The first strings of the duet play, and the crowd cheers, as Landon and I sing the song he wrote about me being the best thing in his life and his best friend. It wasn't written as a romantic song, but we have been told by several people it was the song they danced to at their wedding, because it’s the type of relationship they want with their spouse. Those moments when fans relate to your songs make any unease about being on stage worth it.
"This next song was one Austin and I used to sing together. Then, the last time she was on tour I was sick, so Dallas filled in, so I could go backstage and puke my guts out." Landon pauses, and everyone laughs.
I smile, because I remember that night, like it was yesterday, and judging by the look on Dallas's face, he does, too.
"It seems you guys liked it better, when Dallas and Austin sang it, so that’s what we’ll do." The stadium roars, and I just shake my head and move to stand by Dallas in the center of the stage.
'You ready?' He mouths, and I nod.
He strums the first chord of the love song that hit number one a few years back. I never wanted the kind of fame that came with it, and I thank Landon and Dallas for taking the burden that came with that hit off me the best they could. It's allowed me to live a semi-normal life, as a rock star's sister.
Once again, as he starts singing, Dallas's eyes are focused on me, and I couldn't take my eyes off him if I tried. In my mind, I know he's doing this, so I have somewhere to focus that isn't the crowd, but my heart wants to think he’s doing this for another reason.
The heat from the spotlight pours down on us, and the vibrations from the music fill my body. It’s then, I get that little rush that makes me understand why the guys love what they do. My heart races with the words of love Dallas is singing, and that I get to return to him though only in this song, if he only knew.
As we wrap up the song, the crowd cheers, and only when I feel Dallas's hand on my lower back under my jacket, do I turn to face the crowd and look at them for the first time. Many are standing, couples are intertwined in each other’s arms, and there are scattered signs all across the crowd.
I laugh at a few and make a note to tease the guys later. A few signs declare the girl wants to have their baby; there are a few proposals, and one asking to be Dallas's sugar baby. That’s the one I plan to kid him about later. I hug both Landon and Dallas, and then wave at the crowd, before heading back off the stage.
"Glad to have that over with?" Ivy, the drummer’s wife, asks.
"Very." I smile, as I hand the tech guy my mic.
"Let's get a drink and relax. I think they only have a few more songs, and then things back here get loud," Ivy says.
"Let's do it."
Backstage, there are several dressing rooms surrounding a large open area with couches and chairs, along with a snack and drink station. Ivy hands me a bottle of water, and I shrug out of my jacket. Note to self, no more jackets on stage. Those spotlights are no joke.
"So, I know how Dallas and my brother act on tour and the days off, but what is married life like on tour?" I ask her, as we curl up in one corner of the large u-shaped couch.
"Like a vacation that’s interrupted by work. We make it a point to go out and explore the area, when we can, but I have a lot of downtime. I can only listen to so many sound checks. Dom doesn't mind me skipping them, as long as I'm at every show."
Dominic is a talented drummer and has been with the guys from the start. When they got married, they had such an awesome rock star themed wedding with lots of leather and lace. Landon was insistent that he could bring her on the road, if he didn't quit on them and would even hire a nanny, if they decided to have kids. That sold the deal, and I think it made Dom loyal to them for life.
They don't have kids yet, but they do have the master bedroom at the back of the bands’ bus. Dallas, Landon, and I are on the main bus.
"I'm hoping to steal you away for a girl’s day about halfway through. I will be so sick of my brother, and I’ll need a break." I smile.
"Done, just name it. Oh, you have no idea how happy I am you’re here. I love my husband and the band, but having another girl around, who isn't trying to get in the guys’ pants is a breath of fresh air."
We hear the guys wrap up the show.
"Speaking of, get ready for groupie central," I sigh.
"My least favorite part of the night, too." She agrees, and we turn to watch the hallway from which the guys will come off stage. No sooner do they get off the stage, you can hear the girls, trying to get their attention. They walk into the room, heading straight for the drink table and both guzzle down a bottle of water, before coming up for air.
Then, they look around the room, and as soon as their eyes find mine, they nod at me, before turning their attention to the venue's assistants and the girls surrounding them.
One girl presses her boobs up on Dallas's arm and rubs on him, like she's in heat. I turn my eyes to Ivy, because I can't watch it.
"You going to be okay? There's Dom, and we normally head right back to
