The Rocker and the Realist

Chapter One

I had a headache. The lights were too bright and the atmosphere was far too much. Hundreds of people were crammed into the room, all of which were fighting to get closer to the stage where mere minutes from now, Endless Escape would be performing. Endless Escape was the band currently sweeping the nation as the latest trend. Even I could admit they were talented and the fact that all the band members were attractive guys under twenty-two didn’t hurt.

Jess was bouncing up and down next to me in anticipation, which only brought more attention to her boobs that already threatened to make an appearance from her tight tube top.

A squeal that sounded eerily similar to a piglet emanated from her, “I can’t believe we’re here!” She clasped my hand and continued jumping. “Thank you so much for coming with me, Kylar.”

I eyed her warily and stayed firmly on the ground. No bouncing for me, thanks. “Yeah, I can’t believe it either.”

Seriously, why was I here? I wasn’t against the band or anything, I just wasn’t a major fan. Ok, that’s a lie. I was mildly against the band, well one member in particular: Colton Raymer.

Saying I have a problem with him makes it sound like I actually pay attention to him, which I don’t. It’s just that Jess was such a fan girl that she told me everything anyone could ever know about the band and some of it was bound to sink in. Colton was a woman using, spotlight-loving, rocker. A cliché.

Another reason I was questioning why I was here is that I don’t really like concerts. The lights and noise gives me a headache and the mass amounts of pushy people gives me a bad attitude.

I watched as Jess continued to bounce next to me. Of course I went, she was my best friend.  She was grinning like a mad woman and when a lone spotlight appeared on center stage another piglet like squeal escaped her.

The announcer stepped onto the stage and made his brief intro, snuck in some product placements, and thanked us all for coming out tonight. Then he pulled the microphone closer and a hush settled over the already amped up crowd. “And now ladies and gentlemen, the moment we have all been waiting for… Endless Escape!”

The crowd exploded, that was the best way to describe it. A loud shout went up from the crowd as a whole and everyone was jumping and moving. Endless Escape stepped onto the stage, eating up the attention from the crowd, and moved to their places. Last to come on was the guitarist and singer Colton Raymer. Jess made a noise that led me to believe she was now a puddle and I would be taking her home in a bucket. “Colton!” She shouted, as if he could actually hear her. I rolled my eyes.

The first song was captivating, even I thought so. It started and ended with a strong beat on the drum, something I was always a sucker for, and the guitar was amazing. Colton was one talented douchebag.

An hour later and the band was on their last song. It ended and immediately calls for an encore went up from the crowd. They refused, which was surprising. I assumed band dudes ate that crap up, but no, they refused and with waves and salutes they took off for backstage.

Jess was swaying on her feet next to me. “Oh. My. Gawd! They were so good!” She turned and searched the room then seemed to focus on something. “I have to pee. Be right back!” She bounced away in a flare of swinging chestnut curls and giggles.

I leaned against a nearby pillar and took out my phone. Eleven thirty, not nearly as late as I expected, but knowing Jess she would find a way to get into trouble that would delay us longer.

A couple minutes later Jess came running up, even more excited than normal which said something. “Kylar!” She grabbed my arm and started bouncing again. Good God, she bounced more than a pogo stick. “Ohmygoshiwasonthewaybackfromthebathroomwheniranintothisdudeandhesaidhecangetusbackstage.”