Chapter 10: An Invitation

Weeks went by and the kiss she’d shared with Ben faded from Mallory’s everyday thoughts. She settled back into her non-exclusive routine with Ian. She banished all thoughts of actual romance from her mind. It was too much hassle, too much pain. She was convinced she’d given herself an ulcer worrying about such things.

Not that Ian didn’t give her romance. He was plenty romantic. When he was with her he was with her fully. He treated her like a queen, if only to show her that he wasn’t just using her for sex. Some nights they would go out drinking with friends and end up back at his bed. Other nights they’d rent a movie and watch it at her place, always ending up in her bed. Every now and then they’d go out to dinner and end up somewhere, as always, having sex.

They made a stunning couple. Everywhere they went together people noticed them. If a person didn’t know better they’d think the two of them had been together for years. They were comfortable with each other and it showed. But of course Ian’s eyes would always wander. And Mallory always worried that some day he would wander away for good.

One Saturday, after the pair engaged in a particularly aerobic sexual romp around Mallory’s living room, she received a call from Stevie. Ian excused himself to the kitchen to make a sandwich.

“You’re coming with me Kansas City next weekend,” Stevie said excitedly. “We’re going to see Mad Ben Stein.”

“Steves,” Mallory replied, “I can’t afford to fly to Kansas City. I probably can’t even afford the concert tickets.” Her emotions were mixed. She desperately wanted to see Ben again, but in reality she knew it was financially impossible.

“It’s covered.” Stevie squealed a little, as if she had more to say but was holding it back for effect.

“What do you mean?”

Ian came back from the kitchen. “Babe, do you have any soda? All I see is water.”

“Who’s there with you?” Stevie was now confused on top of being a little bit perturbed.

“Nobody. Forget it.” Mallory shooed Ian away. He turned from her and she slapped him on his round, firm backside. Oh, how she loved his backside. “Stevie, what’s going on?”

“Meet me at the bar later and I’ll tell you. I gotta go.”

Several hours later Mallory was sitting at a bar waiting for Stevie. She’d just ordered a pitcher of beer when a clearly intoxicated man sat down next to her. He could have been a few years her junior, but it was hard to tell. Obviously the bar scene was taking its toll on him. Mallory did her best to ignore his presence. But he was sitting next to her on a stool, facing her with his arm on the bar.

“Let me pay for that,” said Creepy Guy, motioning to the pitcher.

“No thanks. I’m good.” Seriously. Was she going to swoon over free beer?

“Are you waiting for somebody?”

“Yes, my friend.”

“What’s your friend’s name?”

“Stevie.”

“Oh.” He drew the vowel out like he didn’t really believe her. “Well let me buy you a beer while you wait for Stevie.”

Really? She just said she was waiting for someone he could only assume is a man and he still can’t stop hitting on her. Mallory wondered if it had ever worked for him.

“No thanks. I have a pitcher.”

At that moment Stevie walked in. She bounded up to Mallory and planted a kiss on her cheek.

“Who’s your friend,” she asked as she poured herself a drink.

Creepy Guy jutted his hand across Mallory, nearly grazing her breasts. “Hi, I’m Nate. What’s your name?”

“I’m Stevie.” She obviously didn’t know any better.

Mallory turned to her and, without caring that he could hear her, blurted out, “I don’t know this guy.” Stevie laughed.

“So,” Stevie started. She didn’t waste any time getting to the point. “You’re coming with me to Kansas City. Jake wants to fly us out there. He’ll pay for the room, comp us tickets, everything.” She was practically jumping up and down on her stool. Her enthusiasm was unmistakable.

“What exactly is going on with you and Jake?”

Stevie giggled. Her voice now was sheepish. “We’ve been chatting online and talking on the phone. It got kind of hot a couple of times.”

“You mean like phone sex?”

Nate leaned in as if he was part of the conversation. Mallory waved him away like a pesky insect.

Stevie giggled again, like a school girl. “Sort of. But not all raunchy, you know. Just a little bit of fun. And he wants to see me again. I told him I wouldn’t come without you. So he offered to fly us both to their next show which is this weekend in Kansas City.”

“Wait, so you want me to get on a plane and go with you so you can have sex with Jake?”

“No. I didn’t say I was going to have sex with him. I didn’t even say I’d consider it.”

“But you didn’t say you wouldn’t.”

“Not exactly. But he knows.”

“You know what that makes you.” As Mallory said it Nate nodded his head at her, knowing what she was going to say next. She pushed him away this time, knocking him off his stool.

“What?” Stevie tried to sound as if she didn’t have a clue.

“A hooker.”

“SHUT UP!” Stevie screamed so loud everyone in the bar could hear her. Mallory laughed hysterically at their friend’s embarrassment.

“I’m not going to sleep with Jake,” Stevie insisted. “We’re still getting to know each other.”

“I bet you are,” Nate blurted out. How was he back? Couldn’t he take a hint?

 “So you have to go,” Stevie begged.

“Okay, I’ll go.” In reality, Mallory wanted to jump for joy. She couldn’t wait to see Ben again, if only to test the waters. Would he ignore her, pretend nothing ever happened? Or would he be happy to see her? Would he want a second chance? Mallory was hoping for the latter.

“And I’m not a hooker?”

“No, Stevie. You’re not a hooker.”

