Oh. Shit. Mandy was staring at them, frozen as a statue as she swallowed drily. Her heart was beating impossibly fast. She thought she might faint.
The song was beautiful. Mandy couldn’t remember the words if anyone asked the next day. But it was something about dreams coming true and finding a light in the darkness. Peace in a lifetime of struggle. Facing your demons with your angel by your side. Ethan was looking at her the whole time while Jaime belted out the song and Henson thrashed the drums. When it came to Ethan’s solo, the fans freaked out. He strode forward to one of the platforms that projected into the crowd. Now he was so close Mandy could reach out and touch one of his boots. The fans closest to that part of the stage stretched forward, eager for a piece of him. Like her, they were spellbound.
Ethan didn’t sing, but he spoke to her through his music. There was a bluesy edge to the classic metal that touched her deep within like the lyrics had done.
Mandy had never felt like this before. Like she was standing on the edge of eternity. The excitement of the night multiplied endlessly knowing that this moment was all about her. And Ethan wasn’t afraid to show it. Suddenly he was playing extremely fast, the sound heavy and loud and powerful in the arena filled with adoring fans. Jaime and Henson were in the unlit background, and for now it was just Ethan, visceral and gorgeous, his own star. And he was shining right on Mandy, turning her gaze wide-eyed, awed. So this was what it felt like. Beyond the theatrics and the makeup, Mandy could see in his eyes the rawness of his emotions, the stripped-down persona he’d shown her many times when they’d been alone. Having him share that with her in front of everyone watching gave her goose bumps. He looked at her so hard she was sure most people could tell whom his focus was on. And Mandy didn’t care.
Suddenly she felt hands on her shoulders and she turned in surprise, shocked to see her sisters Tiffany and Melanie. They grinned happily, and she made out the words they mouthed, about Ethan giving them VIP tickets and that they’d been there the whole time, wanting to surprise her. Mandy felt tears prick her eyes and looked up at Ethan, who smiled slyly as he finished his solo. Suddenly, the whole stage burst into flames and floodlights. Henson and Jaime came into sight and finished the set with Ethan, who backed up to stand close to his band brothers. It was an explosive finish. Mandy’s arms circled around her sisters’ waists as they watched The Strum close the show, followed by the encore. The beaming faces of the fans were enough evidence to show how well the concert had gone.
And now, almost an hour later, Mandy was squeezing through the whining groupies to make it into the restricted area. She heard the handlers say they weren’t giving any more passes that night or taking anyone in to see the band.
Was that normal? Mandy wondered. The Strum was known for being good to the fans, especially the female ones who liked to get frisky with any band mate, roadie, or management team member they could sink their claws into. Mandy shouldered through and showed her pass to one of the hulking guards.
The bodyguard glanced at the card and then at her face. “Ms. Sloane? Mr. Tyler asked to bring you straight through. This way please,” the man said in his deep, gruff voice.
As she was led through the door, Mandy realized there was really nothing glamorous about the backstage. There were reporters and technical crew dashing about with microphones and cameras in their hands, band crew and the many assistants handling makeup, styling, or management.
Mandy stumbled slightly as she hurried forward, trying to keep up with the bodyguard’s big strides. Just ahead, she caught sight of a familiar figure standing and talking to what had to be a news crew. It was Ethan, looking incredibly hot in the flesh. He’d shrugged on one of The Strum’s black leather jackets with angel wings etched on the back. His hair was tied up, giving a clear view of his profile. “…Yes, that last song was a preview from the new album we’re working on. As it happens, I wrote the song just two days ago and my guys thought it was cool to go with it to end the show.”
Mandy’s heart warmed as she realized Ethan might very well have written the song for her. He’d said as much. Her steps grew surer as she made her way across the bustling space to where Ethan stood.
“The song was nothing like the usual fare we get from The Strum. This was sentimental and deep. From what you said on stage, Ethan, it’s for that special woman. Care to tell us who she is exactly?” asked one of the reporters, shoving a mike close to Ethan’s face.
Right at that moment, as if sensing her presence, Ethan turned around and saw her. An irrepressible grin split his face and Mandy couldn’t help smiling back, forgetting the crowd or the paparazzi around them. The bodyguard stepped aside and Mandy felt like wings on her feet took her closer even as her brain told her to stop, run off, and hide. Ethan waved her forward and she came close enough for him to pull her to his side.