Chapter Fifteen

"Hello, Chicago! Welcome to the Enchanted tour!" I pause a second as the crowd starts cheering and clapping. "I want to introduce you to a special guest we are lucky to have on the last leg of this tour." I mentally give myself a high five for not choking on those words. "I know a lot of you have seen his videos online and have fallen in love with his talent. So, can you join me in giving him a big welcome? Here's Archer Stiles!" I announce as I point my arm towards where he is walking onto the stage.

I pause as the crowd gives him a big round of applause. I look around at the excitement in the audience. People are jumping up and down as they shout Archer's name. I can't help but smile from all of their contagious energy.

Despite everything, I do have to admit that Archer is very talented. A very talented singer and . . . songwriter. I'd just like his songs a lot better if he choose a different muse.

I lift my bejeweled microphone back to my mouth. "I can't wait to show you what we have in store for you guys. We're going to be talking about heartbreak, forgiveness, bullies, and . . . well, a lot of other stuff."

"Don't forget love," Archer says into his mic. He turns to me and gives a small wink. The crowd goes wild.

I could scream at the guy. Does he not realize what that looks like? Or maybe he does and he doesn't care. My fans are going to go wild for days over that wink. Rumors will be spreading like wildfire. I swear, this guy is going to drive me crazy by the end of this.

I quickly return a smile his way, trying to cover my real emotions.

"Oh yes, and love," I respond. "Now let's get this show on the road. By the way, my name is Alison."

I quickly grab my guitar and start strumming the strings with my glittery light blue pick. Archer starts playing next to me.

"You said the magic isn't here anymore, but I remember how it used to be," I start singing.

Archer starts singing harmonies at first, but then throws his lyrics into the song between my words. I didn't think it would work this well, but it honestly sounds great. The audience seems to be loving it as well. Most of the crowd is singing my lyrics, but there are quite a few that know Archer's well enough to sing along with him as well. I'm a storm of excitement and resentment . . . I hate it.

I sing the last few notes of the night with Archer. We both walk towards each other, link hands, and then raise them into the air, taking a bow.

"Let's give it up for the band!" I shout, pointing to where they are located.

"And for our amazing dancers!" Archer adds.

"And our vocalists!" I finish.

"Thanks for joining Archer and me on this adventure tonight!"

"I couldn't have asked for a better crowd my first night out!" Archer is beaming from ear to ear.

The crowd is screaming and clapping nonstop. We take one more bow and then are slowly lowered into the stage. As soon as we are out of eyesight of the crowd, Archer turns to me with a massive smile.

"That . . . was . . . amazing!" he shouts, taking big pauses between each word like he's still trying to comprehend what just happened.

"Performing live is always a rush," I respond, laughing at his excitement.

"No, I've performed live. In like bars and stuff. But this was something else entirely. I can't believe you get to do this as often as you do," Archer says as he locks eyes with me.

I look at him quickly and then turn away. "Yeah, it is awesome. Honestly, I would love to do it more if I could, but . . ." I quickly trail off.

"But what?" Archer pushes.

"Well . . . um . . . nothing." I turn to walk away. All I can think about is the nice warm shower and comfy sweats waiting for me.

Archer grabs my wrist and gently tugs me back towards him. "Ali."

I pause at him calling me by my nickname. I have to admit, it sounds nice coming from his lips. "Yeah?"

"You don't have to tell me whatever it is you're not saying, but I want you to know, that you can tell me. I'm sure there are a lot of perks of your career, but I can only imagine there's an equal amount of drawbacks. I'm sure ones that you don't get to talk a lot about. I'd listen . . . without judgement."

I stare at Archer for a few seconds. His eyes are so genuine, mixed with concern and understanding. I truly believe everything he's saying and am in awe at his intuitiveness. Most people just assume I'm always happy because I have fame and money. He's different. I nod at him.

"Thank you. I appreciate that. I honestly could just really use a shower right now. And some food. I'm starving." My stomach grumbles right on cue. I wrap my arms around it.

Archer laughs but then looks at me, trying to read my face. I try to keep my best poker face on. "Yeah, same. I feel like I haven't eaten in a week."

"Performing for hours at a time will do that to you." I smile. "I'll catch up with you later. Great job tonight." I smile up at Archer, hoping he'll take the hint and let me go.

"Back at you. And thanks again for —"

"For giving you this opportunity. I know, I know." I laugh as I roll my eyes. "If you're nice, I'll even let you do it tomorrow. Now go shower. You kind of stink."

Archer looks at me stunned and then ducks his head quickly as he sniffs his armpit. "You're not wrong. See you later, Alison."

He turns and heads away. I stand there for a second watching him go, running what he just said through my mind.

Who would've thought that Archer would've turned out to be a nice guy? I purse my lips. Well maybe it's because you never gave him a chance to prove it from the beginning.