Dance Alone To The Beat of Your Heart

Chapter 10

   I honestly am nervous about tonight's show. Chicago is our hometown. It's the city that built who we are. It means the world to us as a band. Playing here is a different kind of energy and power. I feel at my best here. 

  "There's the gleam in your eyes. The one you only have in this city." Pete says to me. 

   "This city is magic. We both know that." I sit up on the bed. Pete still has a studio apartment here. 

  "It is." He says to me. 

  "You are going to be amazing tonight. Like you are every night." He says. 

 I put my shirt back on. "I love you. I know you mean it. We should probably go to soundcheck." I say. 

  "Probably. We do have some time though." He says. 

  "We do have time but I know whats on your mind." I pause. "The answer is no." 

  He gets up. "Fine you win." He says. 

  "I love you. We can go some place after our soundcheck." I take his hand as I get up. 

  He squeezes my hand. "Are you opposed to doing something crazy tonight?" He asks. 

  "What is your crazy idea?" I ask as we leave the apartment. 

  "How do you feel about me kissing you onstage tonight?" He suggests. 

  I stare at him. "I uh.. The fans don't need to know." I answer. 

  "Okay. I respect that decision." He says. 

  "Thanks for being respectful about my boundaries. We need to focus on getting ready for our set." I state. 

  "Yes." He smiles as we walk to the stage. 

   "Hey you two." Joe says. 

   "Yes its good. I'm excited. How do you feel about going to eat somewhere?" Andy asks. 

  "We have plans actually." Pete answers. 

  I nod. "Yeah we do." I say. 

  "I love you." Pete says as we walk to one of our spots. 

  "I love you too." I say as I take his hand. I love him so much. Pete and I are strong together. We make each other better. We're great together. 

  "You are my everything. I have such a wonderful time with you." I say with a grin. 

  He holds me closer. "So do I. You are amazing." He says. 

  "Thank you." I state. 

    "You're welcome. It is true but still. I'm lucky to have you." He says. 

  I look at him, the Lake, and then back at him. "Marry me?" I ask. 

  "You're serious right?" He asks. 

  "I am." I say, looking him in the eyes. 

  "Of course I will marry you. You sure you want to marry me?" He asks. 

  "Yes I do. So marry me." I say again. 

  "I will." He kisses me deeply. I kiss him back. 

  "And you can kiss me onstage tonight." I say as I pull away from the kiss. 

  "You sure?" He asks me. 

  I nod. "I'm sure that's what I want." 

  "Okay. I'll warn you first. I'm so excited to marry you." He says. 

  "Same. I don't have a ring yet." I state. 

  His alarm goes off. It's time to go back to start our warm-ups. I am excited for tonight. It's going to be special. 

  "I'm ready for this." He squeezes my hand. We walk to the venue and go to our dressing room. I start my vocals warm-ups. I love Pete. He's my best friend and support system. I wouldn't be where I am without him. Joe brought me into the band but Pete believed me more. I'm really lucky. He has given me so much more than I could ever ask for. 

  "I will never get tired of hearing you sing." Pete says. 

  "I bet." I continue my warmups. 

  We go backstage and do our routines. I'm lucky to be doing this with my three best friends in the world. They are my family no matter what. We fight sometimes but that makes us stronger. We've grown as a team because of it. 

  We go out onstage. We start off with The Phoenix. Its one of our strongest songs as an opener. "Put on your war pain. you are a brink tied to me that's dragging me down.." I sing. 

  The set has been going well. It is honestly the most amazing one yet. I feed off the insane energy. The Windy City brings it every time. I love it. 

  Pete looks at me for permission before he comes over and kisses me on stage. The crowd screams as I kiss him back. I wink as he bounces back over to his side. 

  After the set we get back on the bus to the next city. I love what I do.