Save Me

Chapter 17

The House of Blues is such a small venue there really wasn't a bad seat in the house.   Well, if there were actual seats.  Normally there are, at least around the upper level by the bar but tonight was different. 

As we were walking towards the side stage, I overheard a few security personnel complaining that at the last minute they were told the entire venue needed to be cleared of all tables and chairs.   Adding on all that extra work, obviously they were not happy about it at all.    Apparently, staff were told the band wanted the house to be standing room only which based on how security was talking, sounded like a request they rarely got from the bands that play here.  

"I swear man, the lead singer is the most difficult artist I've ever had to deal with.  He was micromanaging everything.   Fuckin' insane."  

"Who the hell cares if there are chairs or not?"

I had to stop myself from laughing out loud at that remark. In my limited experience with Jared, being a difficult person is a trait that seems to run in his personal life as well he professional one so I could relate.   I had a sneaking suspicion he was going to end up being the most difficult person in my life too.

"Okay guys, here's your spot."  Emma said as she held the open the black curtain back that separated the performance part of the stage from the backstage where all the equipment was.

"Wooooowwwww.."   Paige hummed, taking it all in. 

"Lily, I think you're gonna be really happy."   Emma said.

The girls were in front of me so it wasn't until I walked up a little more and saw Shannon's drums that I realized we were on the opposite of everyone else.

That's just perfect.

I knew we were there as Jared's guests but I didn't think he'd really treat us any differently than the other VIP fans, at least when it came to the actual concert.   I was obviously wrong about that.   This was going beyond special treatment and I knew if those fan girls saw us here, it might cause a problem.

Should I care about what they think?    No, I shouldn't.   It was all out of concern for the girls.   It would be different if it was just me, I could handle myself.   I just worried about potential confrontations this would cause to happen either in front of the girls or they'd hear them gossiping about them.    Based on their behavior so far, I thought the idea they'd be aggressive if given the chance wasn't exactly far fetched either. 

"Emma, are you sure we're supposed to be here?   I thought the other side was for the VIP ticket holders."

"NO!"   Lily shouted,   "I like it here!"

Putting her hands up in mock surrender she said,   "I do as I'm told and Jared asked that you be on this side."

"Yeah, I just...."   I muttered, looking around uncomfortably.

"It's cool.   You guys will get to see them better and this is where Jared and Shannon will walk on stage too." 

I didn't want to seem ungrateful so I let it go.   Whatever blow back that happens, I'll deal with it the best I can.   I didn't want my worries to ruin the show for the girls.

"You're right, this is fantastic.   Thank you."   I smiled.

"I have a few things to do but when I'm done, I'll come back here."   Emma said.

"Sounds great."  

Glancing across the small stage, we saw Reni begin to let the regular VIP ticket holders onto the the stage so we knew the concert would be starting very shortly.    All three girls were clearly excited but Lily, she was in her glory.   Shannon would be literally right next to her and since it was really just us and Shannon's drum tech standing there, she could see everything.