The lights changed and the music that had been in the background shifted to a faster, louder song.
“Here goes something.” O’Shea leaned forward in his seat and winked at me. Apparently Trey wasn’t the only one enjoying the fact that this was my first award show.
A tall, lanky guy with a weird British accent walked across the stage to stand in the center. He was holding a microphone and waving as the audience cheered. I followed suit and clapped, although I had no idea who he was.
“Is he important?” I asked Trey, leaning close so he could hear me above the noise.
“If he were you’d already know,” Trey assured me.
“Don’t be so sure. I had no idea who you were.”
“Like I said.” He grinned.
The man with the accent did a lot of talking about nothing and eventually got around to introducing the first band. It was a young group I hadn’t heard of. No surprise there. But they weren’t half bad. I settled into my seat and found myself enjoying the show. Before I knew it, British Guy had the microphone again and was announcing a pair of celebrities as they made their way across the stage to give out the first award.
The show went on like that: bands playing, celebrities talking about themselves or other celebrities on the stage, young girls screaming at deafening pitches whenever a hot guy walked into view or appeared on the big screens that were positioned to give everyone in the venue a great up-close and personal view.
It was pretty much like what you see on TV, except that people were constantly getting up out of their seats to go backstage for one reason or another. The funny part was watching the seat-fillers hurry to occupy the empty seats so the camera could show a packed venue even while people were filing in and out.
When finally it was time to announce the award for Best Rock Video I reached over and took Trey’s hand in mine. He gave me a relaxed smile and I could tell he was trying not to get too amped up just in case.
An actor and an actress from a crime show series on TV that I don’t follow were announced and made their way to the center of the stage while the crowd applauded. The man leaned toward the microphone first and said, “Great bands such as Aerosmith, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park and Green Day have taken home a Moonman in this next category.”
The woman stepped forward then and said, “Here are the nominees for Best Rock Video.
I saw Trey’s face on the big screens, singing his heart out in their video for “Filtered Ache.”
“Catalyst,” said the faceless voice on the screen. I clapped and turned to look at Trey, who might have been blushing. It was hard to tell with all the flashing lights going off above us.
The screen must have announced the other nominees quickly because the next thing I knew the man on stage was speaking again. “And the winner for Best Rock Video is …”
The woman at his side tore open a silver envelope and then leaned forward to exclaim, “Catalyst for Filtered Ache!”
The crowd went wild, cheering and shouting. I looked at Trey and the guys, whose faces had all lit up in what seemed a mix of surprise and exhilaration. Trey grinned at me and kissed me quickly before he got to his feet. I got a jolt of his adrenaline in the kiss, and I clapped, unable to wipe the perma-grin from my face. Trey gave O’Shea a quick man hug before slapping Jonas and Chase on the back. Wes, who was on his feet, gave them all a congratulatory hand shake and pat on the back as they passed him on their way to the aisle. “Filtered Ache” blasted through the in-house sound system and a camera followed as the guys made their walk of victory up to the stage. They greeted the man and woman on the stage and Jonas took the Moonman before they gathered around the microphone.
“Hey,” Trey said, giving that adorable half-smile and earning another round of screams from adoring fans. I grinned, shaking my head slightly. How could a simple word elicit such a response? But that was Trey. I was only just beginning to understand that. I love you, too,” he said in response to a declaration of love from a girl in the front row. Then he chuckled and I saw him cast his eyes in my direction for a brief second. “We have a lot to be thankful for,” he began. “To everyone who was involved in “Filtered Ache” you’re responsible for helping us take our careers to the next level.”
O’Shea stepped forward then and began listing the names of people they wanted to thank individually. I recognized Wes and Ken’s names, but didn’t know most of the people he mentioned.
“We want to thank our families and friends for supporting our music habit,” Jonas said.
Chase stepped up next. “And to all of you guys who buy our records and come out to see us on the road, this is for you.”
More screaming and clapping.
Trey leaned forward one more time and said, “If you haven’t heard, we’re back in the studio.” This was met with another round of cheering and whistling. Trey chuckled and added, “Watch for a new record soon.”
Music blared again as Trey and the guys were led backstage. They took their seats again within minutes, forcing the seat-fillers that had surrounded me to disappear back into the crowd somewhere. I congratulated Trey in a whisper when he sat down at my side again.
“I can’t believe we won,” he said softly. “The rest of the bands who were nominated are incredible bands.”
“You deserve it,” I said. And he did. Again I felt a small pang of guilt, knowing I wouldn’t be able to spend the entire night celebrating with him like he thought. But I pushed those thoughts out of my mind, determined to enjoy the part of the evening I had left with him. And the show went on. More performances, more Moonmen given away, and more acceptance speeches.
When it was time, Trey leaned over and whispered to me that he had to head backstage with the guys to get ready to present an award. He kissed my cheek and I smiled at him, watching as he went. I had to try not to laugh at the young humans who hurried to fill his and the other guys seats. I smiled at Krystal who didn’t look happy that she’d just been ambushed again by the strangers who had to fill in the spaces.
