Obligingly the crowd roared back to show their appreciation.
“Now time for a bit of end of tour fun,” declared Dan. “We’ve travelled up and down the country for the last ten days with these guys and couldn’t have done this without them. Please give a huge London cheer for our good friends in Silver Lake!”
Much to Jake’s surprise, his three fellow band members joined them on stage, Paul armed with a tambourine in place of his drumsticks.
“Sometimes, folks, we all need “A Little Help From Our Friends”,” declared Dan loudly.
Totally unrehearsed, both bands jammed their way through The Beatles song in true Joe Cocker style. With a few discrete nods and hand signals, they pulled it off successfully, to the delight of the crowd. With an arm around Jake’s shoulder, Dan called out, “A round of applause please for our special friends Silver Lake!”
Having taken a bow, Silver Lake left the stage for the night to a resounding cheer. In the wings, Lori was waiting for Jake, grinning and trying not to giggle. He put an arm around her waist and bent to kiss her, careful to keep his guitar from hitting her. Sweat was dripping off him and she curled up her nose at the smell.
“You need a shower, rock star,” she teased. “And a new shirt.”
With a laugh, Jake nodded his agreement. “I really liked that shirt.”
“Not as much as those young ladies do,” giggled Lori.
“Harrumph,” he muttered as they walked slowly away from the stage.
By midnight the end of tour/after show party was in full swing at a private club near their hotel. Both bands and crews were relaxing among record company and management executives, friends, family and invited guests. Silver Lake had commandeered a table in the corner of the room and the champagne was flowing. Paul and Simon had already moved on to shots and it was shaping up to be a messy night for them. Over at the bar, Jason had cornered Jake and Rich and the three of them were deep in conversation.
“So, Simon,” called out Lori, leaning across the table to be heard over the music. “What was it like down with the crowd?”
“Incredible. The atmosphere was fantastic. I’d love to have been out in the middle with all the fans,” he admitted. “Next time!”
“A far cry from your air force banquet from the other night?”
“Ever so slightly,” he laughed.
Eventually Jake managed to make his escape from Jason and came over to sit beside Lori and Maddy.
“I can’t believe that’s it over,” he said, pouring himself some champagne.
“Good job,” replied Maddy, stifling a giggle. “Before you run out of shirts!”
“Very funny, Maddison.”
“That looked kind of serious over there with Jason,” commented Lori. “What was going on?”
“He was asking if we were ready to give up our day jobs yet,” replied Jake.
“And are you?” she asked curiously.
“We can talk about that later,” said Jake quietly. Turning his attention to his brother, he asked, “Have you been converted to rock ‘n’ roll, Simon?”
“I sure have,” declared Simon raising another shot to his brother. “Mom would’ve been so proud.”
“Thanks,” said Jake with a sad smile. “Go easy on those. These guys are pros when it comes to partying.”
“Let’s take a walk,” suggested Lori, getting to her feet. “I’m getting stiff sitting.”
Before they were quarter of the way round the room, Jake and Lori were stopped by a photographer. Smiling, they politely posed for him, then continued round to the Weigh Station corner. Out of the corner of her eye, Lori spotted Scott approaching with his camera.
“Bandit at three o’clock,” she whispered to Jake.
The young film maker soon stopped them and asked if they would spare him a few minutes.
“You never give up, do you?” teased Jake. “Ok, you’ve got two minutes, young man.”
“What’s been the highlight of the tour?”
“Good question,” commented Jake, buying some time to think about his answer. “Tonight was pretty special. Last night when the crowd sang Happy Birthday was quite something. It’s all been an amazing experience.”
“So, what’s next?” asked Scott.
“We’ve a special gig to play back home the Saturday before Christmas,” replied Jake with a smile. “Then we’ll see where we end up at the start of next year.”
“Any hints on that? There’s been a few rumours flying round back stage.”
“No,” stated Jake bluntly.
