Just for Tonight

23.

A few rehearsals were scheduled before departure. Migé and the guys asked Ville how Chloe was doing.

"I found her changed. She's lost a lot of her self-confidence," he admitted. "But she's stopped taking her medication and seems to feel better."

"Is she ready to go back on tour?" Burton asked.

"I think so. She told me she couldn't stand a separation, and I confess I'm... Happy," he laughed.

"We'd rather see you like this... Than otherwise," Gas noticed.

The last evening before departure was already here. Ville had planned everything. The best restaurant in town, his declaration and the little box in his pocket.

"Get dressed up, I'm taking you somewhere lovely," he'd asked her.

She opened the door as soon as he knocked. He looked at her. She was amazing, dressed in a long black dress, high heels, her long hair slicked back and her beautiful grey eyes made up in black.

" You are stunning, honey", he muttered as he kissed her.

" And you are handsome, Beautiful", she giggled. He wore a black suit and a white shirt whose puffed sleeves showed over his slim wrists. He looked like a gentleman from another century, and his light black eyeliner highlighted the deep green of his eyes.

At the restaurant, they were greeted and led to a table that Ville had set with a bouquet of white roses.

" "This place is just wonderful! ", she exclaimed.

"I wanted one last unforgettable evening before leaving," he stated.

Her smile vanished.

They took their places at the table and placed their orders.

"How are you feeling, honey," he asked softly.

"I'm fine," she replied, taking his hand in hers.

Ville thought about the small package in his pocket. He smiled.

"Ready to hit the road again?" he ventured.

"That... Makes me sad to leave our cocoon... Our Helsinki. All those wonderful moments together," she sighed.

Something in her voice alerted him. He watched her. A fine wrinkle had appeared on her forehead. She seemed... So resigned. Deep down, he knew it. This wasn't the life she'd dreamed of. She needed her roots, a stability he couldn't offer her. He wanted the same thing, of course, but his job and his passion for music gave him the strength to keep going. And she... All she had was her love for him, and that was costing her a lot. She'd never admit it to him, but he knew.

"I'll tell you that one last time. If it's too much for you... Touring with me... You can stay here. I'll always come back to you, honey".

" I... I want and I need to be with you Ville. Everything will be fine", she said as she kissed his hand.

Ville thought again about the ring in his pocket. He hesitated. It wasn't the time, not yet. She'd feel even more obliged to follow him everywhere. He wanted to give her a choice, free will. He would give her the ring after the US. It hurt, but it was the right thing to do.

"Listen to me, honey. I love you and I mean it. I love you forever", he softly stated.

It was the best he could do or say. It was, in fact, the essential of his declaration. She smiled broadly and assured him, in return, of her love for him.

---

Ville didn't like flying, and this amused Chloe greatly. He clung to her hand during the eight-hour flight, even when she fell asleep on his shoulder.

Arriving at Newark airport, they were greeted by a large group of fans and took time out to sign autographs. To Chloe's surprise, several fans asked for her signature too.

The first concerts were grandiose, with concert halls larger than those in Europe. Seppo did his best as a press agent but soon, he asked Chloe for help. Both of them did a great job of putting the gossip-hungry American journalists in their place, never failing to overstep their bounds.

In Pennsylvania, on the Pitsburg side, Ville, Chloe and the guys took advantage of a free moment to discuss things about the tour and the next cities, when a guy, probably a fan, rudely accosted them and took Ville in his arms.

" Wille Walo my friend !", he exclaimed.

Ville looked at him, puzzled.

"Babam ?", he sofly asked.

" Yeah bro. How are you doing ? Do you have some free time right now ? We've got some lost time to make up for. I know a place you'd fucking love, not far from here", the guy stated as if he couldn't help talking.

" Ehm Babam I don't know if... ", Ville began, looking at Chloe and the guys.

"Shhh Shhh, Wille. Come with me Dude", Babam said, taking Ville by the arm and dragging him along.

Everything went very fast after that. Ville looked at Babam almost submissively. He glanced over his shoulder and gave Chloe a contrite look. Migé, who had remained silent until then, said firmly that he was going with them. Migé added to Chloe and the others : "I'll keep a close eye on them and keep you posted", making the gesture of texting by phone. The three men entered the dark alleys of Pitsburg.

"What is... What has just happened ?", Chloe asked Linde, Burton and Gas.

"Problems ", Linde replied, anger in his voice.

"Who the hell is that *Babam * guy ?", she asked with a blank voice.

"Ville's worst nightmare", Burton said, also visibly angry.

"Hopefully, Migé is going with them", Gas noticed.

"Who is that fucking Babam ?", Chloe asked again, raising her voice.

"It's the guy whose fault Ville had to go to rehab", Linde explained as he squeezed Chloe's arm.

" Magera !", she exclaimed. "Bam Magera !".

She suddenly remembered newspaper articles about the friendship between the two men. A friendship that Bam had wanted to be exclusive, and which had led Ville to drink more and more... Among other things.

"How is it possible... You've seen what I've seen, haven't you? Ville's look... Submissive... Like he was under his influence or spell...", she began to panic.

"It's the Bam effect. They were very close, for better or for worse. I thought it was over but yes, Chloe, you're right. Let's hope Migé can step in if things go wrong.", Linde stated.

They all boarded the bus, and shared their worries as they waited for Migé's texts.