Chapter 17
Zach
I miss my girl. And I’m nervous. A little. A lot, actually. All right, I’m a bit of a mess right now.
Marina’s having brunch with the girls this morning, which is great because the inner circle needs a proper catch-up after the big reunion yesterday. They were all waiting in the lobby of the Fairmont when we got back from the airport, ready to wrap her in congratulatory hugs and carrying takeaway bags of Chinese food. What is it with these women and Chinese food, anyway?
As emotional as Marina’s reunion with her brother was, I have to admit to getting a little teary-eyed when I saw Merry, Scarlet and Ashley waiting in the lobby, brimming with excitement for her. It means a lot to me that she has such a fierce circle of friends who support her, especially since I have to leave town and finish this tour before we can really decide how to manage our new relationship. Between my busy schedule and her entrance into law school, it’ll be a challenge…but one I am fully ready to conquer.
I’m not sure how late they stayed up last night in Marina’s suite. I kissed her goodnight in the lobby and left them to it. She texted me this morning to let me know of their brunch plans and then stopped by my suite on her way out because she didn’t want to leave without kissing me good morning. Lord, help me. Actually, strike that. There is no helping me. I am 100% Team Mermaid. The fact that she made a special trip upstairs just to kiss me? I could die happy right now. While I still have too many reservations to relax entirely, I am starting to believe I’ve actually caught this mermaid. She’s a little bit hooked.
I pad across the suite, swiping open my mobile and tapping out a quick text to the guys in our group chat. I feel a bit guilty that I haven’t spent much time with them while we’ve been in San Francisco, but we’re a tight bunch and I know they understand. In spite of the stories the media like to spin, I don’t chase after everything in a skirt, and the guys know none of my past relationships hold a candle to what I’ve found with Marina. I’ve never experienced the instant click that happened between us on that bridge with anyone else.
Zach: Morning, gents! We’re ready for tonight, yeah?
Rick: Duh.
Sam: What? What are we doing tonight? :-)
Jimmy: Absofreakinlootly, mermaid boy.
I laugh under my breath.
Zach: Got a text from the event manager last night confirming our call time is 7, but I’d like to be there by 5. I want to check out ‘Kraze’. They have a great vibe and might be a good warm up band for the next tour.
Sam: Already thinking about the next tour? I thought maybe you’d be ready to buy a house, settle down, and make little mermaids with Marina by then.
Rick: Wow, Sammy. Wow.
Zach: I already own a house, Sam…and don’t get creepy with the mermaid thing .
Sam: Whatev! I’m going for a run. See you at the stadium, Rebels!
Jimmy: Does Marina’s blond friend like bass players?
Zach: Which blond friend? There are two. And no.
Jimmy: The gorgeous one
Rick: She’s engaged
Zach: Alright then. I’ll see you gents at the stadium at 5
Rick: It’s really too bad Marina doesn’t want to sing with us tonight. That would’ve been so cool
Zach: Don’t count her out yet, bud. She’s been on a mission to “do all the brave things” lately. She might still change her mind. I told her she could let me know
Rick: If she does, I’m making her an honorary Rebel
Zach: Stay away from my girl, Rick. I’ll fight you
Rick: Bros before mermaids, buddy. You don’t have to worry about me
Jimmy: …
Zach: Alright then. See you gents tonight!
***
Marina
“I am not getting this. It’s too expensive!”
Ashley raises one perfectly manicured eyebrow at me and turns me around to face the mirror. I stare at my reflection. Merry and Scarlet pop up behind me, their faces absolutely shining with delight over the way this top looks on me. Okay, I’ll admit I look great in this thing…but it’s a hundred dollars. There is no way I’m spending that kind of money.
“It’s perfect on you,” Merry says emphatically. “You’re getting it. ”
Scarlet nods. “Even I think it’s perfect, and I’m the realist. It’s the perfect top for a mermaid.”
I look over my reflection. It’s a simple halter top, accentuating my toned shoulders and exposing more of my back than I’m used to, but it’s covered in iridescent disc sequins that give off the slightest shade of lavender and sparkle like crazy. It’s beautiful, and if I wasn’t facing impending financial doom, I would find a way to afford it. It’s not happening today, though.
“It is perfect,” I admit, much to their collective satisfaction. “But I can’t afford it, and I’m not getting it. Final answer.”
Merry blows out a frustrated sigh. Ashley nods in resignation, which is a relief because the girl loves to argue. Scarlet steps up next to me, turning around to look at the pants she’s considering.
