Part 63
“Thirty minutes,” bellowed Kevin as he made his way down the hall banging on dressing room doors.
AJ had managed to slip away from Chelsea long enough to find Michelle. “Have you got the ring?”
“Yes, Alex…in my pocket,” answered Michelle patiently. It was only the fifth time he’d asked her since dinner.
“Now, remember….if ANY fans are watching, do NOT give it to her. I don’t want them to realize it’s me. People know I have a girlfriend and you guys are gonna be sitting with the family.”
“Yes, Alex….I understand.”
Alex smiled when he saw the exasperated look on her face. “I’m sorry. I just want this to be perfect.”
“Don’t worry. It will be. She doesn’t suspect a thing.” Michelle spotted Chelsea moving toward them. “Here she comes.”
AJ turned around in time to take Chelsea in his arms. “Hey, ‘Beautiful’. Where were you?”
“In the little girl’s room. I don’t feel all that great.”
“Something you ate?”
“I don’t know. It comes and goes.”
“What kind of symptoms?”
“Just some nausea. I drink some ginger ale and eat some crackers and it goes away. Nothing to worry about. Are you ready?”
“Yeah, for the first time, I’m ready before the others. Where’s my Little Pumpkin?”
“She’s already out in her seat with Mrs. Richardson and your mom. I’m going out there as soon as you go on.”
“Maybe you should stay in my dressing room or on the bus if you don’t feel good, Chelsea.”
“I’ll be okay.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am.”
“Then I want you to go on out to your seat so you can see the WHOLE show.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“Never! I just want you to get the full effect of the show.”
“You aren’t going to embarrass me, are you?”
“I promised you I wouldn’t.” Pulling her tight against him, “I love you.”
Chelsea had her hands on his chest playing with one of the multiple necklaces he was wearing. Looking into his eyes, she whispered, “I love you, too.”
“Go on and get your seat and enjoy.”
“I wanna watch you go out,” pouted Chelsea.
“Next show….I promise.”
Chelsea gave him a quick kiss. “I’ll see you after the show.”
“Come backstage when the clips play.”
“Okay.”
Before letting her go, AJ gave her another kiss, this one was a soulful, breath-taking kiss; then watched her go with Michelle out to the seats.
