Idiotic Hero

Part 4

A few months later, you were seated in first class on a plane bound for Los Angeles, en route to a Motley Crue concert. You felt a mix of excitement and nerves at the thought of seeing Nikki for the first time in months.

A few weeks ago, Brittany had called to arrange a time for you to appear on her podcast. She proposed a Zoom session due to the distance, but then Tommy chimed in, suggesting a flight to join them for a concert instead.

Initially, you hesitated because affording it seemed impossible. However, Tommy mentioned Nikki was missing you and was struggling after his divorce. While you were still on the phone call, Tommy went ahead and purchased the plane and concert tickets. You couldn't refuse, not when Nikki needed you.

So, you agreed.

On the day, Brittany and Tommy fetched you for the airport, their dachshunds Neena and Teenie tagging along. As you settled in the backseat, the dogs eagerly jumped on you, eliciting your laughter and pats.

"The show's not till tonight. Mind coming to our place first?" Brittany asked, glancing back at you. "Teenie, down."

"It's okay," you laughed, stroking the dog on your lap. "I'm fine with going to your house."

"Sweet, off we go," declared Tommy, shifting the car into drive and pulling away.

As the journey progressed, the dogs calmed down, with Teenie dozing off on your lap and Neena cuddling up to Brittany. You gazed out the window, mesmerized by the bustling Los Angeles scenery. Tommy took a scenic route, pointing out landmarks and buildings, making it an unforgettable sightseeing experience.

"Nikki is gonna fucking flip when he sees you, dude," the drummer said as the three of you got out of the car. "He hasn't stopped talking about you, by the way."

You ducked your head, trying to conceal the blush spreading across your cheeks, which made Brittany laugh as she wrapped her arm around your shoulders.

"Come on, I'll help you choose a nice outfit. Rita and John will be here soon, too, and she can do your hair."

"I won't say no to that," you replied, following Tommy through the front door.

After a brief tour of the mansion, Tommy showed you his bonsai trees, which likely cost more than triple your life savings. He was a rockstar; the wealth shouldn't have been a surprise, yet somehow, seeing it all in person was startling.

Motley Crue had been around for over 40 years, with platinum albums and countless hit songs. They had gone from earning 20 bucks a week and stealing food to survive between gigs on the Sunset Strip to becoming rock legends without financial worries, and they had earned it. They deserved it all.

-

John and Rita's arrival was swift. The guys departed for the venue early for sound checks, leaving you girls behind to dress up. Brittany and Rita were at hand to assist with your makeup, with Rita also styling your hair before you traded your comfortable attire for tight black jeans and a Dogs of War t-shirt.

Nikki had been sending you texts all day like usual, yet he remained unaware that you were in Los Angeles, let alone about to enter through the backstage door accompanied by Brittany and Rita.

Nervously fiddling with your necklace while trailing behind the girls in the corridor, Brittany noticed your anxiety and took your hand, gently pulling it away from the necklace at your chest.

"He's going to be thrilled to see you," she reassured, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. "Stop worrying."

"It's not easy," you confessed, nibbling on your lip as you all turned the corner to discover the guys gathered backstage, closely huddled together.