Part 375
Sarah's set was nearly complete as they all began to gather backstage. Her voice had never sounded better, and from the fan's perspective, there was nothing amiss. The final applause was overwhelming, and as Becca listened raptly, she let slip a comment that was totally unlike her.
"Holy shit," she muttered, listening to the crowd's reaction to Sarah and shaking her head in amazement.
Kevin smirked. "Say what, Bec?"
"Umm …" she blushed, "nothing. Look, do you guys mind if I don't stay for the show tonight?"
"Baby, you okay?" Nick asked with concern.
"Yes, but I think I'll get Sarah back to the hotel. She hasn't seen Jesse, except at dinner, and… well, I need to spend some time with her."
"Girl stuff?" AJ grinned.
"Maybe," Becca smiled. "But mostly just some down time. Maybe I can get her to talk to me some more about tonight."
"That's a good idea, Bec," Howie said. "Thank you."
"I thought we'd wait until you were onstage, that way we're assured that the majority of the crowd will be inside."
Just then, Lisa and Fiona joined them.
"Time to head down below," Lisa said.
"Nick, I'll see you later," Becca said, lifting her face for a quick kiss.
Nick shook his head. "I dunno, it'll be pretty late."
"I'll wait up."
"Bec-"
"I'll wait up," she repeated, silently daring him to argue with her.
Nick sighed at her stubbornness.
"Give it up, Nick," Kevin laughed. "She'll wait up." Pulling Nick away, they went to take their places backstage.
* * * * * *
Becca was waiting for Sarah when she finally emerged from her dressing room.
"Awesome set!" she told her with a smile.
"Thanks sis," Sarah replied, trying to smile but not quite succeeding. "What's up?"
"We are. Grab your bag, we're outta here."
Sarah gave her a blank look. "What?"
"We're going back to the hotel. Billy has a van waiting for us, and Jesse is already in it. You and I both need a night to crash, so …"
"What about the show?"
"The show will be the same tonight that it's been for the last seven months, Sarah, come on." Becca grabbed Garrett's infant seat in one hand and Sarah's arm in the other and began pulling her toward the exit.
"But Howie-"
"Howie knows where you're going, I did ask his permission first, mom." Becca chortled at the look on Sarah's face. "Come ON, before someone figures out what we're doing."
The opening strains of Backstreet's set could be heard throughout the venue, and a deafening scream drowned out the music. Becca glanced at Sarah, who was glancing at Becca and they both giggled.
"That's our guys," Becca laughed as they raced toward the waiting van.