When the elevator hit the ground floor, and the doors opened, Georgia rushed in and pulled us out.
"Oh god, this is such a mess. Late to sound check, no hair or makeup done." She kept muttering about every little detail as she ushered us outside and onto the bus. Sadie was sitting at the table already.
"Where were you?" Sadie asked Tommy accusingly. He almost faltered, but he answered.
"I was down stairs, in the, uh, gift shop." Pretty good lie if you ask me.
"Uh huh, right… and you just happened to be gone at the same time as me baby sister did you?" Oh shit, doesn't look like she's going to buy it. I thought.
"Sadie, stop being jealous. I was just on the roof, alone, trying to clear my head before the concert." Not quite a lie, you were on the roof. I rationalized. Uh huh, but you weren't alone and you sure as hell weren't trying to clear your head. I fired back at myself.
"I'm not jealous, just curious. They're two totally separate things you know." I didn't have time to retaliate because just then, the bus jerked to a stop.
"What the fuck, we can't be there already." I wondered aloud. Georgia came running in.
"Flat tire, long story, we have to walk." She huffed. Sadie looked mortified.
"You can't be serious!" She exclaimed. Georgia sighed.
"Well yes, as a matter of fact, I am. Now get your asses up and start walking." She walked away before anyone else could complain. I didn't say a word, just walked off the bus and started making my way down the sidewalk. I wasn't sure if I was headed in the direction of the Beacon Theatre, but I didn't care. I just needed to start playing.
"Jude, you're going the wrong way!" Sadie and Tommy yelled. I looked over my shoulder and saw they were still at the bus.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry, I'll be there!" I waved my hand in their direction, and kept walking. I heard them calling my name a few more times before I turned the corner. I stuffed my hands in my pockets and kept my head slightly bent down, trying to keep a low profile. I hadn't thought that I was that popular in the States, but after the mob at the hotel, I knew I was wrong. I glanced up and saw a turn coming. There were a bunch of people on the sidewalk, not seeming to be walking, so I just walked around them and turned right. What I saw made my stop in my tracks. People were waiting in line, at the Beacon, all the way up the street. Those people that were in my way were people that were waiting for my concert! I almost jumped for joy, but realized that wouldn't be the smartest thing to do, considering I was WAY outnumbered by my fans. I just kept my head bent and walked forward. I heard more and more people start whispering. I even heard a few ask if I was THE Jude Harrison. I chuckled under my breath and walked into the venue. I said a quick hello to the people setting up the merch booth and then walked into the theatre and yelled
"Honey, I'm home!"