Page 26 of The Leaves In Autumn
Feels like there is a sexual element to the whole thing. Could be I am projecting. Because that is how I feel taking my place next to Aargon. He looks good. Smells good. The urge to sit on his face is real.Control yourself, woman.
“What are you snickering about?”
“What? I’m not snickering. Where’d you get that word?”
He is not buying it. I hold my denial but have trouble controlling the giggle.
“The dictionary is full of them. That one says exactly what I mean.”
“I can think of one that says what I mean.”
His eyebrow raises and we laugh at ourselves. He leans into my ear.
“Tell me.”
I wiggle a finger in his face.
“No.”
“That’s very promising.”
I chuckle and come in close.
“It is, isn’t it?”
He watches and approves as I do a contained little dance.
“You are the sexiest woman here.”
When our eyes meet, he shrugs as if he only was telling the truth. I am saved by the dimming lights and the roar of the crowd, anticipating Montana’s arrival. But for a few beats I linger in his words. Then the drama of the moment takes over.
To the opening chords of “Mined”, their first hit, Montana rises from underneath the stage. Those who were not already standing, stand now. The band is in a slow lift, pulling every bit of anticipation to its greatest heights. A baritone voice reaches into the furthest corners of the room.
“Ladies and gentlemen, things are about to get crazy in here! Put your hands together and welcome back to the Fieldhouse, our own native sons and daughter, Montannnnnnnna!”
He stretches the name until the music takes over and drowns him out. The place goes wild, and through the floor I feel the shaking sensation of eight thousand fans suddenly jumping and dancing. Screams and whistles greet the talented group as they connect with the audience. This is so fucking awesome!!
“Hello, Bozeman! It’s so good to be back! Ready to party with us?”
They go mad!
“Put your hands together!”
Dove delivers the lines as if she has never said them before. I think it is genuine, regardless. She looks like a sexy angel. The dress. It is an ice blue gossamer deal. Really short in the front, and long and flowing like a bridal train in the back. Legs that go on forever. Her hair! Goldilocks come alive.
The way the fan’s breeze picks up the tendrils and the hem is visually stunning. They float behind her. The guys have their own look. Each different but equally identifiable. Tony cannot look anything but hot. If I was gay, bi, or a member of the latest generation, he’d be my hall-pass.
Their first number one hit connects with the masses. They start singing the clever combination of notes that are now so familiar. So do I and thousands of others. Not Aargon of course. He would rather just watch. Dove plays the room, catching the attention of each excited person she picks to sing to. Engaging someone on the left of the stage, then right, sometimes behind her.
Something comes over me and I grab Aargon’s arm and squeeze the hell out of it in a wordless reaction. He just laughs and allows me my freak out moment. I bend over and catch Nobel’s eye. He reads me right and laughs at the excitement that is written across my face and through clenched teeth. Teddy captures the moment.
As the song comes to an end, the sound of satisfied fans swells. Dove walks the stage with open arms.
“We are so happy to be here with you, friends. Thank you for all the love you send our way! We feel the same about you. Really. It means the world to us. Let’s get a little loose, shall we?”
The response is just as expected. The match ignites the tinder. Every single person here wants like hell to get loose. Bring it on, baby! Although truth told, I am pretty freakin’ loose already.
“Here’s one of our most requested covers. I think you’ll recognize it.”
