I weaved my way through the maze of hallways in the backstage area, slamming my body against the exit doors to the parking lot. I gasped for fresh air; I was having a panic attack. The feelings for Brian and the overwhelming ness of seeing Phil again proved to be sensory overload. I leaned against Brian's parked car and tried to catch my breath.

Moments later, he appeared looking frantically for me. "Hey, you all right?" he asked as he approached.

"I just needed air", I sobbed, wiping my nose with my hand, trying to regain composure.

"Sit down", he instructed, gently holding my arm as I slid to a seating position on the pavement.

"I didnt think hed sing that song", I wheezed. "Not when he knew Id be here."

"I'm sure he didnt do it to be an asshole", Brian rubbed my shoulder as he sat next to me.

"It was just too much at once, you know?" my tears slowed their flow down my mascara stained cheeks.

"I havent seen you like this since the first time we were both arrested", he made light of the situation to divert my attention.

I laughed slightly, making a snorting sound from my stuffed up nose. "All of us drunk at the park. God we were only 16. I dont think I ever saw Papa Gates that mad."

"That wasnt shit! You shouldve seen the beating I got when we got home", he reminisced. "If it wasnt for Grandma, I wouldnt be sitting here right now. 'Brian! You leave Junior alone!'" Brian imitated his grandmas voice. "She even busted out her cane!"

My gentle laugh morphed into a full on rolling chuckle, his facial expression adding to the comedic performance. "You are so full of shit", I managed to say in between fits of laughter.

"Nuh-uh!" he objected. "I swear to God!" he spoke with his hand on his heart.

I wiped my cheeks and held my smile. "I love you Brian", I leaned my head on his shoulder.

"I love you too Rachel", he repeated, kissing my forehead. "I'm glad my brush with death can make you feel better."

"Hey, is everything ok out here?" Michelle appeared in front of us.

"Yeah, we're cool", Brian smiled. "You ready to go back inside?" he asked me as he stood up, offering his hand to help me to my feet.

I nodded reluctantly and took his hand. When we got back to the stage, it seemed as if no one even knew we had been gone. Everyone was so wrapped up in the show, which was relief to me.

The last song ended to a roar of screams and applause as the sweaty men wafted by us towards the backstage, receiving pats on the back one after another as they passed.

After the band had finished showering and changing their clothes, they again joined us in the backstage lounge. I saw Phils large frame motion for me to come with him. I looked to Brian for encouragement.

He nodded at me, "If anything happens, Ive got grandma on speed dial", he whispered and gave me a sideways grin.

I stood and followed Phil further into the dressing room. "Great show", I commended him before I took a seat on the large, plush couch.

"I'm glad you came, he smiled as he sat next to me. I didnt know if youd show up tonight or not."

"You made me regret it for a second", my eyes looked away from him.

"Why?"

I gave him a sarcastic look.

"Ah", he grunted. "The song...its just habit. We dont change up the set list very much, I didnt even realize..."

As Phil and I continued our conversation, Michelle found a moment to pull her sister aside. "I know I'm not his girlfriend or anything, but seeing him be at her beck and call like that kinda stings a little bit", she confessed.

"Where have you been for the last 26 years?" Val looked at her sister like she was crazy. "You watched them grow up with the rest of us and youre surprised? I told you it wouldnt be easy if you tried to date Brian."

"I like Rachel", Michelle admitted, "but what if something comes out of this whole thing with Brian and I? Will it be slumber parties with the three of us? Fuck that..."

"Whoa Michelle, you've been on one date. I wouldnt even worry about it until you have a reason to", Val told her sternly.

"How will we ever get to that point if I have to compete for his affection with her? I'd never win. The sun rises and sets with her in his eyes", she almost sulked.

"You're my sister and I love you and she is a good friend of mine and I love her", Val replied. "If something DOES come of this, youll both have to grow the fuck up and deal with it."

"I've had a crush on him since I was 12", Michelle admitted. "Now he finally looks at me other than that annoying little girl vying for his attention."

"Just", Val cut the conversation off as she saw me re-enter the room.

"You guys ready to head out?" I asked, dramatically calmer than I had been earlier.

"Wait", Phil grabbed my arm. "Before you guys leave, I gotta know."

Everyone froze and waited for Phils next words.

"Matt--you like baseball?" he said plainly.

My face burned as Brians eyes got the size of quarters and we both began to laugh to the point of no return. Matt was beyond confused, as was everyone else.

"Just say good bye, Matt", I managed in between laughs.

He shrugged his shoulders and everyone said their thank-yous for the bands hospitality and a great night.

As we walked down the dim hallway towards the parking lot, Matt piped up from the back of the group, "Seriously, what the fuck was that all about?"

"Nothing!" Brian turned his head to yell behind him as he walked between Michelle and I with one arm around each of us. "So are you going to tell me what happened back there or do I have to beat it out of you?" he whispered in my ear.

"Well see", I gave him a subtle wink, "well see..."