Standing There (Love in the Park 1)

With over twenty-five vendors selling food and drinks, we get to taste so many different bites that you burn off as you dance to the band. It’s such a perfect night for the concert. No rain in sight and the breeze is enough to keep the summer heat from being unbearable. A couple other bands are listed, but they are all tribute bands of sorts. Some to the eighties, rock, and to the Stones. It’s been going on for three days and now as it closes out with the Beatles tribute band.

We set up our chairs, swaying our bodies as Karma Chameleon comes from the stage. I look around a bit afraid of my brother. I didn’t tell him where we were going because I know damn well he’d show up and try to have a good time, but worry the entire night, never relaxing and enjoying. My attacker is locked up, so I don’t think having a violent crazy bastard hunting me is liable to happen again. Instead, I’m ready to have fun and live a little.

“Do you want to get a drink or something to eat before they come on?” I ask her. I’m freaking starving. I was too busy getting ready to go out to eat.

“Sure, I could use some food.” We wait in line for Johnny’s BBQ, ordering some rib tips and two pops. “Grab some napkins,” she tells me.

“Okay,” I shout walking back to the vendor to grab them. I’m wearing white, going with ribs may not have been the best idea.

“Thanks for telling me about this. You know anything Beatles, and I’m there,” she shouts.

“That’s for sure.” I laugh at her because she’s twirling with a broad smile.

Once we take our seats, she asks, “So are you ready to start your college life?”

I sigh hard, then let it out. “Not at all. I don’t want to go. I think I should tell my brother.”

“You should. But why? Are you not ready? Or is it more than fear?” Katherine knew everything that happened to me. Three years and just thinking about that night gives me the chills.

I shake off the bad memories. “It’s more than that. I don’t know what I want to do or even be. Maybe I should go anyway and figure it out along the way.”

“Do what makes you happy. Life is too damn short to be playing around with your passions.”

“Thanks,” I say, giving her a hug. “Thanks for everything.”

She nudges me, then hands me my rib tips. I take a bite, then take a long drink of my pop, sitting on my chair relaxing and waiting for the show to really kick off. Even though I haven’t decided if I’m going through with college or talking to my brother, I feel a bit of relief. As if just saying it makes it better.

A man appears on stage and up to the mic, he taps it before saying, “Everyone! On now to close out the event is Standing There.” The crowd erupts in applause and cheers.

We all jump to our feet as the first notes to She Loves You are played. My bestie and I make a mad dash to the front and start dancing. Song after song, the people get louder and happier. This band is pretty close to the Fab Four.

“This is so freaking awesome,” she squeals.

Chapter 3

Roman

We pull up to an already crowded park. Our security team is overseeing the event, but I’m not here for that. My father wants me to play nice and meet the mayor. It’s not that I have to, but his office contacted my father personally to see if we’ll be willing to be a sponsor for the event. I’m guessing they want a massive discount on the security. They don’t seem to have more than a few drunks that need to be handled and escorted out, so it’s not a big deal to me, but this didn’t require my attendance. I get a full report of this event from the staff in our debriefings which usually happen the following day, but I’m out of town until Wednesday. I suppose coming here will serve that purpose as well.

I hate being here at all. I’m not the kind of guy who is good with crowds. I’m not agoraphobic or anything, I just don’t like people. I’ve spent the past five years doing my best to bring my father’s company into the twenty-first century. He’s had the best in old-school alpha badass mercenary type guys working for him, but now the security threats are cyber and chemical. My preference is to be behind a computer and away from the public.

My sister has tagged along with me to have fun. She’s the one who wants to see the band. I do love the Beatles, but this isn’t them. Also, it helps deter women when they see one on your arm.