Sarah laughed. “You two.”
“Us two what?” Kira said, making googly eyes at her girlfriend.
“You’re too much.” Sarah leaned in and kissed Kira. “In a good way.”
“Where are Jamie and Madeline?” Sarah asked.
“One of the band’s assistants agreed to show Jamie and Madeline one of the merch kiosks. I can only imagine how much stuff Jamie will return with,” Kira said.
“What kind of merch do they have?” Sarah asked.
“Oh, trust me,” Blayne cut in. “You name it, and they have it—T-shirts, caps, bumper stickers, albums, jackets, sweatshirts, sweatpants, underwear, shoes… You can be decked out from head to toe in ZERO merchandise.”
“Underwear?” Sarah asked.
“Oh yeah. They even have a ZERO thong you can buy,” Kira joked.
“You may think you’re joking, but they actually sell them,” Blayne said. “I should rephrase that. The band doesn’t sell them, but they are available online from some websites breaking copyright laws and putting the band on a whole range of…let’s just say interesting items and toys.”
“So basically, if you weren’t already fucking ZERO, you could get fucked by ZERO?” Kira asked.
“Eww… Isodidn’t need to know that,” Sarah said.
“I’m more surprised their attorneys haven’t had them taken down,” Kira admitted.
“It’s apparently like Whac-A-Mole. You get one site taken down, and ten others pop up to replace it. And that’s not even including the do-it-yourself crowd that makes items and sells them online on global marketplaces,” Blayne said.
“Wow, you’ve become well-versed in ZERO’s business practices over the last month,” Kira said. “I’m impressed.”
“I’m almost finished with my doctorate, and knowing a little about global commerce is what impresses you?” Blayne asked. “I feel like I should be offended.” He gave her a playful wink.
“Whatever,” Kira responded with an exaggerated eye roll.
“But anyway, I’ve heard a lot of one-sided conversations between Blayne, the guys and the management company over the last month. I’ve learned a little about running a multi-million-dollar corporation. Who would have guessed boy bands were such a huge global enterprise?”
“Almost anyone who pays attention to pop culture,” Kira joked.
“Excuse me,” a loud voice cut through the room. Blayne turned and found Meghan Flores, the Toyota Center’s Event Services Coordinator, standing in the entryway to the greenroom. “ZERO are on their way here. If you want to get a photograph with the band before the show, please line up.” She gestured to where a photographer stood waiting in front of a backdrop with the band’s logo. “Once your picture is taken, you’ll be given an access code to the band’s website, where you can download your pictures tomorrow.”
She said something else, but the room erupted into applause as Zach, Ethan, Ric and Orr entered. Blayne hadn’t realized how many people were in the greenroom until the deafening applause.
People immediately started jockeying for the opportunity to take pictures with the band. Blayne looked over at Jamie, who looked in awe at seeing his favorite band standing in the same room with him.
“Don’t worry, Jamie,” Blayne said. “Ethan promised we could take selfies with the band after the concert. I promise you’ll get more one-on-one time with them than anyone else in here.” The look of pure excitement that crossed Jamie’s face made all the madness around them totally worth it.
“Mr. Dickenson,” Lucas said, appearing out of nowhere. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll happily take you and your friends to your seats.”
“Oh, thanks, Lucas. I think we’re ready.” Blayne turned and looked at his small group. “Ready to head up?” The group nodded in agreement. Jamie practically jumped and squealed with excitement. “Lead the way.”
Lucas headed out of the greenroom, followed by the group. Blayne tried to wave goodbye to Ethan, but he was so engrossed in taking pictures.Oh well, I’ll see him later.
Blayne was glad they had Lucas ushering them through the tunnels, because he had no idea where they were. There was a turn to the left followed by a straightaway, then a turn to the right followed by another right.Dear God, this place is a labyrinth. In minutes, the group exited the Tundra Tunnel right at the base of stage right. Blayne nodded at Ms. Z. and Mr. J., who stood on either side of the entrance to the backstage area. He guessed Ms. A. and Mr. S. were doing the same on the other side.
Lucas led them up a flight of stairs to the right and quickly found their seats. Ethan had asked if the group wanted ground seats, but they had opted for something that gave them a better view of the entire stage.
“If you need anything during the concert, just ask one of the arena attendants. They can get ahold of Ms. Flores, who can contact me.” Lucas then turned to Blayne. “Actually, you really should have my cell number. And honestly, I should probably have yours.” Lucas reached out his hand expectantly. Blayne reached into his pocket and handed over his phone. Lucas hit a series of buttons. Blayne was awed by how quickly Lucas’ fingers flew over the screen. “There you go. I’ve programmed my contact information and texted my phone, so I’ll have your info.” With that, Lucas spun on his heels and headed back down the stairs.
“He’s…different,” Kira said, leaning in close.
