Trance by Tabitha Levin Read Free Book Online

liked it when fans came back and told me how much they liked ours. Was I just a fan? I took a deep breath. “I guess it can’t hurt.”
     
    I walked confidently to the back stage area. It didn’t help that my knees were wobbling. If I lifted my head and acted like I was just coming to say a casual hello, so it wouldn’t look like I was going to jelly inside. Which I wasn’t. I’d only seen him twice for goodness sakes. No one can, or should, have an effect on you with such few meetings.
    Jason had his back to me. He was leaning over a counter with a book on it. The book held lined pages like a hairdresser appointment book. He was writing something in it.
    He must have heard my heels click on the floor, because he turned before I reached him.
    “Enjoy?”
    “I did. It was wonderful. I had no idea your show was so entertaining.”
    He lifted one eyebrow and cocked his head to one side. “I’m not sure that’s a compliment.”
    “Take it as one. I’ve become a fan for life.”
    “Oh really. So are you here to get my autograph?”
    “Um, sure.”
    He laughed. “I’m kidding. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It means a lot coming from you.”
    “Do many women come backstage to get your autograph?” Not that I cared.
    He grinned. “Never any as cute as you.”
    As if on cue, two middle aged women, giggling like schoolgirls, came into the hallway. “Ohmygod, you are so talented.”  They were talking so fast their words ran together into one. One of them thrust a pen and piece of paper toward Jason. The other got out her cell phone. “Can I have a picture, prettyprettyplease.” He obliged. I stood back as they gushed over him, touching his shoulder and arm, as they both got a photo with him. One of them looked at me and narrowed her eyes. She didn’t say anything though. “Thankyou, Thanks, Thankies.” They blew him a kiss, grinned at each other, and left us alone.
    “Typical fans?” I asked.
    “What can I say? I’m big with the forty year old set.”
    “Well, I just wanted to come and say hello, and let you know I enjoyed your show. I’ll let you get back to it.”
    “Sure, don’t want to interrupt such a hot date.”
    I scoffed. “I’d hardly call it a date.”
    “Dinner, show. I’d say it’s the absolute definition.”
    “It’s a favor for Lacey. She wants to hook up with Andy.”
    “So it was her idea you came here?”
    I nodded.
    “Would you have come tonight, if you’d have known I was performing?”
    My mouth felt dry. “I don’t know. Rocking up at a restaurant solo seems a little sad and desperate.”
    “So does going out to dinner with someone you have no interest in whatsoever.”
    I could feel his eyes burning into me.
    “I’ve got some business to tie up here with the manager,” he said. “Meet me outside in fifteen minutes.”
    “And ditch my friends?”
    He turned back to the book he had been writing in. “Only if you want to.”
    I took the hint and returned to my seat. Only if I wanted to. Did I want to?
    “You’ve gone pale,” said Lacey. “What did he say? If he said something douchey, I’m going to hunt him down and give him a piece of my mind.”
    I looked up at her. “He wants me to go outside with him, alone. What does that mean?”
    “He’s either going to kiss you, or kill you with a chainsaw.”
    “Should I go?”
    “Either way, your heart is going to end up in tiny pieces.” She grinned. “I’m kidding. Perhaps he just wants to talk.”
    “About what? What was so important that he couldn’t tell me backstage?”
    “There’s only one way to find out.”
    “Would you go? Seems kind of risky.”
    “Falling in love is the most risky thing you’ll ever do.”
     

SIX
     
    I hesitated at the door that led to the back courtyard of the restaurant, contemplating a backup plan if Jason did turn out armed with a chainsaw. I could see the picture in my head - when I opened the door the night would immediately turn darker and I’d end up in a seedy