London Harmony: Roctoberfest (2 page)

I have to admit I was sort of crushing on her at first, but as she said after our first jam session, she liked me too much to sleep with me.  It was odd, I usually crushed on straight girls like Caroline, girls I could never have, but Mick just had that certain dangerous feel that was exciting.

Then there's me, the last Horseshoe, I round out or five person band and do an okay job with the backup vocals though they aren't my strong suit.  I'm not a really outgoing person and tend to be quieter and a little nervous around new people.  But when I discovered drumming.  I let it be my expression, let it be the loud and explosive part of me that I hide deep down inside.

I think we were all a little drunk when we renamed our band from Inner Temple to Purple Horseshoes.  We were munching on Lucky Charms cereal straight out of the box as we were contemplating names.  Caroline blurted out, “Purple Horseshoes!” And we all thought that was the greatest idea in the world.  Now we all wonder what we were thinking. 
Oh shut up, I know I'm smiling when I say that.

I had just loaded my gear onto my dolly when a car horn beeped.  I looked back and there was a grinning Mick hopping out of her ever dependable beat up white truck. Caroline sat on the passenger side waving cutely.  She was just as nervous as I was about this weekend.  This was a pivotal part of the competition today since it didn't hinge on just one performance, it gave the competitors a chance to adjust to your prior performance.

Mick got up to me and said, “Give me some sugar, String Bean.”  I blushed and hugged her.  She was solidly built as always, and her impressive bust pressed against me.

Then she turned me around and shooed me off like a kid toward the truck.  “Get in where it is warm, I got yer junk here.  You don't need to be exerting yourself.”

I tried arguing. “It's fine Mick I can...”  She just pointed at the truck and I hung my head and exhaled in defeat and headed toward the truck.

She teased out loud to herself, meaning for me to hear,  “Damn I love it when she does what I say.”  I blushed and hurried to the truck.

Caroline scooted over on the seat to let me in with a knowing smile on her face.  “She sent you away to get warm I see.”

I huffed. “She treats us like we are porcelain dolls or something.  It's so bloody frustrating.”

She grinned at me.  “Yeah I know, but... I kind of like it.”

I looked up and grinned at her as I nodded and admitted, “Truthfully... so do I.”  We smiled at each other and I crinkled my nose and scrunched my head to my shoulders.

Then she said in a mock thoughtful manner, “I'm surprised she doesn't have the whole band calling her mistress by now.”

I slapped her shoulder. “Good lord woman, don't let her hear you saying that. It will give her ideas.”

Then she stated in a matter of fact voice that would have had me spewing my drink if I had one, “It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, now would it?”

I shook my head in disbelief at her. “You are a terrible, terrible person.”

She sat up straight with a pleased look on her face. “Thank you.”

Then I stopped a chuckle as I added, “And no, I don't suppose it would.”

We started sharing how nervous we were for the day as Mick loaded my gear onto the truck effortlessly.  I was watching her muscles flex and Caroline grinned at me then shared,  “When she first showed up to try out for the band, I thought she was a bloke until she turned around and she almost put my eye out with her rack.”

I blinked. “You mistook her for a man?  She's definitely all woman.”

She nodded and defended herself. “I know, but with a name like Mick... and she was wearing some baggy jeans and her black hair was tucked away in that leather jacket of hers and I only saw her from behind. I remember thinking 'My, but he has a fine arse,' then she turned around.  I think I may still be blushing about it all these years later.”

I crinkled my nose. “Poor little confused straight girl.”  She stuck out her tongue at me.

A moment later Mick was hopping into the driver's seat and fastening her seat belt and asked as she backed us out of the car park, “So what's the topic ladies?”

Just to embarrass Caroline I blurted, “How Carol thinks you have a fine arse.”

Mick gave one of her “Why hello there,” appraising looks at our blushing friend, and then added to the teasing as she pretended to look behind Caroline and said with a grin, “That goes both ways.”  Then she sighed. “But alas, I'd probably snap you like a twig.”

Caroline looked at me as she blew some of her blonde hair out of her eyes. “I hate you.”

I pouted and she crinkled her nose.  “Fine, I don't.  Just know, there will be a reckoning.”

I tried not to giggle.  Her threat was like a kitten threatening a baby bunny with a severe cuddling.  Then she grinned and slapped my shoulder. “Shut up.”

