Turn Me Bad

”So we’re watching the greats of tomorrow toning their art?“ Violet reflected, suddenly even more interested in the festival.

”That’s right. All these bands probably have albums in the works and will be going on tour and hitting the charts in the coming months.”

”And this is part of that preparation?”

”I guess. When you think about it, how many people would give their right arm to see a great band play before they were famous? Lots of people get to see them when they’re doing sell-out concerts, but how many people can actually be privileged enough to see them in an intimate venue like this? That’s why I try to come to these things when I can. Who knows what memories we might make?”

Music proved to be an ideal discussion thread as they watched the first set, learning about each other’s tastes in the process, which turned out to be quite versatile. Like Violet, Benjamin wasn’t a fan of following a particular trend or fad, but preferred to have a broader palette. This was something that greatly surprised her considering he looked so stylish – and wasn’t style all about following the right trends? But this proved to be exactly why he decided to seek out these events, which seemed to be organized for the most passionate gig goers who didn’t need a big name and songs they knew to have a good time. The organizers welcomed all different musical types, albeit ones that they thought did have the potential of being turned into a commercial success down the line.

There was another plus to having the music there. It was just so much easier to get to know someone when you have to shout into their ear to be heard. Considering they had only just met, this proved to be a bonus, leaving Violet no choice but to kick whatever shyness and inhibitions she felt into the long grass. She stopped worrying about why he had asked to be with her and gave no more thought to when she would be abandoned.

It was at the end of the first set that he would surprise her once again, however. There were a number of tables and benches alongside the larger crowd, some of which, Benjamin noticed, had become free. Instead of standing up for the whole evening, he suggested they take advantage of the seats and found them a great spot where they could see the stage but were also on a higher level, so they could also see over the barriers and a stunning view of California mountainsides in the other direction.

Benjamin then insisted he would go and buy her another drink, telling her, “But I’ll leave my empty glass here so none of these bozos think you’re for chatting up.”

By that point, she was having such a good time that she did not stop to worry about what his real motivations were. Laughing instead at his joke and catching her breath by taking in the view of the mountains.

Electric as the band had been, when her companion returned it was also nice to be able to sit back and chat in a more relaxed fashion. As usual, she’d had a busy week in the office and realized now how little of this respite she had in her life. There it was again, the feeling that in some ways Caitlin was right after all.

Fortunately, Violet didn’t have to force the image of her brother’s girlfriend out of her head this time. In Benjamin’s company, for whatever reason, it was just too easy to feel good about herself.

“So, he began, ”I’m guessing you can’t live pretty far from here?”

“That’s right,“ she said. “But I work even closer. I was on my way back from the office…”

”When the end of the week blues drew you in?”

”Right again.”

”Well, I’m glad it did. If we didn’t arrive at the same time, we’d never have met. Your job isn’t too bad I hope.”

“No, it’s OK. Like you say it was end of the week blues.”

”What is it you do?”

“I work in marketing, for a fashion company,“ she told him.

”You’re kidding me.”

”I know… I’m not particularly fashionable.”

”That’s not what I meant – I think you look great by the way – it’s just that in a roundabout way people like you are responsible for my wages.”

”Why? What is it you do?”

”Well, I’m the guy who has to put the stuff on and smile for the cameras.”

”You’re a model?”

Benjamin nodded ,and Violet couldn’t quite believe it. Not that he didn’t look the part, but that everything about him seemed to fit. He was not putting on a show when he turned up like that after all. He was the show; that was his profession.

”Violet?“ Benjamin then asked, surprising her by changing the subject in not wanting to brag about himself. “As you’re a local girl, I was wondering. Are there sights in Palmdale a person should see?”

”Sights?”

”Yeah! Every place has somewhere that only the locals know about. You know, a walk or a lake that will always be the image of home.”

”There is Lake Palmdale, sure. If you’re talking about scenery?”

”I was just thinking. These bands are great but… maybe we could watch another and then go somewhere a bit quieter?”