I really shouldn't be writing this; I promised her I'd keep it confidential. But that night sizzled so much that I can't get it off my mind. It was really something unforgettable.
There was a crowd backstage. It was overly warm and the press of people was oppressive, but it was a great place to see the performers.
Rebecca St. James was winding up her set. She hit her big finish and came bounding off stage. Now Rebecca tried to make her way through the crowd, her hair flying. She practically bumped into me as she moved through the mass of people. Her frustration at working through the crowd was evident. I smiled at her.
"Getting through these crowds can be tough, huh?" I said.
Rebecca smiled and nodded. "It sure can," she said. She smiled. "Would you like to do something for me?"
"Sure," I said. "What can I do?"
"Carry my guitar for me, OK?"
"I'll be happy to." We began to leave. Rebecca signed a few autographs. Her young, mostly female fans seemed thrilled.
"I love these kids," she said with a chuckle.
We left the building. "It's just a block or so down here," she said.
Rebecca and I made small talk while we walked. I don't remember much of it, but I remember her saying, "It certainly does get lonely on the road."
"I can imagine it does," I replied.
"I toured for 13 months once," she said. "That was really tough."
"I can imagine," I said.
"But I have ways of coping with the loneliness."
"You have to," I said.
We entered the lobby of Rebecca's hotel. Together we got in the elevator. She pressed the button and we went up. Now we walked down the hall and she unlocked her room.
"Nice room," I said, looking around.
"It will do," she said..
"Put it right there," Rebecca said, motioning to the spot. I put the guitar down.
"Well, nice talking to you," I said. I turned to leave.
"Wait a minute," she said." I turned back. "Let me ask you something."
"OK."
"Do you think I'm attractive?" she asked. I could tell the question was important.
"Yes, I do," I said. "Very much so." She smiled.
"Thank you," she said. She walked toward me. "And thanks for carrying my guitar. Let me show my appreciation," she said. She took off her jacket.