by J. O Mantel
After they finally managed to get inside the bathroom, the girls stared into the mirror, they adjusted their makeup and fixed their hair and looked at one another.
“I think we look pretty damn hot,” Sienna replied, smiling.
“We sure do!” I'vy agreed.
They made their way back inside as everyone started to return to their seats. Way Back Home was playing softly through the arena, Sienna and Ivy sat down and stared at the stage. Sienna stared at Lukas’s guitar, it was resting against the amplifier in the center of the stage.
“I just wish I could touch it.”
“What?” Ivy asked, taken off guard.
“Lukas’s guitar, I wish I could just touch it. All that hot sweat lingering all over it.”
“Sienna, that's totally gross!”
“I don't see you leaving!”
The lights in the arena dimmed once again and the stage was lit up with golden lighting. The crowd roared and clapped as the band made their way into the stage for the second half of their show.
The girls danced and sang along as the band continued to perform. Taking out her phone, Sienna zoomed in on Lukas and took a photo.
“That is so my new wallpaper,” she said as she hit save. The band finished playing, Lukas grabbed the microphone and started walking towards the platform that led out to the audience.
“You know, when I started this job, I was completely unaware of all the amazing people that I would get to meet. I've got my wonderful band, Tyler, Matt and Dave, and it's always an honor to work with them. Then there's you guys! The fans. The people that we do all this for. You're the reason why I choose to wake up every morning and do what I love doing,” Lukas began.
As he stood there and looked out at the audience, Sienna smiled.
“My good friend, Steven Tyler, from Aerosmith and I were out for a beer a few years ago, just before the band and I started performing. He sat me down and said some very encouraging words. He said, 'Lukas, one day you're actually going to get paid for a job that you love doing. You're going to get up on stage and have millions of people around the world love and buy your music. You're going to make them all happy.' Six months later, he was sitting in the front row at my very first concert.”
There was a roar of applause from the audience and the other guys on stage. Sienna and Ivy stood up and clapped as Lukas finished his story.
“Steven sent me a text earlier today telling me that he couldn't make it tonight as he and his band are also currently on tour. He knew how much the band and I had been looking forward to Vegas and how hard we worked to get here.” Lukas turned and started walking back onto the stage. Matt, Tyler and Dave got into their positions and Lukas put the guitar around his neck.
“This next song is for my very special friend who couldn't be here tonight, Steven Tyler.”
With another roar of applause Lukas turned and faced his band mates, before turning back to the audience. The backing track started playing soft musical strings, Dave also tapped the drums softly while Mat and Lukas strummed the strings on their guitars. Lukas walked back up to the microphone and as Tyler hit the keys on the piano, Lukas simultaneously sang the first line to Aerosmith’s number one hit, I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.
The concert had unfortunately come to an end, and it was time for Dark Falkon to perform their last song. Sienna and Ivy had been waiting all night for this. Not only were they about to perform their latest hit, Way Back Home, in a few short minutes, they would both be meeting Lukas Dark backstage.
“Vegas, it's been an honor playing for you all tonight. Unfortunately it's time for us to say goodnight, for now. But, we hope to back here again very soon.” Swinging the guitar around his waist, Lukas took to the microphone while Matt took over on guitar. The crowd settled down, the lighting dimmed, and the atmosphere was perfect as the lyrics escaped his lips. Sienna looked around, there were camera phones raised in the air as people's arms swayed from side to side. Ivy, Sienna and the rest of the front row took out their phones and joined in.
Lukas suddenly stopped singing as the song came to an end. His arm raised high above his head as the arena blacked out.
The crowd stood up, applauding, cheering and whistling, all the band members of Dark Falkon were standing center stage as the stage was lit up with lighting, once more.
Lukas thanked each and every one of his band members, they all took a step forward and bowed before walking off until it was just Lukas left on stage alone.
The cheers, whistling and screams intensified, Sienna could see the happiness and thrill on Lukas’s face, sweat dripping from his brow. He walked out onto the platform and stopped right on the edge, taking a bow as the audience cheered even louder.
He walked back to the center of the stage, then walked over to the left and bowed. He then walked over to the right and took another bow, before making his way back to the center one last time.
“Goodnight, Vegas,” he yelled, and with one final bow and wave, he turned and walked off stage.
The rest of the lights in the arena turned on as everyone made their way to the nearest exit. Sienna and Ivy remained in their seats and looked around. One of the security guards walked over to them; “Ma'am?”
“Yes?” Sienna asked.
“Come with me please.”
They stood up and followed the security guard who led the way.
“Ma'am? Seriously? How old does he think I am?”
“Shhh!” Ivy said as the security guard led them to a long corridor behind the stage. After a short walk, they came to a stop outside a door.
“Just take a seat here. Mr. Dark will be with you shortly.”
He stood by the door with the other security guard, Sienna and Ivy did as they were told and sat down.
They had been sitting for a while and Sienna started to tap her fingers on her knees and couldn't stop fidgeting.
“Stop being so nervous,” Ivy said.
“I can't help it. I've only been waiting for this moment like all my life.”
“All your life? Really? The band have only been around for two years.”