“Nope,” Merry deadpans. “Your whole butt disappears in those.”
Scarlet frowns. “Yeah, it’s a little scary, isn’t it? Let’s go take this stuff off so we can find Merry’s boots.”
I nod and follow Scarlet to the dressing room we’re sharing in the packed boutique. I carefully remove the gorgeous top and put it back on the hanger, then turn away to get dressed while Scarlet shimmies out of the butt flatteners. I turn around just in time to see her throw the sparkly halter over the door and into Ashley’s waiting hand. I’d recognize that manicure anywhere.
“Hey!”
Scarlet puts a finger up and gives a look that instantly silences me. It’s her I’m not fooling around and do not even mess with me look. We all know and fear it. I close my open mouth and await her next command. She dips her chin at me as she buttons her jeans.
“Okay, let’s go,” she says, holding the door open for me.
Scarlet and I walk out to find Ashley just leaving the register with a small bag in her hand. She gives me a self-satisfied smile as she hands the bag to me .
“We all pitched in,” Scarlet explains. “It’s a sweet little pressie because you’ve been doing a lot of the brave things lately…and we’re proud of you.”
I bite my lower lip and look at my three ride-or-dies with gratitude, throwing my arms open for a group hug. They all step in and we squeeze each other silly. Merry lets go first.
“Okay, time for boots!”
I thank them as we follow her out of the boutique to the shoe shop next door. She knows exactly what she wants because she’s been passing these boots in the window for weeks and hasn’t stopped drooling over them, so we sit on a bench outside while she gets them. I glance at my watch. Our impromptu shopping trip after brunch has ensured that I won’t get to see Zach before he leaves for the stadium, so I’m extra glad I stopped by for a kiss this morning.
My stomach does a few little flips just thinking about that kiss. I loved his look of pure surprise when I knocked on his door this morning. He didn’t need an invitation to pull me into his arms, and I sank against him as I pulled his mouth down to mine. His hair was still damp from the shower, and his skin smelled like the sandalwood soap he uses. By the time we came up for air, I was seriously questioning whether I wanted to go to brunch with the girls.
“Thinking about Zach again?” Ashley coos next to me.
I look over at her with a smirk. “That obvious?”
She nods. “You definitely get a look on your face.”
I lean back on the bench and sigh happily. “My boyfriend is pretty dreamy.”
Ash nods at the bag in my hand. “Tell me you’re wearing that to the concert tonight.”
I look in the bag, then back at Ashley. “You don’t think it’s too much?”
Her eyebrows shoot up. “For a concert? No. For the mermaid? Also, no.”
A group of women walk by on the sidewalk, and one of them suddenly stops and rushes over to us.
“Wow, she’s right…you’re the mermaid! Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it!”
I look up at her like a deer caught in the headlights. Ashley whispers an apology next to me, but the woman isn’t scaring me or anything. She’s just excited. I give her a little wave.
“Hi there,” I say, feeling a little lame.
“Can I get a selfie with you?” she gushes as her friends wait to see what happens.
I look over at Ash. Not for permission, but more to see what she thinks of the idea. She shrugs and nods like it’s not a big deal.
“Sure,” I say lightly, standing up.
Her friends come rushing over to us and the woman thrusts her cell phone at Ashley.
“Actually would you mind taking one of all of us?” she says as the group of women arrange themselves around me.
Ash takes the phone with a smile and frames the shot. “Say cheese!”
We all say cheese, the picture is snapped, and the woman and her friends seem way too excited about getting a picture with me. I nod and shake hands as they’re offered, telling each of them it’s nice to meet them.
“So, how’s it going with Zach? Is it serious? I mean…that kiss looked pretty hot!”
I flick a nervous gaze to Ash, and she steps to my side in a heartbeat.
“I’m sorry, I can’t comment on that.”
She looks a little disappointed but doesn’t push. “Well, I hope it works out. You could be a duchess, girl!”
She waves and walks away with her friends, and I move back to sit with Ashley. We both look dumbfounded at each other .
“I guess I never thought about that before,” she says quietly. “You could end up being a duchess!”
I look at her as if she has a turnip growing out of her forehead.
“I can’t be a duchess. You’re crazy.”
She tilts her head. “Hey, I’m just saying…if you and Zach work out, eventually, he’s going to inherit his father’s title. Didn’t you say he would go back, eventually?”
