“That was amazing,” I say to Ditra as we stand and slowly make our way to the center aisle. “His voice is incredible. Everything was incredible.”

“It was definitely one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. His voice is insane. And that other guy he sang with? Sheer perfection.”

“I think that’s Reece. I think they were friends in high school.”

“I have a hardcore thing for him. I hope I can get his autograph backstage.”

Just the word backstage sends me into an instant panic. Weaving through the crowd, we inch closer and closer to a guy with huge arms and a beard down to his chest who’s checking VIP passes before allowing people to pass toward the hall that leads backstage. Ditra hands him ours and he quickly scans them and hands them back to us.

“Down there to the left,” he says without making any eye contact.

“Josh is amazing for getting these tickets,” Ditra exclaims when we’re far away from Big and Beardy.

Halting, I pull Ditra off to the side so the people behind us can keep going. “I’m not sure I can do this. This is crazy, and kind of stalkerish, isn’t it?”

“Piper, stop it. First, if you think I’m going to miss the chance of meeting these guys in person, you’re insane. Second, it’s not crazy. You know him. You have a history. And a child. Remember?”

My shaking legs convince me to lean against the wall. “I know. I just feel like he’s so out of my league right now. So much time has passed. I don’t know him anymore, not like this. And I feel like I’m cornering him, coming out of nowhere.”

“It doesn’t matter. You need closure. And he needs to know he’s a father. End of story.” She grabs my arm and pulls me away from the wall. “Now let’s go.”

She practically drags me down the hallway to a lounge which is being guarded by a guy who looks almost identical to the first guy who checked our passes a few seconds ago. Big and Beardy Two waves us in and just like that, I’m standing a few feet away from Blue. Thankfully, he’s got his back to the door and is engaged in a conversation with a small group of people and doesn’t see me enter the room, giving me time to compose myself.

I didn’t know what to expect for this meet-n-greet session, but I envisioned a room packed with people drinking, smoking weed, and trying to hook up with the band members while their music blasted in the background. In reality, it’s nothing like that. The room is surprisingly quiet with fewer than twenty people chatting on bright orange couches or standing, sipping drinks and nibbling tiny sandwiches.

Ditra points to a bar and a table spread with food on the other side of the room. “I’m going to go get a drink. Do you want to come with me?”

I’m afraid if I put anything in my mouth I’m going to get sick. “No, I just want to get his attention and talk to him.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

I shake my head and run my tongue over my lips. “I think it’s better if I approach him alone. I don’t want him to feel ganged up on.”

“Agreed. I’ll be milling around trying to get Reece to notice me.” She winks at me and dashes off with a sway of her hips. I shake my head, fluff my hair with my hands, and slowly walk over to Blue.

“Hey. Enjoy the show?” A huge wall of chest is suddenly in front of me, attached to a head of long black hair, an easy smile, and dark eyes.

I blink up at him, unable to find my voice. I wasn’t expecting anyone to talk to me.

“Um, yes. Very much,” I finally squeak out.

He raises his dark eyebrows as he lifts his beer bottle to his lips. “You don’t sound so sure.”

I smile reassuringly. “You just caught me off guard. It was amazing. You guys sound even better live than you do on your CD.”

He grins with amusement. “I hope that’s a compliment?”

“Yes, definitely.”

“I’m Reece, by the way,” he says.

“I know,” I reply, wishing Ditra would get her ass back over here. Instead she’s already off flirting with some random dude with a ring in his nose and a Mohawk, completely ignoring me. “I’m Piper…and I’m actually hoping to talk to Blue….”

His eyes narrow at me. “Piper? You’re not the Piper, are you?”

Reece’s question is completely unexpected. I can’t picture Blue talking about me to his friends and bandmates. What I wouldn’t give to be a fly on the wall to hear those conversations.

“I’m not sure if I’m the Piper you’re referring to.” I refuse to assume anything at this point. Even though my name is rare, it doesn’t mean Blue hasn’t met another Piper or two.