Page 143

I pull out my phone to show him our tickets. “Hi, they told us to come here for the meet and greet.”

He checks his watch. “You were supposed to be here an hour ago.”

My heart plummets. No, this can’t be happening. This night is supposed to be everything Annie’s ever dreamed of.

“Couldn’t we just go in really quick?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “I’m sorry.”

“Are you sure?”

Annie’s face falls, and she tugs on my arm. “Margo, it’s okay.”

I stagger back and we start walking away just as someone rounds the corner and runs into Annie, knocking her off her feet and spilling a large soda all over her shirt.

I gasp as she falls to the ground.

“I’m so sorry,” he says. He’s tall with dark hair and wearsa jean jacket over a white T-shirt. He reaches for her and helps her up. He looks her over. “You aren’t hurt, are you?”

She shakes her head. “I’m fine.” But then she frowns looking at her Broken Sage sign lying on the floor. There’s a tear down the middle.

His cheeks flush, and he picks it up. “I’m so sorry.” He hands the sign to her. “Is there anything I can do to make this up to you? Can I get you another shirt?”

“Were you headed backstage?” I blurt out.

He nods.

“Take us with you!” I say. I stand next to Annie, gesturing to her. “This is Broken Sage’s biggest fan. Not in a creepy way, I swear.”

“Margo,” she hisses, elbowing me in the side.

I continue, “We missed the VIP meet and greet.”

He looks at the poster again. There’s a hint of a smile on his lips as he reads it. Then his gaze falls on Annie. “What’s your name?”

“Her name is Annie,” I say.

Her eyes lock on his.

“Okay, Annie. Today’s your day. Follow me,” he says, hurrying toward the security guard.

Her jaw drops.

“Do you know who he is?” I whisper.

She shakes her head. “I’ve never seen him before.”

He marches up to the security guard and shows him a pass. Then he points to us. “They’re with me.”

As we walk past the guard, I smile and shrug. “We’re with him.”

The security guard sighs. “Two minutes. That’s it.”

That’s more than enough time. We scurry to follow Mr.Jean Jacket as he leads us to a room with a label that reads “Broken Sage” in big bold letters.

Even my heart is pounding, so I imagine Annie is on the verge of passing out.

He’s about to knock when Annie grabs his hand. “Wait!” She immediately lets go of his hand.