I was getting ready for my date when my cousin, Angela called. I was surprised, since she was on her honeymoon, but I was excited to hear from her.

"Hey Coz," I said. "How's married life?"

"Awesome," Angela said. "I'm so happy. Joel and I might just move into this beach house with the kids. How are you doing? I wanted to check in and say hi, and thank you for all the work you did on the wedding."

"I'm great," I said. "But I am freaking out right now. What do you wear on a first date?"

"Whoa, who are you dating?"

"Andrew," I said quickly. Angela, who'd been not so subtly hinting that I needed to get over Robert since the moment I met her, screamed like a fourteen year old fan girl. "Hell yes, I am so excited. Girl, you two are so perfect for each other!"

"Calm down," I said. "I'm already nervous enough as it is. If you start planning my wedding right now I'm going lose it."

"But you like him, right? I mean, you're not just using him to get over you-know-who? We might be family, but I'm very protective of Bass, ok? He's like the little brother I never had."

"Aren't you guys the same age?"

"Technically yes, but answer the question Ann. Do-you-like- Andrew?"

"Yes," I said. "I really do, which is why even though I've seen him a few times this week I am so freaking anxious. Should I wear a dress or jeans? I don't know where we're going, and I don't want to try too hard. But I want him to, I don't know, get all flustered when he sees me just like people do in in the movies."

"Ok, well, Andrew is a simple kind of guy. He really likes it when girls are just, themselves. So wear some jeans and a cute top, but maybe pair it with a leather jacket and some heels."

"Ooh, I bought these red heels a few weeks ago. They're perfect. Ok, I think I got it all figured out."

"Well good, because the faster you and Andrew have babies, the sooner Blake and Bryan will have some playmates."

"Seriously? Your sister in law Stephanie is practically engaged, so I think she is next on the baby train. I am going on a first date Angela; he might not even want to go on a second."

"Yeah right, Ann. I saw him at the wedding, and Andrew hasn't been that smitten since..." Joel was shushing Angela, and I immediately knew what she'd almost told me.

"You're fine," I said. "I know all about Emily. Gia, his younger sister, told me."

"You already know about Emily? That's sort of big, Ann. Are you sure this is your first date?"

"Well, first 'official date.' We've hung out a few times..."

"Uh huh," Angela said. "Well text me tomorrow with the details. I want all the dirt."

"You're honeymooning, Angela. My boring life can wait until you get home."

"Well, sorry, but I am too curious for that. If you don't tell me, Andrew will."

"Fine, but no meddling Angela. I mean it, ok. I need to handle my own love life."

"You said love." Angie said, giggling. "Ann loves Andrew." She sort of sang the last part, and I was glad she couldn't see me rolling my eyes. Angela was practically a sister to me, or it had felt that way since we reconnected.

"Goodbye Angie," I said before hanging up.

She was silly, but I loved Angela. I put my phone down and went to work on straightening out my blonde curls, wanting to do something a little sleeker than usual. I had just pulled on my jeans and favorite jacket when my phone buzzed. Suzy had texted me.

SUZY: Hey, do you want to get drinks with the interns tonight?

ANN: I'd love to, but I have plans.

SUZY: Have fun with Mr. Yummy Bass Player! Maybe I'll find a musician tonight too.

ANN: Good luck with that. And stop calling Andrew yummy, its super weird to have you drooling over my date. And officially, he's off limits to you! ; )

I put my phone in my purse and tucked it away, trying to have a moment of silence before Andrew got there. I put on my heels and walked around in them, making sure they were broken in enough to wear. I thought that some ankle boots might be a better choice, since my heels were still a bit too new to walk in.

The knock on the door came, and I opened the door, smiling at Andrew. He was wearing a black button shirt and jeans, and I immediately noticed that he smelled just as good as he always did. What was in his soap, pheromones? His eyes scanned my outfit, and I could tell he thought I looked nice. Thank you, Angela.

"Hey Andrew," I said. "Welcome to my place."

