CHAPTER 1
LILY’S POV
The sun was setting on the Chicago horizon as my friend Emily drove her car towards the music festival that was electrifying the city. I, Lily Thompson, was sitting beside her, feeling the excitement pulsating through my veins. Finally, the much-awaited moment to see our favorite band, The Wild Ones, live, was about to become a reality.
I was ecstatic, gazing out the window, and watching the city lights fade away as we approached the festival venue. Emily, my partner in adventures, glanced at me with a playful smile.
“I still can't believe your dad let you come to this festival, Lily,” Emily said, eyes fixed on the road.
I laughed, looking at her with a twinkle in my eyes. “Technically, he thinks we're studying for the Calculus test. I swear, I never thought he'd believe it and allow it.”
Emily chuckled, shaking her head. “Lily Thompson, who would have thought you'd be capable of lying? The straight-A student, lying to her own dad.”
I looked at Emily with a mischievous smile. “Technically, he wanted to believe it because he also wanted to go out with his new girlfriend. But hey, it's for a good cause, right? You never know when we'll have another chance to see The Wild Ones live when we're in college; they might become too famous and never perform here again.”
Emily continued driving, but her eyes turned to me with a surprised expression. “So, Lily, is it just for the band, or is it for the lead singer, Samuel?”
I blushed instantly and looked away, playing with a strand of my hair, and nervously laughed. “Well, both, actually. But I admit, there's something special about Samuel. He's a cutie.”
Emily laughed out loud. “Ah, knew it! Lily has a crush on Samuel!”
I laughed along with her, trying to hide my shyness. “Maybe just a little. But don't say anything, okay? It's a secret.”
We continued our journey, anticipation growing with every mile that brought us closer to the festival. The distant sound of live music hung in the air, heightening our excitement even more. And my mind was already focused on the prospect of seeing Samuel, the band's lead vocalist, on stage.
Finally, we arrived at the event venue, where the pulsating energy of the festival surrounded everything. The vibrant lights, the enthusiastic people, the smell of street food – it was a paradise for music lovers like us.
We entered the venue and got lost in the crowd, following the sound of music that guided us to the main stage. The Wild Ones were about to start, and my excitement reached its peak.
The captivating music of The Wild Ones filled our ears. The crowd was alive, pulsating to the beat. Lily and Emily settled into a strategic spot, right near the stage. The stage, illuminated by a cascade of vibrant lights, was preparing for the long-awaited performance.
As the first notes filled the air, my eyes were instantly drawn to Samuel. He emerged on stage like an icon, radiating charisma and passion. I was mesmerized by the way his skilled hands caressed the guitar strings, producing melodies that echoed in my chest.
Emily, beside me, noticed my ecstatic expression and laughed.
“You're lost in Samuel's charms, aren't you?” she teased.
I shook my head, trying to disguise my enchantment.
“I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just enjoying the music.”
Emily gave me a knowing look, but we returned our attention to the stage as Samuel began to sing. His voice echoed through the speakers, filling every inch with the space. I was captivated by the connection he seemed to have with the audience, but somewhere deep down, my mind whispered that maybe he was singing to me.
Watching his skilled hands on the guitar was almost a transcendental experience. Each note felt like a caress, and I got lost in the magic of that moment. Samuel's dark hair fell over his face as he surrendered to the music, tossing it back with graceful movements.
“Is he looking at me?” I questioned myself, though I knew it was just a daydream. However, something in the intensity of his gaze made my heart beat faster.
The atmosphere intensified with each song, and Samuel seemed to dance among the notes, as if tuned in to the desires of each person in the audience. I couldn't take my eyes off, completely immersed in the passionate performance.
As the last song echoed, Samuel tossed his hair back once again, locking eyes with me, and my breath caught. That imaginary connection between us persisted, and I found myself wishing those final seconds wouldn't end.
The crowd's applause echoed, and Samuel greeted the fans with a radiant smile. Emily nudged me with amusement in her eyes.
“I think you were right about Samuel being a cutie,” she joked.
I laughed, still enchanted by the unique experience.
“And how he was!” I agreed, watching Samuel leave the stage.
The show exceeded my expectations. Every beat, every chord, Samuel's magnetic presence on stage – it was an experience that would be etched in my memory forever. Emily and I sang, danced, and had fun as if there were no tomorrow.
After the show, we navigated through the crowded chaos, still filled with adrenaline. Emily looked at me with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
“And now, Lily? What do you think about trying to find Samuel backstage? Maybe you can get an autograph or, I don't know, a date?”
My shyness resurfaced, but the idea was tempting. “Maybe... we could take a peek. Just to see what happens.”
We ventured backstage, navigating the bustling corridors until we spotted Samuel talking to some crew members. My heart raced, and Emily gave me an encouraging push.
“Go on, Lily! Say hi, ask for an autograph, I don't know! After all, you never know when you'll have another opportunity.”
I nervously laughed but eventually agreed. I walked towards the group, and my eyes captured Samuel's image, surrounded by other band members. My heart raced, anxiety and excitement forming a unique mixture.
“This feels so cliché,” I thought to myself as I approached. But the opportunity was rare, and I couldn't miss the chance to meet the artists I admired so much personally.
I reached the group, and the curious looks of the band members turned to me. Emily was still watching from a distance, with an encouraging smile. Samuel looked up and smiled, and my stomach did somersaults.