Nate waved an obnoxious hand in the bartender’s face. “Shots for my friends,” he shouted. Stevie and Mallory shrugged at each other. Free shots. No complaints.

Two shots and three beers later they were both raging drunk. Mallory balanced herself on the barstool. The room around her was fuzzy and thick. Everything was in slow motion, yet somehow going so fast. And loud. Her head was spinning. Stevie was also spinning. She had begun twirling wildly all by herself on the dance floor. She crumpled down into a pile of drunken giggles. It was time to go. The bartender called a cab.

Stevie was dropped off first. Mallory immediately pulled her phone out of her purse and searched for Ian’s number. It was two in the morning. She was sure he was up. But was he alone?

The phone rang a few times before he picked up. He sounded groggy.

“Ian,” she shouted. The gallons of alcohol made it difficult to regulate the volume of her voice. “What are you doing?”

“I’m sleeping.”

“What?” She screeched into the phone. How could he be asleep with so much life left in the night? “Okay. I’ll just go home. All alone.”

“No,” he sighed. “Don’t”

Mallory summoned her teasing, girly voice. “No? What should I do then?”

“Get your ass over here.”

Chapter 9: Meet Me For Lunch

           Mallory was at work, still thinking about her weekend and her walk with Ben. She wanted so badly to tell somebody about it. But she couldn’t. Not because Ben didn’t want her to. Not because of his stupid and mysterious rules. But because she didn’t want to hurt her best friend.

            It wasn’t just the kiss that consumed her thoughts. It was the conversations, the smiles, the feeling of comfort she had when she was with him. Every minute that he was in her presence was a memory of its own. She wanted to hold on to them as long as she could.

            She was straightening a room after a patient when Nurse Rochelle power-walked into the room.

            “There’s a guy up front asking for you,” she whispered. “And he’s gorgeous!” She drew the word out to emphasize the affect this mystery man was having on her libido.

            When Mallory rounded the corner she saw Ian leaning on the front desk, wearing a huge grin. Rochelle was right. He looked breathtaking. He was wearing a tan suit that complimented his blonde hair which was perfectly sculpted in little, sharp spikes. His smile and his eyes brightened when he saw her.

            “What are you doing here?” She tried not to sound irritated. She also tried not to look right at him. Damn, he was hot.

            “I thought I was taking you to lunch,” he said joyously. Rochelle was staring at him conspicuously. He turned his head and shot her a knowing wink. She blushed and ran off.

            “I said I’d meet you there.”

            “Ah,” he replied and put an arm around her. “What’s the difference? I wanted to see where you work. Plus, I needed to bring you this.” He held out a plastic container. Mallory had baked cookies a week ago and shared them with him. When she shook the box it rattled. She hurried Ian out the door while peering inside.

            “What’s this?”

            “You left some of your jewelry at my place.” They arrived at the restaurant next door and he held the door like a gentleman.

            “Thanks. But I could have gotten it next time I’m over.”

            “No way,” he chuckled. “I don’t want some girl finding your jewelry in my room. That would be awkward.”

            Mallory shook her head. She felt a pang of jealousy, but dismissed it. She knew the game. He probably told other girls that they were the only one. But to Mallory he never lied. She was grateful for that.

            “I missed you this weekend,” Ian told her. He reached across the table and took her hands in his. They were warm and rough and sent electricity throughout her body. Mallory glanced around quickly to make sure none of her coworkers had snuck in. And so what if they had? She was a grown-up, was able to spend her grown-up time however she pleased. Stupid paranoia.

            “I’m sure you found something to do without me.” Mallory hoped he would deny it. She hoped he would have been lost without her. But that was stupid, too. She definitely didn’t want him falling for her. That would be messy. But after being somewhat rejected by Ben she felt that her ego was cracked and that any boost would help patch it back up.

            “I did, but I missed you anyway.”

            “And what did you do?” Why did she ask that? She didn’t want to know.

            “Oh, man. I did so much coke, I thought I would die.” He flailed his arms into the air dramatically to signal just how much coke was enough to make him die. Then his voice got lower, as if the next thing was much more private than doing a bunch of coke. “I met this girl. She was smoking hot...”

            Ian’s description was cut short when the waitress brought their lunch to the table. The food put his mind off track and he asked Mallory to remind him where she had been all weekend.

            “I went to Smithberg to see Mad Ben Stein.”

            Ian scrunched up his face in between bites. “What? I didn’t know you were into them.”

            Mallory laughed. Truthfully, he didn’t know much about her at all. He knew what she liked to drink. He knew what she liked in bed. But he didn’t really know her in real life. “I’m not really. But Stevie is a really big fan.”

            “Did you have a good time?”

            “We did.” She sighed and looked off a little too long. Ian gave her a look like he knew she was hiding something. She caved. “We had drinks with the band.”

            “With Mad Ben Stein?” Finally he was impressed.

            “Yes.” This time it was Mallory who was cut off by the waitress refilling their water glasses. This apparently brought Ian’s mind back to his original conversation.

            “Oh, this girl I met this weekend. She was so hot. I mean, she was a little chubby, but her rack was like ‘damn’, you know?” He held his hands in front of him to demonstrate her ample cleavage. “We started making out and I asked her to come back to my place. But she was all, ‘My friends are waiting for me.’ So I…”

            “He kissed me,” Mallory interjected. God, why did she say that? She wasn’t going to tell anyone. She certainly didn’t want him to know. He wasn’t very skilled at keeping his mouth shut. But for some reason she felt the need to prove her weekend had been just fine without him, as his obviously had been okay without her.

