It was the last rock concert of the season at the local amphitheatre and the cool breeze of the September night sent a chill through his body. "It's going to be a chilly night" he thought as he walked from the parking lot. The line of concertgoers snaked up the hill as the throngs took turns being patted down by security. He'd shown up by himself even though he had two tickets. His brother was supposed to be his "date" for the night but he cancelled at the last minute. There was no time to line up anyone else and now he had to deal with the scalpers, a prospect that made him cringe. He could see them milling just outside the ticket booth. He figured he would recoup some of the cost and put the money towards a t-shirt and a beer.
That's when he saw her leaning against the wall off to the side. She was a bit younger than he was. She had blonde hair and was wearing a very short mini-skirt and black boots. He could tell instantly she had a great body. What if, he thought to himself.
He watched her surveying the crowd. Waiting for someone? What if she were stood up? What if she was looking for a ticket? No, she'd be talking to people if that was the case. She was definitely waiting for someone. Hell, a girl THAT good looking HAD to be with someone.
He hesitated a moment and then decided "What the hell." He walk up to her. She looked at him, slightly startled, but not unfriendly.
"Hi, do you need a ticket?" he asked casually.
"Actually, I'm supposed to meet someone who has my ticket. If she ever shows up."
The thud of a bass guitar was clearly audible. The show had started.
"They didn't show up?" he asked, just to keep the conversation going.
"No," she sighed. "And she was supposed to meet me at 7:30pm."
He looked at his watch. It was already 8:15pm.
"Maybe she's waiting for you somewhere else."
"No, it was supposed to be right here. By the flagpole." She sounded exasperated. "That's the last time I arrange to buy a ticket on Craig's List."
"So, you don't know the person?" he asked.
"No, and they probably just decided to blow me off. And Green Day's my favorite band and now I'm going to miss it."
She was clearly bummed.
"Not necessarily," he said with a smile.
She looked at him, puzzled. It was then that he noticed she had beautiful green eyes.
"I have an extra ticket. My brother blew me off too. I mean, he bailed on me."
She looked at him like he'd just found her lost puppy. Then her expression darkened.
"But I already bought the other ticket. I mean, I sent her a check in the mail...How much are you asking for it?"
He smiled kindly.
"You can have it. I'll give it to you. No problem."
Her face lit up. "Oh, thank you!" She threw her arms around his neck. He could feel her full, round breasts press against his chest.
This could turn out okay after all, he thought.
Walking to the venue, he glanced at her long legs striding, with her black leather boots click-clacking on the cement. She was talking excitedly, something about the tour the band was on, but he was lost in his thoughts. I'm going to be sitting with this incredibly hot babe. And she's so nice. This is so great!
She paused her monologue. She was waiting for a response. Had she asked him a question? Jeez, get your head out of your ass, he thought.
"I said my name's Amanda," she repeated, helpfully.
"Oh, Jason," he answered, smiling.
"Hi Jason," she said, with a sexy twinkle in her eye.
They stopped to buy a couple of beers and then found their seats. They were good ones and she jumped up and down when she saw how close they were. They were ten rows back from the stage, off to the side.
They settled in their seats. He had brought a blanket in case the temperature dropped. He stuffed it under his seat. They "clinked" their plastic beer cups.
"Here's to great seats," he said.
"Great seats. Great music. Great company" she answered with warmth in her eyes. "Thank you, Jason. I owe you big time."
"Don't be silly," he said, graciously. "You know, I feel like I'm the lucky one."
A smile spread across her face. She pressed herself against him, slipping her arm through his.
"Well, I feel like I won the lottery" she answered.
They spent the time during the first act and the changeover talking face to face. Which concerts they'd seen. What music they liked. What music they didn't. Where they lived and worked. He learned she was new to the area, didn't know that many people yet (which explained why she wasn't on a date.) She was single after being in a long relationship with a guy. They'd split up because he wanted to get married and she wasn't ready. She said she wanted to live, to experience things, before she took that step.
She learned that he was a genuinely nice guy. He had planned to come to the concert with his brother but when he backed out he didn't make him pay for the ticket. He didn't have a girlfriend, not because he was unattractive (he was anything but) but because he didn't want to waste his time unless he really cared for the person. She found him interesting, funny, and sincere. And the fact that he wasn't a scam artist made him all the more attractive.
He realized they were having one of those honest conversations you can sometimes have more easily with a stranger than with someone you know. Like when you're sitting on a plane and end up telling the woman next to you all about your past relationships. Something about the proximity, and the anonymity, made it easier.
By the time the next act was being announced, he felt like they'd been friends for a while. He wondered if she felt that same intimacy. He wanted her to.