Trey had warned me about this part in the limo on the way over. He’d offered to take me backstage with him while he presented so I wouldn’t have to sit out in the audience alone (like I could actually feel alone in a crowd this big) but I’d insisted I wanted to stay in the crowd so I could watch him.
British Guy was more annoying than usual as he went on and on about the band that had just finished performing their latest hit. I was growing impatient when he finally said the words I was waiting for.
“Please welcome back Catalyst!”
I clapped along with the crowd as Trey, Jonas, O’Shea and Chase walked across the stage, looking very much like rock stars. They approached the glass podium and paused, smiling and waving to some fans in the front row while the cheering died down.
More clapping. O’Shea blew a kiss to a girl I couldn’t see and then stepped closer to the microphone. “This next group of artists come on the scene and demand our attention.”
Trey stepped up to the microphone and added, “The nominees for Best Breakthrough Video are….”
A video on the big screen took over at that point, going through the short list of artists who had been nominated and showing a clip of their videos.
Chase fumbled to unfold the envelope and Jonas, reading it over his shoulder, leaned into the microphone and announced the winner. Another band I didn’t recognize. The crowd went wild and the cameras found the unsuspecting young guys in the audience and followed them as they made their way up on the stage. Trey and the guys greeted and congratulated the band and then stood back to allow them some space for their acceptance speech.
The rest of the awards went on without too many hitches. A young blond pop singer did trip while performing, and the rappers in front of us had to be escorted away when they got a little overzealous about the winner of Album of the Year. But all in all, there was less scandal than I had expected.
Chapter 34
Trey didn’t waste time when
the award show ended. He took my hand and led me through the crowds and back to the limo. Once everyone was inside, Chase gave the driver the name of a club and we were on the road again. The energy inside the limo was so exuberant, so powerful, that it was easy to try and forget that I had to leave Trey and the others in just a short time. Trey sat at my side, his arm around me. He was laughing with the guys he called his brothers and celebrating the fact that they hadn’t left the show empty-handed.
“The best part is that we got a chance to remind people that we’re still here,” O’Shea was saying. “I always wonder if people will forget us when we disappear to make a record.”
“I don’t think that’s really a problem,” I observed, recalling all the adoring fans I’d seen tonight.
Trey smiled at my remark and turned to look at me. “I hope you’re having a good time tonight,” he said, dropping his voice in a way that made our conversation private.
“It wasn’t quite as good as the last red carpet event I went to, but it doesn’t top my list of worst nights ever.”
He laughed softly and then his face grew serious. “I’m glad you’re here.” He took my chin in his hand gently, leaning forward to brush his lips against mine. I kissed him back, missing him already. Although I had grown accustomed to the whirlwind of Trey’s emotions when we kissed, there were some new sentiments tonight that I hadn’t discerned before. Along with the usual feelings of joy, nervousness, and excitement, I also experienced feelings of companionship and peace; all through Trey’s eyes.
He was truly happy to be with me. And not just happy, but the happiest he could remember being in a long time. As we kissed, I willed him to see that I felt the same way. My teeth began to tingle and I was about to pull back but then I felt it, a sudden burst of confidence in Trey’s whirlwind, and I knew he understood.
The club was hopping that night. Even from the VIP area where Trey and I sat with the rest of the guys and Krystal, I was aware of everything happening out on the dance floor. The DJ was good, and I felt at ease by Trey’s side, even though this club was full of humans, unlike the club I frequented. Trey and I spent a couple of songs out on the dance floor and he pleasantly surprised me by having great rhythm. I supposed that was probably a requirement for a musician.
“I’m not exactly a dancer,” he admitted, bending over to talk in my ear.
“You’re not completely hopeless,” I teased. He’d impressed me, especially since I knew that dancing at the club wasn’t something he did regularly.
A group of girls were watching us from a corner. If I hadn’t known better, I might have believed they were attempting to shoot bolts of lightening from their eyes at me.
“Just ignore them,” Trey said when he saw me watching them. He didn’t seem at all phased by the fact that they were watching his every move. I could practically smell the jealously fuming off of them. Real attractive.
“It doesn’t bother me,” I assured him. And it didn’t. I was more surprised by the fact that it didn’t bother him. Vampires are naturally a little reclusive, so the idea of being watched so closely everywhere I went was unnerving.
After one more dance we made our way back up to the VIP lounge to join the guys again. Chase and Krystal were kissing on the other side of the room, and Jonas was making extremely loud and exaggerated kissing noises in their direction, which made me laugh.
I sipped a bottle of water, secretly wishing it was a more satisfying deep red liquid. O’Shea was talking to a girl he’d met downstairs. His watch glinted in the light overhead and even from across the room I saw that it read 11:10.
It was time.
I took a deep breath and cast one longing glance at Trey. He was laughing next to me with Jonas, adding a few sound effects of his own. I reminded myself that I’d been lucky to steal a few carefree hours with him tonight. It had been invigorating for my soul and that would have to be enough for now.
