The Handshake:
Why is my family the only one at table 27, while all the other tables are loaded with about eight people? I don't know... gee whiz! Does Andiamo realize how extremely loud that commercial video was? I just hope Pasquale's band isn't that loud, because I didn't pack my noise-canceling headphones in my purse. Ooh! The concert's starting with scenes from Pasquale's next PBS special, which comes out next March. With the show's theme being Italian Piazzas, I wonder what songs he's gonna sing tonight. The footage just faded off the screen, which probably means that the opening song is going to start! Um. The band's playing, and Pasquale's singing, but where is he? Shouldn't he be... wait! There he is, in the middle of the banquet hall, between the second and third row of tables. What is it with Italian singers tricking their fans during the opening numbers? Wait a minute! He's heading to our half of the auditorium while singing, and I bet he's gonna make someone happy before he gets to the stage! Oh. My. Goodness! He's getting closer to my side of the table! Quick, mom! Get the cam... No way! He just turned towards me, and he's walking my way while sticking his hand out. I can't pass this opportunity up! Oh my goodness! His hand feels so smooth, and I never thought I'd actually look into the honey-brown eyes I had written about in several writing projects. I can't hold on forever, so I've gotta let go. Wow! He just patted my shoulder! He's got such a gentle hand! Now, I can't stop smiling! Can't wait to meet him after the show.
The Meet-and-Greet:
Alright, I just purchased a DVD copy of Pasquale's first PBS special, and we're now waiting in line to meet him. I feel like my feet aren't touching the ground. Just finished using someone else's phone to take a picture of them with Pasquale, and once they're gone, I feel my knees getting weak. For looking right at me is Pasquale, who gives a room-brightening smile before I hug him before feeling him pat me on the back. Gotta tell him how his music helped me the last two summers before handing him the folder with the poems and drawing I worked hard on a couple years ago, to which he says "Wow, it looks like me!" Wait! Did he just ask if he could keep it? Of course, he can, especially since I made it of and for him! Hup! Our second embrace tonight! I've gotta introduce him to my parents... whoa! Did he just say the Italian equivalent of my dad's name? That's so cool! Good grief, girl! Why did you just tell him your name, when he knows that well enough to call you famous? Oh, well. Look at how nice and professionally he signs the DVD, complete with "Much love! Pasquale '17." Whoa, there. Did he just say what I think he just said: after I told him how his music helped in the 2015 and 2016 summers, he'll think of me while singing "The Lord's Prayer?" Try not to cry, girl. I repeat: TRY. NOT. TO. CRY! Wow, I can't believe I just noticed how smooth his Ravazzolo jacket is! Parents are saying we gotta depart, so one last hug... and a peck on the cheek, as a bonus. It hurts to say goodbye to someone who, as long as you knew him, helped you in the saddest parts of your life. Can't wait to see him again in the future.
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Pasquale and Me
Phi Hư CấuA WIP collection of poems, narratives, and reviews of my friendship with Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito.
