Chapter 81

"What's wrong?" Casey asked, sensing the change in my demeanor.
But I just shook my head and forced a smile. "It's nothing. Come on. Let's go," I said, and she followed as we walked into Gucci.
Casey squealed as we walked in and saw all the fine clothes and handbags.
We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping until evening fell and the sun began to set, sending shoots of orange, pink, and purple across the sky. By the time we finished, Casey had picked out a cute, short evening dress and a matching pair of high heels, and I had a long, shimmery, silver gown that flowed over my body like water, with a slit on the side that stretched up to my thigh. It wrapped around my neck, leaving the shoulders bare. At first, I thought it was a bit extravagant, but then I shrugged and bought it anyway. I paid for my gown myself, unable to let Frank buy me something so extravagant. We also picked out several casual outfits and purses, as well as a few pairs of shoes. We were only going to be there for the weekend, but I wanted to show Casey a good time and give her a taste of the life I knew was to come.
We slid into a nice Italian restaurant, carrying our packages, and a moment later we were escorted to a table covered with a white linen tablecloth and a candle in the center.
Casey's eyes glowed in the dim candlelight. "Wow! This is amazing!"
I smiled, enjoying her excitement, seeing everything anew through her eyes. "I've always loved New York. It could be like this for you very soon. But I'm not going to lie. It's not always like this. When you're out on the road in a bus with a bunch of smelly men and playing gigs until late in the morning, it's not always fun. But the first time you step out onto the stage with a bunch of screaming fans in a big venue, it's worth it."
Casey smiled. "And moments like this."
I laughed. "Yes, and moments like this. I want you to relax and have a good time while we're here, and do your best."
Casey bit her lower lip. "What if I'm not good enough?"
I reached across the table and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "If Frank didn't think you were good enough, you wouldn't be here. Remember that. You deserve to be here. You've earned it."
I ordered Eggplant Parmesan and Casey ordered lasagna. And soon we were giggling like old friends. We were almost finished when a young woman approached our table. "Excuse me, but are you Alyssa Case?"
I forced a smile and nodded.
The girl squealed. "May I have your autograph?"
"I'd be glad to," I said as I took her pen and signed my name on her napkin.
The girl turned to talk with three other girls. "Hey guys! It's Alyssa Case!"
"No way!" one of the other girls squealed as they all rushed over. "May I have your autograph, too?"
I nodded, and soon, I was signing autographs for just about everyone in the whole restaurant. Normally, I would have signed a few and then discreetly darted out, not wanting the attention. But I did this for Casey, to show her what it could be like for her. I looked at her over a piece of paper, and she sat wide eyed and speechless.
"Thanks, everyone." The restaurant was crowded, all waiting for my autograph. "I'd like you to meet Casey Rogers. She's a singer and a fine musician. You're going to be hearing a lot about her very soon."
The girls standing at our table squealed as they turned their attention to Casey.
"May I have your autograph, too?" a girl asked.
Casey's eyes almost bugged out of her head. "Sure! I'd be glad to."
We both signed autographs for a few more minutes, and then I said, "Well, we really have to go now." The crowd groaned. "Casey has an engagement tomorrow night, and we really must go."
I had the waitress box up our meals. Then, we took our things and made our way through the crowd. I took care of the bill on the way out and then hurried outside onto the sidewalk. "Taxi!" I yelled loudly, and one came to a screeching halt. We slipped inside as girls rushed to the window and placed their hands on the glass. "The Plaza hotel! Now!" I yelled to the driver.
"Yes, ma'am!" the driver replied as he pulled quickly away from the curb.
Casey laughed as she watched the people running after the taxi behind us. "I could definitely get used to this!"
I smiled. "There are a lot of perks to being a celebrity, but a lot of drawbacks, too. Just be careful." But as I watched Casey staring out the window, her eyes wide, I couldn't help but get caught up in her excitement. I just hoped everything turned out okay for her, but I was sure it would. After all, she was already a star.
***
The next day went by quickly. That morning, Casey and I stayed around the hotel, enjoying the general splendor. But after lunch, I took her out to have her hair and makeup done. I wanted her to feel like a million bucks before her performance. When we got back to the hotel, Casey wanted to go out for a walk, but I had insisted that she rest up before the concert. Although it's an adrenaline rush, performing takes a lot out of you.
"How do I look?" she asked as she stepped out into the living room, dressed in her new black shimmery dress that hugged her body like a glove, accentuating all the right places. It had wide straps and stopped just at the thigh, allowing her plenty of movement during her performance. She topped off the ensemble with a pair of strappy black high heels. Her blonde hair was in waves and swept over one shoulder.
"You look spectacular," I said, taking her in.
"Really?" she asked, raising her eyebrows as she slid her hands down the sides of her dress.
"Really," I said as I took her hands into my own. "And don't worry. You'll do great."
She smiled. "Thank you for everything, Ms. Collins. I can't thank you enough."
I returned the smile. "Just give a good performance tonight."
Her lips curled into a smile. "I will."
"Oh, and one more thing," I said, releasing her hands. "It's okay to be nervous before a performance. But before you go out there tonight, turn your nerves into energy. The adrenaline will help you to give a great performance."
She nodded, smiling. "I will."
"I'll be just a minute," I said as I walked back into the bedroom. I checked myself in the mirror once more. The silver, shimmery gown brought out my green eyes, making them appear larger. I had treated myself and had my hair and makeup done, as well. My long, sun-streaked blonde hair fell down my back in waves, cascading over my shoulders and pulled up at the sides, and my makeup was artfully done, bringing out my eyes even more. Satisfied, I grabbed my matching silver clutch and slipped into my matching high heels. I felt like a queen as I stepped back out into the living room, adjusting my diamond earrings.