Mick said in a melodious voice, “Chick fight!”  We all chuckled then she said as she looked at the clock on the dashboard. “We have time to get some food before we meet the boys.”  We nodded, then she inhaled and exhaled quickly.  “After Roctoberfest is over, we need to all sit down with Matt about his attitude.  He's acting like he's the leader of the band instead of Carol, and I don't like the way he is always ordering Animal around.  And you two for that matter.”

We both nodded and I knew Caroline wouldn't say anything, she just wanted everyone happy.  I smirked and tried to make light of it. “You mean like you do?”  It was humorous that Matt seemed afraid of Mick.

She smirked back. “No, I do it with love, you three belong to me and I know what's best for you.”

Caroline cocked an eyebrow. “We belong to you do we?”

She nodded and said, “Yes, is there a problem with that?”

Caroline replied like you would when not trying to upset a hungry wolf, “No, no problem.  Just clarifying.”

The silly grin from the scary lady driving the truck was priceless.  We all laughed.  I marveled at how tight knit our group was and hoped that we could bring Matt around or I was afraid we'd be looking for a new lead guitarist one day.  It was after conversations like this that I missed David, he was a cog that fit into our machine just right.

I just hoped we didn't have to perform with J8.  I love her music to death and am a huge fan, but her chord progressions are extremely tricky just like her mother's, and most guitarists can't pull them off.  David would have just simplified the chords but we are all afraid Matt may try to play them, and he isn't quite as good as David was.

After having a good breakfast, we headed to the load out for the performers that was cordoned off on Chicheley Street off of York.  It took almost a half hour before we could get into the load out.  We showed our participant badges and then Caroline and I stood politely by as Mick unloaded all of our equipment onto two dollies.  We attempted to help, but I'm pretty sure she growled or something close to it when we tried.

Then she gave us a half scrunched up face smile and said,  “Back in a flash.”  She jumped into the truck and pulled back into the stop and go traffic in search of a car park.

I grabbed the handle on one dolly and Carol the other and we grinned at each other as we started pulling the heavily laden transports toward Jubilee Gardens.  As we struggled with our loads, Caroline said idly,  “I still can't believe we've made it to round three. It's so bloody exciting.”

I nodded in agreement.  “I feel like an impostor on stage with all those famous vocalists.  And, of course, they are so hot.”  I grinned like a git.

She rolled her eyes playfully and she said for my benefit, “There is that.”  Then she cocked her head at me.  “All the years I've known you, you've only gone out with someone once or twice.  And those are usually girls Mick sets you up with.  You need to put yourself out there more.  You can't live off of your superstar crushes.”

I looked down at my feet as we made our way through the crowds.  It seemed even more packed than the previous two weeks. This was her annual, “Why aren't you dating?” talk.  It generally followed one of her breakups.  I think she is projecting a bit.  She's back on the dating scene and she doesn't want to be alone while she sifts through all the wankers until she finds a bloke she can knock the rough edges off of.

I replied, “I'm not good around people.”  Then added slyly, “And if you need a wing woman, all you have to do is ask.  I'm always there for you.”

She grinned and said, “Yes you are.  Best friend I ever had.”  Then she whispered just barely above the sounds of the gathering crowds,  “What do you think of the bloke down at the record shop?  Ian?”

I squeaked out a “Ha!  I knew you were sweet on him!  And I don't know, he's a good egg, but you deserve someone who will make all your dreams come true.”

She snorted. “I meant to date, not to settle down with Kace.  Not like I'm going to have his babies or anything, but he looks like a good shag.”

I opened my mouth in shock and blinked.  “Bloody hell Car, you sound like Mick!”

She was blushing profusely.  “I was trying to sound aloof and worldly.  I can't pull it off?”

I shook my head.  “No, you can't.  But we love you anyway.”  She beamed at that and we found stage C and wheeled our carts behind it.  Other bands had already dropped their equipment off.  And a couple were still there milling about.  There were plenty of guards to watch over everyone's gear. I imagine watching for tampering as well as theft.

So it would be ok to wander off to watch the competition perform until it was time for our setup. We only had ten minutes between sets to set up so we had to work fast when the time came.

I saw some familiar shaggy hair heading our way and Animal popped around a stack of drums with an acknowledging smile toward us.  He was loaded down, pulling his rolling keyboard case and carrying the PA amp in the other hand with Matt's guitar and cables hanging all over his shoulder.  Matt was walking behind him holding... a paper schedule.