I slowly turn to face Ashley. “Yeah, I did.”
She nods. “So it’s a possibility.”
I don’t respond. I don’t say anything, but I feel a prickling feeling at the back of my neck.
You could be a duchess .
It’s like those words just reached into my life and pulled Zach farther away. They wash over me again and again. I feel a nudge on my arm.
“Hey,” Ashley says next to me. “Get that look off your face.”
I blink. “What look?”
“That look you get when you think something is beyond your reach,” she explains. “Like you’re not good enough to get what you want.”
I study her for a moment. “I have a look that says that?”
She smirks at me. “It’s just a dumb comment. Don’t let the whole duchess thing push you away from one of the best things that’s ever happened to you.”
She’s right. I know she’s right. I think about that kiss this morning. And the fact that Zach helped me find Max. And when he took care of me after my identity was revealed. How he makes me feel safe, like nothing bad could ever happen when he’s near. I think about the look in his eyes when he’s about to kiss me, or his beautiful laugh when I say something ridiculous. If he was looking for a duchess, he wouldn’t be hanging out with a fake mermaid who shops at thrift stores and loves red licorice. That’s all I need to think about right now. I am his mermaid, and he is my dragon slayer .
“So, what should I wear this top with tonight?” I ask, nudging her shoulder. “I’m thinking my white jeans and some strappy sandals?
Ash gives me a single nod. “Perfect.”
***
“I’m not sure how I feel about this, Dave,” I joke lightly. “I’m used to you driving.”
Dave looks back at me from the front passenger seat with a wry grin.
“Sorry, Miss MacArthur. I just do what Mr. Adams tells me to do.”
I smile back at him and turn my attention to Merry, who’s fidgeting in the seat next to me as she adjusts her new boots.
“Blisters imminent,” Scarlet declares from her seat across from us in the limousine.
Yeah, limousine . Apparently, it’s just one of the surprises Zach is planning for tonight. I knew Dave would be driving us, but I didn’t expect him to roll up in a limousine with a second bodyguard driving it. Zach ordered Dave to accompany us into the stadium and watch over us tonight, which is something I didn’t think of at all. With my identity revealed, it might get a little crazy if I’m spotted in the crowd. I think it’s a safe bet to assume that’s going to happen at some point tonight.
Ash nudges me with her foot. “You look gorgeous. How do you feel?”
I wiggle in my seat. “Excited! I can’t wait to see Zach in his element.”
Merry breaks away from watching the many fans weaving their way through the packed parking lot to the stadium.
“This is one of the things I love about The Royal Rebels,” Merry shares. “They’re never too big to give back to the communities they play in. This foundation is going to raise so much more money for mental health outreach tonight because the Rebels are here. They didn’t have to roll into town early to do this benefit. They could have said they’re on tour and too busy. But they never do. They always give back.”
I feel more than a little pride swell in my heart for Zach and the guys. Granted, I don’t have any other celebrities to compare them to, but they’re all genuinely nice people. And good humans. And one of them is an insanely good kisser.
The limo slowly makes its way up the VIP lane, passing excited concert goers as they try to peek in the windows and see who’s inside.
“They’d be so bitterly disappointed to know it’s just four regular girls here to have fun,” I joke as we watch them from behind the safety of the darkened glass.
“And see your insanely hot boyfriend perform in front of fifty thousand people,” Scarlet murmurs with a wicked grin.
I sit back against the seat and let out a contented sigh. Yep. That’s my boyfriend. As if he’s reading my mind, my phone vibrates against my hip, and I pull it out of my jeans pocket to find a text from Zach.
Zach: Hey, beautiful. I can’t wait to see you tonight. I’ll bet you look gorgeous.
I hold my phone up to show Ashley, and she winks at me. I told Zach the girls pitched in and bought me something to wear tonight, but since we missed seeing each other this afternoon, he has no idea what. Even in the dark confines of the limo, this top sparkles like crazy. Paired with my favorite white jeans that hug me in all the right places and a pair of Ashley’s strappy heels, this outfit makes me feel pretty sexy. I have no idea where the seats he has waiting for us are or if he’ll be able to find me in this huge crowd, but when he does see me, he’s going to love it. I am so getting kissed into oblivion later and I am here for it.
Marina: Hey, handsome. I can’t either. I’m so excited to see you perform on stage!
Zach is typing…
“So…what’s up with Greg, Ash?” Scarlet asks boldly.
