“So do I.”
I toss the shot back. Drinking is definitely not a good way to solve your problems, but right now it certainly feels like it.
Too much tequila later….
“Woo!”I cheer as a heavily drunk Lincoln puts in his music choice and takes the stage.
The DJ introduces him. “Everybody, welcome Lincoln to the stage.”
I cheer and clap my hands, nearly falling off my chair, which makes me laugh even harder.
Lincoln’s hair is loose and sweaty, his shirt askew and more than a few buttons undone as he takes the mic. The beat starts and he starts swinging his hips. My mouth drops at how smooth he is.
There’s a wide smile on his face and for the first time, he looks truly happy, it’s handsome on him. I shake my head as I focus on what he’s singing and I laugh even harder.
He passionately sings What I Got by Sublime, and the audience, including myself, chimes in.
His voice is actually pleasant, and he’s animated when he sings. It’s definitely an effect of the tequila. But this version of Lincoln? It’s hard not to love him, to not want him to be like this all the time.
It’s endearing and I see Lincoln in a light I never have before.
He dances on stage, singing the song, carefree as I’ve ever seen him.
There are some whistles from the older ladies at the bar and I chime in, which just boosts his ego even further. He keeps up with every word, eating up the attention and moving his hips.
He ends the song and dramatically drops the microphone, exiting the stage. I clap like a madwoman, cupping my hands and wooing at his performance.
Lincoln comes stumbling over and nearly falling, using my body for balance. His hands are warm and I swallow and shake off the touch.
“Your turn.”
“No fucking way.”
“Come on, Pen.”
“After that performance, ain't no way.”
“I believe in you. Come on Penny. Go sing.”
He starts tickling my side, and I nearly fall off the stool before he catches my arm.
“Come on.”
I glare at him but get off my stool.
“Penny. Penny,” he starts a chant and gets his band of AARP members to add into the chant and I finally give in.
I give him the finger and he gasps, but mimes like he is grabbing my middle finger before shoving it in his mouth and swallowing it. I shake my head but walk up to the DJ booth and flip through his book .
“Everyone welcome pretty Penny to the stage!” he announces, and I take the stage, grabbing the microphone.
I wave to Gladys, letting her know I’m going to need a drink as the music starts. As soon as the chorus starts, I can see Lincoln throwing his head back in laughter.
I close my eyes as I sing the song and I’m shocked as more audience members sing along. It boosts my confidence as I belt and dance to …Baby One More Time at the top of my lungs. Feeling empowered, I dance and command the stage, but Lincoln’s face sticks out among the crowd. His smile beaming bright with his hand over his heart as he sings along.
I’m sure I’m off pitch, but this is the most fun I’ve had in weeks, maybe months. I feel free; I feel happy; I feel like me.
My eyes water as I wrap up my song.
