One day at a time. (Part 2 of the story of Joanne and Paul. Now complete!)

Chapter 16 - 12th February 2002

Friday arrived. Paul, fizzing with excitement as the combination of a large gig and announcing his engagement to Joanne, in one day reminded Joanne of a small child just before Christmas Day. He held her hand tightly as she accomapnied him to the afternnon soundcheck, a huge grin on his face.

"Will you calm down Paul, please!" Joanne begged him, as he bounced around in the car.

He grinned at her then gave her a huge bear hug, squeezing her so hard she cried out! "Oh sorry love! I'm just so happy! Life is wonderful!"

Shaking her head, she followed him out of the car. The rest of the band were already in place. She watched from the auditorium as Paul took charge. As usual, there was a small crowd of people watching as Paul allowed members of the public to watch his sound checks. Infact he was known for providing a completely different show at his sound checks than he provided for the actual gig! Joanne watched him, now so in control after the excitement of before, singing 'Til there was you.' She danced and sang along, clearly enjoying the performance.

"Excuse me..."

A quiet voice interrupted her enjoyment. Joanne turned to find three teenage girls next to her.

"Yes?"

"I hope you don't mind, but you're Joanne aren't you? Paul's girlfriend?"

Joanne, realising they were fans, smiled and nodded. "Yes I am."

"Could we... I mean would it be possible to have a picture with you?"

"Me?" Joanne grinned at them, "Wouldn't you rather have a picture of the great man himself?"

"We'd love one," said one of the girls sadly, "We love him so much but it's impossible to get anywhere near him. His security are great at their job."

Joanne nodded. "Well they have to be to keep him safe," she explained, "Sadly some fans get a bit carried away and that means he can get hurt! You're English aren't you?"

"Yes, my mum and dad have brought the three of us over to Paris to see Paul as our Christmas present because he's no doing any gigs in the UK this year."

"it's cost a small fortune but it's been worth it so far. To get into the soundcheck takes some doing and then to bump in to you. It's brilliant!" The younger of the girlls smiled a Joanne.

Joanne looked back at Paul, who had stopped playing and was now talking to the band. She looked back at the girls and remembered her own fan days. "Are your parents in here now?" she asked.

"Over there!" The middle  girl pointed. Jo looked up and saw a couple wave to her. She smiled and gave a small wave. "Come with me." she told the girls suddenly and grinned at them.

She walked over to the stage. She passed through the barriers which were manned by burly security guards by showing her pass. The girls hesitated but Jo waved them through. Looking at each other in disbelief, they followed her. By now Joanne was right at the front by the stage itself. Paul was sat on a stool by the piano, drinking a cup of tea and making notes in a little book.

"Paul!" she called.

He looked up, his eyes lighting up as he saw her. He came to the front of the stage and crouched down infront of her. She spoke to him quickly. Paul looked behind her at the three girls. He smiled at them then shook his head at Joanne.

"You great softsoap!" he said, "You'll regret this! Everywhere you go you'll have people trying to get you to persuade me to do a photo opportunity!"

Joanne grinned ar him and stroked his hair which he had ruffled when wiping sweat from his face. "I know but they were so lovely and polite. It made me think about when I was a fan. Come on love, remember how much you wanted to meet Elvis when you were younger!"