Merry and I exchange looks.
Ash shakes her head in disappointment. “He said he didn’t have time to come with us. Too much going on at work.”
“I’m sorry,” I tell her with a nudge on her shoulder. “I know you’re disappointed.”
She shrugs it off, but I know he’s hurt her feelings.
“His loss,” is all she says.
I agree and look back at my phone.
Zach is typing…
Zach: You know…if you’re feeling like doing all the brave things tonight, you can still get up on stage with us.
Marina: I’m not sure I’m that brave, but I’ll think about it.
Zach: Just give me a sign if you change your mind, love. But if you don’t, I’m still #TeamMermaid all the way.
Marina: A sign? Will you be able to see me?
Zach: Oh, don’t worry. I’ll be able to see you. Enjoy the concert, Siren. Xoxo
I slip my phone back into my jeans pocket just as the limo pulls up to the VIP entrance. Because this is a charity event, there’s a small red carpet area with a step and repeat backdrop for celebrities to walk and pose for pictures. Paparazzi line the ropes, and it looks like a hundred cameras are aimed at the celebrities walking through it. Flashes erupt periodically, lighting up the night all around us.
Dave gets out, opens the door, and steps back. We exit the limo, and I step nearer to the shelter of Dave’s massive form, pointing to the red carpet.
“We don’t have to walk through that, do we?” I rasp, my mouth and throat suddenly dry .
“No, ma’am,” he says firmly, gesturing for me to follow him.
I keep my face turned away from the press area as Dave ushers us around the back and through the VIP entrance, showing the stadium employee a QR code on his phone. They scan it, and we’re admitted. An employee with the letters VIP on the back of his jacket motions for us to follow him. Subtle. He takes us to a kiosk where we’re given VIP event bracelets that light up with the music. There’s a QR code for the foundation on each one, so we can scan it and donate money during the concert.
Clever!
Dave motions for us to follow him. I look behind me to make sure the girls are there. We’re guided down an escalator from the entrance level to the stadium floor, which is teeming with people. I reach back for Merry’s hand, and she grabs Scarlet, who grabs Ash.
Ahead of us, the stage looms just as large as I remember from my dinner date with Zach. I feel the corners of my mouth tip up just a little as the memory of that special night hits me. He went through such trouble to create a unique and romantic setting. His caring nature is one of the most irresistible things about him. I can safely say that, in a stadium that will seat fifty thousand people tonight, I am the one and only person here who’s had a romantic dinner with Zach Adams on that stage. It feels special in a way I never imagined.
Zach explained earlier that there were three bands designated as opening acts for tonight’s concert, and I can see the last band is clearing the stage now. The stadium lights lighten just a little to allow people to move around, and a countdown clock is projected on a screen on stage to show everyone how much time is left until the main event begins. Thirty minutes to go. As we weave our way through the stadium, I try to stay hidden behind Dave, but I occasionally hear the word “mermaid” from people we pass.
“Did you see that woman? I think that was the mermaid! ”
“Hey, that’s her! The mermaid!”
“Whoa! She’s so pretty! She looks like a real-life mermaid…”
I don’t look up when I hear the chatter, but I mentally send all the good vibes in the universe to the lady who thought I looked pretty. You too, girl. You too.
There are two bands and two solo artists that will all perform short sets before The Royal Rebels take the stage for the finale. Zach and the guys are performing five songs tonight, the last being his beautiful, scorching version of “Sound of Silence”.
I see a few cell phones aimed at me out of my peripheral vision, but I don’t look up. I wonder if there will ever come a time when I don’t notice them. I sure hope so. Dave walks us through a barricade that a stadium employee opens for us, and I look back at the girls in shock. We’re not just close. We’re standing at the edge of the stage close. There are several square sections of the floor divided up for VIP ticket holders, and we’re in an area just to the left of center stage. When Zach is on stage, I will literally be able to reach out and grab his foot. Well, I’m sure the black-clad security guards standing between us and the stage would probably stop me, but that’s how close we are. Ashley squeals with excitement.
“This is amazing!” Merry cries out.
I don’t disagree. This is going to be such a fun night, made even more fun by the tuxedo-clad waiter who appears in front of us. I look around and see waiters attending to all the VIP sections on the floor. I wonder how much these people paid for these tickets. Actually, I’m not sure I want to know.
“Good evening, ladies,” he says with a polite nod. “Can I get you anything to eat or drink before the show begins?”