            “Who?”

            “Ben Stanovich. After we had drinks he kissed me.”

            “Like on the cheek? Cause I’ve heard those L.A. people do that.”

            “No. He kissed me on the mouth. With tongue.”

            “Did you sleep with him?”

            “What? No.”

            Ian laughed and shook his head, giving her a pitiful smile. For a minute she hated him.

            She didn’t hate him enough to stay away. He convinced her to go out that night. She knew better. They both had to work in the morning and it wasn’t likely she’d get home before 3 a.m.           

Later that night, after several drinks at the bar, the pair found themselves once again in the throes of passion. Ian hovered over Mallory, supported by his incredibly muscular arms. They stood solid on either side of her chest like unmovable marble pillars. His toned pecks glistened with perspiration above her naked breasts. The pleasure he was giving her was unreal when it rippled through her body.

            “You know,” he heaved as he neared his end. “I could almost fall in love with you.”

            Why did he have to say that? Why did he have to ruin it? Mallory knew he didn’t mean it. Every man thought he was in love when on the cusp of an earth-shattering orgasm. Even if he was serious, she definitely didn’t want him falling in love with her. Their relationship was good because they were unattached. Could it survive something as tragic as love?

            Twenty minutes after the deed was done they were still in bed, naked and tangled in each other’s limbs. She wasn’t much of a cuddler, but he had held her tight and refused to let her go. She found herself enjoying the afterglow. Until he broke it.

            “What I said earlier,” Ian began. “I didn’t mean it. You know, it was the heat of the moment.”

            “Obviously,” Mallory said flatly.

            “Not that I couldn’t fall in love with you.” He traced her protruding collarbone with one finger and then swept his hand across her chin. “I mean, if I let myself. But you know how I am. I’m not really a one woman guy.”

            “I know that.” Her cheeks flushed. He didn’t have to protest so hard. “I never asked you to be.”

            “But I could be.” He propped himself up on his arm and looked down at her. He spoke very matter-of-fact. “If I met the right girl I bet I could settle down like that.” He snapped his fingers. “But she’d have to be pretty fucking special.”

            “Gotcha.” Mallory was tired of this conversation. She got up and started to dress.

            “Do you think you could ever fall in love with me?” He sat on the bed, naked and sexy, with his teasing smile on.

            “No.” She shot him a cold glare.

            “No?” He laughed. “Why not?”

            Mallory threw his shorts at him, hitting him in his beautiful chest. “Because you’re such an asshole.”

Chapter 8: Can I Put My Arms Around You?

          The small concert hall was packed with excited fans, some of them actually dressed in costumes straight out of the band’s music videos. Stevie and Mallory’s seats were in the middle of the tenth row. On Stevie’s side were two chubby young ladies in Mad Ben Stan t-shirts. Their excitement showed clearly on their faces. From their conversation Stevie learned that this was their sixth Mad Ben Stan concert and they’d met the band three times.

On Mallory’s end were two very different women. They were probably in their late forties, but were trying desperately to look under thirty. One had long, blonde hair with dark roots. The other had short, unnaturally red hair and gigantic cubic zirconium hoop earrings. They both wore tight jeans with rhinestones on the pockets and tops that barely contained their assets. Mallory struck up a conversation with them and found out that this was their second show.

“We just came from backstage,” the redhead bragged. She placed her hand on the badge that was clipped to the front pocket of her jeans. “Ben looks great.”

The blonde leaned over to add her two cents, nearly spilling out of her shirt. “You should meet him. He’s really a great guy. Last time he signed my shirt.” She patted the top of her left breast. “Right here.” The two of them erupted in giggles, sharing some inside joke or memory between them.

“There’s a meet and greet after the show,” the red-head told Mallory. “Do you have tickets?” Mallory shook her head.

“Neither do we,” said the blonde. “But we wouldn’t want to go anyway. Too many annoying fans all over. The real party is at the hotel bar after.”

The red-head slapped her friend on the arm and gave her a look as if to say, “Don’t give away any secrets.”

“But hey,” said the blonde. “Don’t like go over there and try to get all up in his business and stuff. Be cool. Celebrities are people, too.”

Mallory didn’t get a single word in before the lights were dimmed and a host came out to announce the band. The guys rushed onto the stage in a sea of lights and smoke and immediately barreled through three fast songs in a row. Ben didn’t even look fazed by the enormous amount of energy he was putting out to entertain the crowd.

Seeing him on stage now was strange. This was the guy she’d talked to in the hall earlier, the guy she’d had drinks with last night. Mallory couldn’t wrap her head around it. His onstage persona and his real-life self were worlds apart.

            After the third song the band engaged in a little banter to cool down. It started off as the same dialog from the last show. But then it took a turn.

            “This hotel is so big,” Ben was saying. “Don’t you think so, Jake?”

            “It’s big,” Jake agreed, nodding his head.

            “It’s confusing,” Ben continued. “I got lost looking for the gym. I nearly ended up in someone else’s room.” He put his hand up to shade his eyes and looked out over the audience. Mallory slumped down in her chair, even though there was no way he could see her back there. Her cheeks grew red hot. Stevie screamed out a cat call and laughed hysterically. The middle-aged women next to them looked over in wonder and then also laughed so as not to be out of the loop.

