CHAPTER 4 continued...

It was not often that a performer got this accolade at the Sweetwater. The crowd only ever asked someone to sing one more song, if they were really good. I would like to think that it was because of my song writing talent or my musicianship. However, I knew it had more to do with singing ‘Lady in Red’. I knew now was a perfect time to pull out a really soft personal song. The audience wanted to hear more. The contrast between ‘Lady in Red’ and a really personal song would pull them in even further. I decided to sing one of my favourite songs ever written, ‘Boy with the Bubblegun’, by Tom Mcrae.

I took a seat again on stage. I sang softly from the place inside me that seems only to come out, when I close my eyes and strum my guitar. The crowd stayed absolutely silent the whole way through. The only sound that came from the audience was the creaking of the wooden chairs, as they moved in their seats. When I finished, the crowd stood and clapped. I thanked them and quickly made my way off stage.

Once I was off stage, I had only one thing on my mind. I had to talk to the girl before the next band started playing. Even for her, I would not risk feeling Justin’s wrath, if I tried to spark up a conversation, during a performance. As I stepped out into the bar, a wall of people was there to greet me.

“Hey Shane. That was a great set man. I loved ‘Lady in Red’!” Someone raved.

“Oh, thanks a million, I really appreciate it.” I said, with a smile. I looked over the guy’s shoulder to see, if the girl was still sitting down. In the background, I saw her and the friend. They were getting their things together to stand up and leave.

“Are you playing any other gigs soon?” Another random patron asked.

“Eh…yeah….eh.” I was totally distracted, by the figure of the girl. She was now making her way to the door. “Sorry, yeah mate just leave your email address at the bar. I will let you know about all the upcoming gigs.”

“Oh, thanks. Do you . . .?”

I cut him off, as I pushed passed to try and catch her. I had to meet her! She was almost at the door. I was at the other end of the bar. I was now facing a gauntlet of people, who wanted to tell me how much they enjoyed ‘Lady in Red’.

“Hey Shane!” Somebody called.

I again ignored them, as I pushed my way to the door. I couldn’t see her anymore. She must have already left. SHIT! I finally got to the door and bounded through it. I immediately turned to look down the road, but there was nothing. She had gone. I didn’t even get to say hi! Typical. I dejectedly turned to go back inside, when I heard a sweet soft voice from over my shoulder.

“Shane, right?”

I turned. Suddenly, she appeared from behind a partition. She was waiting for her friend to finish a cigarette. She looked up at me and smiled politely. I immediately became very aware of myself. Was there sweat dripping on down my forehead? Did my breath smell badly? Was my fly undone? Could I remember how to speak English?

“Are you looking for someone?” She said trying to help the conversation along.

“No sorry, I … eh… I just thought I saw someone I recognised leaving the bar.”

“Oh. I see. But if you knew them, wouldn’t they have said hi, once you finished your set?” She looked at me confused, not realising that I was spinning total bull.

I looked back at her with a stupid blank look on my face. I think she must have sensed, that I was struggling to answer that one. Oh god! I had completely forgotten how to talk, next I would forget how to stand and fall over in a heap on the ground.

“I really enjoyed your set by the way.” Her inquisitive look had now turned into a wide smile.

“Yeah, I never really play songs like ‘Lady in Red’ but …”

“No. I loved the song you sang before that the most. It was very honest. I am glad to hear there are still men out there, that see sex that way.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Emma? Come on we better go. I have to get back home.” Her friend interjected.

Emma. Of course she had a name like Emma. It was a beautiful name for a stunningly beautiful girl.

“OK Claire! I am coming now. Sorry Shane, but I better go. It was nice talking to you though.”

I would love to pretend, that right here I whipped out a brilliantly charming line and managed to get her phone number. Instead, I stood there like a five-year-old waiting in vain to be picked for a football team with wide eyes and scared shitless.

“Yeah, it was nice talking to you too. See you soon.”

“Well hopefully, I will see you again. Bye!” She was already running after her friend, when she replied.

She was gone.