The concert was another success, perhaps even more successful than the previous night.  The crowd seemed louder and livelier from Rory's vantage point next to Marv.  She did take notes at this concert.  Observation time was over.  Rory wanted to get some facts and details down on paper.  She made a list of the songs played and reactions to the song.  She took notes on what Zack said to pump up the crowd between songs.  Rory even noted where Lane hid her water bottle near the drums.

As "Goodnight Lanie" was just starting to play, Rory made her way to the dressing room suite.  She was admitted once again with no question. She entered and was surprised to see Cyndi sitting on the couch.

"Rory!  Hi!  Sorry I didn't really get to say hello last night. You know how Gil gets after the show!"  Cyndi said hugging Rory.

"Hi Cyn.  Yeah, you guys seemed, uh, busy.  You look great!"  Rory said.

"Oh thanks.  So do you.  Gil told me you are going to be writing about the band?  That's awesome!  We talked and decided we want you to write about me and the kids too,"  Cyndi told her.

"That's great.  I was hoping I could write a bit about your relationship, but didn't want to force it.  And i would never just do it without your permission,"  Rory said.

"Oh, we knew that.  We were kind of torn between keeping the privacy and finally letting the public know about us.  We decided it was time, mainly because we know you will do a great job," Cyndi said.

"Wow, no pressure on me, right?"  Rory joked.

"Oh please, we all know you'll do great.  Really, you are the perfect person to do this.  You have known the band since the beginning.  And you are Lane's best friend," Cyndi said.

"You're making me nervous with how much confidence you have in me!"  Rory joked.

Cyndi was laughing as the band came crashing in.  "Geez, close the door, man!"  Zack said. "They are crazy tonight.  I actually picked up Lane and carried her!  I was afraid they'd just cart her little butt away."

"I still have my sticks.  No one is just carting me off," Lane said.

"Yeah, I know, you accidentally hit me," Brian said taking a break from his inhaler.

"Sorry Brian.  I thought you were that big guy in the flannel shirt.  You know the one that was blocking the step,"  Lane said.

"Who was he?" Gil asked.

"I think he had a backstage pass around his neck," Zack said.  "Tonight's the night we have the meet and greet thing with the radio station winners and select VIPs, remember?"

"Oh crap, I hate those things," Gil said unlatching his mouth from his wife's for a moment.

"It's all part of it.  The local radio station really advertised a lot for us the past month. And they paid a fortune to broadcast the shows live," Lane said.  "The winners from their contests are usually cute.  They are just star struck people wanting to spend a little while talking to us.  It's the VIPs that annoy me.  Usually they are just stuck up rich men wanting to impress their date.  But... they spend a lot of money on those passes, worth our while to be nice for a bit."

"Alright, well, I want to get cleaned up before we have to go schmooze," Zack said.  "You want to call your mom and check in or should I?"

"I'll do it.  I forgot about this.  I should be the one to tell her we are going to be late.  I'm glad we got to have dinner with the boys tonight at least," Lane said getting out her phone.

Zack and Brian headed to the dressing rooms tapping Gil's shoulder as they passed.  "Come on, man, play with your groupie later.  We gotta go get ready to meet the fans."

"Actually, I'm ducking out guys.  I left the kids at the hotel alone.  They are 15 and 16 now, but I still worry,"  Cyndi said.

"That's kind of funny.  Most 15 and 16 year olds would kill to be at a Hep Alien concert. And yours would rather wait at a hotel!"  Rory said.

"I know, right?  They grew up with all this.  It's not a treat to them," Cyndi said.

"Another interesting aspect for the article,"  Rory mused.

"Yeah, just normal kids, not really interested in their dad's job!"  Cyndi laughed.  "Ok, I will see you guys tomorrow.  We are packing up and heading out, right?"

"Yup.  The next show isn't for a couple days, so I don't think there is much rush,"  Rory said.  "I'll see you tomorrow, Cyn."

A half hour later, the band and Rory were ready to go meet and greet.  The organizer of the little event and Public Relations director for the band, Brad, led the five of them into a comfortable room set up with couches, chairs, and a snack table.  Rory, Lane and Zack sat on one couch while Brian and Gil sat on chairs next to them. There was also a full bar.  He took drink orders and got the band set up before he left the room to bring in the lucky men and women that got to meet the band.

The radio winners came in first.  They were to be granted a meet and greet with a chance to get photos taken with the band.  The twelve lucky winners looked starstruck as they talked and laughed with Lane and the boys.  Rory just watched the interactions.  She noted that Lane went out of her way to speak directly to each of the people.  She listened to what they were telling her and laughed with them.  Zach and Gil were taking photos with winners.  Brian was squatting down to talk to a young girl accompanied by her parents.  The little girl had on a Hep Alien shirt that Brian had written his name on in black Sharpie.  He motioned for Lane to come sign her name too.  The little girl was giggling and obviously thrilled.

The man in flannel turned out to be Bert from Maine.  He and his daughter had traveled the distance in their van for this once in a lifetime opportunity.  Gil was chatting with him about his his van and telling him about the church tour Hep Alien once did in a van. 

The radio station winners stayed for about a half hour before they were shuffled out for a tour of the stage.  The band had a short break before the VIPs arrived.  The VIPs were given snacks and drinks in a private lounge while they waited for the band to be available.

"I kinda feel bad for saying stuff about Bert earlier.  He was actually a pretty decent guy.  He gave me a lead on where I can get parts for the old van!  Hep Alien can tour in it again!"  Gil said causing the others to groan.

"That little girl was so cute!  Did you hear her sing a verse of 'Goodnight Lanie' to me?  I think she knows all the words,"  Lane said taking a large drink of water.

"She was adorable.  She was so happy when all of you signed her,"  Rory said.  "Don't you want a little girl, Lane?"

"Ugh, Rory, don't give her ideas.  The boys are enough for now!" Zack said sipping on his beer.

Just then, the door opened again.  Three different VIP couples were scheduled to meet the band that night.  The first couple came into the room.  Brad introduced them as John and Sharon Marks.  John had apparently purchased this package as an anniversary gift to Sharon.  They were married the year before and their wedding song had been one of Hep Alien's hits from two years ago.  Sharon was ecstatic that the band had played 'their song' that night.  Gil joked that it was on purpose and Zack forgot to dedicate it to them.  The band even did a little impromptu concert for them.  After John and Sharon took a ton of photos, they exited the room.

The next couple of people to enter the room were best friends, Jill and Stacey.  The women were in their early twenties and had followed the band since their very early days.  Jill admitted she had always had a crush on Gil.  Gil decided to give her a picture she would remember forever.  He tilted her back and kissed her as the camera flashed.  Meanwhile Stacey was talking to Lane about being a drummer.  Stacey was in a band and had played for years.  Lane gave her some advice and pointers.  Rory continued to watch, impressed at how the band members connected and responded to the guests. They all really tried to connect with their fans.

Finally the third couple was introduced.  "Lane, Zack, Gil, and Brian, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Logan Huntzberger and Ms. Claudia Dupont."