            And then they were done with their private joke at Mallory’s expense. The show continued for another hour or so and ended in a cloud of blue smoke.

            When the show was over, the crowd piled out of the hall. Mallory’s heart sank when she thought of those nasty women swooning and pawing all over Ben. But again she told herself that it was ridiculous to feel that way. He wasn’t anything to her but a front man for a band. And she wasn’t anything to him.

            Before going to the bar they went to their room to freshen up. They talked excitedly about the show and how the guys looked and how they sounded. They laughed about the blonde and the red-head.

            “Holy hell,” said Mallory. “They were total cougars.”

            “Maybe we should have bedazzled our jeans, too,” Stevie teased. “Worn some stilettos and hiked up our boobs.”

            Mallory looked down at her B-cups. “What boobs?”

            Stevie laughed, mashing her Cs up as high as they would go and strutting around like she was wearing dangerously high heels.

            Mallory roared with laughter. “You look like you have a stick up your ass.”

            “Let’s go down and get our drink on.”

            “But don’t bother the band.” Mallory mimicked the Cougars.

            Spanky’s was packed; much livelier than the night before. The Cougars sat at the most visible table possible, trying to look casual as they scanned the bar every few seconds. Mallory and Stevie chose a spot less conspicuous but where they could still see the Cougars and make fun of them.

            “They make me sad,” Stevie said. “Let’s not be like that.”

            “You know we totally will be.” They both nodded and started laughing again, unable to stop. When all of Mad Ben Stan stepped through the door they were still laughing. Ben looked around the room and stopped when he saw Mallory. She was still smiling. He gave her a small smile but turned and walked the other way. The people in the club stopped and stared at them, but at first didn’t try to approach.

The band sat at the bar and ordered drinks. The Cougars were the first by their sides. Barry was immediately receptive. He turned to talk to them while the others concentrated on their drinks and their own conversations.

“Barry’s such a whore,” Mallory joked. He was a perfectly sweet guy, but he definitely had a thing for the ladies. And it seemed like any ladies would do.

“He totally is. Forget them. Let’s dance.” Stevie was visibly annoyed at Jake for ignoring her. When she was annoyed with a guy she would go out of her way to act like she didn’t care. So she slammed back the rest of her beer and dragged Mallory to the dance floor.

Within minutes they were joined by a weird young guy wearing a Hawaiian shirt and holding a beer. At first he tried to dance with Stevie, but she threw Mallory in front of her as a human shield. He was okay with that, thinking he was getting a two-for-one.

“Hey,” he shouted over the music. “You’re really skinny.”

Mallory stopped dancing and stood looking at him. Was this a pickup line? It was the worst ever. Even the best line wouldn’t have worked coming from him, but come on. Give it some effort.

He held his beer out to her. “You want a sip of my beer?”

“Seriously? You’re not even going to offer to buy a whole beer? You want to offer me sloppy seconds?”

“Okay. Can I buy you a beer?”

“No.” Mallory turned quickly, whipping her long hair in his face, and walked toward the bar. Stevie quickly followed.

The only clear spot at the bar was directly across from where the band was sitting. Mallory ordered a shot of tequila for herself and a beer for Stevie. She tried not to look Ben’s way, but when she finally did he was staring straight at her. He yanked his head in the direction of the Cougars and rolled his eyes. The red-head was still talking to Barry and the blonde was slowly inching toward Ben, trying to get into his peripheral vision.

Mallory laughed and shook her head. She ordered another shot of tequila and had it sent to Ben. She watched as the bartender gave it to him and motioned toward her. The blonde, who was now nearly touching him, looked across at Mallory and scowled. She leaned toward Ben and said something to him, but he wasn’t paying attention. He was scribbling something on a napkin which he handed to the bartender who then brought it to Mallory. It said “Bowser’s Blues Club”. She had no idea what it meant.

Stevie was still not happy with being ignored by Jake. She finished her beer quickly and dragged Mallory back out onto the floor. This time after making sure Jake was watching she pulled Mallory close. They’d danced this way many times. They looked great together grinding and groping on the dance floor. It was sexy. It turned all the guys on. Mostly it sent a message that Stevie hoped said, “See, I don’t need a man to have fun,” but really meant “I’m screaming for your attention… and I may have daddy issues.”

But the girls got so into their seduction that they stopped paying attention to the guys they were playing it up for. When they finally left the dance floor the band was gone. The only one that remained was Barry who was still chatting up the Cougars. The red-head was holding his hand as he whispered sweet somethings into her ear. The blonde stood nearby with her arms folded over her big, fake chest. Clearly she was bored and not at all happy.

Mallory remembered the napkin in her pocket. She rushed out of the bar, followed closely by Stevie. The front desk clerk told them that Bowser’s Blues Club was just a block behind the hotel in a strip mall. They didn’t waste any time.

Bowser’s was much calmer than Spanky’s. There was a live blues band playing. The guys of Mad Ben Stan were sitting in a semi-circle booth with a red velvet seat. Jake saw the girls come in and motioned them over. The only other people in the bar didn’t seem to know of the existence of Mad Ben Stan.

“Glad you could make it,” Mike said to Mallory. “We were just about to order a round.”

