Bound to You

Chapter 37: Mistakes

Darcy was vaguely aware of the feeling of Ross's arm around her waist as they approached the side entrance to the House of Blues. She heard a few shrill squeals behind her from fans who'd spotted them slipping away from the crowd; they were trying to avoid causing a scene outside of the main doors.

"I guess there's really no escape." Ross joked, holding open the door and letting Darcy step inside first.

She smiled half-heartedly. She couldn't help but wonder what Riker was doing at home. She normally enjoyed Ross's company, but tonight she couldn't get her real boyfriend out of her mind.

"Name?"

She turned to Ross and he pulled out his ID, stepping around her and handing it to the bouncer standing just inside the door.

"Hey man, we're under Lynch. Should have a plus one."

The man nodded and handed Ross's license back to him.

"Right, special guests of the band. Arms please."

Darcy gave Ross a puzzled look as the bouncer slapped two 'over 21' bands on their wrists.

"Enjoy guys." He said, pointing them in the direction of the dressing rooms. "The guys are still getting ready if you want to pop in and say hi."

Ross nodded and reached behind to grab Darcy's hand.

"Thanks man. Let's go, babe." He tugged her along after him, her mouth still slightly gaping as she looked from the bouncer back to him.

"Ross, we aren't 21." She whispered, glancing confusedly down at the bright green paper strip around her wrist.

He smirked.

"Perks of knowing the band I guess. They must have put us down as over 21. Are you complaining?" He questioned, stopping before one of the dozens of identical wooden doors lining the dimly lit hallway.

Darcy shook her head as Ross lifted a hand to knock. Before he had the chance the door swung open, revealing an incredibly intoxicated New Beat Fund behind it.

"ROSS! What the fuck is up man?!" One of the guys shouted, a little too loudly for the cramped quarters they were in. He grabbed them both by the wrists and yanked them into the already crowded dressing room.

"You guys look good! DARCY! Its been too long! You're still fucking this loser?!" He continued, slinging his arm around her shoulders.

Darcy smiled politely as his drink sloshed out of the cup, spilling on the toes of her favorite combat boots.

"What's up? You realize you guys are playing a show in 20 minutes right?" She asked, glancing down at the red Solo cup in his hand.

He shrugged. "This is our pre-show ritual. I'll let you in on a little secret: I've never played a show sober." He whispered loudly, followed immediately by a loud hiccup.

"I believe it." She said, looking around the room for Ross. She had spent numerous shows backstage with the New Beat Fund guys. Typically she could handle their drunken antics; tonight, however, she wasn't in the mood. She locked eyes with Ross from across the room where he stood with two other members of the band.

"Ross, I'm gonna go out and listen to the opening band, come find me later." She called.

He nodded, a look of mild concern flashing across his features.

"You ok?" He mouthed.

She nodded before turning around and stepping back into the hallway.

**