Invisible String

Chapter 11 - Delicate

Inside the Staples Center, the rows of people extended beyond my sight in every direction. How was it so packed already? I thought we were one of the first groups to arrive. As we passed through the rows, fans and other event-goers gawked. Occasionally we stopped for brief chitchat with artists I'd long admired. I clung to Alex as though my life depended on it. He held my hand as he navigated to our seats. I followed behind, completely starstruck.

A short while after we took our seats, the ceremony began. His hand clasped onto mine tightly, and every now and then, he'd kiss the top of my hand. About halfway through the show, he got the signal that he'd be on shortly. We discretely made our way backstage and I waited patiently while he and his bandmates got ready.

They called his band's name, and he kissed me, then jetted out onto the stage.

"Good luck!" I called as he looked back and smiled at me.

They were performing their recent hit, One Last Time, and it was going over really well with the crowd. Even the celebrities were standing and dancing along, which I hadn't seen much of since I'd first starting coming to these events. I watched from the sidelines as Alex jumped around on stage and sang into a tipped over microphone. He was an excellent performer, and it was clear he loved his work.

Lost in my thoughts and the music, I didn't hear someone talking to me. Seemingly out of nowhere, the person grabbed my hand. I snapped back into reality quickly as I jerked my hand away from them.

"Can I help you?" I barked.

A young man looked back at me, rather amused with himself. He wasn't much taller than me, maybe around five-nine, and his hair was short, light brown, and spiked. He had brown eyes and a baby face that I recognized instantly. His name was Jaiden Bentley, and I'd never met him before that moment, but he'd made quite a fool of himself publically over the last few years of his career. What with all of the immature stunts and reckless lifestyle choices. I believe he'd even gotten himself arrested recently for something stupid like street racing.

I shook my head and turned back to Alex, who was nearing the end of his performance.

"It's rude to ignore someone when they are talking to you," Jaiden pestered, reaching out to touch me again.

I pulled back and faced him. "What?"

"You're beautiful." He elevator-eyed me and I cringed.

I shook my head, disgusted, then returned my gaze to Alex. Trying my damndest to not let this person take any more of my time.

"You wanna get out of here?"

My stomach turned and I turned to walk to the other side of the stage. Hopefully, Alex would see me there.

But the little shit followed me. "I was talking to you."

"I am here with my boyfriend," I said over my shoulder, speeding up, past the crewman backstage who were beginning to stare at this scene.

"That guy?" he mocked as he raced to catch up with me. "He's a tool. A total douche. Guy's so full of himself, I'd be surprised if he made time to look at you."

I turned on my heel quickly, and he stopped inches from my face. My finger shot up into his face, and his stupid smirk slipped away instantly.

"You don't know me. And you certainly don't know him. Get the hell away from me, or so help me God, I will shove my heel into your ball sack."

His eyes widened and he put his hands up in mock surrender. A stupid grin spread across his face as he backed away and looked behind me. He turned around and joined his posse, and I turned to see Alex standing behind me, sweaty and confused.