I admit it. I might have indulged too much that evening and then surrounded by all the pungent smoke from my fellow concert goers I wasn't completely in control. I guess she might not have been either because, even though her singing was flawless especially when "...just like a white winged dove..." rang out in the crowded hall, by the time I saw her backstage she seemed a bit glassy-eyed.
Yeah, I had scored back stage passes from a local radio station and sure enough, even in my somewhat inebriated state, I was welcomed in. Oddly I had expected to continue in the imbibing once backstage but where I anticipated seeing endless booze and other mood altering substances everyone was either sipping from bottled waters, sodas or, for the band members, cups of tea.
I tried my best conceal my state as I hobnobbed with Mick, Lindsay and the rest. I was a bit more talkative than normal until she walked in. Immediately I noticed she seemed a bit unsteady so I stepped up and helped her sit down on the couch.
"Wow, I'm just so unaccustomed to all the smoke," she mumbled.
"Yeah and it's... it's... it's not cigarette smoke."
She smiled, "Who are you?"
Nervously I held up my pass and said, "Ah, ugh... backstage pass. Radio contest."
"Did you enjoy the show?"
I nodded, "After all these years... ah I mean to say... I mean, it was like back when I was..."
"When you were a kid? Wow, and buzzed as I am I almost forgot how much I ache. It's hell getting..." She suddenly fell silent dropping her head down into her hands.
"Are you okay?"
Blinking her eyes, "Is it hot in here? I need some fresh air."
Helping her up I held her arm to steady her as she walked to the door. I walked her through the hallway to a door with a big exit sign where a security guy opened the door for her.
"You okay Ms. Nicks?" the guard asked.
"Just need some air," she replied.
The guard eyed me suspiciously but held the door for both of us. Still holding her arm I helped her down a few steps into a small fenced in alleyway. A limo was parked off to one side but the driver must have been inside because we were alone.