I join in. I can’t help it. I start chanting and clapping right along with everyone else. Dylan looks over winks. I may just have a good time after all. I don’t think the crowd could get any louder, but the moment the spotlight shines on who I’m assuming to be Hadley, the venue erupts.
Her song starts immediately. She sings softly, all while standing in one spot. Suddenly all the lights come on and she’s all over the stage. I don’t know what she’s singing, but I move to the music. Dylan and I bump hips occasionally, causing her to smile at me.
Hadley is dressed in what looks like a cat woman costume. Guys are reaching for her, but she stands just far enough way that they can’t touch her. When she stands in front of me, I sort of want to reach out, but the thought of rejection keeps my hands safely at my side.
My neck hurts from watching her, the constant looking up to follow her around the stage is straining. She plays three songs in her leather contraption before returning in a dress and cowboy boots. Her hair is pulled back and she’s sitting on a stool. She looks comfortable and relaxed, like she’s not playing in front of thousands of screaming fans.
The show goes on for over an hour. It seems the louder we are the longer she’ll stay on stage and we keep cheering. When the venue lights come on and the stage is clear, Dylan grabs my hand and rushes us in the same direction as before.
There is a large group trying to get past the security guard. Many of them yelling Hadley’s name down the long hallway, hoping she hears them, I guess. We flash our passes again, this time to a different guard who lets us through. We squeeze by him and walk down the hall where we are directed by another guard.
We enter the door marked Hadley. It’s much larger than the previous room and with a lot less people.
“Hadley will be with you guys in a minute.” We’re told this by the guard at the door. I walk around, looking at wall hangings. There are pictures of other famous people who have come through Jackson on their tours and played here. I take a seat in the corner while Dylan talks with another contest winner.
Hadley comes bursting into the room, sort of like she’s still on stage. She greets each of her fans with hugs and introduces them to the girl standing behind her. She acts as if they have all been friends forever and haven’t seen each other in years.
Music is turned on and drinks are passed out. I take a can of Coke from the server. I watch as Dylan and Hadley talk, noticing how pretty Hadley is when she’s just in a dress and not on stage. She’s very short. Her blond hair is almost white and fairly long. It makes me wonder if she’s required to keep her hair long so she can do all those crazy hairstyles she had tonight.
Dylan looks over and points at me. I smile shyly and study my Coke can; it’s suddenly become very interesting. When I look up, Hadley is looking at me. Our eyes meet and she smiles, causing me to sit up a little straighter. She looks away and whispers something in the ear of her friend. She’s watching me the whole time.
Her friend comes over to me, she’s probably about to ask me to leave. Maybe I remind her of an ex or something. I try not to look at her as she approaches; instead I’m watching Dylan’s back.
“Hey, what’s your name?”
I clear my throat. “Ryan Stone.”
She extends her hand and we shake. “I’m Alex Graham, Hadley’s best friend. I just wanted to say hi since you were sitting over here by yourself. Feel free to mingle or whatever, okay?”
“Okay, thanks.”
Alex Graham walks right back to Hadley and leans into her, whispering again. Hadley’s eyes catch mine and I look away, feeling completely out of place.
CHAPTER 4
Hadley
Rushing off stage before my fans are ready for the concert to end does not sit well with me. I hate that the band listens to Ian. I’m the one who is up there singing and putting on the show. They should want to do what I want. But he has rules and they listen only to him.
Alex meets me with a bottle of water that I chug down. She pats my forehead and hands me some lip gloss to apply. No time to freshen up as the local press is waiting. We rush down the hall, fans yelling my name. I want to stop and turn around, but Ian’s hand is clamped on my elbow steering me in the direction of the media room.
He drops my arm once the flash bulbs start. Gosh forbid a picture of him cattle-herding me makes the news. He knows my mom will throw a fit. I sit down at the long table, Alex on my right and Ian on my left. Ian points to a reporter and the questions start.
“Hadley, will you be visiting Jackson?”
“Yes, Alex and I plan to visit. Take in a few of the sights while we are here.”
“How long will you be in Jackson?” Alex whispers the answer to me. It’s not that I don’t know, but my schedule is crazy and it’s Alex’s job to help me remember.
“For at least three days. I will be attending the Johnson Foundation Children’s Ball.”
“When will we get a new album?”