Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
I admit the first ten minutes were a little awkward, but Asher just came out and said what he needed to say, and after that all four guys stood up and hugged him.
Just like that.
No further questions asked. No reps or anyone involved.
Jess and I had tears in our eyes.
I keep thinking about how we have no choice who our family is, but with these people it is a choice, and they’ve chosen each other. This is a room of family.
They pick up right where they left off, joking about past tours, stupid outfits they wore, and funny pranks they’ve played on each other.
Asher was right when he said they're his family. They're family by choice.
Every so often Asher will come up and hug me. He beams like a ray of happiness.
Right now, his world is perfect.
Soon I grab the nearest platter to refill. I take it to the kitchen and start organizing new meats and cheeses on it.
“Elle, this place is great.” Cathy, Chad’s girlfriend, appears.
“Thanks. It was all Asher.”
“Here, let me help you.” She washes her hands and walks over. “You know Chad and I met at a grocery store,” she laughs. “I was going to school to become a nurse.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Yeah, although,” she laughs. “Chad isn’t front page news anymore. I don't envy you.”
“Honestly, overall, it’s been easier than I imagined... most of the time. It only recently gotten difficult,” I sigh. “I used to work for a magazine up until recently. If you hadn't already heard."
"Oh I heard." She nods with a slight laugh. "I think we all have. The first time it happens is the hardest.”
“Yeah,” I sigh. If anyone understands it’s these people.
“Don’t worry about it," she smiles. "At least you were clothed in your pictures."
Holy crap.
My jaw drops.
That was her?!
I remember when some not so wholesome pictures of Chad’s new girlfriend were released. An ex-boyfriend tried to sell them once she started dating him.
“Oh god.” I completely forgot about that! I don’t know what to say.
“It's okay," she kindly smiles. "I became weary of everyone I came in contact with," she pauses. "Word of advice?” I stop and look up. “Invest in a good photo printer.”
I chuckle with a nod.
“Elle?” Jess yells.
“In the kitchen!”
“I think you’ll make it, Elle,” Cathy smiles.
“Thanks."
“Hey! Need any help?” Jess enters.
“Hey, there you are!” Chad walks in just behind her. He gives Cathy a kiss on the cheek and I watch Jess freeze. Chad was always her favorite. I think she's still a bit starstruck.
I bite my cheek to stop from laughing and nudge her side.
“Elle, I want to thank you for putting all this together,” Chad places his hand on my shoulder.
“It's nothing,” I drop the last cracker on the tray.
"Asher seems to think it is."
I shake my head. "He’s just happy to work everything out. He misses you all."
“I like you, Elle," he squeezes. "You’re much better than any of the other girls he’s pretended to date."
“Chad" Cathy yells.
"What?"
"She doesn’t want to hear about other girls, dumb ass and she's not pretending to date him."
"I know, but-"
“It’s fine," I laugh. "I know all about his past."
"I just meant that he's different with you and that’s good.”
I muster a smile. I hate when people say that.
21
Seeing Places And Backstages
July
Being on tour with Asher is a blast. I’ve met a ton of people. Mostly his fans. I still find it weird they know who I am, and I’ve come to find that I’m either really liked or really hated.
A couple of hours before each show I make it my Five Life’s Mission to do something special for his most loyal fans. Mostly I grab a few that have arrived unbelievably early and take them to sound check.
Jess thinks I’m trying too hard to get everyone to like me.
Asher thinks it’s funny. He always shakes his head with a smile when he sees me with my small group.
Deep down I think Jess has a point. I do want people to like me.
But Asher? He just doesn’t understand what being a fan is like. My gesture is something I had always hoped someone would do for me whenever I got to go see Let’s Go. Hardcore fans should be rewarded for their efforts, and yes, I finally call myself that in front of him. Elle Harris, Asher Montgomery's number one hardcore fan forever and always.
Soon my small act of fan kindness grows into a huge ordeal, thanks to Twitter and fan boards. Now most people are arriving extra early, holding up sighs with my name, just so I pick them.
Tiny says it's not safe for me to roam around alone anymore. As of last week I was highly discouraged from doing so by Asher's whole team.
This week though, Tiny has been secretly coming out with me so I can still enjoy some time away from backstage and be with my fellow fans.