Chapter 21: Charlotte.

A couple of days later the band were back on the road.

'Welcome to Charlotte.' Jon said the car approached the arena.
'So whats the schedule for tonight?' Ruby asked.
'Well i figured as it's your first show...that you remember anyway! You can just watch and enjoy.'
'Sounds good. I've been doing my homework.'
Jon turned towards her to see her grin.
'Well? What do you think? I mean you have good taste...so..'
She considered it for a moment. 'You have written some fantastic songs. One album really hit me though. These Days. It's such a contrast to the earlier stuff. You made a damn good record there.'
Jon smiled. 'Thanks, that means alot. Especially on that record.' Jon turned away again to look out of the window.
After a few moments Ruby spoke again.
'Don't get me wrong i like the other stuff too! Just that one struck a chord.'
She sensed that his demeanour had changed suddenly.
'Thanks.'

***

'Richie, Ruby. Ruby, Richie.' Jon said as he started the long round of introductions that would have to be done.
'I prefer Shorty though....' She started.
She held out her hand for Richie to take, which he did. Only to pull her into a hug.
'I remember this chick! I never forget the best lookin girl at a party.'
She could feel herself go all kinds of red at his comment.
'I like you already.'
'Feelin is mutual darlin. Come with me, The Lord of the manor here has got to prepare.' He said in a mock english accent before placing his hands in a meditation pose.
'Take a hike jerk.' Jon laughed. 'I'll see ya in a bit. And Richie! be good.'
'Oh i'm always good Jonny my man.' Richie replied putting an arm around Ruby.
That's what i'm afraid of Jon thought rolling his eyes at his friend.

***

By seven o'clock she had been given the full backstage tour and was sat waiting for the show. Jon had given her a front row ticket, but she didn't want to take the place a die hard fan would cherish. So she gave her ticket to someone she found in the nosebleeds and got a massive hug and undying gratitude in the bargain.
Flashing her access all areas pass the sound techs gladly allowed her to sit at the end of the soundstage.

When the band finally came out she had a good view of the stage.

***

They kicked off the show with One Wild Night.
Jon spent the entire song distracted. The seat he had given to her was occupied by someone else.
But Richie had shot him a look or two that said 'Get on your game.' And being the professional that he was he did just that.

***

After the little break they had started the encore with Next 100 Years, this was usually followed by Jon's little speech to introduce Richie.
Instead he took the microphone and whispered 'This is for you'.
He pointed at the crowd but his eyes remained closed.

"Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow"

It was semi-whispered but beautiful. Jon held onto the microphone stand, his eyes closed through the whole verse.
Richie looked across at David, then to Tico and Hugh...they all just shrugged at him. None of them had any that idea Jon was going to do this cover.

"Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on"

After the first line of the chorus Richie joined in singing followed by the rest of the band. David knew the music off by heart, and played along on his keyboards. Besides the fact they had played it a couple of times before it was also one of his favourite songs.
Jon just looked around at his band, his friends, with a beaming smile on his face.

"Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me"

After this verse Jon gave the signal and Richie started the intro to I'll Be There For You. Jon patted him on the shoulder and left the stage to give Richie his time to shine.

***

Ruby was sat on the soundstage with tears brimming in her eyes.
Maybe she was deluded but she felt that it was for her.

----------------

'Where did you get to?'
Jon had just walked into the backstage area where family, friends, crew and the band always gathered after the show.
'And hello to you! I was sat on the soundstage.' Ruby replied getting herself a drink of coffee.
'Soundstage? What were you doing up there.'
'Well i gave my seat away to someone in the nosebleeds. I think she loves me more than her own mother now!' She laughed.
Jon just smiled. Beautiful, smart, kind...

They walked over to a seating area where the rest of the band sat.
'Well? What did you think?'
'I think.....I shouldn't have given that ticket away. Amazing.'
Jon was taken aback. 'Really?' Wow you hear this Rich? We've still got it!'
Richie cheered and shouted back 'Never doubted that my man!'

Jon sat at the end of the couch, the other end was occupied by Richie. Ruby sat on an armchair at right angles to where Jon was sat.
'I really loved the Bill Withers cover.' She didn't look up from the cup she held in her hands.
'I'm glad, i just felt it was appropriate somehow....'
She looked up to meet his eyes, she was certain now that it was for her.
'Thanks.'

The little exchange had not gone un-noticed by Richie.
Their mannerisms towards each other. How they were laughing and joking with each other one minute and having quiet little chats the next.
Work experience, that's what they call it these days eh?