“Well, you know what I mean. It feels like I've waited a lifetime to get here, and now that I'm finally here, I can't help but be nervous.”
“Just relax! Anyone would think you were meeting the Queen of England.”
The door to the room opened and a man stepped outside. He turned and looked at Sienna.
“Sienna?”
“Yes,” she smiled.
“Hi, I'm Mike, Dark Falkon's manager.”
“Hi,” Sienna said, shaking his hand. “This is my friend, Ivy.” Ivy and Mike shook hands and he looked at Sienna once more.
“Well, congratulations on winning the contest. I bet there are a load of girls who would kill to be in your position right now.”
“Thanks!”
“Ok, well, Lukas is ready to meet you both. Can I please ask that any recording or photography devices remain outside with security, including cell phones.”
Sienna and Ivy emptied their handbags and gave the security guard their phones and cameras and when they were given the all clear they slowly walked into the room.
After sitting and waiting for a few minutes, there he was. Lukas Dark entered the room, wearing his trade mark black leather jacket and torn jeans, the girls stood up and he walked over to both of them.
“Sienna?” he asked, looking at Ivy.
“Actually, no! I’m Ivy. Nice to meet you Mr. Dark,” she held out her hand ready to shake his.
“The pleasure is all mine, Ivy and please, call me Lukas,” he leaned forward and kissed the back of Ivy’s hand. She blushed slightly.
“Oh my god, Lukas, I am such a HUGE fan,” Sienna said, her voice was full of nerves.
“Congratulations on winning the contest, Sienna,” he said, leaning forward and kissing the back of her hand also. “Please, won’t you both take a seat?” Sienna removed her leather jacket and the girls took their seats again, Lukas removed his jacket.<
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“Can I get you girls a drink? We don’t normally do this, but seeing as this is our first official meet and greet, and it is Vegas, we thought we would bend the rules a little. Perhaps some champagne to celebrate,” he said.
The security guard that had escorted them to the room entered and grabbed the bottle of champagne that was sitting in the ice bucket on a table behind Lukas. He poured them both a glass and handed it to them. Lukas took the glass from the guard and raised it.
“Cheers,” he said, taking a sip.
The girls followed suit. All Sienna could do was sit there and be utterly fascinated with everything that was Lukas Dark.
“So, Sienna. I’m sure you have a million questions that you want to ask. What would you like to know?”
“Um…Well…” Ivy couldn’t believe it, for as long as she had known her, Sienna was actually speechless.
“I’m sorry, I’m just really nervous,” Sienna said.
“It’s fine. Take your time,” he smiled, melting Sienna’s heart.
“Well, I have all your albums, I have to admit, Heaven is my absolute favorite.”
“Thank you. Yes, the band and I had a lot of fun recording that. It’s my favorite album so far too.”
“Your first album, Sunset Strip, you recorded that two years ago in Chicago. I had given up all hope that rock still existed and that album gave rebirth to some of rock’s greatest anthems. Now on your latest album, you seem to have taken a slightly different direction with rock music.”
“Well, there is a changing nature in the music industry, cultural changes I mean. When you listen to what your fans are telling you in regards to the music that they want to hear, you just go for it. In the end, it’s all about making them happy.”
“Would you ever consider a solo career?”
“Solo? No! Never. I enjoy what I do, but being with the band, that’s what this is all about. I wouldn’t think of doing it without them.”
Ivy had barely spoken a word since introducing herself, she was starting to feel awkward and left out sitting there and listening to them talk.
“So, I watched your interview on Ellen recently, and you mentioned that you were single. Is that still true?” Sienna blushed and quickly looked away.
Lukas hesitated for a moment, he looked at Sienna and smiled, “Yes, Sienna, I am still single. What about you two ladies, any men or woman in your lives?”
“Oh? Us? We’re not lesbians.”
“I have a boyfriend, actually,” Ivy replied.
“Well, he’s a very lucky guy, Ivy. What about you, Sienna? Any boyfriends?”
Sienna also hesitated for a moment, looking into his eyes she couldn’t help but be hypnotized by how gorgeous they were.
“Actually, I’m single too,” she lied.
The two of them stared at each other for a couple of minutes. Ivy looked at Sienna, but she completely ignored her and continued staring at Lukas.
“Um…I really need to use the bathroom,” Ivy interrupted.
“Yes! Of course,” Lukas replied.
The security guard escorted Ivy outside, leaving Sienna and Lukas alone. He handed her purse back to her, she reached inside and pulled out her phone. Dick sent her a heart emoji with the words I love you underneath it. She slowly walked to the bathroom, closed the cubicle door and sat down.
I really miss you. I wish you had come along with me, I feel so out of place here x.
She washed up and headed back to the corridor. As she approached Lukas’s room she could hear the two of them giggling on the other side. She stood there for a few seconds, one hand on the door knob, and the other clutching her phone against her chest as it beeped. She looked down and read Dick’s reply. I miss you too baby, I wish I could have come with you, but work is just too busy.
Frustration made its way across her face. Dick took his job at the paper very seriously and Ivy was being selfish wanting him all for herself. She moved away from the door and walked down the corridor out of sight.
