A Night To Remember (Joe Elliott Fan Fic)

Chapter One

Katie's P.O.V - October 12th . 1994 - 06:37 PM

"Now, smile... Breath and just stay with me." My best mate, Phil, said, as we stood on the doorstep of Sav's new house - 'Sav' being short for Rick Savage.
"OK... We're fine..." I took a deep breath. "Let's go." I nodded at Phil to knock.
He squeezed my right shoulder and knocked twice.

It was a casual do. Both of us wearing jeans and band shirts - Me opting for a black Def Leppard shirt, topped with my signature red bowler hat, and Phil for a grey Aerosmith shirt.
We were staying the night, so I had our over night bag over my shoulder, with a change of clothes, if necessary.

"Changed my mind!" I panicked, stepping back. My anxiety kicking in.
"Too late!" Phil grabbed my hand, just as the door opened.
"Phil! Katie! Come on in!" Sav beamed, arms open, stepping to the side, to let us pass.
"Alright, mate? Liking the area!" Phil smiled, pulling me into the house, sharing a hug with Sav.

I let his hand go and got a look around. It was a grand old house, three floors, three bathrooms, seven bedrooms, (which one was to become a home studio) and a large living area, with open kitchen, that Vivian and Rick were in, eating some snacks. I waved to them and Sav gave me his attention.
"You know us too well! She's showing the ladies around." Sav smiled, taking the bottle of wine I had, for him and his girlfriend, Alicia, also taking my overnight bag and leaving it by the stairs.

Alicia is my friend from school, we were born and raised in Bolton, but we went separate ways, once school was over, meeting up again backstage at a Def Leppard show. Sav met her at one of their eairly shows and they've been together since.
I moved around a lot, after school, and met Phil, by chance. We hang out all the time, like brother and sister. He understands my anxiety, as I'm nervous around lots of people. He's always been good about it.
He introduced me to the guys, having me and Alicia reconnect, but also introducing me to the man of my dreams, Joe Elliott... Who is the cause of my anxiety, right now.

The 'ladies' would be Jacqueline (or just Jac) and Charlotte. Jac and Vivian are high school sweethearts, married for five years now, and Charlotte is Rick's girlfriend of three years, but soon to be fiance, I've heard.
I was single and classed as 'one of the boys'. I loved it. Not the being single part...

Sav showed us into the kitchen and grabbed us a can of cola each, as Phil doesn't drink and I'm such a light weight.
We were talking to the guys about the house, when the ladies came downstairs, laughing.
"Katie! Phil! You made it!" Alicia smiled, as they walked into the kitchen.
"Hey. Nice place!" I smiled, giving her a hug.

I'm around 5ft 2 and Alicia is 5ft 6. She's always made me feel tiny, but I love her.
She has brown hair, dyed black, and a tom boy attitude, but with a sweet feminine side to her.

She sat up on the island table, with me and Phil standing on either side of her. Only she and Phil knew I liked Joe. It would be bad if everyone found out.

"No, Joe, then?" Charlotte asked us, slipping some of her auburn hair behind her ear, standing on Rick's right, on my left.
"Not yet, but if anyone is interested... I believe there's some trouble in paradise." Sav looked around at us.
"Nothing has been proven... Though she loves spending his money and he's tired of it." Alicia mumbled the last part, taking a sip of her wine, nudging me with her leg.
"Not our fault he married a wrongun." Rick smirked, getting a tap on the arm, by Charlotte, as warning.

Joe's married to a women named Erin. She is a glamorous woman and everything I'm not. She loves wearing expensive things, and I can't see what Joe sees in her. I don't think any of us can...

With that, there was a knock at the door, making me swallow hard. Joe was married, when I first met him, but last Christmas we got a little close and almost kissed, before I stopped us and left Vivian's party.
I've tried to avoid him all year, but this was inevitable. I can't stop thinking about him. I've only told Phil and Alicia what happened at Christmas, but I've no idea if Joe told Erin.

Sav went to answer the door, reveling Joe, in all his handsome looking glory, and a bear. . . Or Erin.
"Jesus fucking Christ." I whispered, getting snickers from Alicia, Phil and Charlotte.
Erin walked in wearing a fur coat, taking it off to reveal a black V neck dress, covered in sparkles, black heels, and dangling earings to match. Her dark brown hair was curled to perfection and her make up was happening.

"Hey, everyone!" She smiled at us, when she noticed us.
"Hiya, Erin! Alright, Joe?!" Vivian smiled, as Joe walked into the house.
We locked eyes for a split second, but I quickly looked away, down at my drink.
"Sorry, we're late. Someone couldn't decide what earrings looked best." Joe glanced at Erin.
"Perfection takes time." Erin smiled, walking into the kitchen.
"That it does and can I say... wow!" Alicia smiled, hopping off the island table and giving Erin a hug.
"Thank you!" Erin smiled, hugging Alicia back and giving us a twirl.
"Not real fur, I hope." Phil whispered looking at me.

Phil's vegan and I'm vegetarian. Both of us are for animal rights, along with Alicia, who's also vegetarian.

Jac poured Erin and Joe some drinks, and everyone started talking in the kitchen.
I wasn't saying much, 'cause my anxiety, but no one really expected much from me. (In a nice way!)

I hopped up onto the island, next to Alicia, and listened to how Sav and Alicia found the place.
Not all the furniture was in yet, but it was looking great, what they had so far.
I sneaked a peek at Joe, who stood with Vivian, on the other side of the breakfast bar, standing in the living room.
He was looking right at me, holding a glass of white wine. He didn't even blink, forcing me to look away.