Part 571
In the underworld, there was a flurry of activity with rescue squad attendants bustling about.
"What’s going on?" asked Howie with concern.
"When Carlos jumped off the stage into the pits, he screwed up his knee," said Nick as he pulled on his pants.
"Is he gonna be okay?" asked Sarah.
"They’re taking him to the hospital now. Billy is sending Tiffany with him," said Brian. "Sarah, can you let the ones at the back of the stage know what’s going on?"
"Sure."
"Tell them Raoul is in charge now."
"Where’s Marcus?" asked Alison knowing Marcus usually took over for Carlos.
"He and Tommy flew to New York to get things taken care of for the benefit tomorrow," explained Howie.
Sarah gave him a kiss. "I’ll see you at the back, ‘D’."
"You going to be at the light board?"
"Maybe. Don’t know for sure yet," grinned Sarah. "Bec, what are you doing?"
"We’re gonna go back to our seats for the rest of the show."
"Cool. Later!"
Sarah took off to let security know what was going on with Carlos and to be sure she had a good seat to watch the guys get bombarded with silly string. She had five cans of it for herself, one for each of the boys.
************
At the back of the stadium, the petite blonde sat anxiously with her friends. They knew that after the video, the boys would be coming to the small stage that was directly in front of them.
"Have you got the gift for Howie?" asked Shenae.
"Uh huh," said Kryss patting her bag.
"I don’t get you," said Carly.
"What?"
"You’ve MET them, done legal work for them. Why don’t you use THAT to get backstage to see them?"
"Several reasons. One, I don’t think Sarah likes me that much."
"You said she was nice to you before you left."
"Yeah, but I get the impression it was because Howie said something to her. Besides, I don’t want to use Steve’s name because I don’t want him to find out and think he’s got a chance with me."
"Why?" asked Shenae.
"Well, he fired me because he has this thing about not dating employees and
well, I’m kinda glad. He’s nice but I don’t want to date him…he’s just not my
type."
"You mean he’s NOT Howie. You really need to give up the idea that you’re gonna be with Howie. He’s married and obviously very in love with her," reminded Carly.
"It’s NOT that! I adore watching Howie and Sarah together. They’re an amazing couple and I’d just like to know them. I bet Sarah’s a kick to be around. You saw her during her set and the pranks…the guys said she’s behind them."
"Let’s move closer," suggested Shenae.
The three girls moved up to the barrier that surrounded the small stage and started talking to other fans gathered there too.
As Sarah made her way through the tunnel out to the small stage, excited cheers erupted and fans reached out to simply get her attention. She smiled, waved, and signed a few autographs before going on to talk to security.
"Janice."
"What are you doing out here without Raoul?" scolded the older woman. "Howie will have our heads if something happens to you."
Sarah laughed, "Howie knows I’m here. Look, Carlos screwed up his knee and they’re taking him to get it checked out. Raoul’s in charge and will be back here with the guys."
"Thanks for letting me know."
Hearing someone barking, the two women turned to see what was going on.
"Who is THAT?"
"Big Bob…he’s filling in for Marcus."
"He needs to chill out. The guys wouldn’t appreciate him yelling at the fans like that."
"He’s eager to make an impression."
"Oh, he’s gonna make one but NOT a good one. Have you said something to him?"
"We’ve ALL tried."
"I’m gonna go speak to him."
"Good luck."
As Sarah headed over to speak to Bob, she heard him. "Until you ladies get back to your seats, the Boys WILL NOT come out."
"What’s the problem?" asked Sarah.
Bob spun around, "I’m doing my job and I don’t need some FEMALE telling me HOW to do my job. Now get the hell out of my face."
Sarah’s temper flared. "You OBVIOUSLY don’t know who I am!"
"I don’t give a damn if you’re the President’s WIFE. You’re NOT gonna come back here and tell me how to do my job!"
"Uh, HELLO!" said Kryss. "That’s Howie’s wife you’re yelling at!"
"I told YOU to get back to your seat!" barked the big man.
"You need to back down NOW," hissed Sarah. "You will NOT speak to me or to the fans like that. As long as they aren’t pushing or hurting someone, leave them alone."
"Don’t tell me how to do my job!"
"Wanna KEEP that job?" threatened Sarah.
"And who do you think is going to fire me? You?"
From behind her, Raoul said, "I think you’d better get yourself in check, Bob. This is one of your employers and if she doesn’t like what you’re doing, then she has the right to remove you. Move on over to the next station. I’ve got this one."
Bob looked at Raoul and Sarah, then left them standing.
"Thanks, Raoul."
"No problem, ‘Shorty’. Please do me a favor."
"Go find a seat and stay out of the way?"
"Yes! I can’t be watching you AND doing my job here."
"On my way," smiled Sarah. As she turned to Kryss, her preoccupation with the show and her pranks disappeared and she realized who the blonde was. "Oh my god!! What are you doing here?
"I wanted to catch the last show of the tour," smiled Kryss surprised that Sarah had spoken to her and seemed to be genuinely pleased to see her.
"Steve’s not with you, is he?"
"No, he doesn’t know I’m here."
Spotting the teddy bear in Kryss’ arms, she asked, "Is that for Howie?"
"Yeah," blushed Kryss.
"I’ll make sure to tell him to find you in the crowd. I’m sure he’ll love it."
"Thank you."
"Enjoy the rest of the show."
"We will."
As Sarah headed to the light board to take a seat, Kryss and her friends giggled like teenagers.
"Oh my god!! She actually SPOKE to me like I was an old friend!"
"That is SOOO cool that she’s gonna let Howie know to find you. I’d have thought she’d be jealous," said Shenae.
"Nah, I told you. From everything I’ve EVER heard about them, she’s really cool about Howie talking to fans and stuff."
Over her earpieces, Sarah heard Howie. "Angel, we’re on our way."
"’D’, Kryss is here and she has something for you."
"Okay. Where is she?"
"On your side of the small stage. She’s wearing a purple and black shirt."
"Thanks, ‘Angel’. I’ll find her."
"Anything to make the fans happy. I love you."
"Love you more!"
"Nuh uh," laughed Sarah.
Nick came over the earpieces. "Okay, you two! STOP ARGUING!"
Together the couple said, "Who’s arguing?"
Nick groaned, "Oh good gawd!"
The house lights went down and the excitement of the crowd escalated. Sarah could see security’s lights as they escorted the boys to the small stage and she smiled hearing the fans enthusiastic screams.