Page 75 of The Spotlight Effect

“I hope you both have tons of fun,” I say and Lia glares at me.

I know she is going to hate going but that’s what makes it so hilarious.

We eat dinner together before Mom goes off to call Stephan and I take a call with my cheer coach, finally after days of not being able to. I practiced the routines and stunting before showering and getting ready for the concert.

I stand in front of my closet, deciding what pants to wear. Black or white? I’m wearing a striped black and white shirt under a Morning Star tee for layering and now what pants with my red rhinestone belt. I choose black and slip them on over my purple undies and I put on my black Converse platforms.

Within thirty minutes I’m ready for the concert and I’m in Raven’s Jaguar riding to the concert hall. I’m especially excited about this concert because I get to go early and see all the backstage things.

We enter the concert hall through the backstage door, and I get a special backstage ID pass.

I place all my things in Scarlett’s dressing room while she’s getting their makeup done. While the band is getting ready, me, Zara, and Emerson set up the VIP seats.

We place goody bags and water under the chairs for them. “So I heard you and a certain guitarist kissed,” Emerson says.

“Everyone knows, don't they?” I ask, sitting a bottle of water beside another chair.

“Um, not me,” Zara says.

“When did it happen?” Emerson asks.

“The night we played hide and seek,” I answer.

“And I’m just now finding out!” Emerson exclaims.

“Yes, because I kinda wanted for me and him to figure us out before I told everyone we kissed, then you guys would accept things,” I say dramatically.

“Too bad I want details,” Emerson says.

“Me too,” Zara agrees.

“Look, there aren't any extraordinary details. I was talking too much and he kissed me.”

“That was uneventful,” Emerson says.

“What can I say? We’re simple people.”

Being backstage at a concert is a rush. People are rushing all around and clothes changes are being set up along with the stage setup for the start of the show as people file into the concert hall.

“Where’s my guitar?” Gray asks, coming through everyone. I look around and spot his guitar on a stand over to the side. I walk over and grab the guitar from the stand.

“Here,” I say, handing it to him.

“Thank you,” Gray says, taking it from me.

“Are you having fun backstage?” Gray asks.

“Yeah, one of the most exciting things. Almost as exciting as competing,” I tell him.

“Being backstage at your favorite band's concert isn’t more exciting than taking the mat,” Gray says with fake shock.

“Not even close and it definitely doesn’t beat flying,” I say, smiling.

“Okay we need you in line up. Concert starts in five minutes!” Austin yells out.

“Looks like I have to go,” Gray says, briefly turning around to Austin.

“Good luck, Popstar,” I say. Gray brushes my hair back and gives me a slight smile.

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