Page 75 of The Librarian and the Rock Star

“Okay,” Kelly said sharply. “Dinner, now! There’s a round of VIP people cruising in half hour before show time, and you’re not going to be late on my watch. Remember, a huge chunk of the audience are here because they want you to succeed no matter what the label, the suits, or anyone else thinks. Tonight you need to give them absolutely everything. You owe them.”

Noodle saluted, and Tate chirped, “Yes, ma’am!”

Jack seemed to want to stay with me, but I pushed him away. “Get to work. Food, schmooze, be with your guys. I’ll be around.”

He leaned in, whispering, “I want to take care of you.”

“I can take care of myself,” I said softly. “You have a job to do. Work first, always. Remember?”

He nodded, but leaned closer. “Please tell me the truth. When some time has passed, and you’re ready to declare yourself my girlfriend, we can take care of each other, right? No more walls and tiptoeing around? No more delays in telling each other important things?”

I stared into those gorgeous, dark, pleading eyes. “Probably. But Jack, that might be a ways off.”

“Will you at least let me stay with you before the show?”

“Go do your work,” I said a bit louder, firmly, feeling like an ass, but knowing I was right. He looked like he wanted to argue, but Kelly’s nod and glare stated that he was outnumbered. He gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, then gave Kelly a warm hug before rushing out the door.

“Those crazy rock stars,” I laughed.

“Yup,” Kelly nodded.

“You’ve gotta love them.” I must have made an odd expression, as she peered at me closely. “You do love him, don’t you?”

“Don’t be silly,” I said, trying to seem casual. “I just met him a week and a half ago.”

She shook her head. “I know the look. For what it’s worth, he’s a really good guy. Passionate, a little nutty sometimes. But he’s real. He truly has a good heart. And he’s crazy about you.”

I plopped myself down on a chair, totally exhausted from the pain, the drugs, and being in the spotlight. “Making someone crazy isn’t my goal. I don’t even know what my goals are anymore.”

She sat down beside me. “Have you ever just let yourself go with the flow? Take what you want, have fun?”

I shrugged. “I’m not wired that way. I’ve never thought about it.”

She looked me straight in the eyes. “Think about it.” She looked away, like she wasn’t sure whether she should say more. “I’ve been around this scene for a while. It’s energizing, insane, always dramatic, but even when the horrible moments take over, it’s the best adventure in the world. It’s not for everyone, but having even one foot in this world is an honor. Something to be treasured.”

I nodded, thinking and overthinking as usual.

“He already thinks of you as his girlfriend. I don’t know whether I should say anything, but you truly inspire him. You’ll see,” she said with an odd, knowing grin. She wrapped her arm around me, giving me a little half hug. “Let yourself really join the team, Keira. You know you want to. Just let it happen.”

“Wow,” I said. “Thanks for the straight talk.”

“And, if we’re talking straight, I know you’re suffering more than you’re letting on. Did the doc give you painkillers?” I nodded. “I’ll be shoving two more in your face in a few hours, but no drinking.”

“Thanks. I’m not a big drinker anyway.”

She grinned and tossed her dreads out of her face. “I didn’t think so, but it’s standard to mention it.”

44. Spotlights

The venue began to buzz as the crowd filed in, and became electrified as the opening band began. Kelly practically forced me to eat half of a sandwich, so that I could take more pills when I was ready.

“We get to sit side stage for this show,” Kelly said excitedly. “I love it there – we’ll get to see the techs running around.”

“Oh cool,” I said, rather unenthusiastically.

She looked at me carefully. “If you’re too tired or in too much pain, I can take you back to the dressing room to lie down.”

“No, that’s not it. I just... well, can people out there see us?”

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