“Is playing with your shirt off going to be a feature of your performance going forward?”
“No way!” Jake declared. “Unless it’s a hundred degrees in the shade I’m keeping my shirt on my back.”
“Thanks, mate,” said Scott, pausing his filming. “Lori, do you have a few words for me?”
“Seeing as you asked so nicely,” she replied. “I guess I can spare you a couple of minutes.”
“I’ll go on over to see Dan,” said Jake, giving her a kiss. “Come over when you’re through with Stephen Spielberg here.”
Once Jake was out of earshot, Scott started the tape and asked Lori what her highlight had been.
“Would it be wrong to say my visit to the British Museum today?” she giggled.
“No,” acknowledged Scott. “But it wasn’t the answer I was hoping for, Mz Hyde.”
“Seriously, that’s been the highlight of the trip,” she replied. “I love museums. However, seeing the guys on stage has been amazing. I hadn’t seen them play live since the album launch. There’s a new edge to their performance. A new level of self-assurance. Of confidence. Seeing Jake out there holding his own with Weigh Station was fantastic.”
“How do you feel when he performs the songs he wrote about you?”
“Honoured. Kind of embarrassed too,” admitted Lori. “Hearing the fans sing along with those songs in particular was beautiful.”
“Thanks, Lori,” said Scott. “I appreciate your time.”
“Pleasure,” she said with a smile, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to circulate.”
Taking her time, Lori made her way through the party guests towards the Weigh Station table. She could see Jake sitting beside their lead guitarist, Mikey, talking animatedly with his hands. It made her smile to see him so relaxed in the company of his musical heroes- now an equal amongst them. Despite all the years of work for various bands, she never truly relaxed at these functions and tonight wasn’t proving to be any different. Part of her felt self-conscious about her cane; part of her didn’t like being on display as the artist. Tonight she just wanted to be Jake’s girlfriend; tonight was about him and the rest of Silver Lake.
“Why, it’s the stunningly beautiful Mz Hyde!” declared a theatrical voice beside her. It was Dan, more than a little the worse for wear.
“You’re hallucinating,” she countered with a warm smile.
“Let me fetch you a drink, darling,” he offered.
Knowing it was pointless to even attempt to refuse, she watched as he poured her a glass of champagne.
“Thank you,” she replied, as he presented her with the glass. “Some party.”
“This is tame, darling,” said Dan, surveying the room. “Everyone’s still standing and the police haven’t been called yet.”
“So what’s next for you?” Lori asked, sipping her champagne.
“A month off over Christmas then we’re touring Europe in February. Wish we could take your man with us,” he replied, swaying slightly. “Those guys have impressed me from day one.”
“Jason has plans for them,” she said. “I’ve not been privy to what they are but I suspect they won’t be working as teachers for much longer.”
“Teachers were never like that when I was in school,” he laughed.
Jake had spotted her and moved over to join them. Putting a protective arm around her waist, he asked, “Can you still remember school, Dan?”
&nbs
p; “Just,” admitted the older man. “I’ll concede it was a long time ago and confess that I wasn’t a regular in class latterly.”
“Can I say something,” began Jake, sounding a little nervous. “I just wanted to say thanks for the last few days. I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time and this has been like all my Christmases come at once.”
“You can sing with us anytime,” said Dan sincerely. “It’s been a pleasure being out there with you.”
“Thanks,” replied Jake, suddenly star struck and lost for words.
“Thanks for the drink, Dan,” said Lori, stretching up to kiss the older man on the cheek. “We’d better head back to our own guests.”
♪
Above them the seatbelt and no smoking signs were lit. Their fellow passengers were still making their way onto the plane behind them. It had been a long two hour wait in the departure lounge and beside her Jake was fidgeting. This was the first time the two of them had flown together and his childlike nervous curiosity made Lori realise that he hadn’t been on that many flights. All four members of Silver Lake had been the same in the terminal building- in and out of the duty free shop; in and out of the newsstand; in and out of the men’s room. Now that they were all safely seated in the business class section of the plane she could see they were all fidgeting nervously. It made her smile. As before Lori was seated at the aisle with Jake on her right and Grey at the window. Across the aisle, Paul was at the window with Rich in the middle and Maddy at the aisle.