"It looks nice," He said. "And you look fantastic. I don't think I've ever seen you in jeans before...it's nice."

"Thanks," I said. "Well, we can leave, or I can give you the grand tour. It will take three seconds, tops."

"I'll take the door, and maybe a glass of water."

"I think I can make that happen," I laughed. "Come on in."

Andrew followed me inside, looking around my studio apartment and grinning. It was small, but I loved my place. So what if I slept on a futon? I had my own space, and I worked hard to pay for it.

"You like pink, huh?" He pointed at the ten pink pillows on my futon and I shrugged.

"You're quite the detective, Andrew."

"Ok, are you a dog person?" He asked with raised eyebrows. I handed him a glass of water and he took it.

"Yes," I said. "I like cats too. My mom was allergic to most pets, so we never had either. But my Dad's best friend was a canine cop, and I hung out with Jake a lot. Jake was the German shepherd, and he was a good dog."

"Good," Andrew said. "I love dogs too."

"Are you checking off a list in your head," I chuckled. "Making sure I meet your standards?"

"Nope, just curious about you," Andrew said, taking a drink. "But I can take my time learning all about Ann."

"Ok," I said. "But 'all about Ann' better not become a Triumphant Thunder song someday. If you Taylor Swift me, I'll be very grumpy."

"Don't worry, that's sort of Benji and Joel's deal," Andrew said. "I'm a bit more traditional with the romance."

"Oh really, so what are we doing tonight then?"

"It's up to you, somewhat." Andrew said. "I have reservations at a fancy restaurant, and we could do the whole nice dinner, walk on the beach deal...I also have tickets to a concert. Do you like Coldplay?"

"Yeah," I gawked. "I love them, I mean not as much as you, I mean....Wow that got awkward. Sorry. I like Coldplay. Triumphant Thunder, Coldplay, and Parachute are probably my top three favorite bands."

"You're cute when you're flustered," Andrew said.

"Thanks," I whispered. "So you have Coldplay tickets then?"

"Yeah, I'm friends with Guy Berryman, the bass player. He gave me tickets for their show tonight, and was hoping I'd say hello. So if you'd like to see the show, we could do that and stop by backstage afterwards. But we'd only have time to grab a burger or something."

"I can eat a burger," I said. "Especially if I get to see Coldplay. I keep getting all these free concerts lately, it's awesome."

"Yes, but unlike the last concert, you're not allowed to meet a guy backstage," Andrew said.

He was referencing the fact that for Angela's bachelorette party, we'd gone to a Triumphant Thunder concert and snuck backstage. That was the first time we'd met, even if I'd been too shy to admit I liked him then.

"Don't worry," I said. "I'm not the type of girl to ditch my date."

"Well, I know a perfect place we can grab a quick bite to eat and hit the concert. But we can still get the fancy dinner, go for a more traditional date route."

"Andrew, I'm a wedding planner. Fancy dinners are like a weekly occurrence. But tickets to a sold out Coldplay concert, that is a rare occasion. Honestly, I don't even care what we do, I just want to hang out with you." I realized when I said the last bit, I wasn't playing the cool and collected part very well. But Andrew didn't seem to mind.

"Well, let's go," Andrew said, smiling with a goofy happiness I'd grown accustomed to. Was he also so cheerful, or did I bring that out in him? I didn't overthink things, instead, I took Andrew's hands and walked down the stairs with glee. All of my nerves disappeared, and I knew on some level tonight was the start of something important.

***

"I hope you don't mind watching from backstage," Andrew said as we found our seats. I clutched the lanyard with backstage pass written on it and beamed at him.

"Yeah, I think I can handle that. Honestly Andrew, this is so cool. You know you don't have to bribe me with concert tickets to date you."

"Really? So if you're not here for the concert tickets, why on earth are you here?"

"For the free burgers, of course." I was joking, and he rolled his eyes affably.

"Well, I was impressed by your ability to eat. It's nice to go out with a girl who doesn't order this dainty little salad and then pick at it while eyeing my French fries."

