Chapter 11

There she was, standing in the center of the room, Ann's mum. Tears filled her eyes as she ran up to her and gave her the tightest hug possible. She almost made her mother fall from the impact. She swayed from side to side, not letting her go.

"Honey, I can't breathe!" Sophie said coughing.

"I don't care!" Ann laughed and squeezed her even tighter, causing her mom to choke. Finally she let her go, tears streaming down her face.

"You're going to mess up your make up!" She said wiping the tears from her cheek.

"I don't care." She shook her head with a wide smile. "I'm so happy to see you."

"Me too! Look at you." She took her daughter's hands and took a look at her outfit. "You're a star."

"Yeah, not really." She laughed.

"You're always going to be a star for me." Sophie caressed her daughter's cheek and let out a sob. "When did you grow up?"

"Oh, we're not doing this right now! Only happy tears." Ann waved her finger at her. "Okay, but like how? How are you even here? Did Joe do this?"

"Long story." She smiled. "But yes, he did, with a little help of Jazz"

"Wait, Jazz was on this?!" Her eyes grew bigger. "That little cricket never said a word!"

"Well, they're good at keeping secrets." She laughed.

"Five minutes, everybody! Five minutes!" Someone's voice sounded from the corridor.

"Go. I can't wait to see you on stage." She patted her on the shoulder and they hugged once more.

"I love you, mom." She said as she ran out of the room in a rush.

She bumped into someone standing outside of the room causing them to stumble and almost fall. She steadied her steps and looked to see it was Joe. They looked at each other and started laughing out loud.

"You okay?" Said Joe between laughs.

"I guess." She chuckled.

"Sorry. I was waiting for you." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Joe, I'm... I'm speechless." She got more serious as she remembered what he did to her.

"You don't have to say anything." He smiled warmly at her.

She was so happy she couldn't hide it. She ran up to him and wrapped her hands around his neck in a hug. He hesitated for a while, before wrapping his arms around her waist. "Thank you." Was all she could say. She took in this moment, acknowledging the strong smell of his cologne that she knew so well. His soft skin brushed against her face and the feeling was addictive. She would stay like this forever if she could.

"Two minutes!" The scream made them jump away from each other. They both chuckled nervously.

"Slap me." Joe's voice made her frown.

"What did you just say?" She asked in disbelief.

"Slap me." He said, nodding and closing his eyes waiting for the impact.

"Why would I- What?" She was more confused then ever. She had zero reasons to do that to him.

"Jeez, Ann. It's my routine before every show. Just do it." He shook his head with his eyes still closed.

"O-Okay..." She was a little hesitant, but it seemed like a Joe thing to do.

"But do it hard."

"Jesus, okay." She shook her head and before thinking of it for another second she slapped him across his face.

The impact was strong, making his head turn to a side. He put up his hand to his cheek.

"Oh my god, are you okay?" She worried, feeling a tingling feeling on her palm.

All he did was look at her and scream from the top of his lungs, making her jump. "Let's go!" He said before running in the direction of the stage. He never seemed to stop surprising her. That man was something else.

They settled in their positions, on platforms that will later pull them on stage. Ann could hear all the people screaming and it made her even more excited. All the band rushed on stage and she stopped breathing for a second in awe of the view. She had never seen so many people in one room. Even on some concerts she went on, there was never an audience this big. She couldn't stop holding a smile as she waved at the crowd.

They started with playing acoustic versions of "Wings". She swayed from side to side with Mark to the rhythm. She eyed the crowd, not being able to put a number to those faces. She then found the VIP section in the crowd, where she saw her mom and Jazz, clapping and cheering for her. Next to her she recognized Danielle and Priyanka, Kevin and Nick's partners and also Frankie Jonas, their youngest brother. Next to them were a couple that looked like their parents. She smiled seeing how everyone greeted her mother and cheered with her.

Then the countdown started and three clouds of artificial smoke came out of the stage, hiding the brothers. Ann smiled as everyone started screaming once they appeared. They greeted each other and the band started playing "Celebrate". She jumped around having the time of her life. Being on their concert was once her dream and now she's performing on stage with them. She saw some people wave to her when she got closer to the audience. She even saw one sign that said "is Annjoe real?" which she laughed at.

