Chapter Text
-Annie, I saw this prick outside. Again,- warned her Bono,who had just returned backstage from smoke break.His voice was tense and his eyes showed concern. - Do ya want us to take care of him?
- Just say a word, - Ruben voice was rugged and his brows was furrowed.His body seemed relaxed but his fingers clenched beer bottle harder than necessary.
- Nah, guys. I'm fine, - Anita faked a smile and pats Carmen's arms, which had hugged her from behind. - But I appreciate your offer. Where's Johnny by the way?- she awkwardly changed the subject. - We're up in ten minutes.
- He was singing lullaby for kidudo outside, - Bono had his hair ruffled by free hand, while other hand has been aimlessly poking around in his backpack. Soft smile appeared on his harsh face - Vera had called while we had been smoking.
- Cute, - Carmen lazily stood up from sofa and stretched, checking herself in the mirror.
- Okay, Solstice Mayhem , assemble, -Johnny appeared in the doorframe, drumsticks were tucked into his logger boots. - Does anyone want to change songs order? No? Then grab your junk and let's wreck this stage! - band members whacked their fists. Ruben and Bono grabbed their guitars and band left the dressing room.
Supporting act was still performing when they stopped before scene.
- Look, your Barbie girl is here,- Ruben poked Anita in the ribs. His eyes pointed out the petite blonde girl in neon pink overalls who was boucing excitedly in the VIP area near the railings. Gorgeous woman, standing next to her,tossed her auburn hair and bursted into giggles. -And not alone. Do me a favor, introduce me to Priya. I'm deeply smitten with her already, - his hand covered his heart.
- Get your mind out of the gutter, dolt, - rolled her eyes Carmen and smacked her brother upside the head lightly.
- Ouch, - played the victim guy, pretending to fall in Johnny's arms. - I'm offended.
- Omadhaun, - whiffed a curse under his breath Bono. Then he bent over Anita and whispered, - I scanned the club. He isn't here.
- Thank you, - her hand had been trying to reach her curls but stopped in the middle of the movement. She remembered that she had cut her hair short few days ago.
-Okay, showtime, - Ruben voice burst with excitement. He started pushing his bandmates on scene.- Let's wreck this place.
The group staged an incredible show. Carmen and Ruben put their whole souls into every song. Fans sang along and danced to their favorite hits.
- Okay, guys. All of you know our small traditions. Today our lovely keyboard girl is closing our set, - adressed the crowd Ruben. His chest was rising and falling heavily, his hair was wet with sweat, but his crazy smile still adorned his face.
- So give a round to incredible Annie, - Carmen gestured theatrically at the girl behind the synthesizer and start clapping.
When the crowd calmed down, Anita spoke with a soft smile.
- Hey, everyone. If you don't know, our small tradition is , - her voice was low and breathy, - choosing band member to perform last songs. This songs are covers one chosen by band member and one chosen by an audience member. So, first song I'll be performing in a few seconds is dedicated to all badass women here.
I always say what I'm feeling
I was born without a zip on my mouth
Sometimes I don't even mean it
It takes a little while to figure me out - Anita heard Chelsea's high squeal and huge grin appeared on her face. She hardly stifled a laugh. Carmen, who was dancing, started to sing along.
After she had finished the song, one of security blocks gave her a piece of paper.
- Wow, someone here is a hopeless romantic- she nearly choked while has been briefly reading song title. - Okay. Let's do it.
Perfect by Ed Sheeran for people in love, - she managed to smile brightly. Carmen slid on the bench , slightly hiding her from the crowd.
- I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in
And follow my lead, - Anita's voice was steady despite the fact her heart was fluttering like mad. She was harking back to all the time they spent together after the show and how happy they were. And this stupid corny song was always somewhere as background soundtrack of their relationships.
- We'll, folks, this is the end. Thank you for your support. Drive home safe and kiss your loved ones, - Ruben's voice broke into her thoughts and she found herself crying silently.
Carmen and Bono hugged her from both sides giving her support. After they finished their set and goodbyes, Bono practically dragged Anita to the dressing room giving her the chance to collect herself.
- Babe, you're amazing, - pink hurricane broke into the dressing room right after them with beautiful woman in tow and snuggled her friend. - From now and forever me and Prya are your fans number one and two.
- Don't mind me, - Priya wiped off tears from her cheeks and smiled. - I'm just getting old and sentimental.
- Well, I wouldn't mind to watch you getting old,--burst Ruben from sofa, his eyes was fixed on Priya. She looked baffled and her raised eyebrow said it all.
- Seriously,dude?- Carmen facepalmed herself. Hard.
Bono and John nearly choked on their water bottles trying to force back laugh .
- I-I mean you still would be very sassy minx, -the blood flushed into his face as he was rapidly trying to remedy his failure. It didn't work. - Like extremely smokin' chick. Drop dead bombshell.
Chelsea was literally crying on Anita's shoulder from silent laugh.
- Just shut up, man, - hissed Bono. - Ya're just making it worse.
- Right,fuck - Ruben's face became even more redder and he covered it with his palms . - I'm sorry, - he snuck a glance at her through fingers. - You're just... wow.
- I'll take it as a compliment, - chuckled Priya, shaking her head. - What's your name, pretty boy?
- R-Ruben, - he got his hands from his red face and straightened out, nervously readjusting his aloha shirt.
-Well, nice to meet you R-Ruben. I'm Priya, - he awkwardly shook her extended hand. Then, she took a look around the room for the first time.- And you guys?
- Carmen, - young woman without hesitation dropped her hand around Priya's shoulders.. Beer bottle which was clenched with long palm jauntily wawed around. - I'm this doofus twin. Chels and Ann you already know. And this is Johnny and Bono. Do you want a beer?We can have some while lads while carry things into the car.
- Sure, - Chelsea already passed Priya a bottle.
Girls sit on the sofa and started to chat and laugh. Upset Ruben threw puppy looks in their direction every time guys returned for band's stuff .
-Oh, do you girls want to party with them after? - asked Johnny new girls swinging his backpack on the shoulder.He was already prepared to leave.- We got free passes but me and my wife can't make it. So feel free to join. I hope we all can hang out later.
Everyone at once said goodbye to him.
- Kiss kiddo for me, - drunken Carmen hugged him tightly. - Oh, and Vera too.
- Come on I'll walk you to your car, - Anita set first and only unfinished bottle aside and jumped off the table. Grabbing a beltbag from the back of the sofa, she hurried after her bandmate. - If anything I stay outside and smoke.
In cozy silence they reached the car.
-Would you like to stay at ours for the night? Vera will be glad to see you, - frowned seriously Johnny.
- I don't want to disturb you,- reassured him Anita. Then mischievous smile appeared on her lips. - Plus, I don’t want to miss how Chelsea will be hitting on Bono. This is so adorable. And hilarious.
- I feel a little sorry for him, - chuckled guy. He briefly hugged his friend and got in the car. - Don't do anything I wouldn't do, kiddo.
- Drive safe, - she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms on her chest but telltale smile hid in the corner of her mouth. - I do not want my sister to become a single mother.
- Love ya too, - he blew her a kiss and slammed the door.
Anita didn't lower her middle finger until the car disappeared from the parking lot. Turning around her eyes caught the glimpse of familiar motorcycle.
She reached for her phone.
She felt so fucking tired.