He proceeded to ask Mallory several questions about herself, as if he was interviewing her for a magazine article. Ben sat by, not saying a word. Eventually Mike ran out of questions and he and Ben talked shop for the next half hour.

Stevie was content now with Jake’s arm around her shoulder. They were once again engrossed in each other and joined at the hip.

Feeling like a fifth wheel, Mallory excused herself to the bathroom. She took her time, fixing her hair and her lipstick, making sure everything was adjusted and nothing improper was sticking out. She once again couldn’t believe she was sitting around chatting it up with Mad Ben Stan, a band she didn’t even like a month ago.

When she returned to the booth it was empty except for Ben. He stood up and shrugged as if he were some sad consolation prize. Mallory slid into the booth and he sat down next to her, scooting close enough to hear her over the music without yelling.

“Where is everybody?”

“Jake and your friend went back to the hotel to see if they could find something to eat.” He grinned at Mallory gave him a suspicious look. “So they say,” he continued. “And Mike went to rescue Barry from those ladies at the dance club.”

“He didn’t look like he needed rescuing,” Mallory laughed.

“Yikes.” He laughed, too. “We just used him as a decoy to keep them there so we could sneak off. They snuck backstage before the show. They’re kind of crazy.”

“Did you throw them out?”

“Nah. We let them stay for a little bit. They were going on about being ‘super-fans, like forever.’ When I asked them what their favorite Mad Ben Stan song was they couldn’t even think of one. I’m not an idiot. I know a newbie when I see one.” He winked. “No offense.”

“Hey,” she defended. “Just because I wasn’t your ‘biggest fan ever’ last time doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate your music.”

“I’m pretty sure your friend dragged you to our show last time. Am I right?”

“She didn’t drag me. She pleaded with me a little, yes. But you guys have totally grown on me.” Mallory shifted in her seat. Here she was sitting in a bar having a private conversation with a big celebrity. Only right now he didn’t seem like a big celebrity. He seemed like any other guy she might meet anywhere.

“Why are you still here?” She looked at Ben across the table, hoping that his response had something to do with her. “Are you waiting for someone?”

“Yes.” He grinned. His smile was like a magnet pulling her in. “I was waiting for you. I didn’t want you to come out and find everybody gone.”

Holy cow, he was waiting for her. “That’s very chivalrous of you, Sir.”

Ben laughed and stood up from the booth. The blues band had packed up their gear and the bar was getting into shut-down mode. He held his hand out to help Mallory out of the velvet booth, bowing slightly as he did. His hand was warm and strong and sent electricity all the way up her arm. When he let go she could feel his warmth still there.

Mallory knew she’d had too much to drink. She wasn’t super drunk, but she was impaired enough to be thinking crazy thoughts about Ben. Thoughts like how she wished he would take her hand again, that he would walk closer to her, put his arms around her, kiss her. But that was crazy. There was no way.

The night, when they stepped out of the bar, was mostly still. The air was warm, but a cool breeze picked up now and then. Mallory wished she’d worn a jacket over her black tank top. She tried not to shiver as she and Ben walked past the darkened store fronts to the hotel. But he noticed.

“Are you cold?”

“I’m always cold.” She crossed her arms and rubbed her hands on her shoulders.

“If I were a gentleman I’d offer you my coat. Too bad I don’t have one.”

“Too bad you’re not a gentleman,” she teased. She didn’t know him. Why did she think it was okay to tease him?

But he laughed and said, “Touché.”

There was silence between them and finally he said, “If I weren’t a gentleman I’d seize the opportunity to take advantage of your predicament.”

“Really? How would you do that?” She glanced up at him as they walked side by side. She desperately wanted him to try his best to warm her up. “If you weren’t a gentleman, that is.”

“I’d put my arms around you, try to keep you warm.”

“And a gentleman wouldn’t do that?”

He contemplated. “Maybe. But he’d probably ask first.”

Beer-induced bravery had set in. When Mallory stopped walking Ben stopped and turned to her. She looked up at him as if to challenge him. For a moment she stood there shivering and waiting for him to make a move. He stood in front of her just staring down at her, admiring her cute form, how beautiful she looked in the street light. When he did nothing, she started to feel stupid. But then he spoke in almost a whisper.

“Can I put my arms around you?”

Mallory nodded, unable to speak because of the butterflies that had flooded into her stomach and the pebbles in her throat. He reached out his long, strong arms and folded her into his chest. She kept her arms folded in front of her and could feel his heart beating swiftly underneath his hard pecks. Who knew he was so solid under that shirt?

They said nothing to each other as she stood there encased in his arms. She breathed him in. He smelled clean, obviously because he’d had a shower after his show. But even beyond that, he smelled nice. Mallory couldn’t get enough of it.

But eventually he let her go. He stepped away with his hands still on her bare shoulders.

“Are you sufficiently warm now?”

“I think I’m getting there.” She absently rested a hand on his chest, pawing a little bit at the smooth, expensive fabric of his shirt. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t make a move on a rock star. She couldn’t wish for something to happen when he was a celebrity and she was one of the little people.

He looked at her with longing. He looked at her with total knowledge that he shouldn’t do what he was going to do next. But he liked her, not just because she was intoxicating to look at and even more so to hold. He liked her because she was sassy and witty and because she didn’t seem to care much about who he was or what he did for a living. He felt like when she was with him she was with him and not “that guy from Mad Ben Stan”.