“I hope the guitars are ok in the hold,” muttered Jake, as he flicked through the airline magazine.
“They’ll be fine,” assured Lori softy. “Relax.”
“I can’t believe that we’re on our way home,” he said, taking her hand. “It doesn’t seem any time since we left.”
“I’ll be glad to get home,” admitted Lori, sounding weary. “The damp weather has been killing me and I miss my own pillow.”
“I’ve missed the ocean,” confessed Jake with a sigh.
“You’ll see it tomorrow. You’ll need to make do with the Delaware River today, rock star,” she teased. “How long will it take to get to Lucy’s from the airport?”
“About forty five minutes, I’d guess. Maybe a half hour, if the traffic’s quiet.”
Once the plane had taken off and had reached their cruising altitude, the cabin crew came through with the drinks trolley. Despite it only being late morning, both Jake and Lori ordered champagne. Beside them, Grey had fallen asleep. They ordered an orange juice for him, just in case he wakened thirsty. With their drinks poured into the regulation airline plastic tumblers, Jake proposed a toast, “To the future and many more tours.”
“To a safe trip home,” toasted Lori.
She realised that with all the packing and getting sorted to leave for the airport that she hadn’t asked Jake what his decision was about school. In her heart, she knew what it had to be but she wanted to hear him say it.
“What does Jason have planned?” she asked. “You never told me.”
“He’s wanting us to tour again at the end of January,” explained Jake with a grin. “In Australia and New Zealand then a final show in Tokyo.”
“Who with?” she asked.
“An Australian band called Bodimead,” Jake replied. “I checked them out on You Tube. Sound ok.”
“I’ve heard of them,” said Lori. “But I don’t really know much of their stuff. Have you agreed to do it?”
Jake nodded. “Will you come?”
“We can work something out,” she promised. “I’ve got work commitments lined up right through till mid-March.”
“We’ve not got the schedule yet anyway. There’s still a lot to work out. Grey doesn’t want to leave Becky again so soon. I don’t know if we can get her to come out with his mom or his sister. Paul’s worried about leaving Maddy. She’s already said there’s no way she can come.”
“What about school?”
“Rich and I talked about that. We’ll see out the end of term until Christmas then finish up. He’s already set up a meeting with the principal for first thing on Monday.”
“This is it, isn’t it, rock star?” said Lori with a smile.
“I guess so,” agreed Jake, the realisation slowly sinking in. “We’ve done it. We’re an international rock band. I still can’t believe it. I keep expecting to waken up and I’m fifteen again playing guitar in my bedroom to Weigh Station albums with my dad yelling at me to turn off the “God damn racket”!”
The rest of the flight passed quickly and without any dramas. Even Paul managed to remain calm, although Maddy claimed he was still hungover from the end of tour party. A couple of hours before they were due to land Grey wakened up and soon he was deep in conversation about music with Jake. Meanwhile the two girls sat chatting across the aisle. Sitting in the one position for so long was causing both of them discomfort for differing reasons. When the stewardess came round for the final time, Lori asked for some water and discretely swallowed two painkillers. Only Maddy noticed, but Lori shot her a look that told to say nothing. Her friend silently mouthed, “You ok?” and Lori nodded. Eventually the plane began its descent and they were all trying to spot familiar landmarks as they flew over Philadelphia, over the Phillies stadium and the dockyards before landing smoothly at the airport.
“Welcome home, rock star,” said Lori, squeezing Jake’s hand.