“Hello, everyone!” I greeted, trying not to let my excitement show. “I know it sounds a bit cliché, but I'm a huge fan of yours. I mean, all of you.”
Smiles appeared on the faces of the band members, and Samuel, with his characteristic charm, addressed me.
“Ah, a fan! It's always great to meet those who support us,” he said, extending his hand.
I smiled back, feeling a mix of emotions as I shook his hand. Samuel smiled again, casually asking.
“Want an autograph? We're here for that.”
I nodded enthusiastically, and Samuel grabbed a band photo ready to be signed. He looked directly into my eyes, and my heart skipped a beat. A warmth rose to my face as I stuttered:
“Lily... Lily Thompson.”
He smiled, starting to write the dedication on the photo. My heart raced as I followed every stroke of the pen.
“To Lily Thompson, our biggest fan,” he said while autographing the photo with a special dedication.
I smiled radiantly, thanking him with enthusiasm. Samuel then handed me the photo, with a look full of kindness.
“Thank you so much, Samuel. This means a lot to me.”
He winked at me, joking.
“Keep it safe, and thank me later.”
I stepped away, holding the autographed photo with care. When I turned to see what was written, there, not only was the dedication, but also something that made my heart race even more: Samuel's phone number.
Exiting the backstage, my mind was in a whirlwind. Emily looked at me curiously, and I showed her the autograph. “He wrote his number! Samuel gave me his number!”
Emily let out an excited scream, and we both laughed as we headed back to the car, hearts still racing.
On the way back home, as the city lights approached again, Emily stared at me with a conspiratorial smile. “Who would've thought, Lily Thompson. The quiet girl has the phone number of the lead singer of her favorite band.”
Heart pounding and a smile that couldn't fit on my face, I knew this night would become an unforgettable chapter in my story.
In the calm atmosphere of Emily's room, after a night full of emotions at the festival, we started getting ready for bed. I arranged the mattress on the floor while Emily organized the blankets. Laughter and comments about the incredible show we had just witnessed filled the otherwise quiet room.
Emily, with a mischievous smile, threw me a curious look.
“So, Lily? When are you going to call Samuel?”
I paused for a moment, surprised by the direct question. I tried to disguise my hesitation as I continued to adjust the mattress.
“Oh, I don't know... I wasn't really thinking of calling.”
Emily's expression changed to surprise, and she asked, “Why not?”
I looked at my best friend, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“Well, I kind of think he might have given me a fake number, just to make me feel like he was being attentive, you know? And even if it is his number, I doubt he would answer right now.”
Emily raised her eyebrows, surprised at my response.
“You're doubting your idol, Lily? That's unheard of!”
I stared at Emily, feeling a bit disconcerted.
“It's not that, it's just... I don't know, I don't want to seem intrusive.”
Emily laughed and approached.
“Lily, the guy gave you his number. You won't seem intrusive; you'll seem interested. And if he put the number there, it's because he wants you to call.”
I pondered for a moment, contemplating Emily's words.
“But what if he's busy or doesn't want to talk to me?”
Emily put her hand on my shoulder with an encouraging smile.
“There's only one way to find out, right? You already have the 'no' as a guarantee, so why not try now?”
I looked at Emily, torn between shyness and excitement. In the end, she convinced me with a contagious smile.
“Okay, I'll give it a try.”
Emily handed me the phone.
“Go for it, girl! You have nothing to lose.”
I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as I picked up the phone. With trembling fingers, I dialed the numbers from the autograph photo. The phone rang a few times, and I could feel my heart pulsating at the same rhythm. Then, to my surprise, the call was answered.
“Hello?”
The voice was unmistakably Samuel's. I was momentarily speechless, but Emily encouraged me to continue. With a smile, I said:
“Hi, Samuel. It's me, Lily. Remember me from the show? That fan you gave an autograph to tonight.”
There was a brief pause before Samuel responded, and I could feel the intensity of his gaze through the line.
“Of course, I remember, Lily. How could I forget? How are you?”
Emily gave me a triumphant look as I smiled into the phone.
“I'm fine, thank you. And you?”
The conversation flowed, and, to my surprise, Samuel was genuinely interested in learning more about me. Emily gave me a triumphant look, as if to say “I told you.”
“So, Samuel, until when are you guys staying in town?” I asked, trying to maintain a casual tone.
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Samuel responded.
“We're scheduled to leave early Saturday morning, after the last show at the festival. We have another commitment in Nashville.”
An involuntary sigh escaped my lips. It was already early Friday morning, and the realization that time was running out became evident.
“That's a shame,” I commented a bit sadly.
Samuel sensed my disappointment, and in a surprising gesture, suggested something that caught me off guard.
“But, you know, if you want, we can meet tomorrow, Friday. I'd love to get to know you better.”
A smile spread across my face, excitement returning.
“Sure, that would be amazing!” I replied, barely able to contain the enthusiasm in my voice.
Samuel continued, showing genuine interest.
“Do you have any place in mind?”
I reflected for a moment and finally suggested a cozy and quiet location.
“I know a great place where we can meet before you guys leave. What do you think?”
There was a pause before Samuel agreed.
“That sounds perfect. Can't wait.”
We said our goodbyes with the promise to meet on Friday. I ended the call, still trying to process the incredible turn the night was taking. Emily was radiant.
“You did it, Lily! A date with Samuel from The Wild Ones!”
We laughed together, sharing the excitement for what destiny had in store. I couldn't wait to find out what the meeting with Samuel would bring.