With his hands still on her shoulders, Ben leaned down and gently brushed her lips with his. She couldn’t believe the sparks that raced from her mouth straight down to the tips of her toes. Just a few inches from her face he looked her in the eyes to gauge her reaction. She smiled and tilted her head slightly to the side.

Ben took his cue and wrapped her fully in his arms again. He kissed her intensely this time, claiming her mouth with his. Her body tingled and was aroused. The butterflies in her stomach tripled in size.

When they finally parted Mallory was shivering again. This time she shivered with excitement and adrenaline. She rubbed her shoulders and apologized for her sudden and awkward shaking fit. Ben laughed and put an arm around her shoulders. They walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence.

By now the bars were all closed and the hotel lobby was clear of any lurkers. The desk clerk noticed the pair walking in, but tried to be subtle. Mallory wondered if Ben always had to put up with people watching his every move. She also noticed that he purposely put distance between them.

When they got to the elevator they stopped. It didn’t go to Ben’s floor, so there was no reason for him to get on. And he was clearly conscious of the desk clerk watching them.

Neither of them knew what to say next.

“This was fun,” Mallory said finally. “Hanging out, I mean. All of us.” She was stumbling and nervous. He smiled at her with sympathy for her awkwardness.

“It was fun.” He lowered his voice so the clerk couldn’t hear him. “I need to ask you not to say anything to the guys about what happened between us.” Mallory’s heart sank, not that she was planning to tell the world, but because it seemed like he now regretted kissing her.

Ben could see the hurt her face. He quickly put his hand on her arm. “I’m not sorry it happened. Don’t think that. It’s just complicated.

“Actually,” she began. She knew why it was complicated. Did he think he was the only one with complications? She blinked away some stupid tears and faked indifference. “I was going to ask you the same thing. It would be best if Stevie didn’t find out. She’d be so pissed at me if she knew I’d kissed you. She’s been planning to marry you like forever.”

He smiled at her. She amazed him. He wanted to kiss her again. But instead he pushed the elevator call button and said, “I’ll see you around.”

“Sure.” Mallory was disappointed. See her around? When? Where? He lived in California or something. There was pretty much no way he was going to see her around. He didn’t even bother getting her phone number or even an email address. So that was it.

The elevator dinged and Mallory stepped on. She was shaking again. But now it was because she was angry. He was brushing her off. And how dare he kiss her and then try to do damage control? Did he think her goal in life was to make out with a celebrity? It certainly was not.

Chapter 7: Day Two

           Mallory awoke somewhat disoriented. She wasn’t in her bed. She was in the hotel in Smithberg. She glanced over to the other queen bed. Stevie was there. Good.

She began to remember the events of the evening, although they got muddier toward the end. There was a little knife in the back of her head when she sat up, but some black coffee would fix that. She had found that quality tequila was the only hard liquor that didn’t give her a hangover.

Normally the girls would head immediately downstairs for their free continental breakfast, regardless of their morning appearance. But this time they risked bumping into one of the members of Mad Ben Stan. That is, the band they hung out with last night. It was unreal. So instead they quickly showered and made themselves presentable before visiting the now picked-over mini buffet.

Their precautions turned out to be in vain however, as they didn’t run into anyone they knew. It quickly became clear why. The lobby of the hotel was crawling with people, mostly women, who the girls assumed probably weren’t guests of the hotel. There were a few nerds, a few geeks, but mostly plasticated women of varying ages all done up and looking for the band. And there was a good chance that none of those women had tickets to the show or even the slightest interest in Mad Ben Stan. Celebrities were in town and they clearly had their minds set on getting whatever they could.

Not wanting to eat with the crowd Mallory and Stevie stepped back onto the elevator, balancing tiny Styrofoam plates of food and cups of coffee. At the second floor they were joined by a short, old man with a maintenance cart.

“Goin’ to the concert?” He spoke with a smile and stared straight at the elevator doors as they closed.

“Yes,” Stevie replied. She shot a wide-eyed glance at Mallory who was trying not to laugh out loud.

“He’s in room A12.” It was obvious he meant Ben Stanovich. The man gave up this top-secret information without a bit of coaxing. Stevie slapped her hands over her ears. They didn’t want to know what room he was in. They weren’t stalkers. Why did he tell them that?

Finally they were at their floor. The old man stayed on the elevator as they exited.

“Have fun,” he shouted between the closing doors.

“Holy crap,” cried Stevie. “Why would he tell us that? Does he tell everybody that? Wouldn’t he get fired?”

“They wouldn’t fire a guy who’s a hundred years old. We just know now what floor to avoid.”

After a carb-heavy breakfast Stevie wanted to find the gym. Fitness was her new obsession. Mallory wasn’t as enthusiastic.

“Come down if you want to, then,” Stevie told her.

Mallory decided instead to explore the hotel. She loved hotels, loved the sounds and the pool smell that lingered in every hotel lobby. But with the celebrity-seekers lingering she couldn’t sit and relax like she wanted to. She couldn’t even wander without looking like a stalker. Her only other option was to watch Stevie work out at the gym. Maybe she’d even step on the treadmill for a few minutes.

The desk clerk gave Mallory a series of confusing directions to the gym, beginning at a locked door. She used her room key to enter and tried to remember the maze that had been described. She passed the pool. Okay, she’d said it was after the pool. But then it wasn’t. Suddenly she found herself at a dead end, a hallway with rooms and a fire exit. When she turned to her left and saw the room number she panicked. A12- Ben Stanovich’s room. Crap.