Sienna and Lukas were still enjoying their champagne and having a great time chatting with one another.
“What happened to your friend?” Lukas asked.
“Huh?”
“Your friend, Ivy? She left to go to the bathroom. She’s been gone for a while, I hope she’s alright.”
“Oh! I’m sure she is, she probably just got caught up on the phone with her boyfriend.”
Lukas leaned in towards her, their noses just inches apart.
“Nice fragrance,”
“Excuse me?”
“Your perfume, it’s a nice fragrance.”
“Thank you.”
She felt his breath travel down her neck. She had been waiting for this moment for a very long time, she was finally alone with the one man she had been obsessing over for the past two years. They both leaned in, their lips only a breath apart, she prepared for the moment when their lips would connect for the first time.
Lukas’s phone beeped, breaking the two of them apart.
“Excuse me,” he said, standing up.
Sienna let out a small breath, a small part of her relieved at the unexpected interruption, another part of her very much annoyed. As she sat there looking around the room her eyes wondered over to Lukas occasionally as he spoke on the phone.
“I’m sorry about that, Sienna. I’m lucky if I get five minutes to myself.”
“It’s okay, I understand.”
“Where were we?” he asked, sitting back down.
“Um…Lukas, I was wondering-”
“Of course you can have a photo.”
Mike opened the door and re-entered the room with another gentleman holding a camera. Sienna fixed up her clothes and her hair and made herself comfortable. Lukas walked over and sat down beside her.
“Will this do?” he asked.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Is this were you would like me to sit for the picture?”
“Yes! That’s perfect,” Sienna replied.
Lukas placed his arm around Sienna’s shoulder and pulled her closer towards him. The photographer leaned in and took the photo with his Polaroid, Mike then handed Lukas the photo and a pen.
“To…Sienna, rock on. Love, Lukas x” he handed her the photo and smiled.
“Th-thank you.”
“Mike, would you give us a moment, please.”
Mike and the photographer opened the door and stepped outside, Lukas and Sienna were alone once more. He poured them both a fresh glass of champagne each, emptying the bottle and he sat down beside her again.
“Well, I guess this is our last drink then.” Sienna nodded and sipped her champagne.
“You know, Sienna, I’ve met a lot of female fans, and I must say none of them are quite as pretty as you are.”
Sienna felt herself blushing; “Thank you,” she said, sipping more of her champagne. She could feel him all over her, his eyes, his scent, everything. She knew that nothing would ever come of this, it was just one meeting, and she would probably never see him again. She couldn’t let a small obsession take over and let her give into her desire, could she?
The door suddenly burst open and Mike walked in, “I’m sorry Mr. Dark, but I’m afraid Miss Forrester’s time is almost up. Five more minutes.”
“Thanks, Mike.”
He turned and left them alone one last time.
“Well, Sienna! I must say, this has been a pleasure. Is there anything else you’d like to know before we leave each other?”
“Do you think you’ll ever come and do a show in New York one day?”
“The band and I definitely wouldn’t rule out coming to New York, soon.”
“I hope I get the opportunity to see you there. I would really like to see you again.”
It was as if the last part had escaped her lips without any warning whatsoever. What the hell was she thinking? She didn’t have a chance with this guy. Her night with Lukas had been amazing, even if Ivy had ditched her. It was her dream come t
rue, but she was seeing Jesse and now she regretted having lied about his existence.
“I think we can arrange that,” Lukas said.
“Thank you for an amazing night and for making my dream come true,” she held out her hand ready to shake.
“You're welcome, Sienna.” He grabbed her jacket from the sofa and handed it to her.
“Thanks.”
Lukas reached for the handle, Sienna turned and faced him.
“Lukas?”
“Sienna?”
She reached into her purse and took out a small piece of card and scribbled some numbers on it.
“I know that this may seem really inappropriate, but you did mention on your recent Ellen interview that you were single and looking for love.” She handed him the card with her number on it. “When you eventually get to New York, do you think that perhaps you and I can head out for a drink?”
She quickly put her head down in embarrassment. Lukas lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “Absolutely, I’d love to,” he replied, throwing her a smile. Once again, making her forget all about Jesse.
As he reached for the handle once more he leaned forward and kissed her gently on the cheek.
“Goodnight, Sienna. Oh, and say goodnight to your friend Ivy for me, I hope she’s alright.”
“I will.”
She turned and walked away. Lukas stood outside the room and watched as security escorted her down the corridor a wide smile on his face.
“Dick? Oh my god! What are you doing here?” Ivy asked, greeting him with a passionate kiss and throwing her arms around him.
“Well, I wanted to surprise you. After your messages last night, I couldn't stop thinking about you. I was missing you like crazy so this morning I caught the first plane out here.”
“But what about work?”
“It's okay, I took care of it. I had a couple of days owing to me, so I figured, what a better way to spend them than with my girl.”
He leaned forward and kissed her again. Ivy closed the door behind them and the two of them moved over to the bed.
“Hey, where's Sienna?”
“She's still asleep.”
“So what happened last night? How was the meet and greet?”
Ivy looked into his eyes, she was so happy that he was there with her, but she also felt guilty knowing that he was there because she felt lonely.
