I love festivals, but one thing I hate about festivals is shitting in public. I mean something about a porta potty just seems so... primitive. And what do they do with the stuff after, where does it go? I don't know, but I was glad to step out of that porta potty. I washed my hands in a little sink that was set up next to the rest area and I continued about my way. Some band that I didn't know much about was playing on the side stage I was near.

My friend Lia was chilling by a tiny group of picnic tables and swatting mosquitoes away from her. "I told you we should have brought the big can of bug spray but noooo, it would "take up space and be too heavy."" she groaned.

"No you're totally right these Tennessee bugs ain't no joke." I said fanning myself as well. "Who's the next set we're gonna see?"

"NO FUCKING DOUBT" we both screamed and giggled after. We were here to celebrate her 23rd birthday at Memphis in May this year. She knows most of the bands and is trying to get me to branch out and go to more concerts.

"How long until they play?" I asked checking my watch.

"We got like an hour and half. We can grab lunch then head over early to be close to the stage." She explained gathering her bag. "I kinda want Mexican. It's a taco truck like a block and a half from here."

I thought, "Really? I kinda want barbecue. When in Rome right?"

"Nah I'm fine." she smiled, "but back here in 60 alright?" I confirmed with her and followed the sweet, smokey smell to the pit. The festival wasn't crowded but I did have to excuse myself a few times throughout the crowd.

I approached the large red tent and ordered a pulled pork sandwich with a drink and sides. The young girl working there gave me a small ticket and I sat down at the picnic table. It was 69. Nice.

I was sitting at the bench, scratching on the rest of chipped the nail polish on my fingers when I felt someone sit next to me. He was decently tall with dark hair and dark eyes, and he had on a band T-shirt that showed his Zeppelin tattoos and thick leather bracelets on his wrist. "You enjoying the festival so far?" he asked while sucking barbecue sauce off his fingers.

"It's alright," I responded, "it's a little hot and I'm a little hungry but it's hearing new music and people put on a show."

He turned his body to face me and he looked me up and down before smiling, "I like your shirt."

I looked down at the old shirt Lia had given me. I had a double lowercase f that was partially cut off from where I had cropped it before the festival. "Oh my friend gave me this, I don't know who it is though. I think they're ...Friendly Fire or something silly like that." I didn't know if he was gonna grill me for being a poser or not.

"Oh yeah Friendly Fire," he smirked, "I love their shit." I was more impressed I got the band name right. "I heard their singer is a total dickhead though." He chucked a little while sipping his beer, "Full of himself."

"Mmm maybe. If I was in a band I probably would be a lil cocky. Money, hot chicks, all the fame. It would probably go to anybody's head." I chuckled. He was warm when he smiled with pretty teeth, "What's your name?"

"It's Dave, what's yours, pretty?" he put his clean hand out for me to shake. It was a little callused but his grip was gentle and firm. I could see hints of muscle poking out from the sleeves of his red tshirt.

"Nala," I took it and blushed back at him,"what are you doing here? Just enjoying the festival and music?"

"Kinda. I'm working here tomorrow. Tuning guitars and making sure guys have sticks and whatnot. But it's also Memphis and I wanted real barbecue so..."

"You know I'm from here right? Or at least like an hour out." I straightened my posture to seem more confident even though I smelled like I just got out of soccer practice. And to hide the fact I had never barbecued anything in my life.

"Oh yeah? Maybe you could teach me something. Home grown skill." He wiped his mouth and threw his empty plate in the trash before sitting even closer to me, leaving about 2 inches of space between us. He pulled out a carton of 2 cigarettes and placed both in between his lips to light them. He handed me one and I took a drag.

"Maybe I could," I blew the smoke in his direction before the wind took the rest of it. I was a bit nervous, he had a kind energy and seemed like he genuinely was curious about me. I felt like I had seen him before. Probably helping a band on TV or something.

"You like it here in the south?" He asked playing with his lighter.

"I mean yeah, it's a bit boring and backwards but it's home. You from around here?" I asked.

"A little farther up in Virginia. It is nice down here though. I might want to settle someday," He chucked,
"Who are you most excited to see?"

"No Doubt," I grinned, "I heard during 'I'm Just A Girl' Gwen does this call and response thing with the audience. I'm so excited."

"Fuck yeah," he shoved my arm gently, "I got a buddy that was in one of their videos. I've ran into them here and there." Holy shit. This dude was a band hand and is still so fucking cool.

"Hey how'd you get your job? It sounds wicked to tour with bands and help at festivals." He shifted his weight a bit towards me and wiped a bit of ash from his dark jeans.

He took a puff as he answered, "Well I knew a guy, moved across the country, joined a band but then some shit happened. So I did my own thing and now I'm here."

"Sorry about that." I felt like I had ruined the energy.

"Nah no worries. I'm doing pretty well for myself," his pager on his belt buzzed and he sighed. "You staying for tomorrow's set?"

"Yeah I am. What's up?" I took an extra long puff to hide my nerves. He stood up and pulled me up with him.

"Meet me at the Main Stage at 9 tomorrow night with your friend. I got a surprise for you," He smiled. He took a sharpie out and wrote it on my arm. His grip on my wrist was tight and made me blush a bit more.

"Oh okay, how would I find you?"

"You'll see me." His dark brown eyes met mine. They were soft and told me that he had been through a lot at an early age.

"69!" The man at the stand shouted. My blush from nerves turned into one of embarrassment.

"Nice." Dave winked at me before walking off towards the V.I.P. area. I looked at the scribble on my arm. At least I had plans for tomorrow.