I started writing this with the intention of submitting just one story. However, the potential for subsequent chapters is high. I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. This is in no way meant to defame Britney Spears' name or her character. It's a complete fantasy, based slightly on my life.
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When I was hired into the catering staff at the local arena, I was completely unaware of the perks that came with the job. It turns out that once you have gained a few months of experience, you are able to cater for the celebrities when their concerts roll through town. Now, I'm not one to brag about this aspect of my job, because so far I've only worked with the likes of Good Charlotte and New Found Glory. Not until recently have I had cause to really discuss the goings-on of the backstage area.
My second-ever concert catering gig happened to be for Britney Spears. I'm sure many of us have had some fleeting sexual thought over the pop singer at one time or another, but my passion for the star had been over the top since I saw her sexy cover for Rolling Stone magazine, clad only in her underpants. This had inadvertently stirred feelings inside myself that I had never really taken notice to, since I had solely focused on gaining the attention of boys, as do all college girls. I was confused by these new feelings, and yet I knew exactly what I wanted.
Despite my utter excitement at getting to wait on Britney Spears hand and foot, catering to her every whim, I was actually heartbroken. I am meant to be a professional at my job, which translates as "don't talk to the stars unless they talk to you and don't bother them for picture or autographs, they're there to relax before the concert." And with that thought in mind, I headed out from my dorm and across town to the arena.
After passing through the obligatory security check at the back gate and having my ID checked twice for validity, I finally got into the arena's backstage area. I find my boss, get my official "working" backstage pass and get sent to the catering room to clear tables while the crew of the show has their supper. It was about two hours until show time when Britney herself showed up for dinner after the crew cleared out to do final preparations for the show. Of course, I blended into the walls, as I am to do unless I need to clear a plate or fetch a soda. To my surprise, once Britney had helped herself to the buffet and sat down, she acknowledged my presence with a polite, "Hello," to which I blushed and managed to nod in return.
This was much to her amusement as she laughed and said, "What's your name? Amber?" she says after glancing at my nametag. "Well Amber, no need to be so professional and just-so about everything, I'm not planning on turning in any complaints about you not doing everything perfectly."
"Thank you Ms. Spears," I replied cautiously.
She set down her fork and laughed again, slipping into that sweet Southern drawl. "I thought I told you to drop the formalities? Just call me Britney."
A bit amused myself, as well as relieved that I wasn't going to be walking on eggshells all night around this pop star, I graciously thanked her.
"Please, have a seat, I'm sure you've been on your feet all day," she said, gesturing towards the seat across from her. Even though I had only been at work for an hour and my feet were quite all right, I accepted the offer, excited to have the chance to maybe get to know her.
"So," she began, noticing my uneasiness about starting a conversation, "Tell me Amber, how old are you?"
"21," I answered, starting to relax a bit, knowing she, too, was 21 and this could turn into some sort of common ground for a conversation. "You're 21, too, right?" I ventured.
"Indeed I am. Was your birthday all it's cracked up to be?" she asked me.
"Well if going to Applebee's with your parents and grandmother for supper is how 21
st
birthdays are meant to be, then yes!" This apparently struck her funny bone, as she started cracking up.
"Sounds like you really partied it up then! That's ok though, partying isn't really that big of a deal anyway, as I'm sure you know by now." Indeed I did know by then, I never have had much taste for alcohol or smoke-filled clubs. I liked how she seemed to be reading me like a book, sort of like she could read my thoughts. Hopefully she couldn't read all of them.
Our age was definitely a great jumping off point for us to become acquainted. Not only were our partying days behind us already, but we were both striking out equally in the dating field; me from focusing so much on college, she from never being in one place for more than a week at a time. To my shock, she also disclosed to me that it had been months since she'd been close to anyone in any way. I did hope she didn't notice my ears turn red.
She was also fascinated about my stories about my college professors and the often-amusing activities that happen in a classroom if you pay attention to other students instead of the professor. Apparently, she missed not having the experience of going to college like other people our age. After telling me she was going to spend the week in town to relax before flying to her next show, she asked if she could tag along to one of my classes. What is a girl to do when Britney Spears wants to follow her around for a day? I definitely did NOT reject her request.
The conversation eventually fell into an uncomfortable silence and Britney checked her watch. "Shit! I need to hit wardrobe, I'm on stage in 30!"
The sudden outburst shaking me out of my serene little bubble, I stammered to reply, managing to say, "OK nice chatting with you, good luck!"
"Thanks, great meeting you! I'll find you after the show, don't disappear!" she said as she rushed out the door. And with that, she jogged out the door and around the corner to get back to her dressing room.
