Page 34 of As I Am
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Carson reached for Ky's hand as they approached the hotel. There was no way to prepare him for what was about to happen. The next few days were going to be hard for someone like Ky to get used to. Once they got to the hotel, it would mean very little privacy, and a lot of people coming and going. That didn't even cover the fans who would do everything they could to get a chance to talk to him or just see him. "We'll pull up front and security will lead us straight into our rooms. Be ready for cameras and screaming fans."
Ky nodded. "I'll be okay."
Carson hoped so. Ky had withdrawn when his manager, Calvin, had come over, and even more so when the band came to his house the night before. He'd tried to include Ky in everything they did, and his manager and the band seemed to accept Ky without a second thought, but Ky had still stayed back, claiming he was just giving them all a chance to talk and get everything they needed to do done.
He hoped as time went on, Ky would be more comfortable and join in on the fun, because as much work as there was to do while on tour, it really was fun too. Calvin planned to make sure that Ky could join him at the meet and greets and other promotional events he had to do. Still, he wasn't sure that Ky would want to go.
Carson understood that when they met. It had been easy to talk about how crazy his life was, but Ky hadn't seen it. Now that they were actually on tour, he'd see how wild and insane Carson's life was. He feared it might change everything between them. He didn't want that. He was doing everything he could to see if they could make a long-term relationship out of what they had, and having his life scare Ky away wasn't going to help do that.
He wasn't even sure Ky really believed him when he told him he wanted more, and that this really wasn't about a job or money. He didn't know how to convince Ky that what he was feeling was real, and he really did want Ky as his boyfriend, not just some hired guy who he fucked.
"Once we get to the room, we'll have a couple of hours before I have to head to sound check. I'd like you to come with," Carson said.
"Okay, if you're sure I won't be in the way." Ky glanced over at him. "I know everyone will want to be with you."
"The thing is, I want to be with you. Yeah, I'll have to talk to others, but I want you by my side for all of it. Once I get on stage, you can sit in the front row and watch. There will be some people around who work at the arena, but they won't bother us."
"How long does sound check take?"
"It depends. Usually about an hour. Then I just hang out on the tour bus with the band until the concert starts. Klimax is opening. You can go watch them if you want or stay with me. Calvin got you a seat for this show. He won't be able to do that for all of them, but I wanted you to be able to see the show from the front. The rest you might have to watch from backstage most of the time. It depends if there are any extra seats still being held." He took a deep breath as they pulled up in front of the hotel. "Okay, we're here. We are going to get out. I'll have to stop and sign a few autographs and let people take a few pictures. Do you want to walk with me or stay back and follow?"
Ky bit his lip.
"I want you with me if that makes a difference, but the choice is up to you. I won't blame you if you don't want to deal with fans."
"Will I have to talk?"
"Nope, just smile. Ignore people who ask questions if you want." He leaned over and kissed Ky. "Are you okay if I tell people your first name and that you're my boyfriend?"
Ky nodded. "Yeah, I like how that sounds."
Carson smiled as he brought Ky's hand to his lips. "Me too."
A knock on the door of the car signaled Carson that they were ready for him. He took a deep breath, ran his fingers through his hair, then smiled at Ky. "Just stay by my side. I'll handle everything. If it gets too much, step back with Calvin. He'll keep you safe and away from the fans if it gets to be overwhelming." Carson pushed the door open and slowly stepped out.
The loud screams from the fans gathered behind the metal barrier gates was so loud he could hardly hear anything else. Praying that it was not going to be too crazy for Ky, he reached out his hand to him as he stepped out of the car. He saw Ky tense as he noticed the fans around them, but then he looked directly at Carson and smiled.
Carson leaned in kissing him softly, laughing internally at the sound of the fans gasping. This is what he wanted. He needed them all to see that he was off the market. He had someone special in his life, and he wasn't going to put up with fans throwing themselves at him anymore. Ky was the person he wanted to warm his bed every night and stand beside him every day. "Ready?" He held Ky's hand tightly.
Ky nodded and gave his hand a squeeze.
Carson let security lead them away from the car and down the small aisle that they'd set up to get him inside. He paused halfway, making his way to where the fans called out to him, willing to give a few autographs before being swept away to the safety of his room.
Calvin handed him a black Sharpie. "The hotel says take your time."
Carson gave a single nod and led Ky with him to a group of females who were all dressed in his concert shirts. "Coming to the show tonight?"
"We wouldn't miss it." One young girl thrust an enlarged photograph of him standing on stage at his last show. "Can you sign this?"
He took the picture and smiled. "I remember this show." He quickly signed his name and handed it back before taking the next item handed to him from the girl beside her.
Ky stayed by his side, his hand placed gently on Carson's back as he watched the crowd, looking patient and attentive as if he did this every day. Carson was impressed. He'd expected a bit of fear or to have Ky get overwhelmed, but he was handling things like a pro.
Carson paused to let a few people take his photo, happy that Ky stood right beside him smiling as they did. For the next picture, Carson pulled Ky closer, wrapping his arm around his waist and smiling.
"Who is he?" One girl asked as she thrust a t-shirt at him to sign.