The girls rattle off their orders like we do this every night and this is no big deal. I just ask for a bottle of water. I didn’t have much to eat for dinner, and I’m too much of a lightweight to drink on a fairly empty stomach. I want to enjoy the concert, not sleep through it.
The waiter heads off to retrieve our drinks while the girls and I busy ourselves with checking out who’s sitting in the other sections. It’s a who’s who of celebrities out there, which doesn’t surprise me because this is for a great cause. There are sports stars, award-winning actors, and politicians in the crowd tonight.
And they’re all here to see my boyfriend.
Before long, the stadium lights dim, and the crowd goes wild. A screen behind the stage is illuminated with a ticker showing how much money has been raised for tonight’s mental health foundation fundraiser. It’s over fifty million dollars so far, which is a compilation of ticket and merchandise sales and extra donations from the crowd, including the super wealthy VIP section.
The first band, an indie folk group, takes the stage, and cell phones light up everywhere, looking like fairy lights in the dark. The main attractions are well-known artists, and the girls and I know all their hits. We dance and sing to the music, along with the rest of the crowd, as each artist takes the stage and gives a message of support about the importance of mental health for everyone. The ticker dials up as more money is donated.
The bands and artists performing are making it really special by performing songs that are either not released yet or special to them in some way. Through it all, we have a blast. We even take a few group selfies when the artists are on stage so we can look back and remember this amazingly fun night.
My pulse picks up in a big way as the last act before The Royal Rebels closes out their final song. It’s one of my favorites, and I sing along enthusiastically, occasionally exchanging looks with my friends. We haven’t had fun like this in a long time, and it just feels so good to cut loose and enjoy the music. The band takes their bows and exits, with their lead singer flamboyantly announcing The Royal Rebels as Zach and the guys take the stage. He hands Zach the mic and gives him a big bro hug before walking off. The girls and I go absolutely wild, cheering for The Royal Rebels.
Deafening cheers shoot up from the crowd as Zach walks up to the front of center stage, holding his hands up and waving at the fans. He keeps his hands waving but looks down until he finds me…and he gives me the sexiest grin I’ve ever seen in my life. His eyes drift over my body and he takes in my outfit and closes his eyes for a moment, then he clutches his heart and winks at me. If it wasn’t for the security guards lining the stage, I would climb him like a tree right now. Instead, I just cheer at the top of my lungs as I beam proudly, hoping my pounding heart survives watching him perform up there. He is absolutely beautiful, dressed in black jeans and boots and a t-shirt that looks like it was custom made for him. It hugs his shoulders and pectorals in a way that should be illegal. The Royal Rebels logo is emblazoned on the front. He turns and gestures towards Rick, Sam, and Jimmy, and they all wave. Then he pulls the mic up to his mouth.
“Hello, San Francisco, we’ve missed you!”
The crowd goes absolutely bonkers again, and the guys start playing one of their biggest hits. Everyone is instantly on their feet, dancing and singing along. No one is prouder at this moment than I am, watching Zach thrill and entertain this massive audience. The joy on his face is a thing to behold.
Song after song, the crowd never sits down. The entire stadium buzzes with a heady vibe as Zach and the guys play their hearts out. Their third song is a popular ballad of theirs, and Zach sits at the piano to perform it. Once again, he gives off majorly sexy vibes as I watch his fingers move elegantly across the keys, his forearms flexing with the movement. Those are the arms that make me feel safe, special, and cherished. My heart is so full right now. Occasionally, Zach looks down at me from the stage and winks or blows little kisses at me. I hope he knows I plan to collect all those kisses at the end of the night.
I see a few cell phones aimed in my direction as the night goes on, and I just ignore them. There is nothing that can take away my fun tonight. I am one hundred percent all about the brave things, especially as I see my amazing man up there, bringing joy to so many with his beautiful voice. The fourth song ends, and I can’t believe their part of the show is almost over.
“The Sound of Silence” is next, and then they’re done, except for an encore that includes any of the acts that want to come back on stage for it.
The crowd cheers, and Zach thanks them again for their support of the foundation. The fundraising ticker on stage occasionally clicks up as people watching on a special streaming channel continue to donate as well. It pauses at fifty-three million dollars.
“You guys have been so great tonight,” Zach says into the mic as he looks out into the crowd. “Our last song is a special one. You’ve heard it before, but this is our take on it…and we hope you love it.”