She didn’t mean to come down this way. She had to get out fast. If anyone caught her there they’d definitely think she was stalking him. She looked around frantically. Screw the gym. She was just going to go back to her room and wait for Stevie.

But when she had retreated only a few feet she heard the familiar click of a door handle. And then the door opened. Ben’s door. He stepped out in a fluffy, white robe and caught her there. She was looking back over her shoulder at him with wide eyes.

“Hi,” Mallory squeaked. He just smiled. Crap. Oh, crap. “I was just looking for the gym.”

“It’s right down here.” Ben pointed past her. He had an amused grin on his face as he led her only a few doors down to a glass door marked GYM in big, bold letters. Inside she could see Stevie peddling away, her back to them.

It mortified her to think that Ben didn’t buy her story. Her intentions were pure, but how could she tell him that? She wasn’t even dressed for a workout. And over-explaining would just make her sound guilty. So she muttered a “thank you” and reached for the door.

“It’s Mallory, right?” He was no longer smirking. The subject was changed. Everything was fine.

Mallory nodded. She was impressed that he remembered her name. Maybe he was just good at remembering names. Probably.

“This is your second show, huh?” How did he know? “I guess you’re a fan now.”

She began to protest, to tell him she’d always liked his music. But he grinned from ear to ear. He could see right through her. So she closed her mouth tightly and smiled sheepishly.

“I guess I’m a fan. But I’m not a stalker. I really was looking for the gym. See,” she pointed through the door, “there’s my friend.”

He threw his head back and laughed heartily. He was so tall and Mallory noticed how good he smelled. As a man, not a rock star, standing here in a borrowed robe, having a casual conversation, he was quite handsome and quite charming. Mallory scolded herself again for thinking that way about Stevie’s life-long crush.

“So I’ll see you later.” He said it almost as a question, but also as a fact. But what did he mean by it? He would see her in the crowd at his concert? She doubted it. He would see her after the show? Where? When? Why was he so damned vague?

“Right. Enjoy your swim.” She looked down at his robe and then quickly back up to his eyes. “Or whatever.”

Ben winked and pulled the gym door open for her. Inside Stevie had her ear buds in and was totally oblivious to the scene. Mallory tapped her vigorously on the shoulder and, speaking a thousand miles a minute, related the whole story to her in fine detail.

Chapter 6: Smithberg

          Although the concert was on a Saturday night, Mallory and Stevie drove to Smithberg after work on Friday. They both loved road trips and decided to consider this one a mini vacation. Not only had Jake promised to comp their show tickets, but he reserved a room for them for two nights and insisted they wouldn’t have to pay a cent.

            Mallory wondered what kind of conversation Stevie and Jake had had in the bar that night. And she wondered what kind of conversations they’d had on the phone since then. But Stevie didn’t offer up that information and Mallory wasn’t going to pry it out of her. If there was anything going on she’d tell her best friend, wouldn’t she?

            They got to the hotel after eight-thirty that night. It had been a long work day for both of them and they were anxious to go straight to bed. But while Stevie was checking them in, Mallory caught a glimpse of a familiar face getting onto the elevator. It was Mike, the bass player who had taken their picture at the last show. He spotted her as well and jumped off of the elevator before the doors could close.

            “Hi,” he said warmly as he bounded over to them. He was a big guy, but his voice and demeanor were as gentle as a lamb. He was all smiles. “I remember you two from a month ago. How have you been?”

            “Great,” Mallory shook his enormous hand. Apparently Jake hadn’t shared the news with Mike that he had invited the ladies to the show. Or maybe there was some secret Mallory wasn’t in on. But she didn’t get a chance to start an inquisition.

            “Hi,” Stevie interrupted. “It’s so good to see you. We can’t wait for the show tomorrow.”

            “Everybody’s in the bar.” Mike motioned to his left. Beyond the cushy lobby was a large doorway clearly marked “Spanky’s” in large neon letters. They could hear the soft thump of dance music coming from inside. “I have to go upstairs, but I’ll be back down in a bit.” With that he turned and hopped back onto the elevator.

            “Everybody” obviously meant the band. And he had apparently just extended an invitation for Mallory and Stevie to join the band in the bar. Even Mallory had butterflies in her stomach. It hit her then; these guys were famous musicians, they were rock stars, and they wanted to hang out with them. Well, two or three of them did. It was a difficult concept to get her head around.

            Quickly the two girls found their room and threw their suitcases inside. They hadn’t expected to be social tonight and now they had to do some last minute primping. They both threw off their tank tops and squeezed into shirts that were more revealing. Mallory traded her flip-flops for the heels she’d be wearing to the concert. Luckily she’d worn her sexy-but-not-uncomfortable jeans.

            Within ten minutes they were back downstairs and stood nervously by the entrance to Spanky’s. They weren’t sure how to act. Should they look for the guys and join them? Should they go in and sit alone, hoping the guys would approach them? What was the protocol when being not-exactly invited to a bar by a world-famous band? If only they made handbooks for this kind of thing.

            Clearly Stevie was too nervous to lead the way. She was chattering on about how nervous she was and how she was afraid if she saw Ben Stanovich she’d freeze up again. Mallory assured her she’d help her every step of the way. Then, mustering some kind of fake courage, Mallory whipped her hair over her shoulder and strutted into the dance club.

