Neon Moon

Ch. 2 First Gig

Friday came and you were very excited and a little nervous. Music was in your bones. Growing up you didn't have much, but you had your guitar. Your dad taught you how to play and everything he knew about music till you started to tune your own craft as you got older. He picked up an electric guitar from a pawn shop somewhere in Atlanta when you were 14. You loved playing music even if it was mostly covers. It wasn't the audience or the chase of fame you wanted, but it was more of where music could take you. Just like people who love books getting sucked into a new world going on an adventure through storytelling. That's what music did for you.

When you moved to town your Aunt Dolly was able to set you up with a job as a waitress at the local diner. You didn't mind, you had waited tables before and was able to slip back into that routine easily. You also really liked talking to the local folk. Whenever you got a break you would write in your old worn treasured notebook different set lists going through song after song in your head trying to decide what worked and didn't. You were determined to do a good job so you asked your coworkers for advice.

Jenny, the other waitress said, "classic rock like Seger, Kansas, Eagles, CCR, The Rolling Stone, and other stuff like that."

Tom the cook said, "no doll you gotta stick to classic country. Denver, Jones, Kenny Rogers, and Willie."

You listened to their input and decided you would do a little mixture of both. Your mind was racing with songs, lyrics, and cords trying to remember how they all went.

Leaving the diner a little early to run home and get ready you caught the sun setting a gorgeous West Virginian site of oranges, yellows, and dark blues start to merge. You walk into your secluded trailer home you were able to get for a steal when you came to town. It was beat up and rough but you didn't care, you just needed your own space. You also really loved the open field and trees behind it.

Rustling through your piles of clothes you find your favorite flowy mid length skirt with a slit up the side, a Johnny Cash tshirt, and a belt. Quickly throwing the look together you slip your cowboy boots on and look in the mirror. You let your hair out of the bun you had for work and let your hair fall and naturally part nicely framing your face. You grab your classic acoustic guitar, light blue 70's fender telecaster electric guitar, and your small amp and cords. You throw them into the back of the Bronco. Hopping into the driver's seat you check your make up in the mirror before backing out heading to the bar.

Pulling up and parking at The Duct Tape it finally hit you what you were doing. You were going to perform in front of a group of strangers for a little extra money. The nerves started setting in. Your mind started to debate how much you needed the money. Knowing you really need the money because you came here with basically nothing you get yourself together. Checking the time it was 7:30pm just enough time to set up, get a drink and start. Taking a deep breath grabbing your stuff you were as ready as you could be.

Clyde for the past 30 minutes kept watching the door. Every time the rusty hinges screamed open his head turned to see who it was hoping it would be you.

"Why you watching the door like a hawk Clyde?", His brother Jimmy Logan asked.

"I'm not"

"Every time that door swings open your head spins like a top. Who are you waiting for?" Jimmy asked again.

Like it was your cue the rusty hinges screamed open as you stepped through carrying two guitar cases and a small amp under your arm. Jimmy watched as his brother's eyes fell on you and a shy smile broke across his lips.

"Clyde Logan. You didn't tell me you have a crush." Jimmy laughed.

"I don't. I'm just excited for some live music." He said as he tried to act like his eyes weren't glued to you from the moment you stepped through the door.