Can't Stop (Frusciante fan fic)

Part 19-Standing in Line to See the Show Tonight

A/N: Well, looks like we'll be going back into Phase 1 in California again. So I'm none too optimistic about actually going to Bottlerock Napa. Plus, I already wrote up to now. So being a bit bored at home, I figured why not cook up something from my imagination. It probably won't be that far off from their actual setlist, though I could be wrong. I'm including in future chapters two songs they will probably never play. I went totally off the rail writing the post-concert story on my computer, so you'll get to read those. Enjoy for now!

October 1st, 2020:

I get off the plane, feeling tired, my iPod still playing Jimi. I turn it off and exit the plane, go get my luggage off the belt. Then I head over to get my rental car. It's not cheap, but all of this is worth the splurge in my opinion. Beats driving my car for 9 hours in each direction. I get a silver Toyota Corolla, same as my car at home, to make life easier. 

Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge in the early evening is breathtaking, and I've never driven over or walked on the bridge before, despite living in NorCal for 11 years. I arrive at the hotel, which is modest, but not a dump off the freeway like a lot of the places I usually stay in. The main attraction for me is that it almost in downtown Napa, and I can just walk over the river to the Expo tomorrow.

I'm of course looking forward to three days of solitary relaxation and music. And yes, I love Stevie Nicks and Dave Matthews Band, both legendary, and both with an uncanny ability to blend all sorts of instruments into their performances. Plus, Dave Matthews, sings, writes, and plays guitar. Can't beat that. The Chilis have that ability too on their earlier albums with the sax and even Flea playing the trumpet. But they probably won't use it. Yet, I'm still excited about all of it. 

Nothing thrills me like the idea of seeing John again, though. This is the first time in front of a big crowd for him for years as far as I know. I know I would be so nervous. I don't know how he feels. Given playing the guitar takes up to 99% of his time for most of life, it would seem, I bet he's not as anxious as I would be.

Napa is a cute small city, and once I park, feeling more tired than ever, I get some takeout from a local bar and bring it back to my hotel room. I call Louise to let her know I have arrived safely, and to say goodnight to Sophia. Sophia still seems distracted by the dog all these hours later and doesn't really want to talk to me. We left 2 days of food out for John, and she can feed him after Maeve's party again too. 

At this point, I've stopped feeling any guilt about not attending the party. I do appreciate that Heather helped out with the party, but I have a feeling she digs Greg and I just find it difficult to be friends with someone who looks like Barbie and from what she's mentioned, gets a ton of alimony. I can be such a bitter bitch.

I crawl into bed and sleep like a baby, awakening in time to get some breakfast and walk around town before the gates open at 11 am. I finally get to the Expo and have my pass scanned, then put it around my neck, close to my heart the rest of the weekend. My backstage pass is practically glued to the pocket of my shorts. Since the Chili Peppers headline the first day, my backpack today is filled with a T-shirt for myself, Greg, Sophia, Maeve, and Will. I'm not sure whether or not any of them except Sophia will want them signed or even care anymore. 

I also printed out copies of the picture of Sophia and John, and the picture of Sophia and me at Dana Point almost 1 year ago. Sophia begged me to print them and have them signed by all the members of the band. I wonder if John has shared them with the band since she texted him all those months ago with the pictures. Probably not. I drew the line at carrying Sophia's guitar to have signed though. No way I'm lugging that thing around all day. 

As I enter, I see a small crowd in front of a stage. I put down my towel and sit down, planning to get some water soon since you can't bring your own. Bunch of nice looking kids in an orchestra playing, ranging from about Sophia's age to young teenagers. They are pretty good. I relax, applaud them when they are finished playing. Sophia would be thrilled to play guitar for such a large, international crowd. She has no fear. Even if everyone is still wearing masks. The weather is perfect.