33. SUPPORT
We went to Medici’s Pizza to meet up with the crew. Everyone was already there and dressed up. The dinner was everything it should be with friends. It was a lot of fun. Tony and Jason kept us laughing hysterically. My face hurt from laughing so hard. When the food arrived, I picked a little at the antipasto.
Patrick leaned over and whispered, “Forget about your mom. Eat something.”
I tilted my head toward him and covered my mouth as I quietly spoke to him. “Now you know why I ignore them as much as possible. That’s not why I’m not eating, though.”
He might as well have had a giant question mark on his forehead. I didn’t blame him. After the talk with my mom, he forgot about our earlier conversation.
“I could eat more, but…performance art. Remember?”
He laughed and hung his head down. “Oh yeah. Forgot about that. Yeah, I’m not interested in performance art tonight. Just music.”
I couldn’t help but laugh myself. “That’s what I thought.” I bounced my shoulder into him. I grabbed a small slice of garlic bread, munched on it and smiled.
Jason looked at us. “Why do I get the feeling I missed something?”
“Trust me, you don’t want to know. Just be thankful.” Patrick shook his head, probably trying to get the image of ‘performance art’ out his head.
We looked at each other and starting laughing simultaneously, “Yeah, be happy you don’t know. You don’t want the image.” I confirmed.
Despite having so much fun, it was like my internal clock knew it was getting close to concert time. I was a little less carefree and growing more anxious. I had a nervous energy now. The way I felt, I knew it was time for me to go back to school, I didn’t have to check the time.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.” Patrick commented on my clear nervousness and excitement. I wasn’t able to sit still. My knee bounced and my hands kept fidgeting. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Oh yeah, it’s just how I get before performing. You know me, I can over think things. So, this is me doing that. Once it starts, instinct or muscle memory, whatever you want to call it, takes over. It’s the anticipation that makes my heart race. Then I can’t sit still.”
“I’m glad you didn’t eat much then.” He laughed.
“I told you.” I smiled.