The second Chicago concert was hours away, and the boys had little to do. So they spent the afternoon in their usual pursuits: drinking, smoking, grumbling, staring into space, barely talking, and-in Chuck's case-chasing groupies. He found three women who were willing to share their favorite singer's naked body.
Later, I stood in the wings, nearly as excited as I'd been at the first concert. Feeling a little bolder than last night, I had on red leggings with a fitted black tank top and black ankle boots. Leggings worked well for me since I was so tall.
I took a minute to soak in my surroundings. Honestly, how amazing was it to be backstage at a Fiery Boys show every night? Mega amazing. Regardless of the way the band and the fans treated me, this was something I would never forget.
From the wings, I could see Inferna and her minions near the front of the audience again. I peeked at her but tried not to let her see me. Yep. Same skimpy corset tonight. Now here was someone who needed a pair of leggings.
The Fiery Boys did a great show. Already, the song list and Chuck's banter with the crowd were becoming familiar. He made the same jokes with the fans, and they loved it. I could see what a showman he was.
Everything was going well until they got to "Fiery Life." I had a copy of the set list tonight, so I knew it was up next. Even River gave me a wink, and we smiled at each other. But then Chuck went rogue.
"Hey there, Chicago. I'm sure you know about the contest where one lucky girl got to go on tour with us. Well she's here tonight, so I want you all to put your hands together and give a big Chicago welcome to Annalisa Ricci." He turned toward the wing and held out his arms. "Come on out here, Annalisa."
Before I could take a step toward the stage-or away from it, as my instinct suggested-a nasty jeering rose up from the audience. Women were booing me. Inferna and her besties were engaging in their usual mantra, shouting for my death, over and over. I felt like my boots had been superglued to the floor.
Chuck dropped his arms and laughed at the crowd. "Aw, now. Is that any way to show her how you feel? I'm hearing from a lot of girls, but what about you guys? Don't you want to see Annalisa?" The deeper bellow of male voices was more encouraging, although it still had a threatening ring to it. And the louder voices that could be heard above the clamor were all demanding pieces of my underwear or parts of my body.