I was about to sigh in frustration when Mick showed up beside Animal.  She gave him a proprietary smile as she bumped his shoulder with hers.  He blushed like always and she reached out and took the amp from the man.  I almost snorted when she shoved the amplifier into Matt's chest with a “Make yourself useful.”

He huffed at her and looked at his hands as he lugged the amp.  “I was just watching out for my fingers.  I didn't want to strain them before we play.”

Mick ignored him and looked at Darin and gave him a grin as she brushed some of her midnight black hair behind her ear. “Hi.”  Caroline talking about dating again had me reading more into the grin that she gave him than was there.  I shook the thought out of my head.  Good lord, what a pairing that would be though.  She'd be leading the big man around by the nose, and he'd probably love it.

We found a spot on the lawn that was right up against the back of the stage and parked our gear.  I noted a boy sitting by some gear next to ours. He was just rocking back and forth with a blank stare off into space.  He looked around fifteen or sixteen and his facial muscles were a little slack.  He wore a Twilight t-shirt and some jeans.

As we reorganized all of our gear on the carts, I took my drums out of their cases and stacked them on the bass so we could save setup time, a woman came around the corner and sat next to the boy.  She pushed a can of soda in his hand, but he didn't take it.

She put her face to his ear and must have said something because he gripped the can and she kissed him on the cheek. As she got back up and I heard her say, “I'll be back after four songs James.  Four.  Then it will be my turn.”  She stood there and repeated, “James?  Four songs.”  Cool, measuring time in songs.

He nodded with his whole body and said without focusing on anything,  “Four.  Four songs.”  She smiled and hesitated. “You sure you don't want to come watch the bands with me?”

She prompted, “James?”  She didn't move and he looked to get frustrated.  He took one hand from the can and started slapping the gear he was next to.  “No.  People.  Too many.”  Then he covered an ear with his free hand.

She smiled sadly at him. “Okay.  Who loves you?”

I saw the first trace of emotion on his face as he smiled and started rocking faster.  “Sister loves me.”

She grinned. “Damn straight.  Be back soon.”  She left and the emotion drained from him again and he started drinking the soda with both hands.  I often wondered how my younger brother, Michael turned out.  He was thirteen when I had the huge blowout fight with mum and dad when I came out.  They didn't support me in any way, they said I was sick and needed help.  They were going to force me to see a psychologist to 'fix' me.  My brother, who I had nothing but love for, turned on me too, called me some terrible slurs.  I ran and never looked back.

It was great to see how much love this brother and sister had for each other.  Caroline asked, “What do you think Kacy?”

I looked over and the band was all looking at me.  “Sorry, I was distracted.”

She smiled and said, “We were just saying we should all wander around to scope out some of the competition.  The first competition is in twenty.  Ours is the next hour.”

I nodded. “That sounds great.”

Matt looked around.  “We should leave someone with the equipment.  There are guards, but all the other bands left someone.”  Then he looked over to Animal.  “Darin.”

I exhaled, we really needed to have that talk with him.  I said, “I'll stay, but you get the next shift after we play.”

He started to open his mouth to argue, but Mick stepped in front of him.  He blanched and shrugged. “Fine.”  Then he marched off.

Mick gave us all a silly look and we laughed.  Then she turned to our keyboardist. “Come on Animal, you're with me.  I need some arm candy.”  He nodded shyly and she dragged him off.

I watched them go then cocked my head.  “Hmm... you notice how little Animal speaks when Mick is around?”

Caroline watched them go and squinted an eye.  “You're right.  He's shy but usually a jabber box once he finally knows you.”  Then she shrugged.  “You sure you're okay here?  I can stay with you.”

I crinkled my nose.  “No, I'm right.  Go see what kind of competition we have today, it is just going to get worse from here.  Besides, I'll hear two bands playing from here.”

She nodded and said, “Okay, see you in a bit.  I'm so bloody nervous.”  I smiled and nodded in agreement and she nodded back as she skipped off. 
Well fine, she didn't skip but you know what I mean.

I sat with my back to the stage and pulled out my sticks and started air drumming as I looked around.  Matt was right.  There was at least one person with each group of equipment.  I smiled at James, who had finished his soda and was rocking again, staring off into space.