The concert was going incredibly well as they played their first album 'Jonas Brothers'. She didn't have to learn these songs. Even though she hadn't listened to their music in a long time, she still remembered all the lyrics. After that, they played some songs from their newest album, including 'Vacation Eyes', which made all the girls scream, when Joe started singing his part.

Ann interacted with Joe a few times, exchanging smiles or laughs. But then they started playing the album 'A Little Bit Longer'. When 'Shelf' came on, he kicked the piano bench and gave her a long look, before sitting down.

"She's such a flirt." He sang and looked at her with his eyebrows raised. "And I am the lonely heart. Give it a chance."  He looked at her again now with a pout. "For our love to start."

This made Ann blush, but also a little nervous. She saw some people notice it and whisper something to each other or scream at the interaction. That wasn't the best idea, considering their position, but she didn't seem to care. She was having way too much fun to worry about that.

Then they sang 'Got Me Going Crazy' and during the song, Joe went up to her and whispered in her ear.

"Video Girl is yours." He smiled and didn't wait for her response.

At first she didn't understand him, but then remembered the rehearsal. Her heart sunk. They did it as a joke in front of the band, now he wants her to do this in front of all of this people? It's definitely going to bring questions. She hesitated for a while, but thought that he knew what he was doing. He definitely wouldn't want her to get fired, so he probably thought this through.

The song ended and she saw Joe slowly coming up to her with a smirk on his face. He nodded, reassuring her that it's okay and Ann shook her head at him with a smile. He stood next to her and put his arm on her shoulder. She let out a chuckle before singing the opening line.

"OMG, did you hear I'm dating a Jonas Brother? It's so hot!" She immediately blushed realizing how stupid it must have sounded. But all she got was cheers and screams.

"You met at work you should have known better. It's gonna suck when the camera stops rollin' and you'll find out soon that the treatment wasn't worth it." He sang his arm still on her shoulder as she nodded her head to the beat, laughing at the situation.

He looked at her and made a hand gesture that suggested she should turn around. They stood with their backs pressed against each other as he sang the other part of the verse.

"They're all the same, they all want the money. They're all insane, they live for fame, honey. They laugh at you when you're not even being funny."

Nick took over his verse and Ann turned back to her mic. She looked at Joe as he looked at her and they let out a laugh, pushing their heads backs. He brushed her hair in a brotherly manner and they sang the chorus. Ann found it very cute and she saw the crowd screaming at the interaction. It will sure be noticed by the press. But she didn't care about that in the moment.

She was the most excited for 'Cake By The Ocean' as it's one of her favorites and performing it is such a blast. She caught herself unable to take her eyes off of Joe during that song. Him and Jinjoo rocked the stage and Ann was having the time of her life. Jinjoo came up to them and all the girls in the band (and Mark) walked the stage together. They stopped behind Joe turned around and did the little "twerk" thing. They all laughed and got back to their places.

'Walls' was also amazing to be a part of. She admired how amazing Joe's voice is, echoing on the stadium. At the end he got on his knees, the dim light underlining his features. He looked amazing and she couldn't deny it.

During 'Hesitate' he kept on looking towards her. The song was about his ex girlfriend and she knew that. But she couldn't help but feel as if he was singing it to her. At least that's what she dreamed of.

The concert ended with 'Leave Before You Love Me' and then it was time to thank the crowd. Ann and Mark as backup singers were the first ones to come to the middle of the stage and they bowed to the crowd. She had the biggest smile painted on her face, tears of happiness building in her eyes. She saw her mother in the crowd jumping up and down and screaming, while Jazz did the same next to her. She blew them a kiss and a wave and then waved to the whole crowd. One by one, everyone thanked the crowd and when the brothers got to the center, 'Remember This' started to play. Confetti started to pour from the ceiling and it was a very emotional moment. She smiled at Mark and he gave her a side hug. They left the stage and soon the whole band did too.

Everyone was clapping, screaming and cheering. The adrenaline still rushing in everybody's body. They all hugged and congratulated one another. Ann came up to Joe with the biggest smile ever and he did the same. He picked her up and spun her around as they laughed.

"You were amazing!" He screamed to her. She laughed unable to hold the tears. He gave her a hug and winked at her, before Nick dragged him away.

She ran up to Jinjoo and they jumped around and screamed together.

