Spotlight

By Susan J.

As the days went by, and the concert tour was more and more of a success, Tony and I seemed to get closer. He was constantly at my side, protecting me from who ever it was that had left me that note a few days before. We arrived at the next town, which was Chicago. We were taken to the hotel and then to the arena where the concert was to take place. As the car pulled up to the back stage entrance there were some people there waiting to see if they could get autographs. The car stopped and Tony got out first and looked around.

"Okay, you can get out now," he said.

Roxanne, Bobby and I got out of the car and as we walked towards the door a young boy about 13 years old approached me. Tony half blocked the boy's way. I looked at Tony.

"It's okay Tony," I said. I looked at the boy.

"Hi."

"Hi," the boy answered.

"What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to get your autograph please."

As he handed me a piece of paper and a pen I saw that his had was shaking, I took the pen and paper and started to sign it.

"Don't be nervous, I'm just as human as you are. What's your name?" I said, smiling.

He laughed. "Mark. You are my favorite singer," he said shyly.

"Thank you."

Roxanne stepped closer to us. "Would you like to take a picture with her?" she asked.

Mark looked at her in disbelief. "Really?" he said.

"Really." Bobby took a Polaroid camera out of the car and Mark and I posed. The camera clicked and out came the picture.

"So, are you coming to the concert?" I asked.

"I can't," he said.

"Why not?"

"Because I didn't have the money for the ticket."

"Why don't you be my guest?"

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Who is here with you?"

"My mom."

His mother walked over to them.

Mom! Mom! Angel invited me to her concert!"

"Honey you know that we can't afford the tickets," she said.

"It's okay ma'am, you'll both be my guests," I said.

"That is very kind of you, but that is too much."

"Please, it will be my honor to have both of you there. Please."

"Mom please," Mark asked.

She looked at her son and then at me. "Are you sure?" she asked me.

"Very sure. Roxs, please make sure that you give these two the royal treatment tonight."

"You got it, Angel. I'll have Bobby pick them up tonight in the limousine and bring them to the arena for the show," Roxanne said.

He smiled.

"I'll see you later then," I said.

"Okay and thank you."

I smiled at him and we walked into the arena. Tony walked beside me all the way to the dressing room. Once inside the dressing room we sat down for a few minutes.

"That was very nice of you to invite that little boy to the show," Tony said.

"I like doing things like that. It makes me feel good."

"I can see that."

Bobby came into the room. "There you are Tony," he said.

"Where do you think he would be?" Roxanne asked.

"Don't be a smartass, Roxs."

"You like me as a smartass." They smiled at each other.

"What did you want, Bobby?" Tony asked.

"I think we should take a look around the arena and make sure that things are secure for the show tonight."

"Good idea, let's go. Stay here until I get back, Angel."

"I need to check out the stage," I said.

"She's right," Roxanne said.

"Okay, let me take you to the stage and then Bobby and I will get together with security to check out the arena," Tony said.

"Alright," I said.

We all went to the stage and I walked around looking at my band set up their instruments.

"Now stay here on the stage and don't go anywhere else," Tony said.

"Okay."

Tony and Bobby left. While I set up the microphone that I was going to use, Tony and Bobby looked around the area making sure that everything was okay.

"What do you think, Tony?" Bobby asked.

"About what?"

"Do you think we'll have any problems tonight?"

"Well so far we haven't, but between you and me I feel that things are about to change."

"Why do you say that?"

"It's just a feeling that I've had since we arrived here."

"You are starting to worry me, Tony."

"Well let's not tell that to Angel, okay?"

"Okay."

The rehearsal went well and they all returned to the hotel. I headed towards the bedroom and took off my shoes; when I came back Roxanne has a soda waiting for me and we sat down on the couch.

"Thanks for the drink," I said.

"No problem. You tired?" she asked.

"A little, but I am looking forward to tonight."

"I know what you mean. I want to see the look on Mark's little face when he is given the royal treatment."

"I know, it's people like him that makes this business all worth while."

"So true."

Bobby walked in and walked over them in the living room. "What are you two talking about?" he asked.

"Just the fact that we're looking forward to the show tonight," Roxanne said.

"Where's Tony?" I asked.

"He's on his way."

"Bobby, don't forget that you have to set up something special for Mark and his mother tonight. I want him to have a night to remember okay?" I said.

"You got it. I'll take care of everything."

"Thanks."

"I think you better get some rest, Angel," Roxanne said.

"I think you're right." I stood up and stretched. "Wake me up at 4:00 pm Roxs."

"I will."

I walked into the bedroom and closed the door. Tony came in a few minutes later.

"Where's Angel?" he asked.

"She's resting," Roxanne said.

"Good."

"So, does everything look good and safe for tonight?" Bobby asked.

"So far so good."

"You don't sound convinced, Tony. What's wrong?"

"I just have this feeling that something is going to happen."