Free Rock the Boat by Gia Riley

a little tender to the touch. I stare at his hands, remembering the way they felt on my body—his calloused fingertips from his time spent playing the guitar, the unexpected softness of his palm, and the rougher skin across his knuckles.
    Yes, I’m definitely attracted to Easton, but I can’t see a bigger picture with him and that would be a problem if we planned on taking this beyond this week. His life is too unpredictable for a girl with her roots firmly planted in Delaware.
    “Do you think he has a brother?”
    “I have no idea.”
    Just as I turn my eyes back to the stage, Easton reaches into his back pocket, pulling out two drumsticks. He smiles as he sets them on the stool next to him. “Those are for special occasions,” he says with a laugh only I’d understand. “Tonight, I’m going to sing for you.”
    I swallow the lump in my throat, my heart beating so wildly I grip the arm rest on my seat like I’m on a plane headed for a crash landing. Noelle’s eyes are glued to Easton, but mine are solely focused on the sticks. I can still feel them between my legs, his body on top of mine, and his mouth on my neck. Noelle glances at me, probably wondering why I’m acting so weird, but she doesn’t puts two and two together, thankfully.
    I’m able to relax after the first song. With each that follows, I become more and more entranced by Easton’s voice. I find myself wondering what each song means, and the story that was the foundation for the lyrics.
    They continue playing for a full hour before Easton pulls the stool closer to the edge of the stage, microphone in hand. “This is our final song of the night, I hope you like it.” His eyes fall to the floor and he runs his hand over his face like he’s gathering the strength to keep going. It only intrigues me more.
    But as soon as the song hits the chorus, I can tell they’re ending with this one for a reason. Along with everyone else in the theater, Noelle and I sway from side to side as the powerful lyrics swallow up the entire room, consuming us all. Each verse is eerie, like the words Easton’s singing are incredibly personal to him. So much so, his face twists like he’s in pain each time his eyes close. His body’s still on the stage, but the rest of him has been transported elsewhere.
    The way he describes her , it’s clear she means everything to him—even if he is singing about her like she’s never coming back from wherever it is she went. A song about the past is one I can relate to—one that makes me wish circumstances were different, even if they are out of my control. It’s clear whatever barrier is keeping Easton from his happiness is hidden inside this song.
    Noelle wipes a tear from her eye, his words even hitting her soft spot. “Lark, if you don’t go to him after this, I’m going for you. This shit is amazing.”
    And she’s right. There’s no way I’ll be able to fall asleep tonight without seeing him. Especially knowing he’s in his bed only a few decks below me—alone.
    God, I hope he’s alone when I get there.

Having Lark here tonight made this show, different. She couldn’t see me when she walked into the theater, but as I was bending down to adjust the amp, she captured my attention. Her long legs in shorts were even more revealing than the dress she wore earlier. My eyes followed her all the way to her seat where she nervously looked around the room—possibly searching for me. Before she could find me, I ducked behind the curtain, suddenly needing a moment to get my shit together before the show started.
    While we were talking at the bar, I never got the feeling I needed to impress her, but hell if I didn’t want to. From the second I stood underneath the spotlight, my eyes raked over every seat, just like they always do, but I skipped over her on purpose. Partially so I didn’t screw up the first song, and partially because I need her to crave me. It’s the only chance I have to see her again.
    I screwed