"What can I say, I like meat and cheese."

"Well, if you'd like, I'll go grab us some drinks and some snacks. We can have them in the backstage section..."

"Sure," I said. "But don't be gone too long, though. Oh, and don't forgot to get something chocolate."

Andrew walked away, once again causing me to watch him as he went. What on earth a guy like Andrew was doing with me, I didn't know. But honestly, I didn't want to question the universe's judgment considering I really liked him. And not just because he was easy on the eyes, but that certainly didn't hurt things. We had gotten there a little early, and were waiting for the opening act to come on when he went to get snacks. I sat down in the sparse side area which had about six chairs for backstage people to enjoy the show. I'd be one of a few people close enough to run out and high fived the band during the concert, not that I would actually do anything like that. I texted Angela about where we were, just wanting to tell someone. She didn't reply, probably because she was on her honeymoon. I knew she'd be excited when she read it though; Angela was pretty nosy at times. I fiddled with my phone to pass the time, anxiously waiting for Andrew to return. I could sense that someone was entering the area as well, and two men shuffled into the chairs in front of me.

I glanced up momentarily, instantly recognizing the profile of a man I knew, causing me to groan. Seriously, how did I keep bumping into the worst people while I was with Andrew? Did I piss of a voodoo priestess or murder a butterfly in a former life? There had to be an explanation.

"Hello Ann," Jerry Jensen said as he turned. "What brings you here?"

"I'm on a date," I said quickly. "He'll be back any second now."

"Well, he shouldn't have left you alone," Jerry said. "Hey Ann, this is my friend Dean. He's my best man, actually. Dean, this is our wedding planner." 

I waved at Dean and smiled halfheartedly. Maybe Jerry would behave and everything would be fine. As the smell of vodka and cigarettes drifted my way, I realized that maybe I was wrong.

"You were right," Dean said. "She is hot. God, Jerry, you get the finest women..."

Really? Some random guy thought I was actually sleeping with Jerry. I wasn't going to let that fly.

"He didn't get me," I retorted. "I'm spoken for, and so is Jerry."

"I haven't gotten you yet, little Ann," Jerry said. "But you'll come around. They always do. So why don't we just save ourselves the trouble and you can come back to my hotel room. Dean can come too, if you want. Or it can be just you and me...."

"I need to go find my date," I said, rising from my seat. Jerry grabbed my wrist, twisting it enough to make me stop, but not enough to hurt.

"Stop," I said. "Get your hands off of me, now."

"Ann, you are probably the only woman in the world who isn't not interested in me."

"Well, then let me go," I said. "Little blonde girls are a dime a dozen."

"Not until you admit it," Jerry said. "Just say you like me."

"Let me go," I said, pulling away. This time, Jerry did squeeze my wrist.

"Dude," Dean said. "I think you've had too much to drink. Let her go."

At least his friend had some manners, even if he had blatantly objectified me seconds ago.

"I'm fine," Jerry said, his voice slurring slightly. "And Ann here, she just needs to learn how to have a good time."

"Jerry, let me go," I said, my voice cracking.

A familiar presence came up behind me and violently ripped Jerry's hand from my arm. I fell back, and Andrew's arms caught me momentarily. Thank God he was there.

"I'd listen to the lady," Andrew growled. "I don't know why you're touching my date, but I will break your face if you try it again." 

Andrew's voice didn't sound sweet or delicate anymore; it sounded dangerous. But I didn't mind the fact that he was protecting me one bit.

"Well, that's a nasty threat," Jerry said. "I don't think we've been introduced, I am Jerry Jensen."

"I know who you are," Andrew said. "And I know you screwed around with my friend's girl, and that you're not coming near mine ever again."

"Whatever," Jerry said. "Ann, I'll see you around when your boyfriend is gone. He's cranky."

"Dude, shut up," Dean said. "Let's just go."

"Fine, this band sucks anyway." Jerry stumbled a bit as he walked. What was his problem? His friend stayed back to apologize.