Across from me was a woman sitting on a small monitor amp that had a pearl black Fender beside it.  I tried not to stare but what little I could see of her profile was begging to be admired.  She had straight black hair and a decidedly Asian look to her face with it's delicate features and large almond shaped eyes.  I couldn't tell if it was Chinese or Japanese heritage.  But her slight figure and modest breasts were highlighted by the tight band tee she was wearing.  Her makeup was done darkly and it only drew your eyes to hers and her lips.

I looked away as she started to turn toward me.  I felt like a creeper staring and didn't want to get caught.  I continued to drum the air and then lowered my hands to drum on my thighs as I played the drum part of J8's ‘Thursday Nights’.

I heard someone humming the vocals beside me. I glanced over and James was still rocking, but his face was very animated now with excitement.  How had he known what I was playing?  It is extremely hard to identify songs with just the drums.

I smiled at James and moved from my leg to one of my drum cases and played louder.  His voice rose to match, from a murmur to a clear falsetto.  He sang ‘Thursday Nights’ with a smile on his face, and excitement in his eyes that were focused somewhere in space.

I started getting into it and lent backup vocals to James.  I glanced over and saw that cute gal had sat up straighter and was looked between James and me, studying us.  She cocked her head at me then she shrugged into the guitar strap.  I blinked because that's when I realized she only had one arm... her left, which had a fingerless knit glove on it, like a sleeve.  She adjusted a knob on the little monitor amp and she started playing the guitar... with one hand.

She shot a shy smile my way and looked down when I smiled at her.  It was cute!  Good lord, the woman was barely simplifying J8's chord progressions.  I didn't know it was even possible to play a guitar with one hand until now.  I was fascinated.

We sounded pretty good.  I pulled down my snare from the top of the stack and put it in my lap so I could play better.  She chimed in on the backup with a strong alto.  I don't know why I expected a soprano, but it was like warm honey in the wind.

I whipped my head to the left when someone joined into our jam on the keyboard.  There was a young man, maybe nineteen smiling at us all and adding to it.  By the midpoint of the song, there were six instruments and twelve people singing.

We'd all stop singing at the power notes that James executed so very well.  He had projection and just radiated a joy of music that was so very refreshing.

Then all too soon it was over and we all applauded James.  When the musicians all stowed their instruments, he went back to just rocking with a slack look on his face as he stared at nothing at all.  I said, “You did great James.  You have a brilliant voice.”  I did catch the slightest quirk of a smile from him before it faded.

I chanced a glance over at the guitarist as she unslung the guitar.  I pocketed my sticks and stood and walked over to her.  I bit my lower lip not knowing how to strike up a conversation.  I felt useless.  That was about the extent of my social skills.

She looked up without really looking and just muttered, “Get a good look.”

I blinked.  “Umm... sorry?  What?”

She made eye contact this time she looked mad and... ashamed?  “Gawk at the gimp.”

I blinked. “Oh.  No.  I was just curious how to play with one hand, that was pretty cool.  Is there a method or are you self-taught?”  I noted the right sleeve of the tee was pinned to her side, it didn't seem she had any stump or anything.

She squinted at me for a very long time.  Well maybe it was only a second, it just felt like time was stretching on.  I really wanted to know and I didn't give a platypus in a sauna how many arms she had.  Finally, she looked away from me with a shy smile as she reached for the guitar again and slung it over her shoulder.  She said softly, “It is actually called 'Finger Style', and it was developed for amputees or people who didn't have full use of one hand.”  She strummed a few bars.

She looked up at me, probing me with her chocolate brown eyes.  I nodded and asked, “So how do you both finger a chord and strum?” I was watching her fingers intently so I didn't blush at her scrutiny of me.

She scrunched up her face a bit and said, “Well it isn't really as simple as that. Here watch.”  She started the intro to ‘4Ever’ by the Veronicas.  I watched her hand closer and she started exaggerating her finger movements.

It seemed that she would pick with any free finger she had just below her other fingers that were expressing a chord.  In some cases, it would be the same finger in a slashing, pressing move.  I realized I was grinning like a bloody git when she caught my eyes and smiled then looked at her own hand.

I said, “That's brill.  I could play and drum with the other hand if I learned that.  How long did it take to learn?”

She paused and looked away then said, “A second lifetime.”  There was a haunted tone to it.  She shook her head then tilted it and really looked at me as she played.  “Mei.  Mei Hammond.”