"That was fucking insane!" They kept screaming, trying to let go off all the emotions. Soon Gabi joined them too and all three of them danced around having a laugh.

She heard another scream coming down the corridor and it turned out to be Jazz running in her direction. She laughed at her, as she jumped to her and gave her the biggest hug.

"Bitch, I'm so fucking proud of you!" She squeaked and jumped up and down from excitement.

"That was fucking insane, Jazz. I can't comprehend what just happened." She shook her head and chuckled.

"You're a star, that's what happened." They both laughed.

"I'm going to go look for mom." She said and turned to the corridor feeling a little anxious. She felt uneasy not knowing where she is in such a big place. She passed some crew members who also congratulated her on amazing show.

She finally reached a bigger room, where there was a lot of people. She saw Kevin and Nick talking to Danielle and Priyanka, but she scanned the room looking for her mom only. What she saw made her heart stop. In another corner, there was Joe hugging her mother. She patted him on the back and said something with a big smile. She could see that her eyes were wet. She said something that made Joe laugh, as she saw him threw his head back and then hug her again. That was a view she never expected to see.

He put his hand on her back and faced the room scanning it. When he locked eyes with Ann he smiled and said something to her mom, pointing in her direction. Sophie looked around and when she finally saw her, her smile grew bigger. Ann ran up to them and gave her mum the warmest hug possible.

"My beautiful girl." She whispered between sobs.

They pulled apart and looked at each other. Her mom caressed her cheek, while shaking her head. Ann laughed and sniffed.

"I'm going to leave you two alone." He said with a smile, putting one of his hand on Sophie's back and one on Ann's back, before disappearing in the crowd.

"What was that all about?" She chuckled.

"I just wanted to thank him. I'm here, because of him."

"Wait, so tell me really how it happened. I'm so curious."

"Well, he reached out to Jazz, asking for my phone number. She told me she didn't want to do it at first, but gave up eventually. So I get the call and first thing I think to myself is that it's a prank." They both laughed. "So I hung up and he called again. And again. And again. So I finally answered and told him to stop calling or I'll call the police." Ann laughed more at her mom's reaction. "And I hung up. And then he called me on Face Time. I was really scared, but answered and to my surprise it was really Joe Jonas."

"Oh my god!" Ann laughed.

"So we talked for a bit and he told me his plans and I agreed in a heartbeat. I was so shocked that he took all this effort for you." Ann looked down and blushed. She was shocked too. "He's a good man." She said with a hopeful look in her eyes. Ann chuckled.

"No, it's not like that. We're just friends. Very good friends." She smiled at the thought.

"If you say so." She shrugged.

Ann took a look behind her to the room and scanned it for Joe. She finally found him, next to Nick. His brother was saying something to him, but his gaze was fully focused on her. He had a glass with some liquor in his hand. His smile was so warm and welcoming. She couldn't look away.

"Go, have some fun." She pushed her shoulder lightly. "I'm going to be fine."

She smiled and gave her a hug. Jazz came over and she knew that her mom was going to be safe with her. She started walking in their direction, not letting go of the eye contact. His smile grew bigger and bigger with every step she was closer to them.

"Hey, you." He said once she was next to them.

"Hey." She said lightly.

"I was just saying to Joe, that he was right about you." She turned her gaze to Nick. "You really are exceptional." She blushed. She always felt that Nick was uncertain of her and it was a big relief to her.

"Thank you, Nick. That means a lot."

"Hey, we're going to do a little after party at my place. Wanna come?" Said Joe having a sip of his drink.

She hesitated for a while. She knew this was a bad idea, she had a feeling it won't end good. And also, she wanted to take care of her mom.

"I would love to, but you know, my mom. She-"

"It's all settled." He cut her off. "She told me it's not a problem, she will be with Jazz."

"Unbelievable." She shook her head at him and Nick laughed. "Okay then." She sighed, uncertain of her decision.

"Okay then!" He clinked his glass with Nick's and then passed Ann his drink for her to have some. She smiled and took a sip, before realizing it's tequila.

She frowned and coughed, Nick and Joe laughing at her.

"Ew." Was all she managed to let out.

"Get used to it. We only drink tequila at my place." He raised an eyebrow at her and she looked down feeling a little intimidated.

This is going to be an interesting night.