"Sorry," Dean hollered back. "Jerry is a douche when he's drunk. I wouldn't have let him hurt you, I swear. I'll see you at the wedding Ann."

I took a deep breath as the guys left, and I felt my stomach sink. It was all crashing down, the perfect night that had been unfolding. Andrew would surely just write me off, as a magnet for drama, and move on to someone who wasn't cursed.

"Andrew, I am so sorry. I don't know why these things keep happening to me."

"Ann, come here," he said, motioning for me to come closer. He wrapped his arms around me.

"Ann, how do you know that guy? Please tell me, even if you...dated him too, I'll deal with it."

"No, God no," I said. "I'm planning his wedding. His fiancé, Lacy, is my client. They have some arrangement where he can do what he wants. Apparently, Jerry doesn't hear no easily."

"Ann, seriously," Andrew said. "That guy is scary. Promise me you won't end up alone in a room with him, ok?"

"I promise," I said. "He's an entirely different person around Lacy. I wonder if she even knows who she's marrying."

"Ann, do you want to leave? I'd understand if he upset you..."

"No," I said. "I don't to leave. It's Coldplay, and it's you. I don't want him to ruin our night."

"Ok, well, let's sit and try to have fun, ok?"

We sat and talked, and Andrew did a great job of making me forget the craziness that had happened. A few minutes later, the opening act was going onstage. It was a guy I'd never heard of, but he was pretty good. We stood up and listened, every so often Andrew would whisper things in my ear. He stood behind me and wrapped his around my shoulders, and I softened in his hold.

"Is this ok?" He asked. I tried not to shout my approval, since it felt nice to have a pair of strong arms around me.

"I don't mind," I said, smiling. As we were watching the show, Andrew's arms snuggled around me steadily, and I tried to remain calm even when my butterflies were going wild. Someone who had a slight familiarity and a rock god persona approached us, and I smiled.

"Andrew Sinclair," the guy said. "You came man, and who is this lovely creature on your arm?"

I instantly knew who it was, and felt a shyness overwhelm me. It was Guy Berryman, Coldplay's bass player and Andrew's friend.

"This is Ann Blake," Andrew said. I extended my arm and shook his hand.

"Thanks for the tickets," I said shyly.

"No problem, I'm just glad I got to say hello. It's not very often we're in the same city." Guy replied. "Well, I got to go do some more pre-show things. I'm surprised you guys are the only ones here. I thought our manager gave tickets to some douche movie star."

"He didn't have any manners, so I had a chat with him." Andrew said. "It's great to see you again man. Have a good show." They hugged in that way that guys do, with just a slight chest bump and shoulder pat, and Guy turned to leave.

"Nice to meet you Ann. Take care of this guy, alright."

"I'll try," I said. 

Andrew and were alone again, enjoying the concert. It wasn't too long before Coldplay actually took their place on the stage, and it amazed me how someone I'd just spoken with took on a different persona on a stage before thousands. How did people do that, become larger than life? How did Andrew do it? I'd seen him in concert, but my brain had a hard time reconciling the guy on stage with the guy before me.

The band played a lot of my favorite songs, like "Paradise", "Yellow", "Viva La Vida", and others. Andrew teased me for being a loud concert singer, but I just kept on belting it out.

"It's more fun to sing along at concerts," I said. "You'll just have to bear with my karaoke moments."

"Actually, it's nice. You have a lovely voice." I grinned.

"Thanks," I said. "And from what I can decipher, you should stick with guitars."

"Ouch, that hurts me Ann. I mean really, don't you think I have heart throb lead signer potential."

"I hope not," I said. "There's already too many people on the internet who want me dead for stealing 'their man.' You have quite the violent fan club, Mr. Sinclair."

"Ah, so we're already on the internet huh? Did you Google me Ann?"

"A client of mine mentioned that she saw a photo of us together in a magazine. So I found it, and there we were. They did a whole article on the band and your guys' love lives. It was really surreal, but it doesn't bother me too much."

"Did they say anything Steven, by any chance?"

