Chapter 2

Justin

I hate jet lag, I think to myself. I'm tired. I can feel the weight of the whole tour on my shoulders and this is not even the last stop. I want to go home, go back to the U.S. and enjoy my rightfully earned money. Going on tour is fun, at first. You get to know some chicks, you stay in luxurious hotels and you meet many loving fans. It's nice because you can see that the effort you put in making the record is working. But after some time you just want to get back home. Planes, concerts, singing the same songs over and over again can get pretty exhausting. I want my own bed back. At least I only have Australia left after today's show. That's something I'm holding on to.

I glance at my golden watch, it's lunch time. How long have I slept? I'm not planning on moving or leaving this room. So I call reception for room service. In a few hours the crew will come to get me for soundcheck anyway. I despise sound checks. It's hours of maintenance people doing some technical shit that I don't get nor care about and only from time to time they ask me to sing something. I don't even know why they need me there. I usually spend time on my cellphone while I'm not needed.

When room service knocks at the door I make myself out of bed and give the guy a good tip. He deserves it.

Scooter comes looking for me and we head out to the goddamned soundcheck. As soon as we get the car out of the hotel garage, a huge mass of girls who were waiting outside the building start screaming my name and Scooter's. Smiling, I wave at them from inside the car. I owe them my life and I appreciate the fan's affection but sometimes it can be tiring. They follow us all the way to the stadium until we get inside, only stopping because the police is there to contain them. Their craziness makes me laugh. I've been told my fan base is crazy and is one of the most dedicated ones, I know that is true but every time something like this happens it amazes me. I don't think I'll ever get used to it. I must admit I love their dedication towards me. But then again, who wouldn't?

Thank God sound check finishes and we head back to the hotel to get ready for the show. Concerts don't make me nervous anymore. I know that whatever I do, they'll love it so I'm not exactly worried. If I make mistakes in the choreography they'll consider it cute. I think I could even do it on purpose, in the end it helps them love me more.

Chatting with Scooter and the crew in the dressing room, we decide some of us are going out tonight. Celebrate another show done. We want to pick up some girls tonight and maybe bring them back to the hotel. My friend Sean has even got some weed so we will surely have fun.

It's concert time. My ears are filled with the glorious sound of my fans screaming their lungs out for me on the other side of the stage. The second music starts playing, the shouting gets louder. God, they truly are passionate. I feel flattered for so much love and passion, although it can be overwhelming. Suddenly, "All around the world" starts playing and the energy of the place blows up. I'm ready to get this done.

Scooter wishes me good luck and I enter the stage. The yelling and shrieking gets too intense and that gives me more confidence. I'm so ready. I start singing and doing my thing as adrenaline runs through my veins. I manage to get all the dance moves right and by the end of the first song the stage is already filled with teddy bears, roses, thongs and posters. As I do every show, I invite a girl to come on stage with me. The chick they bring me is cute, much cuter than the one in my last show. Kind of young, and she seems like she might pass out at any minute. I find this part of the show endearing, they always look so excited.

In the blink of an eye the show comes to an end. I say my goodbyes, my thank you's and get off the stage. We head back to the hotel, where I shower because after the show, the dancing and the lights my body is covered in sweat. And now I'm ready to party and turn up.

We go to a club we've been recommended. It looks really cool, neon lights everywhere, turn up music and the girls look hot. Sean is already with some poor girl who will do anything to hook up with someone famous.

Everyone is staring at me, but I guess I'm used to it. I sit with my guys and start ordering some drinks. I'm looking around to see if there's any girl that catches my interest. Although many are already approaching us and flirting. I like the attention I get from girls and the fact that I don't have to make much of an effort, but I dislike girls who get too easy. They give themselves away, they almost throw themselves at you. Have some self-respect, woman.

After an hour or so at the club I get bored, I've talked to a girl whose name I can't fully recall but I'm not really enjoying myself. I tell my crew I'll go outside. Of course Scooter and a bodyguard follow me. They can't afford leaving me alone on the street.

Suddenly I catch sight of a bar that seems pretty cool on the other side of the street. People going in seemed pretty rad and I'm feeling like I want to try it out. I motion for Scooter and Rob, the bodyguard, to follow.

The minute I get inside my eyes catch a girl, on stage, singing indescribably. She is singing a cover of "Why'd you only call me when you're high" by the Arctic Monkeys. I love that song. For some unknown reason, my heart races and I get chills. Her voice is the perfect combination of husky and raspy and when I approach to see her better, I notice she is insanely beautiful. I find myself thinking that she's probably one of the most beautiful girls I've ever laid eyes on. I glance at Scooter and by the look of his face I can tell he is thinking the same thing. In that moment, I know I must have her.