*1996 Test For Echo tour* Lonely. That was what Laney felt. Her mom had just passed away after she bought her a birthday gift she'd never forget. Laney and her mom both shared a love for the band Rush. Her mom's favourite was Alex Lifeson and Laney's is Neil Peart. Now Laney had two tickets and backstage passes for Rush's show tonight and she had no one to go with. "I'll just have to go alone." Laney told herself. She pulled on her favourite Rush shirt and a blue flannel. Grey basketball shorts completed her outfit. Laney went to the show and was in the front row. She locked eyes with her idol as he walked onstage. She smiled and Neil smiled back. "If that's all he does tonight I'll be happy." "This is is a song from the new album, Time and Motion!" Geddy Lee got the crowd going. The rest of the show went by quick; Anthem, Dreamline, Roll The Bones, Resist, Working Man and Tom Sawyer. After the show, Laney waited around and watched Neil take apart his monstrous drum kit. She pushed herself and climbed up on the stage. "H h hi." Laney stuttered. "Hi." Neil whispered back. He didn't turn to look at her. "Do you need a hand?" "No, I think I got it." "Oh okay. Y'know people say you are really shy?" "I know, I usually am, but you seem really cool." "Oh, well thank you." "No problem. Why did you come here alone? Your boyfriend not a big Rush fan?" "I don't have a boyfriend. My mom was supposed to come with me, but she died two days ago." "I'm sorry to hear that Ms. I'm sorry I didn't catch your name." "Laney." She stuck her hand out and Neil shook it. He didn't let go of it. "Come with me." Neil lead Laney outside. He pulled her down the alley and then stopped. He went in his pocket and pulled out his cigarettes. He offered Laney one and she accepted it. "You know, a pretty girl like you shouldn't smoke? Its bad for you. Y'know?" "You know a handsome man like you shouldn't smoke either?" "Oh, you flatter me Laney. I'm old and not handsome." "Neil Peart! You are too handsome." "If you say so." "I do." "You remind me of my daughter, Selena." His tone had changed and Laney knew what he meant. "I'm sorry that your daughter died so young." Neil turned away so she wouldn't see him cry. He felt a pair of arms around him. "Its okay to cry. You didn't lose her that long ago." Neil turned in her arms and laid his head on her shoulder. His body shook as Laney tried to comfort him. "Shh, its okay. Don't worry about a thing. It'll all be okay." Neil pulled away and smiled. "Thank you so very much. Listen if your ever in Toronto call us. My wife would be glad to meet you." Neil handed her a paper with his number on it. "Next time you come to Grand Rapids call me. I'd be glad to meet your wife." Laney handed Neil a paper with her number on it. "Til next time." "Yeah. Goodbye Neil." Laney left the show happier than she'd been in a long time.