            The place was dark, but not too dark to see. There were flashing lights and a little bit of smoke from a smoke machine. The dance floor was practically empty and only a handful of tables were occupied. Mallory rounded the bar, trying to look like she knew exactly where she was going. But out of the side of her eye she was searching for any of the guys in the band.

            Suddenly Stevie was snatched from right beside Mallory. It was Jake, although Mallory barely recognized him. He was wearing glasses and his hair was tousled instead of slicked back like he wore it on stage. Of course he would look different than he did on stage.

            Jake pulled them over to a table in the corner that was hidden but still had a view of the dance floor. Barry was there and jumped up to greet them. He pulled a chair out for Mallory and she sat down. She’d never had her chair pulled out for her before. Then he ordered a round of beers for the table.

            Soon Mike was there too and ordered another round. Mallory hadn’t finished her first beer and Barry noted that she’d better catch up. Across the tiny, round table Stevie shot her a look as if to say, “Look where we are!” It was again a surreal situation.

            Barry leaned over and shouted in Mallory’s ear, just enough to be heard over the loud music. “So, are you coming to the show tomorrow night?”

            She shot him a strange look. He really was clueless after all. “Of course we are.”

            “Well, okay. I wasn’t sure.”

            “We didn’t drive three hours to not go to the show.”

            “I thought you lived close.”

            “No.” She started to explain, but Mike was suddenly hovering over her with his hand outstretched, asking her to dance. She looked past him at the empty dance floor and started to object. But by now she was halfway through her second beer and her liquid courage was beginning to take its effect.

            The music was fun and lively and Mike was an okay dancer. What he lacked in formal training he made up for with enthusiasm. The two of them gyrated all over the floor and were soon joined by Barry and Stevie. By the end of the first song other people drifted onto the floor to dance.

            “See,” Mike shouted over the music. “We got the party started.”

            When they were back at the table, Jake had another round of beers waiting. Their table was beginning to look like a sea of brown bottles. The conversation flowed easily now as everyone got used to each other. Mallory barely noticed when a tall man in a baseball cap sat down next to her. She continued her lively and somewhat ridiculous speech about why it’s perfectly rational to be afraid of spiders. The stranger sat there without saying a word.

            Stevie didn’t notice the man, either. She and Jake were deep in their own conversation, their knees touching. He seemed greatly interested in what she was saying and she laughed loudly at every amusing thing he said.

            “How about some shots?” Barry motioned to the server who came to take their drink order. Then he looked to Mallory like it was some kind of test.

            “Jose Cuervo,” she said without breaking his stare. “No lime. No salt.” Barry raised his eyebrows and ordered the same. Everyone followed suit except for Stevie.

            “I can’t handle straight tequila,” she said. She thought for a moment. “I’ll have a Slippery Nipple.”

            “Good choice,” Jake said with a smile. They stared at each other for a minute too long and Mallory had no doubt now that something was going on.

            When the shots came they all raised their glasses. But no one could think of a toast.

            “To new friends,” Mike said finally. Everyone agreed and threw back their shots. Mallory loved the burn of the tequila as it went down. After the three beers it wasn’t much of a burn at all.

            Barry slammed his shot glass down on the table, sending a wave clinking through the sea of beer bottles. “What do you say, Ben?” he shouted to the man in the hat sitting next to Mallory.

            Ben? Stevie’s eyes went wide. Mallory turned and looked finally at this stranger. It was Ben Stanovich alright. His hair was tucked up under the hat and stubble covered his chin. Of course he would be incognito. Rock stars can’t hang out in dance clubs without being bothered.

            “I say that’s some fine tequila,” Ben replied. He glanced at Mallory who was trying now to act casual, but was suddenly rigid and awkward. He smirked, not in a cocky way, but as if he realized he’d unintentionally pulled a fast one on her.

            Lucky for Mallory the tequila kicked in right away. It wasn’t long before she and Stevie and Mike were back on the dance floor. Suddenly she felt like she could dance like a superstar. She either forgot that Ben was watching or she didn’t care. Either way, she felt fabulous even when Barry decided to try some of his dirty dancing moves on her.

            By now Mallory’s vision was suffering the effects of alcohol. She felt like she was in a warm tunnel where the air was cloudy and thick. Everything around her looked better, everything suggested to her seemed like a good idea. Looking at Barry dancing awkwardly in front of her she even thought, “He’s a great guy. We should be friends forever.” Clearly the thoughts of a tequila-soaked mind.

            Somehow she and Stevie made it back to their room. She remembered being ushered down the hallway by Jake and Mike. She couldn’t tell if anyone else was as drunk as she was. She hoped they were because she’d hate for them to remember her acting stupid. At least if they were drunk they’d be stupid, too.

            Mallory stood in the dark hotel room alone for a few minutes. Her reasoning skills weren’t present to tell her to turn the light on. Stevie was out in the hallway with Jake. Mallory could hear their mumbling voices. Tired of waiting, she attempted to sit on one of the queen beds, but she missed. Instead she crumpled slowly onto the floor between them.

            Finally Stevie came into the room, turned on a light, and fell onto the floor next to her. The two lay there cuddling and laughing, recalling the events of the evening until they couldn’t stay awake any longer.