Finally! We reach the end of this story. Thank-you all for your patience at my slooooooooow writing in this one. And thank-you for all of your kind reviews! Also, thank-you for being supportive of the original character. I've been working on original stories, and the character development is just so difficult! Your patience and support with Veronica entering into the lives of the characters we all already love, was a huge help to me and my other writing attempts.

On that note, do any of you write on fictionpress? Let me know if you like it.

Many hugs to all! And to my German buddy, bis spaeter, ich hoeffe!

I do not own Lemonade Mouth, but I do own Veronica McKenna and Stacy Jenkins (yay, me, ownin' stuff!).

Chapter 29

Mel's tour-launch party was a huge success. Mel secured several investors and sponsors for the tour. The guests had known of Lemonade Mouth's up-and-coming status as celebrities, but the band's performance on this night demonstrated their musical prowess. This is what a review of the performance read the next day:

In addition to their usual set, Lemonade Mouth premiered two new songs. "Good, Interrupted" was sung by their new manager-intern, Ray Beech (formerly of Mudslide Crush). Stella harmonized at the bridge. These were two singers usually known for energetic drive in their voices. Because the song spoke of redemption and change of attitude, it was a perfect fit to have atypical voices sing it.

Then there was the new song, "Phoenix". It was sung as a duet, debuting Charlie Delgado as a lead vocalist. He had a sweet tone to his voice that lent itself well to the intense subject matter of the song. And Olivia's vocals were so convincing that it almost seemed that she had personal experience in the subject matter.

But that night, before they were officially informed of their great success, the members of Lemonade Mouth simply had a blast doing what they loved best with the people they loved best. They knew that this was one of their absolute best performances. They were more strongly connected to each other than ever before, both musically and emotionally. Their personal love for one another and profound friendship enriched their music in ways that few other bands can accomplish. That night, each member of Lemonade Mouth was certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that no matter what, they would always be fused to one another in lifelong love and friendship.

And then, Charlie finally got to have romance in his life.

Veronica arrived at the party just as "Phoenix" was beginning. Hearing Charlie's voice sing, she was transfixed. She stood at the back of the dance floor, watching him, listening to his beautiful interpretation of such painful lyrics. By the end of the song, she was frantically dabbing at her eyes, lest her mascara run. She didn't care how silly she looked, applauding much louder than anyone else around her.

Once the set was over, the band could take a break. Charlie finally had the chance to find and greet Veronica. He had no trouble spotting her in the crowd. She wore a silver A-line dress that hit just above her knees. Its spaghetti straps afforded him a view of her bare shoulders. Her hair was worn in loose curls that framed her face. She wore a green rhinestone necklace that nearly matched her eyes.

Charlie was no less than thunderstruck. Here before him stood a goddess, and she was here with him. He stood in front of her and said, "You look amazing!" She smiled and said, "Thank-you! And you were amazing in the new song. I didn't realize what an incredible voice you have." Charlie said, "Thank-you. It was nerve-wracking. But I like the piece. I'm really proud of Olivia for writing it."

Then, there was the awkward pause. They stood there and smiled at one another. They were saved by the music. To appeal to the various ages of the crowd, the canned music during band breaks was what the teenagers considered "oldies". The adults present would rather think of the music as "timeless classics". The song that happened to play at that moment was Vanessa Williams' "Save the Best for Last". Charlie inwardly rolled his eyes at the timing. It was just a little too close to home for their situation. Nevertheless, even if it was more than a little bit cheesy, the fact of the matter was that it was a slow song. This was his chance. Charlie asked, "So, would you like to dance?"

Veronica, with a big smile, said, "Yes!" She did not say, "yeah" or "ok". She outright said, "yes!" He placed his hands at her hips, and she placed her hands on his shoulders. They enjoyed being so close to each other, but they were still very self-conscious. Charlie said, "this is kinda 8th grade graduation dance, isn't it?" Veronica laughed and said, "totally!" They were pretending to make fun of their situation, but they did lean in a little closer to each other.

Then, Charlie found his hands crossing each other on her back. And Veronica found her face right next to Charlie's shoulder. Charlie could feel Veronica's breath on his neck. He leaned a little bit forward, as an invitation for her to come closer. She accepted and laid her head on his shoulder. Charlie tightened his hold around her waist. Veronica's lips were millimeters away from Charlie's neck, but she didn't dare such a bold move. She decided that the next step was in Charlie's court. Simultaneously, both of them tightened their embrace.

Too soon, the song ended. Veronica was still in a fog, and she hardly knew that there was no more slow song to give them and excuse to touch each other. Charlie, on the other hand, was perfectly aware of the slow song ending, giving way to a particularly obnoxious C&C Music Factory tune. Really?

"Do you want to go get some air?" Charlie asked. Veronica nodded.

The venue had several patios and balconies. Charlie and Veronica found one that was fairly secluded. Charlie took her hand and said, "Thank-you for coming tonight."

"Thank-you for inviting me," said Veronica. "This is all so interesting! And you guys sound absolutely terrific!" To be honest, Veronica had no idea what she was saying. She could only think of Charlie holding her hand.

"You look really pretty tonight," said Charlie. Then he stammered, "I mean, not that you don't already look pretty, but you…your dress is really pretty…"

Veronica smiled and said, "Thank-you!" She was touched that a guy was stammering because of her. In fact, it made her feel a bit giddy, or maybe it was being so close to Charlie that made her feel giddy. She couldn't stop a small giggle from escaping.

"What is it?" Charlie asked.

"All of this is really, just, so, lovely. Thank-you again for inviting me."

"I'm glad you came."

"I'm glad to be here." Now this was sounding ridiculous. Veronica decided to be brave. "I'm happy to be your date."

That gave Charlie the courage he needed. He stepped in closer to her. He let go of her hand just long enough to place both of his hands on her waist again. Veronica allowed this, and she even stepped in closer to Charlie. Charlie leaned forward, closed his eyes, and kissed Veronica. Veronica returned the kiss and placed her hands on his cheeks. Both of them stepped closer to one another. Their arms moved instinctively into an embrace. Further instinct guided their kiss.

When they parted, Veronica laughed in spite of herself.

"What?" asked Charlie.

"No, not you at all!" said Veronica. "I was laughing at myself. It's just that, part of why I have – had – not been kissed yet was because I had thought that it – you know, a real kiss – kinda sounded disgusting. But it wasn't at all."

"That's a relief," said Charlie.

Veronica simply smiled and kissed him again. "What I mean to say is, this is really actually kinda fun. And I could totally get used to it." The she pretended to frown.

Charlie, alarmed, asked, "What? What's wrong?"

"Well, maybe I was bad at it." She said glumly.

"Hardly," said Charlie. Veronica smiled.

"But…" Charlie began. Veronica started to look panicked. He continued, "It would probably be a good idea for both of us to get lots of practice, since we're both so new at it and all…"

Veronica smiled and said, "You're right. I appreciate what a perfectionist you are." She kissed him again.

Unfortunately, they were interrupted by the announcement that it was time for Lemonade Mouth's next set. "Off you go," said Veronica, completely unable to mask her disappointment.

Charlie gave her several small kisses. Then, right before leaving, he said, "Do you think that maybe you would be my girlfriend?"

Veronica, beaming, said, "as long as that means more kissing practice."

Charlie said, "definitely!" and he ran off to the stage.

FINIS