"No, it showed him walking his dog, I think."

"Ok, that's good," Andrew said. "Steven is sort of a private person. Benji and Joel are always in those mags, but usually they ignore Steve and me. But then again, maybe I'm more interesting with a hot blonde on my arm."

"You think I'm hot, huh?" I joked. But instead of getting embarrassed, Andrew just nodded and kissed my forehead. My forehead heated up and I was the one to blush.

"Well, I am sorry that we got tagged in the photos. But at least I'm still virtually unknown. People know the band, but average people can't name people from famous bands aside from the front man."

"Angie has dealt with Joel's fame for almost a decade," I said. "So, I can probably manage the occasional photo or two. But if photographers come to my house, they will regret it. I've got my concealed weapons permit and I have deadly aim."

"That's hilarious," Andrew said. "I can't see you holding a gun."

"I'm not joking," I squealed. "My Dad taught me how to shoot when I was twelve. I was kidding about threatening people with guns, but I actually do have my concealed weapons permit."

"Well, I guess that makes sense," Andrew said. "I can handle the fact that my girl is way more badass than me."

"Good," I giggled. "I love this song."

"I do too," Andrew said. As it finished, Andrew started fiddling with my hair playfully. I wondered if I'd get over how the simplest gestures made me so crazed around him. Was it just the way you felt in a new relationship? It had been so long that I couldn't remember.

The music changed and I instantly knew the song. It was one of those songs that immediately triggered an emotional response, and I inhaled as the melody soared across the air. "Fix You" is a beautiful song, but most people don't know the backstory. The lead Singer, Chris Martin, wrote it to his wife after her father had died. It is a tragic love songs about loss and comfort, and it had touched me deeply when I first heard it. I never cried during movies or while reading books, but this song signaled a psychosomatic response in me whenever I heard it. As the verses started to play, I remember the weekend my Mom died. I spent the days getting things done, helping dad, putting on a brave face. Then when everyone went home, I went in my room and played this song, crying my eyes out. I couldn't hear this song without thinking of Mom, and what it felt like in that bedroom when I truly realized that my mom had died. I tried to stop, but the tears came out anyways. Andrew looked at me, and reached his hand to my face, wiping it away.

"You ok, beautiful?"

"Yeah, it's just this song reminds me of my mom," I said. "I sort of lose it every time." I was positive that my face looked like a blotchy raccoon and Andrew thought I was crazy.

"Ok," Andrew said, squeezing me tightly. "If you'd like, we could take off. We could go somewhere and talk for a while. The concert's almost done anyway, and it'd be good to beat the traffic."

"You don't mind?" I asked.

"No," Andrew said. "Let's go and hang out alone for little bit."

I took his hand, we went off. It didn't take long to reach the parking garage, and Andrew opened my door for me.

"Are you having fun?" Andrew asked, as we got into the car.

"Actually yes, I am," I said. "I mean, I'm kind of worried you're hating this. I'm sort of a train wreck around you for some reason. First Jerry showed up, and then I start crying. You must think that I am a mess."

"No, I don't," Andrew chuckled. "Stuff happens sometimes. Ann, you don't have to try to impress me, ok? I already like you, and weird occurrences aside, I always like spending time with you."

"Ok," I said. "I feel the same way."

"Ann, I wanted to leave so we could talk. The truth is, I wanted to ask you something. It might be a bit premature, but I'm just going to say it. If we aren't on the same page, then that is ok."

"Alright, I am listening..."

"Ok, I'm going to talk for a while first, ok? You know, when I met the guys from the band, I instantly felt a connection. Like I knew these were my best friends, and it'd always be that way. I tend to have strong instincts about people. Like, you meet someone and you just click instantly."

"I get that," I said. "When I met Angela, even though we'd never known each other growing up, she felt like family. Some people you don't have to work to build that connection; it's just there."

