Page 5 of Lost in You

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?”

“That will be early next year,” Ian speaks up. Good to know. I was hoping to spend some time overseas before recording a new album. Guess that will have to wait.

“We’ll take one more question,” Ian says suddenly. I look at him out of the corner of my eye and wonder what he’s up to.

“Hadley!” They all yell. I point to a woman in the back.

“Your show was great tonight. Will you and Smith be happy when the tour is over?”

I deadpan and look at Ian, who isn’t answering. I don’t know what he’s playing at, but this question should not be allowed. Not only is there no relationship between Smith and me, but I never talk about my social life.

I look back at the reporter who is smiling. This must be her million-dollar question and it makes me wonder what Smith said during his interview.

I sit forward and clear my throat. “The relationship between Smith and me is strictly professional. Once the tour is over, I’m sure I’ll see him at an awards show.” I get up and push my chair forward with some force, shaking the table. Alex is on my heels as the questions from the reporters become shouts.

I slam my dressing room door open, my hands clenched. I hear Alex lock the door, giving me time to cool down. It’s only a matter of time before Ian comes knocking on the door. I run a brush violently through my hair, until Alex takes it from my hand and directs me to my chair. I sit and she starts brushing.

“You know how he is. The tour is almost over and he needs some headlines.”

“At what expense, Alex?”

“He means well. He’s just trying to keep you in the spotlight. That’s all.”

Alex helps me fix my make-up and I change back into a dress with my boots. I want to be comfortable with these few fans, not some stuffy, pissed-off rock star. I sigh when the knocking starts. I know it’s Ian and he’s either pissed or about to be pissed. He hates meet and greets, doesn’t understand why I feel the need to spend time with people beneath me. The more he bitches, the more I have Alex schedule.

Alex opens the door. Ian stands in the doorway, one eyebrow raised. He’s asking if I’m ready. I nod and follow him and Jones down the hall. There are still fans lingering behind security. I give them a little wave before disappearing behind another door.

This is how I love a meet and greet. Music is turned on as I enter the room, playing softly in the background. Everything is relaxed. A few fans, milling around talking to each other, enjoy complimentary drinks on me. It’s me giving back. Tonight I have four sets of fans who won a chance to meet me from the tickets they purchased and one fan and a lucky guest are here because of a radio trivia game.

I introduce Alex and myself to each of the fans, giving them ample time to ask questions and for us to get to know them. The questions center around touring or what it’s like to be on stage. I’m thankful there aren’t any personal questions.

“Hi, I’m Hadley and this is my best friend, Alex.” I shake the girl’s hand in front of me. Her eyes are a bit glazed over and I wonder if I’m about to be attacked.

She shakes her head. “Sorry, I’m Dylan.”

“It’s nice to meet you. You’re my radio winner, right?”

My words make her face light up like she’s just won the lottery. This is why it’s so important to know your fans. “I am. I’m so glad I won.”

“Did you come alone? Wasn’t your package for two people?” I always have a concern with someone keeping the extra ticket for themselves and only giving the winner one. It’s happened before.

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