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Chapter Five

You want me to sum up the show in one word?

AMAZING!!

I have literally been blown away by Rhys Ryan and his unbelievable show.

Can I actually change my one word?

BREATHTAKING!!

Yup, that's it! He took my breath away.

His voice and charisma on stage is really something to behold. This tour literally has it all. Rhys Ryan has it all.

The roaring masses were treated to a visual display of absolute brilliance. Upbeat tunes. Energetic dance moves. Beautiful ballads. Sweet and playful interaction with the audience. After seeing the show, I want to get home and download all of my favourite songs because I want to re-live tonight over and over again.

For all of Rhys Ryan's notoriety, the guy is undeniably talented.

After seeing him live, I really can understand why his fans stick by him. Yes, they like to scream a lot! But they defend him because they love him. They defend him because he really is an incredible song artist. And for all of the screamers present at the show, that didn't lessen the delight for the guys who also came and supported him tonight.

I was pleasantly surprised by just how many boys and men did attend. I was also impressed with how many older women were there, too. I had half expected the stadium to be full of spotty little teenagers and overwhelmed young kids, but I was wrong. It really was a mixed bag of age and gender. Which I think is testament to Rhys Ryan starting to appeal to a wider audience. He and his music is maturing. He's diversifying as an artist and that's beginning to show in his fan base. And after tonight, I am happy to become part of that fan base.

And you know why?

Because I felt like I had been on a journey and not just to a concert.

Rhys Ryan wowed us all with his catchy dance tracks and his ultra impressive moves alongside his dancers. Then he slowed things right down and gave us tear-jerker songs that many of us could relate to at one time or another. For me, he's an honest performer. He wears his heart on his sleeve and expresses that through his songs. When he was up on that stage, I saw someone with such musical depth. To witness such depth, was a real joy. At times, I would forget that I was actually 'working' because I was enjoying myself too much. When he sang his final song and the lights went down, I actually wanted more. Echoes of inconsolable fans could clearly be heard from backstage, which made me feel sad for them. Unlike me, they're not going to get to chat with their idol after the show. Unlike me, they don't get to see the off-stage Rhys Ryan. It was then, that I finally felt grateful to Dex for giving me this job. I have had such a great time, and the best part is, I get to do it all over again tomorrow.

My head feels almost numb with the hysteria of it all. Feeling light but slightly exhausted, I make my way back to Rhys Ryan's dressing room. Before I get there, I hear Cameron behind me. "Clara!"

Halting in my tracks, I am hesitant to turn. "Hey." I keep my reply light and non confrontational. He really ticked me off earlier, but tonight's show has now elevated my tolerance of him.

Coming closer, he approaches me with slow apprehension. "I wanted to catch you before going in to see Rhys." I merely nod, wearing only a dubious half-smile. "Listen, I owe you an apology." He finally blurts out, looking all guilty at me.

Surprised, I blink back at him with a dazed stare. "Right, okay."

Cameron is obviously needing to offload his apology, and quick. "It's been a little crazy, what with it nearly being the end of the tour and all. My people skills have kind of fallen by the wayside, for which I am sorry." He shrugs, sheepishly. "Earlier on, I heard you and Rhys on the balcony...I hope he wasn't too inappropriate?"

Laughing gently, I shake my head. "I'm a big girl, Cameron. I can handle Rhys."

"But can you?" His worrying eyebrows pull together. Confused, I frown. Picking up on my sudden confusion, Cameron quickly tries to explain. "I know him, he's playing with you. Don't let him do that to you, Clara."

Warily, I cock my head to the side. "As I said, I'm a big girl."

Cameron smiles, a rueful smile. "I can see that." Standing taller, his eyes look at me with revitalised warmth. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

Realising that he's trying to warn me against the obvious flirtations and innuendo from Mr Mega Famous, I relent a little towards Cameron. "I'm just here to do my job. No one is going to hurt me, least of all Rhys Ryan."

"It didn't bother you the things that he said to you, then?"

Again, I shake my head. "I think it bothers you more because it doesn't bother me." I flippantly say with a small grin.

Cameron laughs a little. "Like I said before, I know him."

"And I've got thick and professional skin."

"Anyway, did you enjoy the show?"

Feeling glad to have cleared the air with Cameron, I happily reply as I start making my way towards the dressing room again. "I loved it."

"Good! Listen, if there's anything you need to ask or check...here's my number, just in case." Digging out one of his business cards from out of his leather wallet, he hands me it with a big smile attached to the gesture.

Pleased to have it as back up, I gladly accept. "Thanks."

Now outside of Rhys's door, Cameron kindly opens it for me. "After you."

"Why, thank you!" I jovially reply as I scoot on in through the doorway with a grin.

"Clara Thorn! What did you think?" Rhys Ryan is getting undressed. He's stood with only his jeans on and is just in the process of pulling them down.

"Oh...oh...okay! I think I'll just come back in a minute." I honestly don't know where to look. Cameron first. Then the floor. Rhys Ryan's chest. No! Not Rhys Ryan's chest. Definitely not Rhys Ryan's chest. Back to Cameron. Then back at the floor.

"Ah, stop being so boringly British! I'm just gonna grab a quick shower. Wait here!" He casually shouts, all brash and American as his denim is gone in one easy pull.

Embarrassed and totally averting my eyes, I quickly turn to leave but decide to protest as I am. "I am not being boringly British, I'm just not comfortable with you stripping off in front of me." Just as I'm about to open the door, my eyes flick up at Cameron who just throws me a 'I told you' look.

Rhys Ryan is laughing behind me, from the far end of the dressing room. "But you've just seen me with my top off."

I know he's referring to his show, where he does indeed like to get his top off... a lot. "This is different." I mumble, knowing that Rhys Ryan is hyped about the show and that I'm never going to win with this cocky and pumped up side of him. "I'll see you after your shower."

"Boringly British." Is muttered under his amused breath as I turn the door handle.

Glancing back at him over my shoulder, unable to ignore his teasing of me, I reply with a substantial amount of sarcasm. "Cheeky sod."

He laughs again. "Sod? What does that even mean?"

"It means you're a git!"

His laughter becomes a spontaneous roar. "What? Git? That has me even more confused than sod!"

Although I'm grinning, I am still trying to look really cross with him. "They both mean that you're getting on my nerves." Is now almost yelled from me, as I quickly swing open the door.

Smiling only to himself, he triumphantly accepts my answer. "I'll see you after my shower, Clara Thorn."

That is my absolute cue to leave, needing to close the door behind me before our silliness just gets ridiculous. But before I do, I can't help but sneak a peep at that infamous chest of his.

I know, I know...I'm a very bad girl!

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