More cheers erupt. Zach looks down at me for a moment, and I have no idea what comes over me, but I nod at him. He’s so surprised he does a double take, raising his eyebrows at me. Out of my peripheral vision, I see the girls all turn to stare at me. I nod at Zach again, a secret glint in my eyes meant only for him.
“Yes, girl!” Merry yells at the top of her lungs as Ash and Scarlet squeal uncontrollably.
Zach turns back to look at the ticker, and then he turns to me and winks, making me wonder what on earth he’s about to do. He looks out at the crowd.
“But before that, I have to say…I really hate odd numbers,” he says with a wicked grin. “I think we can do better than fifty-three point five million, don’t you?”
The crowd cheers, and the ticker moves up another fifty thousand dollars. I shouldn’t be shocked at how much money is pouring in, but I am. There are millions of people watching online, and we all have QR codes on our bracelets in the audience so we can donate extra funds. Zach turns a determined gaze on the crowd and pulls the mic back up again.
“I don’t know if you’ve seen the news lately,” he begins. “But I recently caught a mermaid.”
The roar that comes up from the stadium literally vibrates my bones. Goosebumps erupt all over me as I hear the crowd screaming, and the concertgoers nearest us have all trained their cell phones on me now. My eyes are as big as saucers as I laugh with the girls over the crowd’s reaction.
“If you can get that number to fifty- four million, I’ll get her up here to sing with me.”
I clap my hand over my open mouth as the crowd cheers and the ticker starts to move. It goes up fifty thousand more, then one hundred fifty thousand. It’s moving, but Zach’s not satisfied. He moves up to the edge of the stage and starts pointing at celebrities.
“Jack Boyer, owner of the Dallas Longhorns football team,” he says with a gravelly laugh that curls my toes.
We all look over to see Jack Boyer grinning and laughing as he waves at Zach. Zach wiggles his eyebrows at him.
“Have you ever seen a mermaid, Jack?”
Ashley turns to me with wide eyes and shakes her head. “This is incredible!”
I stand with my friends as we watch Zach work the crowd. Jack Boyer makes a show of pulling out his cell phone and scanning the QR code on his bracelet. The ticker goes up one hundred thousand dollars, and the crowd is screaming again. Zach bows his head in thanks and moves down closer to us, pointing at an A-list actress and her director husband .
“Have you two ever made a movie about a mermaid? I’ve got one right here.”
They laugh, and she pulls her phone out, making a show of it to the audience. They eat it up, cheering her on, and the ticker goes up another hundred thousand dollars. We’re getting close to the fifty-four million mark. I feel a hand on my elbow, and it’s Dave, ready to escort me over to a small set of stairs that lead up to the stage. The security guards at the foot of the stage motion for me to come through the barrier they’re opening. I look back at the girls, and Ashley runs over to hug me.
“I am so proud of you!” she yells over the noise of the crowd. Merry and Scarlet excitedly throw me a thumbs up and I blow them a kiss. I turn back to the secure area and wait for Zach at the base of the stairs, hoping I don’t trip in these high heels and fall over.
Don’t even think like that, Marina .
Zach turns and looks at the ticker.
“Fifty-three-point-nine million,” he growls into the mic. “C’mon, San Francisco, make me proud.”
The ticker starts moving again as people all over the stadium pull out their phones and scan the QR code. The crowd begins chanting, but I can’t quite tell what they’re saying at first. Then it hits me. They’re chanting “mermaid” over and over.
If I die right now, it’s going to be very anti-climactic for everyone, but it’s possible with how fast my heart is pounding. The ticker rolls to fifty-four million dollars and keeps going. Zach throws his hands up in the air and waves at the crowd, jumping around the stage with joy, and I know in my heart he’s completely undone me. I will never be the same after this. Ever. I am one hundred percent falling in love with a dragon-slaying rock star.
“All right, San Francisco,” Zach says into the mic as he walks to the side of the stage where I’m waiting for him. “I was going to sing this last one myself, but you’ve won yourselves a mermaid.”
The crowd cheers again, and he stops by the side of the stage, holding a hand out for me. Our eyes meet, and he raises his eyebrows just slightly to ask if I’m okay. I laugh nervously and give him a quick nod as I take his hand and let him help me up the steps and onto the stage. I look back at the Rebels, who are all beaming ear to ear and pumping their fists in the air. I wave at them as Zach laces our fingers together and walks me to center stage while fifty thousand people go absolutely wild.