Many months had gone by since Shakira had me in the studio recording a guitar track for her. I couldn't help but think about the post-recording goings on; she made such an impact on my life, my very spirit. But it wasn't a good idea to obsess over it: she had an album to support and a tour to be on. There were a few phone calls from her to say hi, but she didn't have much free time between stops. A signed copy of that CD arrived a few months ago, signed at the factory prior to the plastic being sealed around it, with a note written on the back of the jewel case;
"
Mi Kain mΓ‘s querido
,
You are forever in my heart.
Shaki"
I never unwrapped it; I simply placed it on my entertainment center in plain view. I hoped
mi pequeΓ±a flor Colombiana
would always think of me when the show was over and she was in her hotel room letting sleep overtake her, for I certainly did whenever Conscious Nightmare played out. I was daydreaming, staring at her picture on the cover; those eyes seemed to stare back at me. I was startled back to the here and now by the ringing of my cell phone. The caller ID display showed "Manager", so I figured I should take it.
"Yo, Mike, what's up?" I said. He laughed and got straight to the point,
"Dave Sclimenti from Epic Records just called, you-know-who needs you again, she's gonna be in Los Angeles and will be doing a promotion and performance on the Tonight Show. Can ya believe it?" I froze momentarily, a chance to look into those eyes again.
"Fuck yeah!" I caught myself saying out loud. "Uh, times and dates, Mike?" I asked.
"Monday a week from today, "he replied, "you can re learn it by then right?"
"I haven't forgotten the parts, ya goon." I shot back. Shit, that meant I'd have to open the CD.
After a week of listening to and refreshing myself on the song, I was ready, I hoped. I forgot to ask if I should use my electric or my classical guitar, so I decided to pack both. Dave had sent me 2 plane tickets, in case I wanted to bring anyone, but one of those tickets was for the classical guitar so she wouldn't have to ride in cargo. A brief taxi ride to the airport and I was on my way to a 10:37 AM flight.
A few hours later I arrived in Los Angeles. As per instructions from Dave, I looked for a limo with my name on it. After I collected my bags I headed out to the front of the airport and of course, there was a limo and the driver had a card with "Thornn" in big black letters. He took my bags and put them in the trunk and opened the door for me. I got in, expecting no one, maybe a management type if anyone at all. Just as the door closed there were arms around my neck and a familiar face. Pressed against mine. Her lips were as soft and warm as I remembered. Her tongue reintroduced itself to mine and they were happy to see each other again.
"Kain! " She exclaimed, wiping the corner of her mouth with a finger, "I am so happy to see you again!"
"Shaki, it's been too..." her next kiss cut me off, but I wasn't about to complain. So many months had gone by and it felt like only yesterday since I did that recording for her and we went out to celebrate. Those moments were etched into my mind like the four faces of Mount Rushmore. The very air was filled with her essence and I breathed deeply of it. That spicy fragrance rekindled my thoughts and desires. I had to contain myself since we were on our way to the NBC studios for the pre show rehearsal. Times like this I hated the often tight schedules performing kept me on, and I'm sure she was thinking the same thing. But there would be time afterwards, time to let go of what I had kept inside me for all these months. "Tonight,
mi querida
, "I thought to myself "there will be a dance for you".
After a quick stop at the Hilton to drop off my bags and freshen up, Shaki and I were off to the NBC studios in Burbank. She told me her idea for the performance, just her and I, no band, well dressed. I asked her which guitar was more appropriate and she pointed out the classical guitar. Its mellower tone was just what she wanted. What Shaki wants, Shaki gets.
It was rather fun meeting Jay Leno; he's quite a swell guy. We sat in the "green room" and talked briefly about cars and his massive collection. Then it was time and he returned to his dressing room for final preps. Shakira and I went to her dressing room and had a pleasant catching up chat. Her family was so proud of her accomplishments, and her tour was going great and the fans were always so happy to see her. I knew what it was like to have fans, but not nearly in the numbers she did. The knock at the door told us that I had to go to my own dressing room and change into the suit I brought for this occasion; black wool pinstripe with a string tie, suspenders, white shirt, black patent leather shoes and white spats. My hair went up into a ponytail. I was sharp! I ran through the song again just for polishing. The nerves were starting to set in. This would be my largest audience ever, not just the people in house, but when it was broadcast there'd be millions of people, oh shit...
Jay took everyone to a commercial and I was rushed out onstage and put on a barstool. As I walked by the famous desk, Jay motioned a thumb's up and mouthed the words, "Nice suit." I returned the thumb's up and mouthed a thanks to him. The lights were dimmed and the break was over. The announcement came;