I met Nick Rhodes here in Tampa Florida .... during the band's tour for their Ordinary World album.  As fate would have it my best friend, Debbie, worked at a local radio station here and managed to get us backstage passes. I had seen Duran Duran before twice in concert and had long been a fan. Though I had to admit to Nick being my favorite. ( Even to Simons mom Anne) but that's a whole  other story :) Anyway....my friend was the PR person in charge of getting the band into and out of the Sundome in Tampa. They were staying at the Embassy Suites near there as she also had to book their rooms and accommodations. After the show we went backstage, anxiously I must admit, and were brought into the green room as they call it. There sat Simon's mom and brothers as well as John and Simon. I was very very nervous but tried not to show it..lol We were the only ones in there to begin with and then Nick and Warren followed with a few other people. The minute Nick walked in the door ..my heart stopped. He was just as I imagined him to be ...in fact..he looked even better. He had already changed and freshened up ( of course)  and came in laughing. It just happened to be Simon's mom's b-day and in with them came a cake for her. They all started singing happy birthday to her..and we just kinda joined in. Simon was hugging his mom..and wishing her a best b-day! Nick came over and kissed her on the cheek and said..happy b-day to her as did John. Debbie and I went over to her and wished her a happy b-day as well. She had remembered us from our first meeting awhile back at her home. She lives here in Clearwater ..right near me and we had visited her sometime ago. She then introduced me to Simon...and he shook my hand and gave me a hug. He asked me if I had liked the show..and what was my favorite part ? He was very charming and funny...just as I expected him to be. I was watching Nick the whole time...though I was hoping he didn't notice. Funny thing I could even talk to Simon...but the thought of approaching Nick made me so nervous. Infact Simon was the one who then introduced me to john..who was ...just a bit under the weather..but very nice. He told me he always enjoyed Tampa...and that he liked Florida very much. I remember thinking he looked a bit...tired and ...worn-out..but who could blame him after all. Meanwhile my friend Debbie was talking to Simon about the dinner arrangements...that she had made for the band at a  place in downtown Tampa called CDB's,  a trendy little place that had great food . Again I just waited thinking "maybe I'll just wait..and watch ...and then if I don't get the courage I can always say..well at least I stood in the same room with him" LOL Well before I knew it...Debbie and Simon came over and said let's go..were going to the hotel...the food thing is off! We will eat there. Nick was the first one to say...hey let's go out and visit a club. We just all looked at him and he was smiling...saying ..hey what's Tampa got that we need to see?? LOL Debbie said well we have a great place here in Tampa called The Yucatan Liqour stand. ( now closed) It's a great dance club. Nick asked Debbie to call and see if they would let them come and corner off a section for them. Debbie said sure and made the call. I kid you not that when she got off the phone her face was blank. The club's manager had said to tell Duran Duran that though they were flattered to have been  asked to accommodate the band ...they would rather not as it would cause an uproar...and interrupt the night's business!!!! Simon and Nick burst out laughing and both agreed..." well that's a first we have been banned from a nite club" before we even got there!!! I just stood there in amazement..thinking oh my God..I can't believe this is happening. So as it would end up..we all piled into the limos and headed for the Embassy Suite Hotel. By the time we got there many many fans had found out where the band was staying or followed the limo. Inside I sat next to John...and Nick was across from me. I just kept quiet and still didn't manage anything but a smile. I tried not to even look in his direction at that time.  When we got out of the limo there were tons of screaming fans  and the security just kinda of rushed us into the hotel doors into a lobby area and then the plush cocktail bar that was empty but for all of us. John came in and bid everyone a good night saying he was tired and had to get some sleep. He even shook my hand and hugged me saying that he appreciated us coming.We all went and sat at the bar. Simon asked what we wanted to drink..and I laughed thinking this is my chance.  I'll have a drink or two and get my courage up. LOL ....little did I know Debbie had already lost her patience with me...and before I knew it ..Nick was standing next to me. He looked right at me and said "Hello...I've been in your company the last hour and I don't think we have even spoken ...I'm Nick!"  I had to laugh...and said "yea, I know".  We both laughed, and I said :I'm Mary its nice to meet you".  He then said  "I know who you are too!!"  Seems Debbie had already filled Mr. Rhodes in on my adoration...of him...lol. Before I knew it ..he sat down at the stool next to me and we just started chatting about the show...the music ..and the different kind of audiences they played too. He then asked me something that rather was a shocker...he said..." didn't you have something you wanted me to sign ??  I was very ...shocked at this statement..until I looked at Debbie. She was smiling, and I knew she had told him that with me I had Nick's book Interference. I just smiled and Nick said "well hand it over girl"!!  So I pulled it out..and showed it to him! He said "Wow, I can't believe someone actually bought it!!!"  I said  "yes, I sure did...and would love it if you would sign it for me".  He smiled that big gorgeous smile and said "I would be honored to"!  He signed the front page "To Mary with love and friendship, best wishes Nick Rhodes" and a little artsy face. I thanked him and he hugged and kissed me on the cheek. Debbie and Simon were both laughing and Simon said "oh a mutual admiration society...just what Nick needs"!!  Warren was sitting at the end of the bar with some of the crew and Simon's brother Jonathan. They came over and we all moved to a table. By now more people had showed up to join the group and I felt a bit overwhelmed. Everyone was very nice but I remember thinking, what a life these guys must lead. Nick was showing my book to a few of the other guests and he introduced me to them.  It was great to see Nick being as kinda and warm as I had hoped him to be.  It was about 3 in the morning when we left and I still remember thinking "Wow, they are really a great group of guys"  And you know people can say what they may about Duran Duran but to me they will always be part of my growing up experience and proof to me that dreams and hopes really do come true. Once more that they are all that I had imagined and hoped for...that and much much more, especially Nick Rhodes!!