Page 67 of Introvert
"What did you say?"
Felix chuckled. "I said 'You're right.Also,you're cute when you're angry.' She ran off after that and didn't look back. But I couldn't stop thinking about her."
Madison released a long, gusty sigh. "And that, my dear listeners, is whyFerorais the best thing about the HERS tour. Sorry, guys."
Everyone laughed as the podcast wound down; they said their goodbyes and promoted their music, the tour, and mentioned the sold-out show tonight; the hosts signed off, but I was stillstaring blankly at nothing. My mind was a whirlwind.
Of course, I remembered that night. I'd never forgotten. But honestly,itfelt like a dream, especially the person who helped me.In my memories, he had turned into this dark knight who appeared at just the right time to offer me aid, a not-totally-chivalrous yet still-impossibly-enchanting stranger I never fully got out of my head.For weeks, I tried to getpast the blurriness and darkness that affected my vision and the memory of him.For weeks, I pictured what he might look like.For weeks, I dreamed about the faceless stranger who I'd all-but-convinced myself couldn't have been real.Howhadn't I put two and two together?And more importantly…
Why didn't Felix tell me?
I was determined to find out the answer. My dark knight now had a face, and I wouldn't forget again.
CHAPTER 11
I'd never been to a meet and greet.
Honestly, they were expensive, and though I loved music, my family and I were not what anyone would considerrich. And I was neverpassionate enough about an artist to pay the VIPprice tag. They always looked like fun though.
For other people.
I should've known it wouldn't be for me.
A winding line of what looked like about 50 HERS fans stood between me and the band. The majority of them were girls and women, ranging in age from high school to college to adults.Hayden, Santino, Elliot, Ryker, and Felix were seated at a long tablenear the back of the room. Sitting ina row like that, smiling, talking, and taking pictures with the fans, they were almost too much to handle. The gorgeousness was at an all-time high, andevery person in the room was starstruck.
Still, I only had eyes for one guy.
The problem was getting to him.
London walked awaya few minutes ago to use the restroom.If she were here,I was sure she'd just stroll to the front. Norush,fuss or hesitation. She'd done it today when I mentionedwanting to get shirts for my parentsat a kiosk. It was crowded, but London easily weaved her way to the front, spoke to the seller, and a few minutes later, she and I walked away with matching "I Heart Chi" tees. Yes, there wasalso a teacup on the shirt.Did I really think my dad would like it?
Undecided.
But I knew Mom would love hers, and Dad would wear his to make her and me happy.
Just picturing them in their shirts made my heart feel full.
Plus, I'd gotten Dad a Chicago Fire FC hat—one of his favorite soccer teams—which I knew would surprise and delight him. I hopedso anyway.
Back to London.
The person, not the city.
I took a deep breath and tried to channel her as I walked past the line of concertgoers, heading toward the HERS table.
"Hey, there's a line," someone said.
My shoulders tensed, but I walked a little faster.
"So, you're just going to pretend not to hear me and cut? Eventhough we've been waiting all this time?Nice."
My cheeks were flaming as I whispered, "Sorry."
The grumblings got louder as Ireached the table.The security officer there did not step aside. I didn't recognize him, so he must've worked with the venue. The guys were too busy to notice. ButMercury took one look at me, noting my hunched posture, wide eyes, and less-than-posh clotheswith a glance. Shesighed then handed me a lanyard with All Access Pass written on it.
"Thanks," I said quietly.
"Welcome," she said, eyeing my outfit again. "Why didn't you stop by wardrobe first?"