Within a few minutes the plane had taxied to the gate and the doors were open. Making sure they had taken everything with them, the Silver Lake party slowly made their way into the building. The painkillers had kicked in and Lori managed to keep pace with Jake as he charged on ahead. When they reached the escalators that would take them down to passport control, she paused. He put a steadying hand round her waist and, on the count of three, they stepped onto the moving staircase together.
“Thanks,” she said, smiling up at him. “I’m still a bit nervous of these.”
There were no delays at immigration, and soon they were waiting patiently in the baggage hall with their fellow passengers. Jake and Rich were both pacing, anxiously awaiting the safe arrival of their precious guitars. Slowly the luggage began to emerge out of the chute and make its way round. Patiently Maddy and Lori sat at the side and waited while the four guys rounded up their suitcases, holdalls and instruments.
“You ok?” asked Maddy, when she was sure the boys were out of earshot.
“I’m fine. Just tired and sore. It’s been a long few days and the British weather didn’t agree with me,” replied Lori, rubbing her thigh. “All the standing about hasn’t helped either. What about you?”
“My back’s sore,” confessed her friend. “It’s only going to get worse. I’ve an appointment at the clinic next week to get checked over. I’m exhausted. I think I’ll sleep for the next three days at least.”
“I think we all will.”
After almost an hour the band had collected all their luggage and guitars. Much to everyone’s relief everything looked to have survived the transatlantic journey intact. En masse they headed for the exit that led to the arrivals hall. As they walked through the automatic doors, Lori caught sight of a small blonde child, then heard the familiar shriek of “Daddy!” as Becky came hurtling towards Grey. Behind the barrier, they could see Grey’s mother standing waving. With tears in his eyes, the bass player swept his little girl into his arms and hugged her tight.
“I’ve missed you, Daddy,” she said as she cuddled into his neck. “Grammy said we could come here to surprise you.”
“I’m glad you did, princess,” he replied. “I’ve missed you too.”
Still clinging tightly to Grey, Becky shouted hello to the others. Her delight at having him home was clear for all to see.
“Hi,” said Annie, Grey’s mother, as they reached her. “Good flight?”
“It was fine. Bit of a delay in the baggage hall, but no dramas,” replied Grey, giving her a hug. “Jump down, Becky.”
Once they’
d all greeted Grey’s mother and Becky properly, Rich said, “I guess it’s time we went our separate ways.”
“There should be a limo outside for us,” said Maddy with a yawn.
“My car’s in the car park,” said Lori. “We’re stopping at Jake’s sister’s house for the night.”
“So what’s the plans for the weekend?” asked Grey, still holding Becky’s hand.
“Why not come out to the house for lunch on Sunday?” suggested Jake. “That gives us all a few days to recover.”
“Sounds like a plan,” agreed Rich.
“Right,” nodded Jake. “Till Sunday, guys.”
♪
Having said their goodbyes, Lori led the way to the car park. As they went up in the elevator, she rummaged in her bag for the car park ticket and her keys. After a quick debate, they agreed she would drive to Lucy’s but that Jake would drive them home next day. It took a bit of re-organising and squeezing of bags to get all their luggage into the car.
“Did you not leave with two bags?” she observed as Jake put his guitar cases on the back seat. “How come you’ve got four now?”
“I don’t know. I bought some stuff and we got gifts from folk every night. It just kind of multiplied,” he confessed, closing the car door. “You sure you’re not too tired to drive?”
“I’ll be fine,” she promised, getting behind the wheel. “As long as you can direct me.”
“I’ll try. It’s been a while since I’ve been there.”
Much to Lori’s relief, the early afternoon traffic on I-95 was light, making it easier for her to relax and watch out for road signs showing the exit towards Media. Beside her, Jake was lying back in the passenger seat with his eyes closed.
“Don’t fall asleep on me,” she cautioned, as she reached to turn on the stereo. “Once we get off the highway, I have no clue where we are going.”
Stronger Within (The Silver Lake Series Book 1) Page 51
