The Stranger

Chapter 17

The first thing I do when I get back to Eugene is look for a flyer to see when Lorenzo's band Tortured Genius is playing in town. 

On Friday night, I wear a leather jacket I get at the thriftstore, and feel like I'm starring in the movie grease as I primp and preen like there is no tomorrow, afraid some undergrad hussy has already got her meathooks on my would-be boyfriend.

I don't think Lorenzo even notices me for the entire first set, even though I'm letting my cleavage fall like party favors over the stage.  He's too busy with his heavy base grooves, nodding his head quickly to same strange beat I think only he can hear.  He looks so alive and sexy with his long dark hair and chiseled all-American jaw, I want to unravel myself upon the stage like an offering, but I know I've got some clearning up to do, and there is still a chance he may tell me to fuck off so I have to be patient.

Then finally during the last song called Corporate Mind Fuck, he looks down and we make eye contact.  It makes me feel good that he misses a few notes on my behalf and has to recalibrate his fingers his fingers on the fret board, but he doesn't look at me again until the end of the set, so I'm pretty sure he's pissed.

I wait until almost everyone is gone, and hope he will come out of the dressing room alone because I wasn't the only psuedo-punk chick out there, throwing myself at stage.  He gives the lead singer five, and says he will see him next week.  His hair looks like it's slick with beer, and rain, and I can't think of anything good to say so I say the first thing that comes to my head, Am I you only groupie?

He smiles, says, I don't want you to be my groupie. I don't believe in groupies.

I was just kidding, I say.  I...

Why are you here Anne?  You told me you had some one else.  As I recall you also say you hated punk music.

No, there's no one.  I mean, I'm free.  It's a long story, but...fuck, Lorenzo, I am sorry.  I messed up.  I really liked you, and I just didn't know it at the time because I was cursed.  But I finally broke the curse and realized I like you, a lot.  I don't know what you're deal is right now or if you're already got some new chick but basically what I'm saying is that I'd like to see you again.  For real.  And I promise I won't be such a punk ass bee-otch this time.

I got it, he says, looking me in the eyes.  I got it.

He shakes his head like he's trying to figure out a puzzle then says, You know when I saw you down in the crowd, I thought to myself, Damn, and I didn't even realize it was you.

You mean you liked my tits.

No, I mean, yes. I mean...

I punch his arm, call him a pervert.  So, what are you doing now, I ask.

I was about to go get some noodles down at the Noodle Shack. What are you doing now?

I'm about to say nothing, but after I take a moment to really think about it, I say, I'm seizing the day.

He smiles.

We walk together outside, the rain is falling, but it's warm, and feels like it's caressing my skin. 

I get on the back of his Harley.  I lick the rain from my lips, and it quenches my entire body.

I get in the saddle, grab him around the waste, push my face against his back.

I close my eyes, take a deep breath.

We ride away with the rain in our faces, the wind in our hair.