RSSSuperstar
August 7, 2009
kosmo - See all 763 of my articles
Kristi’s voice filled the empty bowl of the arena as she finished the last verse.
“That’s a wrap,” said Mac Radel, formally ending the walkthrough for tonight’s show.
Whistles erupted from the upper level, as two teenage boys indicated their approval of Kristi’s singing. Certainly, the boys had no legitimate reason to be in the arena, but Kristi always appreciated a fan.
“Howdy, boys,” she said, blowing a kiss in their direction.
“You certainly do have this country wrapped around your little finger, Kristi.”
“Aw, shucks, Mac. You know me. I’m just a girl who likes to sing.”
“Sure, and the gold records mean nothing.”
“They’re nice to have, Mac,” she grinned, “but I’d still be singing for free in the church choir if the record deal hadn’t come along. I’m famished. Let’s run into town and get something to eat.”
Mac laughed. “Hon, there is absolutely no way you can show your face in town – you’ll be mobbed by fans, and we need to get back here to tweak the details of the show. I’ll send a roadie into town to pick something up.”
“Aw, Mac,” she pouted. “You’re worse than a parent. Just once, I want to eat in a normal restaurant, where I can actually see some real live people instead of just music people. I’ll go incognito. Pleaaaaaaaaaaase?”
Mac sighed. “This is a bad idea, Kristi. You have one of the most recognizable faces in the country. Someone is bound to see through your disguise. I can see you’re going to be a grouch if you don’t get your way, though, so we’ll give it a shot.”
Kristi hugged Mac and raced into her motor coach. A few minutes late, she walked out wearing a baseball jersey, a well-worn baseball cap, and some dime store sun glasses.
Mac and Kristi picked out a pizza place near the town square. They had just settled into their booth when Mac nearly had a heart attack – someone looked at them with a flash of recognition.
“Hey, I know you,” said the slender man in the John Deere hat. “You’re Mac Radel! Could I possibly get your autograph?”
Mac sighed inwardly with relief and signed the man’s napkin.
“Hey, who’s the gal with you,” asked John Deere Hat. “I suppose she’s your daughter, learning the ropes of the industry from the master?”
“Er, yes,” replied Mac. “This is my daughter, Christine.”
“Glad to meet you, Christine. My name’s Dustin.” The man in the hat smiled broadly at Kristi before walking toward the door.
Kristi kicked Mac under the table.
“Christine? Very creative, Mac.”
“Sorry, Kristi. The guy really caught me by surprise. Why on earth would anyone recognize a manager?”
“He probably recognized you from your previous job.”
“Oh, yes,” Mac replied. “Songwriters routinely have their pictures on the covers of magazines.”
The teenage waitress took their drink order. Mac ordered a caffeine free diet soda, while Kristi ordered her drunk loaded up with lots of caffeine and sugar.
“Ya’ll aren’t from around here,” observed the waitress. “You in town for the concert?”
To be continued – come back tomorrow for the conclusion of “Superstar”