"So here's the thing. If Minneapolis really is better, then you gotta prove it to me." They roared even louder, but Buck waved a finger back and forth, shaking his head with disapproval. "No, no. I don't mean by cheering. I mean by being the nicest fans on this entire tour."
Buck started to pace along the edge of the stage, the microphone in his hand, scanning the audience. "You all know about Annalisa Ricci, the contest winner who's touring with us." The crowd started to respond, but he raised his hands in a sign for them to stop. "Wait for it, Minneapolis. Hear me out. Last night in Chicago, they booed her! I mean, the nerve of that city! So let me hear what you think of Chicago for doing that to Annalisa." The audience erupted in angry shouts. He waved them on, encouraging them to be louder and angrier. Mr. Angry certainly knew how to push the crowd's rage button.
Buck waited for their wrath to pass, a tight grin that made it clear just how much he was enjoying this. "Now-and here is where you can prove to me that you're better than them-let me hear what you think of Annalisa." The audience actually cheered. I stood in the wings, frozen in shock.
When the fans had settled down again, he went on. "I love you, Minneapolis!" He let them cheer for themselves some more before he continued. "We're about to play Annalisa's favorite song, but first, I want to introduce you to her." He turned toward the wing and beckoned to me. "Come on out here, Annalisa." The crowd cheered again.
I couldn't decide whether this was a good thing or not. The fans were being very nice, but I knew it was because Buck had manipulated them carefully. I worried that they could sour in an instant, and for no reason. Chuck might say something to ruin it-that seemed to be his specialty. Or Inferna might start a riot, although I had to admit she wasn't front and center tonight, so perhaps she wasn't there. But to be safe, I stayed where I was with folded arms, letting Buck know that I wasn't going to move.
Of course, Buck was unperturbed. He turned back to the audience. "You know, she's kind of shy. So let's hear it for Annalisa. Come on, Minneapolis." He started to chant, "Annalisa. Annalisa. Annalisa." He waved his hands, and the fans joined in. Suddenly, everyone was shouting, "Annalisa."
A trancelike state enveloped me, and I tingled all over. Being on tour with the Fiery Boys was strange enough, but having thousands of fans call my name was positively surreal. Immobilized, I stood in the wings and held my breath.