Sage

46

Harry.

A man beat on the bongo, and a sunny smile spread across his face as a crowd danced rhythmically around him, cheering him on. A few meters away, a woman played a whispy song on the ukelele for energetic children.

All around us were chants, claps, and music. The festival was as lively as I expected it, and I'm glad I listened to Ellie and dressed in my white tee and tye-dyed shorts as opposed to the slacks and button-down.

Despite being a music producer, it was my first time at something like this. Ellie, on the other hand, had been to plenty.

The sunset cascaded over her brown skin, causing it to effortlessly beam golden. She wore a tight-fitting pink dress with ruffles that stopped shortly after her ass and swayed with each step she took. Her bump looked adorable, protruding naturally through the fabric.

Her hair fell in voluminous curls down her shoulders, the top half wrapped and knotted in the back with a silk scarf. In her ears, were golden hoop earrings. On her face, square-shaped black shades with golden temples and bridge. Her makeup was done beautifully as it always was; light and effortless but breathtaking nevertheless.  She was skillfully alluring and it made my stomach flip in all the best ways as I walked a foot or two behind her, my twinkling eyes were fixated on her and only her.

The large stage was occupied by an underground band that attracted the attention of a good amount of high college students. I watched Ellie's nose twitch up at the sound of the music and could tell she'd rather wait until the real talent- my artists- got up there.

"You want something to eat? They've got sick funnel cakes," I offer after catching up to her. My hand slips into hers with ease. She rests her head on my arm and I lift our conjoined hands to gently kiss the outside of her hand. I can smell the cocoa butter lotion she put on and it makes me peck the area a second time. And then a third.

"Do they have fried Oreos?" She has to raise her voice over the commotion, oblivious to my doings. Either that, or she was just used to public affection seeing as it was kind of her job.

"It's a festival, babe. Of course, they do."

"I want both," She looks around, presumably for the concession stands.

"Whatever you want," I say, and I meant it.

We wend our way through the large bodies, following the smell of fried sweets and cinnamon. It has my mouth watering but I know I'll be sick if I eat any of it, so I let it be Ellie's thing.

"Do you know who's performing?" She suddenly asks as we wait in the short line. I can hear the piercing squeak of an amplifier being set up so I know it's where most people have gravitated to.

"Some guy, something bear," I tried to recall the name but it fell short. "He's not my client, so,"

"Okay, so which of your clients are performing? I've never really heard any of the music you produced. Only the songs you have in the studio at home,"

"You've never googled me?" I ask, genuinely shocked.

"Of course I googled you. But it was a really long time ago, I was mad and didn't give a shit what your music sounded like,"

We take another step, now with one person in front of us.

"So you give a shit now?" I tease and she rolls her eyes.