"Yes, exactly," Andrew said. "The point is, I know we don't know each other that well. I mean, I know you better after we stayed up all night talking. But Ann, I have that sort of a feeling about you. That first night at the wedding, I just knew that you were an amazing girl. It felt like...it felt like I'd found someone I could really care about."

"Oh, Andrew," I said. He put his hand over mine.

"I'm saying this because people kept calling you my girlfriend, and I know this is crazy. But Ann, I don't want to date anyone else. So, if you wanted to date other guys, I'll live. But Ann, I just want you, and I'd like for you to be my girlfriend." I squealed with delight, and threw my arms around his neck, hurling myself across the center console of the car.

"I take it that is a yes," Andrew said. I pulled back and nodded, realizing I'd just put our faces very close together. Our noses brushed, and our eyes met, and I inhaled expectantly. This is it, our first kiss.

"Can I...would you be offended if I..." His nervous, shy demeanor made my like Andrew just a tiny bit more, if that was possible.

"Just kiss me Andrew," I whispered.  

He didn't need more prompting than that, so Andrew threaded his hands through my hair and our lips touched. My head become light and I kissed him back, putting a little more heat into what he may have intended to be a chaste, innocent first kiss. To be honest, I couldn't help it. I was too happy and too attracted to Andrew to hold back, and that kiss was the kind where you see stars and feel like you could fly afterwards. I decided to be somewhat of a good girl, pulling back after a few seconds.

"Wow," Andrew whispered as our faces were still inches apart from each other. "That was..."

"I know," I said, kissing him briefly once more.

"So, I should probably take you home now," Andrew said. "I'm forgetting how to be a gentleman."

"Ok," I said, sliding back into my seat. "It's probably good for one of us to have some self-control."

"Just keep saying that, because I have my doubts," Andrew joked.  

We went back to talking on the drive home, and when he got home, Andrew walked me upstairs and stopped by my door. I wrapped my arms around him and waited for him to kiss me again, excited for the interaction. The second and third kisses were just as perfect as the first, and I smiled. I pulled back, trying to let my head clear.

"We should probably say goodnight," I said. Andrew rested his forehead on mine.

"Ok," He said. "Goodnight Ann."

"Goodnight Andrew," I said. I kissed him once more, and he nibbled on my lower lip just a tiny bit, making me think I'd melt in his arms. When he pulled away, I realized I finally understood the meaning the whole 'weak in the knees' concept. We hugged, and Andrew left, turning back hallway down the stair to flash a goofy grin at me. Its official, I thought, I am no good at being cool and detached around that boy. Luckily, he didn't seem to mind my desire to kiss him or flirt shamelessly.

I pulled out my phone, and furiously texted Suzy. I had to tell someone, or I thought I'd explode.

ANN: Can you keep a secret?

SUZY: Is it about Mr. Bass player?

ANN: Maybe...

SUZY: JUST SPILL IT, GIRL!

ANN: Best. kiss. ever. = D

SUZY: I'm soooooooo jealous. I want every detail, Monday morning.

ANN: Ok, Talk to you then.

I went off to bed, my head spinning a million miles an hour. A week ago, I'd been heartbroken and sad on the way to a concert with my cousin. Now, I was falling asleep while I replayed the memory of a kiss that would probably make my father want to shoot Andrew. I decided that maybe I wasn't cursed after all. Maybe, my luck was just getting started.

(((Hey Readers,

Thanks for reading. I just wanted to point out the "features" on this chapter. There is a video of the song referenced, "Fix You" by Coldplay. The story she told, about Chris Martin writing this song to his wife (Gwenyth Paltrow) when her father passed away is true (from what I've read). But if you haven't heard the song, or you just want to listen, it should be on here. Also, the photo is of Guy Berryman, real life bass player for Coldplay. Just in case you were wondering what he looked like, there he is! He is sort of beautiful, and may or may not have inspired Andrew a wee bit. (I love Coldplay, in case you can't tell).

Thanks for reading, let me know what you think. Is Anndrew moving too fast? Do you think Jerry is going to pull some other craziness? Hmmmm...things to consider... I <3 you all!)))