Chapter 12
Alex - Crazy Stalker Ex-Girlfriend
The lyrics of that last song are reverberating through my head as I turn and run away from the stage. Becca tried to grab my arm as I turned around, but I just couldn’t stand there and listen anymore. It feels so personal. I run down the back hallway, straight back into the room where Becca left her equipment. I walk straight to the bar, grab the whiskey bottle, open it up, and take a long drink right from the bottle.
“You likeAll I Ever Wantthat much, do ya?” It’s the security guard from earlier, the one who showed us to this room. “It’s so good you need to chug whiskey straight from the bottle. Connor will be pleased that his words have affected someone like this.” He’s messing with me. I can hear him chuckle under his breath.
“You followed me?” Shit, am I in danger here? Is this guy going to do something? He’s like 6’4”, probably weighs in around 250lbs, all muscle, and has a scary-looking tattoo on his shaved head. If he wants to hurt me, there won’t be much I can do it about. And I’m sure it’s too loud for anyone to hear me if I scream.
“Yeah, it’s my job. Need to make sure you’re not setting up hidden cameras or anything you know?” He gestures around the room. “Sometimes crazy shit happens backstage and it would be bad for the band if that stuff got out to the press.”
“Oh shit,” I say, putting down the whiskey bottle. “Sorry, I didn’t even think of that. I just couldn’t listen to any more of that song. I figured it would be easier to come back here than to go outside.”
“Plus, the whiskey is here.” He laughs. “It’s fine. I figured I’d be back here tonight anyway since Denise said you guys would need to set up for the photo shoot. I didn’t realize you’d get done so quick is all. Didn’t expect you’d go out to watch some of the show and then run right back. Seemed a little suspicious.”
“Sorry about making you chase me; I promise I have no ill intentions.” I relax a little. It seems like he’s not interested in hurting me. I walk to him and extend my hand. “I’m Alex. I’m notactuallya photographer, just here helping my friend Becca, the real photographer.” I laugh a little.
“Devon,” he says, shaking my hand. “I amactuallysecurity, but I work for the band, not the venue.”
“Alex, here you are. What happened? Did that song hit too close to home? Do you think it was about-”
“Becca, meet Devon. He works security for the band.” I’m trying to tell her to shut-up with my eyes. “Devon, this is the actual photographer I was telling you about.”
Devon politely reaches out and shakes hands with Becca.
“Hello Becca.”
“Hi,” Becca turns to me, “So are you ok?”
“Yes, Becca, I’m fine.” I grab the whiskey from the bar again, throwing what I hope is a conspiratorial wink in Devon’s direction. “I was just thirsty.” I punctuate that by taking a long swig from the bottle. “Good thing I’m not driving tonight.” I laugh while I sway a little on my feet.
“And good thing I don’t actually need much help with taking photos, because you appear to be well on your way to shit faced.” Becca laughs at me and adds, “Is this taking your mind off the whole Derek thing?”
“Oh shit, is the boyfriend not happy you’re hanging out backstage with rock stars? I wouldn’t worry about that. The boys are pretty well behaved these days, mostly. The only one you’ll need to watch out for is Ryder. And honestly, you’re a little too ‘normal’ for Ryder’s tastes. He likes his women a little more, uh, ‘available’ looking.” Devon looks a little uncomfortable telling us that last part. Poor guy.
I bark out a laugh. “You mean he likes them to look like they’re giving it away?”
“Yes, exactly like that! Of course, with Ryder, they usually are giving it away. But your boyfriend has nothing to worry about. There are more than enough half-naked women waiting to throw themselves at Ryder after the show. You will be safe.” Devon is trying to reassure me, but it’s just reminding me that Derek (and pretty much every other boyfriend I’ve had) chose someone over me. Now it seems like this Ryder guy wouldn’t even look at me twice.
Maybe that’s my problem? I’m not sexy enough? Or do I wear too many clothes? I pull out the neck of my shirt so I can look down the front of it. Doesn’t look like too many clothes today, what with the no bra thing and all. I chuckle a little, and Devon and Becca both look at me a little funny.
“That’s nice of you, Devon, but it’s actually ‘cheating ex-boyfriend’ problems that Alex was having. But I think that’s now been replaced by ‘long lost first love’ problems. Isn’t that right, Alex?” I guess she didn’t get the hint earlier that I didn’t want her talking about this in front of Devon.
“Shut up,” I hiss at her. “You’re going to give the band’s security guy the idea that I’m some kind of crazy stalker.”
Devon looks at me suspiciously, but then I see a look of comprehension cross his face. “So Alex is a nice name,” he says. “I’ve heard some stories of a girl named Alex. Something about meeting in a library park and convincing a certain lead singer to share his voice.” He gives me a knowing smile.
Just how long has Devon been working for these guys? I moved away from Connor 20 years ago. There’s no way I was a topic in a recent conversation. I think I’m freaking out again. My heart is beating too fast and I’m having a hard time getting enough breath in my lungs. Maybe I’m dying? That would save me the trouble of dying from embarrassment later, I suppose.
“I promise you, I didn’t know he was here. I’m still not sure I’m sticking around here long enough to see him. I would die if he didn’t recognize me and I can’t take that chance.” My words are coming out faster than I ever thought possible. “I promise I’m not some sort of crazy stalker ex-girlfriend.”
Devon laughs, “Chill, girl. I know you’re not nuts. You’re too freaked out for that. Let’s just go catch the rest of the show and you can decide whether you’re staying right before he comes off stage.” He puts his arm around my shoulder and starts leading me away from the bar. “So tell me about this cheating ex. Do I need to go break someone’s legs?”
Becca jumps in, “Ha! Alex has already taken care of it. You should have seen her break an umbrella over his ass. It was brilliant!” She doubles over with tears in her eyes. I can’t remember if I’ve ever seen her laugh so hard. Devon even chuckles.
“Glad my terrible loss can bring you so much joy.” I pretend like I’m about to cry and Becca stops laughing and looks guilty for half a second, before I add, “That was my favourite umbrella.” I break into laughter, too. It’s probably more than a little fuelled by whiskey, but it feels good to laugh at the situation.
Devon laughs louder at this admission. “Must’ve been a great umbrella.”