I jumped like something had startled me and reached into my handbag to retrieve my phone. Trey glanced up at me and I waved my phone a little to explain my behavior. He smiled and turned his attention back to O’Shea as I stood up and walked a few feet away to take my fake phone call. I turned my back to him and pretended to talk to someone for a moment before I put my phone back in my purse. Trey’s hand was on my shoulder before I could turn around again.
“Is everything okay?” he asked when he saw my expression.
“Not really,” I said, sounding convincingly put-out.
“What’s going on?”
I sighed and raised my hands in frustration. “That was Kacie,” I lied. “Apparently someone broke into The Waking Moon.”
Shock registered on Trey’s face. “Is she okay?” he asked. The genuine concern in his eyes just made the lie that much more painful to tell.
“She wasn’t there. She just went by to check on things for me and found the front window smashed out.”
“Did they take anything?”
“Just some money from the desk in the back. Apparently the thieves weren’t connoisseurs of art.” I smiled, really not wanting him to worry. “I should probably get back, though. The police want to talk to me for the report.”
Trey reacted instantly, just like I’d known he would. “We’ll get the limo to drop us off at the hotel and I’ll drive you back.”
I smiled at him, shaking my head. “There’s no way I’m going to let you do that,” I said.
He looked at me, incredulous. “What do you mean? Of course I’m taking you.”
“I’ll get a cab,” I insisted.
“Forget it,” he said, and then he turned like he was going to inform the rest of the guys of the situation.
“Trey, don’t.” I put a hand on his arm to stop him. “Listen,” I said when he hesitated and turned to face me again. “You guys have been working nonstop,” I explained. “I’m not going to be responsible for ruining your first night off, especially when you have a victory to celebrate.”
He chewed on his lip, considering me, but when he opened his mouth again it was in protest. “It’s not a big deal,” he insisted. “They’ll understand.”
“You guys need this,” I said, gesturing at the room and the way Jonas and O’Shea were laughing. Even Chase had joined in now, apparently having come up for air. “It’s good for band moral.”
“But-”
“I’ll be fine,” I added. “I insist. Besides, I’ve been hogging you lately. You could probably use some male bonding or whatever.” Trey gestured with a bit of an eye roll in Krystal’s direction. “Mostly male bonding,” I offered, shrugging one shoulder.
He sighed and his eyes studied mine for a moment before he said, “I can’t believe I’m agreeing to this, but I’ve sort of learned that arguing with you gets me nowhere.”
“Smart man,” I said with a grin. Then I said goodbye to everyone.
“I’ll walk you out and make sure you get a cab,” he said, and I knew better than to push my luck. I nodded at him and he took my hand, leading me back down through the waves of people dancing. The fresh air felt great after being around so many warm bodies all night long. Trey hailed a cab and it pulled over to the curb, waiting.
Trey went to the passenger side front window and rapped his knuckles on it until the cabbie rolled it down. He handed a wad of cash over to the driver and said, “Will this cover the fare to Clearwater?”
The driver took the bills, flipping through them quickly. He nodded, looking a little surprised.
Trey straightened and took my shoulders in his hands.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I said.
“For my own peace of mind,” he stated. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?”
I shook my head, giving him what I hoped was a reassuring smile. I definitely didn’t want him coming along. Not tonight. Not where I was headed.
“I’ll be fine. It’s only a few hours.”
He sighed again, obviously unhappy with the arrangement. I tilted my chin
up and he bent forward, kissing me. The feelings that rushed through our bond caught me off guard and I pulled back a little too quickly, cutting the kiss even shorter than usual.
“Have fun,” I said, trying to recover.
He furrowed his brow at me, watching as I opened the back door of the cab.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he added quickly before I closed it. I turned to smile at him one more time and then the tinted window separated us. Trey stood with his hands in his pockets while my cab pulled away. I took a deep breath and sighed, glad to have that part of the evening over. I’d known it wouldn’t be easy to convince Trey to let me leave alone tonight. What I hadn’t expected was the almost paralyzing trepidation I’d felt in his kiss.
“Take me to the Four Seasons,” I said.
“But your boyfriend-”
“We’re still going to Clearwater,” I added. “I just have a stop to make first.”
The cab driver shrugged indifferently and signaled to make a right turn. I shifted in my seat, trying to ignore the sense of foreboding Trey’s kiss had left behind.
Chapter 35
“I’ll be about an hour,” I said to the driver as the cab pulled to a stop in front of the Four Seasons. “I assume that wad of cash is enough to cover that as well.”
The driver frowned at me through the rearview mirror, but when he met my steady gaze he caved.
“One hour,” he said resolutely.
I stepped out of the cab and made my way into the hotel lobby, reaching out for Mark with my mind as I went. I sensed him before I saw him waiting for me. He was leaning against the wall and smiled when he saw me. He was dressed in a tuxedo, bow-tie and all.
“You clean up nice,” I said to him.
“So do you.” He smiled but didn’t speak aloud, knowing I’d hear him anyway.
I smiled at him and took his arm when he straightened and offered it to me. Just then a familiar laugh echoed off the stone floors behind me and I turned to see Malena and Tytus strolling across the lobby. They paused when they reached us.
Blood and Guitars Page 18
