical.

The doors opened and the first group came rushing in, practically bouncing off the walls. I autographed everything they asked me to, shook their hands, and took a few pictures. I made sure to be careful, because whoever was after me could be here. But who else was here? Willow. I didn't see her, but Ivan had somehow found out that she had tickets, unless he was lying about it. But one of my best friends wouldn't do that to me. Right?

A few more groups came in, all of them claiming to be my #1 fan. Also typical.

I was starting to get tired, and it was almost time for our lunch break. I stepped to the side and called Ivan about Willow.

'Are you sure she'll be here? I don't see her in line and she hasn't been in any of the groups yet.' I said with a worried tone as soon as he answered.

'She for sure has tickets. I don't see her but I haven't made it all the way to the back yet. The line is going all the way through the mall and into the food court. They even stopped the escalator so people could wait.' Ivan chuckled.

I hung up, annoyed. Why couldn't this day go faster?!

I countinued signing pictures, shirts, CDs, and records alongside my band members. It was all very boring, and I had done it so many times before. I took more pictures with fans and followed some of them on social media per request. Most were nice, but I met a few Karens who's kids loved my music while they hated it. Some parents even called my music 'The Devil's music', to which I had to hide my laughs.

I shot a glance down the line, and I saw Willow.

She was too hot, and she was about to be in here! I quickly ran to the bathroom to make sure I looked decent, and rushed back to the table. She was still outside the store, but I had a plan for when she came inside.

I'd write my number on whatever she wanted me to autograph. In the odd chance she just wanted a handshake or a hug, I had a few extra papers on hand. I'd use anything to give her my number. ANYTHING!!!!

She walked in and we immediatley made eye contact. She walked over to the band's table and I almost died. She was so hot!!!

'Uh, thanks for coming.' I said. I almost stuttered, but I didn't wanna sound like a Y/N. Gross.

She handed me a CD. It was our latest album, Cherry. I took out a black sharpie to sign it. I always sign with my stage name, Eros. I also signed my number, 512-902-6863. I capped my sharpie and she took the CD.

After reading what I wrote, she looked up and smiled at me.

'Thanks, Terrence. See you around!' Willow said.

She walked out, and I couldn't hide my smile. I could finally talk to Willow again!

Naturally, I was lovestruck for the rest of the night. She knew it was me! She remembered me! Willow knew who I was and she didn't call me by my stage name, she used my real name! The one only my friends know. The one the public doesn't know.

I continuied signing things until the mall closed, around 11:00 PM. The people who were left waiting got free tickets to the next meet and greet and would be automatically put at the front of the line. I decided to take a walk through the mall and think.

Willow actually had my number. She really did! Maybe, and hopefully, this was the beginning of a new relationship. Maybe I had good luck after all! I sat down at a small food court table. The mall was dead silent. It was sort of a nice break from all the loudness I've had in these past few years. The mall was also locked from the outside so no one could break in, but I could leave at any time I wanted.

This was the same mall me and Ivan used to have our annual shopping spree at. We would normally go to stores like Hot Topic, random CD stores, and cute little shops. I would always buy random stuff and make Ivan dissapointed, but that was the fun of it.

We still do it, just at more fancy places, like Japan, Dubai, and New York. When we were in middle school, Lakeline felt so big to us. Sitting here now, it felt so small compared to the other malls.

Some of my first dates with Willow were here. We rarely bought stuff, we mostly just walked around and talked. Nothing beat the good times here.

After a few minutes, I left the mall and got in my limo, where someone was waiting for me.

It was Connor, and he looked mad. As per usual.

'Eros, did you see anyone in black T-shirts here?' Connor asked.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. Obviously I did.

'Connor, the majority of people who listen to my music are alt or emo in style. How could I not have seen people in black T-shirts? Also, some of the band's merch is black.' I chuckled.

Connor shot me a serious look.

'This meet and greet was a bad idea. The people who attacked you in Lancing could strike again. You never know, Eros.'

'C'mon, Connor. No one's gonna attack me. I'm under high security now.' I rolled my eyes.

'I'm hiring some bodyguards for you. No use arguing it.' Connor said.

I wasn't planning on arguing anyways. It's pretty much up to Connor what he does with the band. My limo stopped at the airport, and I hopped on my private jet. I checked my next shows when I got in my seat. There were only a few shows left before I could finally get a month long break.

I entered my house through the front door and was greeted by...! No one. I walked up to my room and checked my phone for any notifications, but there were none. I called Ivan, but he didn't pick up. He must be busy, or maybe he was asleep. Or maybe he was just ignoring me.

I layed down on my bed and sighed. I felt so alone. I sat up and stared out my window. So many people loved me and adored me, yet I still felt all alone.

Just as I was starting to zone out, I heard my phone buzz. I opened the message as fast as I could. It was from an unknown number. I smiled as I read the message.

'Hey, this is Willow. Is this Terrence?'