It Started that Night

Part 5

Dex and Lucie got out of the cab and hurried inside the Italian restaurant, followed by Ben, an ex-boxer and part of their security entourage. They were late! They'd spent most of the evening bickering about nothing of any importance. Dex was exhausted and couldn't be bothered with any of it. Lucie had ruined his last night with his parents. As he looked around the restaurant for everyone they were all already sat at the table, he hurried over with Lucie trailing behind. He didn't even give her a second thought, though he knew she was safe and that Ben was behind.

"So sorry guys... I fell asleep," he lied as he sat down next to his mum. She kissed him on his forehead.

"Don't worry love, you're here now," she smiled at him.

The band's bodyguards stood around the table to stop fans disturbing them and to give them a bit of peace and privacy.

"So, where are you off to next, sweetheart?" asked Dex's mom.

"Erm, Paris next then the UK, then I'm coming home for a few weeks, then back out here for four months," Dex explained.

"Oh fabulous love! I shall look forward to you coming home," she said, stroking his forearm affectionately. She was incredibly proud but she missed her little boy.

Their meals arrived quickly, Lucie was glad. She hadn't said a word all evening, there was a horrible atmosphere between her and Dex and she felt really awkward. She couldn't wait to leave, but at the same time was dreading leaving as she could see dozens of paparazzi at the windows, she really wasn't in the mood for it.

Dex looked at her and noticed her staring at the window. He knew she would be nervous about leaving, she had some crazy fans that quite often scared her. She was only young, it was a lot to deal with. His anger towards her subsided a little, replaced with sympathy. He felt like it was his duty protect her, whether he wanted to or not. He could hear his mom in his head. She would have wanted him to be a gentleman and take care of her.

He put his hand on her knee under the table. It surprised her, she turned to him and smiled.

"I'm sorry," he silently mouthed to her and she squeezed his hand in acceptance. The air immediately felt better, Lucie relaxed into her chair.

Mac went through the next day's schedule whilst they were all together.

"Jess, you have a new guitar arriving from New York in the morning, so I need you at sound check early to make sure it's ready. 9am okay?" he asked.

"Uh huh," replied Jesse with a mouthful of food.

"The rest of you," Mac continued, "10am lobby call for sound check, Ben will let you know later who will be collecting each of you." The guys all nodded in agreement.

"Lucie." She looked up at Mac. "Your security team are flying in in the morning to escort you home, we just don't have the man power here to do it." Mac was massively relieved they were coming and that soon she would no longer be his problem!

"Oh. Okay," said Lucie. That was a pretty normal thing in her life.

They were coming to the end of their meal; Mac began to organise their exit. Several security men were sent outside to organise a clear route to the car. The entire restaurant were looking at them, they caused such a scene wherever they went. Nothing was ever low key! One of them radioed to Mac, the coast was clear. Jesse went out first with Ben holding onto the collar of his jacket, followed seconds later by Zach. Dex could hear the crowds scream as they emerged outside, it was deafening, it sounded as if there were hundreds out there, he knew most would have been there for Lucie! Lucie felt really nervous. Dex took off his denim jacket and put it over her head, he put his arm around her and walked over to the door. Mac went ahead with four bodyguards following behind Dex and Lucie. As Lucie stepped outside the crowds went crazy! For the band too but mostly for her, she was massive in Italy; she rushed to the car and got in quickly. Now Lucie was safely in the car Dex walked back over to join Jesse and Zach signing autographs, he didn't want to be alone with Lucie in the car, he knew it would result in him having to explain his hot and cold behaviour. He wasn't in the mood to talk.