Strung (Rock & Romance I.)

Chapter 46. - Afterparty

A/N: Welcome back to heartbreak town! This one is dedicated to EbonyLallaRank ! Thank you for the love!

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*Lukas*

"How is everyone feeling tonight?" The lights dimmed as Ash walked to the front of the stage, capturing the crowd's attention. Between songs, we took turns talking to the fans, connecting with them, and giving the others a chance to grab a sip of water or take a leak.

And when the spotlight wasn't on me, I had a chance to check on her.

But where London stood just minutes ago, was now an empty seat.

I walked to the edge of the stage, getting the attention of one of the security details. He came over and I crunched down so I could talk to him. "Did you see where the brunette went? The girl that was sitting right there?"

He shook his head. "I think she walked out a bit ago, but I've been keeping my eyes on those girls - the ones trying to throw their clothes on stage." Sure enough, two chicks were now only in their bras, looking at me like they were ready to tear those off and throw them at my face.

I turned my attention back to the security. "Walked out where? Did she head backstage?"

"No one goes backstage."

"Fuck!" I snapped, straightening and walking off to where Nikki was sitting off to the side, typing away on her phone. "Nikki, I need you to find London."

She frowned. "Isn't she-" Her question trailed off as her eyes landed on the empty chair. "Where's Callie? Maybe she went out to meet her?"

I reached into my back pocket, wanting to grab the phone that wasn't there. We stopped bringing them on stage when we signed with the label - it was one of their nonsense rules, to keep our attention on our fans. As if you could easily ignore twenty thousand people staring at you...

"Can I borrow your phone?" But I already snatched the mobile out of her grasp before she could respond. Dialing London's number by memory, I listened impatiently to the sound of it ringing. And ringing.

And ringing some more.

The call went to voicemail.

I lowered the phone, disconnecting the call and handing it back to Nikki, who was looking at me like she wanted to skin me alive. "The guys are ready to start! She'll turn up, but you have a job to focus on!"

"Fuck off." I murmured under my nose, as I turned back to the guys and picked up my guitar.

We got through two songs, but the uneasiness I felt in the pit of my stomach never subsided. Something wasn't right - I could feel it. But I didn't know just what to do with that sensation.

The night went on and every chance I got, I glanced at her still empty seat, the seat where London should've been sitting, watching me play for her. But she wasn't there. And neither was Callie.

So at the next chance of a break, I rushed back to Nikki. "Did she call back?"

She shook her head. "Is she not back to her seat?"

I grabbed for her phone again, but this time, she was quicker. Holding it away from me, she frowned.

"What the hell has gotten into you?! This was your intermission!" She nodded behind me, where Jesse was currently talking to the crowd, thankfully keeping them entertained. "I don't know if you've noticed, but we have a full house. And you're over here."