Like Real People Do

2

I have to crane my head to look up at him.

"Christ, I knew you were tall but this is ridiculous."

I want to kill myself I did not just say that to him.

Fuck.

Fuck.

Fuck.

FUCK.

He just laughs quietly, a melody that I've heard countless times watching interviews, a sound which was universes more beautiful in person.

His laugh sounded like a beautiful meadow. Flowers growing wildly and beautifully as the sun shines down, shimmering against each blade of grass, each leaf on the surrounding trees, the light bouncing off of each in its own way, creating a beautiful array of colors which make the whole scene all the more beautiful.

"You know, I get that more often than you'd think." He smiles down at me, a kind, genuine smile showing his teeth, pristinely white and perfect.

This interaction may well be the death of me. This man may well be the death of me.

"I just came over to tell you how amazing I think you did." One of his hands moves to the back of his neck, a gesture that speaks to him being shy, possibly even anxious about taking to me. "The way you played with such passion, I've never seen anything quite like that. It was quite a sight to behold."

The thought of him speaking to me about how much he admires my passion is almost a laughable thought to me. Having seen him perform and listened to all of his music, there were few people in this world who I would describe as more passionate about their music than him.

"Yeah, I uh... I guess I kind of got caught up in the moment. It helps a bit that they asked me to play a favorite of mine of course. I just have a tendency to get a bit lost in it all I guess." I laugh nervously, my gaze shifting down to my feet. "Not that I can come anywhere close to the way you perform. I actually happen to be quite a fan and the way you get into your music makes me a tad jealous to be honest."

"Oh, Miss Thatcher I refuse to believe that someone who performs like that could be jealous of my passion." My eyes find my way back to his as he speaks again. His small never falters, beautiful and bright as he speaks. "I'm honored though, it always makes me happy when other musicians enjoy my work."

"Please, no need to be so formal. It's sage." I smile back with equal enthusiasm. The idea of speaking to an artist who quite honestly had inspired me to write a bit of music of my own (though it would never see the light of day) made me elated. "Thank you. I'm afraid my nerves did get the best of me just a bit, I honestly couldn't tell you how any of that sounded, I tend to tune everything out when I get nervous." I shrug. "As stupid as it sounds, I tend to get transported into my own little world."

He smile even wider than he was before, a feat I hadn't thought possible. "I completely understand." He nods. "I know you're rather busy at the moment, I'd hate to keep you." He nods his head toward the rather large group of people behind me who I hadn't noticed. "I'd love to talk to you a bit more another time though. I'm touring a bit right now, I have a show tomorrow but I'll be here for a few more days, I'd love it if we could meet up for coffee or something before I leave." His hand is back at the nape of his neck again, his head is tilted down but his gaze is still on me.

"I'd really like that." I smile with my teeth and pull out a pen from the pocket of my cello case. "I don't have any paper but uhm..." I move to take his hand gently.

I carefully write my phone number on his palm before dropping it. "That's my number, just let me know when you're free."  His smile is nothing short of infectious. It reaches his eyes which squint the slightest bit, his eyes are gorgeous, the most incredible shade of green, vivid and bright. "I'll actually be at the show tomorrow. You might see me, I was planning on camping outside of the venue to get barricade." I laugh a little bit at the way that it sounds saying it loud.