"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" I ask the lady sitting next to an open seat at the bar. She is a pretty blonde, not surprisingly.
"No, it isn't." she replies and turns toward the empty seat on her other side.
I sit, straighten my skirt, and get the bartender's attention and order a Diet Coke with a single shot of bourbon on the side. I am a bit of a lightweight when it comes to drinking, so I must be careful if I am to get what I came for.
I look around the bar slash restaurant. Televisions are everywhere with a variety of sports games and recap shows playing. This place is like most other sports barsβlots of people, lots of noise, lots of booze.
"Do you know what they have good to eat?" I ask the lady.
"Their burgers are great and go for the sweet potato fries. They are to die for!"
"Thanks! I am new to the area. Do you have any suggestions of other places to hang out?"
We start talking about the area and the what's what when I see her look over my shoulder and her eyes light up. I know who is coming because it is the person I am here for. She is just part of the package and I am not complaining.
Just then my drinks arrive. I pour the shot of bourbon into the Diet Coke and concentrate on slowly stirring the mixture as
he
takes the seat on the other side of her.
She greets him with a "Hey baby" along with a hug and a kiss. I watch all this from the corner of my eye. He gets the bartender's attention and orders a beer. Once he orders, the lady says, "I was just telling her..." she turns to me, "I'm sorry. I never got your name. I am Marie and this is Austin."
I turn to them both, extend my hand, and say, "Hi. I'm Lynn."
I look from Marie to Austin. His jaw has dropped, his eyes wide. I know I was the last person he expected to see in Louisiana. Marie shakes my hand then I reach around towards Austin. He hasn't quite recovered from the shock and I can't tell if he will be angry, pleased, or some other emotion at my presence. He recovers enough to take my hand. I think we both feel the electricity firing at our touch.
"Nice to meet you both." I say with a grin as I release his hand.
"Anyway, I was just telling Lynn about the concert tomorrow. She is new in town." Marie explains to Austin.
"You said it is where?" I ask.
"It is at the Sports Complex and Amphitheater off of Rosewood Boulevard."
"I think I can find it. I am good at navigation."
"Great! If you make it, look for us near the back of the lawn. It makes it easier for a quick escape and the music can still be clearly heard."
"I just might do that. Well, it was great meeting you both. I need to head out. Have a good night." I quickly finish the rest of my drink as they say goodbye.
I head toward the exit and look back before opening the door. Austin is watching me over Marie's shoulder as she is talking to him. After a moment (or perhaps days?) of eye contact, he focuses back on Marie and I walk out the door.
My heart is racing. It has been years since we have seen each other, not to mention even touched. I need to focus on Marie, convince her to play. She doesn't know about the years of desire raging between Austin and I, and I can't let her know.
The AC/DC tribute band begins playing at 3:30. I arrived at 2:00. Shortly after the first song starts, I slowly walk across the back of the lawn, looking for Marie and Austin. I see them sitting on a blanket, ice chest nearby and beers in their hands. They are smiling, laughing, and enjoying the concert. I stay back watching them through a couple of songs.
With a deep breath, I smooth down my jean shorts and tank top and work my way to them. I am carrying a beach towel to sit on and a small ice chest.
"Hey there." I say to them as my shadow falls over them.
They both look up, shading their eyes as the sun glares into their eyes. Marie smiles and stands up to greet me.
"Hi Lynn! I am glad you were able to make it."
"I had a hard time finding someplace to park. Was a short hike to get here." I lied.
Marie gestures to the grass next to their blanket. "Well, have a seat. Would you like a beer?"