Chapter 101

After the show, Pearl and the guys went back stage to cool off until the crowd died down so that they could take down their gear and head home. Jason came in with his guests to congratulate them and the reporter from Rolling Stone also came back to get a few candid pictures for his article. He told then he was blown away and felt he was witness to an up and coming "it" band with Pearl becoming a huge star. "There aren't many women in this genre of rock. It's old school. It's dirty and sludgy. It's going to be big." He said, asking them to look at the camera. They posed in the dressing room with whiskey bottles and cigarettes, Pearl's leather clad legs stretched out across Dylan's lap from her chair, with Ian writing in a journal in the corner and Tony strumming his bass. Blake without his shirt and and his Mohawk climbing on the back of the door. They looked Rock n Roll.

After he left, they all toasted and celebrated their night. "There's a crowd out by the side entrance, waiting for autographs. Jim, keep a close eye on things. You guys ready to go?" John led them into the side hall and out the door. Cameras flashed and screams and questions were a sonic flood.

"Can I get your autograph, Pearl?" "Pearl, take a pic with me!?" She stood and took several pictures and signed her name more than she had in one sitting.

"Your band rocks." "You are really pretty in person." "What is Holden like in real life?" "When are you getting married"

Jim pushed her forward into the car and they drove off.

She texted Rhys and told him it went well and she would fill him in the next day on the phone.

They got back to the house around 4 am. "Hey. We're back. Wake up." Dylan shook her to attention.

They all got out and Pearl told them they could crash at her house if they didn't want to drive the hour or so back to their houses. Ian went to the guest house and Blake and Iris went upstairs. Dylan walked in and headed right for her couch. "We have beds, you know." She said, sitting across from him, taking off her boots. "I'm too tired to walk upstairs." He said, rolling over.

"Suit yourself.", she said and walked down the hall for her bedroom. She pulled off her sweaty leather pants and took a quick shower. She put on a pair of boy shorts and a tank top and curled up in bed. Then she remembered she didn't give Dylan a blanket. She grabbed a fluffy new blanket Martha had picked up for them and carried it into the living room. He still had his boots on. As quietly as she could, she took them off and covered him with the blanket. He turned towards her, and looked into her eyes.

"You were exquisite tonight.", he said.

"Thank you. You were amazing, too". She said and turned to walk out. But he held onto her arm. She looked at him and saw that he was wanting more.

He sat up and took her face in his hands. She started to pull away when he kissed her. He ran his hands to her neck and pulled her into his kiss. She broke free, stepped back and looked at him.

"Dylan, I ... "

"I know you've chosen him. I respect that. But that was a reminder that no matter what happens, I'll never be anywhere else but right here if you change your mind."

"I'm not going to change my mind." Pearl said.

"Then I'll wait forever, as your friend." He said and laid back down. "Either way, I'm never leaving you."

She walked back to her room and laid on her bed in the darkness, missing Rhys. The high from being on stage had an equal low counterpart after it was over. She realized this is probably why so many artists partied and turned to drugs or alcohol after. It was a dark, lonely come down.

The next morning, Pearl woke up and found Blake and Dylan in the kitchen. "Check it out, superstar" Dylan said, pointing at the tv on the wall. They had a news channel on that was talking about their band and show the night before. It was mostly about Pearl and pictures of Pearl. She was officially a household name now. Great. They teased her a little more. And Pearl was over it before they began.

"John called. He thinks it's a good time to release our first single ahead of the album. While everyone is buzzing about Holden Tomlinson's new squeeze and before the Rolling Stone article hits."

Blake said, stuffing his mouth full of cereal.

"It's not finished yet. And you should put on some clothes. Good God." Pearl said to him, shielding her eyes. He had on very tight bikini briefs. Nothing else.

"I like to be free in my nakedness. And the first single is done. It just needs to be mixed by Jax and he's working on it now. John says it should be ready any day."

She looked at Dylan, he smiled and shrugged his shoulders "I guess it's time to do the thing", he said.

Rhys called her a little later in the day and they talked about everything they happened at the show. The article. The autographs. She mentioned Amber and her invite. "Yes. I know Amber. And no, I've never slept with her. How do you feel about that?", he asked

"Nervous. Excited. It's all new to me. I don't think I'll fit in." Pearl said.

"No one fits in. You'll be just fine. I'm actually excited to show you off. They are announcing the nominees the first week of February. If I'm nominated, we should go. It would be great exposure for the band." He had a point.

They chatted a little more and Pearl told him about Dylan. "I don't want to have any secrets from you", She said.

"He told me something similar, the night you had your breakdown about things. I know how he feels. But I know he'd rather be in your life than ruin your friendship. I mean, I can't blame him. I would have been devastated if you hadn't choosen me. I doubt he will try anything more. But if he does, tell me, ok?"

She agreed. Rhys was so understanding and kind.

"Also, I'll be home a few days early. Things are going well here. I should see you in a week or so."

"Really?" Pearl was thrilled.

"Yes. I'm bringing the chain mail home, get the bed ready." She laughed and said she would.