Grabbing Hold (The Motorcycle Kid #1)

6. Run-in, Part Two

Charlotte didn't have long to wait. By seven o'clock, a gentle breeze started to blow across the grassy, hedge-lined area known as the Misty Vale Greens.

She gripped the microphone in her hand, preparing to step on to the makeshift stage.

"Am I good?" She asked a random stagehand, who flashed her a thumbs-up.

"Good evening, Misty Vale! Man, you guys look absolutely amazing tonight. My name's Charlie, and I'm gonna be your MC tonight! Now who's ready for some Shebang action?"

The crowd laughed, yelling at her.

"Now, as we all know, the Misty Vale Summer Shebang is an annual event sponsored and hosted by the Misty Vale Women's Society. These women have made it their duty to be pillars for this community and this town as a whole, and on their behalf, I really want to thank you guys for coming out. To officially welcome you, we have the President of the Women's Society herself, Mrs.Tallie Sheffield."

Ryder and Will sifted through the thickening crowd, coming to stand next to Brady, who had an arm wrapped around a girl dressed in a grey T-shirt that read EAT SLEEP REPEAT.

"Oh, hey, Ryder," he said with a shy smile.

"Hey."

"This is my girlfriend, Savannah. Savannah, Ryder," Brady introduced. The girl smiled.

"Nice to meet you," she replied.

"My pleasure."

Charlotte tapped lightly on the mic before flashing a large grin.

"Alright, Misty Vale! Who's ready to celebrate?"

The crowd cheered in response, and Charlotte clapped her hands together.

"Yeah! That's what I'm talking about! Just a heads up, there is food on sale all around the square compliments of Tee's! Also, make sure you stick around for the big fireworks display coming up later on! It is going to be spectacular!"

Ryder tuned out as Charlotte talked about the various events and activities the mini carnival was expected to have over that weekend. There was a Ferris wheel and a travelling circus (hence the massive tent), plus dozens of booths with games and prizes to be won.

"Enjoy it all, folks! Now, 'cause I know y'all are dying for some real music, for our first act of the night, we have Misty Vale's very own teen heartthrobs, Fanatics!"

Ryder was beyond surprised when Emmett, Dickson and two other boys he didn't know stepped on to the stage. Emmett had a guitar in hand, and Dickson sat himself behind a pair of drums on the side of the stage.

"Goodnight, Misty Vale! How are we doing?"

The crowd yelled in response. Fanatics was either really good, or the crowd wanted them gone.

"Tonight, we're gonna be doing an original we like to call Summer Lover. Sing along if you like it, guys! Here we go!"

The crowd started bouncing along to the song, and Ryder took the opportunity to snag a snack.

"What can I get ya this evening?" one of the servers asked. "We got burgers, hot dogs, barbecued chicken, grilled potatoes-"

"I think I'll have a burger and some fries," Ryder ordered. She nodded.

"Coming right up. Drinks?"

"You got beer?"

"You bet."

By the time Ryder got his food, Emmett and the rest of Fanatics were still playing on stage. Dickson was a good drummer, and Emmett wasn't half bad on vocals or guitar.