This Song's Called Natalie

This Song’s Called Natalie

Who wears a white blouse? An expensive white blouse at that on a first date to a wine tasting? Especially someone who giggles when she's nervous, sweaty hands rattling, wine dripping over my hands and onto my blouse.

"It's not a big deal, seriously, we can swing my place get the stain out, and then go to the show," he said sweetly while I apologized adamantly for being a clutz.

If I tried to go back to my place in Manhattan there'd be no way we'd make it to the venue in time and my best friend Sean’s band was playing and I'd already showed up late or missed his gigs too many times to count in the past few months. Plus, we were on the list and I wanted to impress my date with my ability to skip the line. You know, show him I'm a VIP and not just a bubbly girl who pours wine all over herself.

But was this a move? Was David, this solidly seeming financial consultant just trying to get my blouse off on the first date?

“You know what,” I said trying to cover up my nervousness at the thought of being alone with him blouse-less in his Bushwick apartment. “It’s fine I’ll just cover up with my jacket and buy merch when we get to the show.”

“Ok, yes great plan! Love that you’re comfortable going with the flow!” David responded, his blue eyes opening cheerfully.

Look at me. Confident, going with the flow, covered in merlot.

I was relieved to realize we’d arrived before the band had even finished their stage set up. I was even more excited to see Sean, my closest friend, standing near the merch table.

“Sean!” I said cheerfully, my voice bouncing off the walls of the almost empty venue. His brown eyes wide under his shaggy golden hair when they met mine. Then, his brow furrowed immediately as he glanced over to David, who admittedly wasn’t dressed for a punk rock show. Though, he did look sharp in his snug button-up and slacks.

“Hey stranger,” Sean said walking over to embrace me. The hug lasted a little longer than necessary. “Guess who finally made it to my show on time!” he joked.

I laughed a little nervously, his arm still touching the small of my back. I cleared my throat. “This is David, we just went to a wine tasting and headed right over.”

Sean looked directly at me not even glancing at David, not even acknowledging his presence. “Wine tasting, that’s pretty fancy for a girl who lives on beer and cheap whiskey,” he chided.

What was going on? Why was Sean acting like this, why was he embarrassing me in front of my date? Sure, David wasn’t my typical type but I was trying something different. And wasn’t Sean the one who was constantly calling me out for dating unstable men who were more likely to take me to hang out in their mom’s basement than a wine tasting?

“Well,” I said trying to redirect the conversation. “The majority of the wine happens to have made its way all over my blouse.”

Sean laughed a little too much for my liking.

“Can I buy some merch, something to change into?” I asked breaking up his laughter.

“Sure of course,” Sean said. “You want to come backstage with me and change into it?” he asked. I heard David make a barely audible noise that I assume was disapproval.

“Um, no I can change in the bathroom thanks Sean,” I said shaking my head. He handed over a sweatshirt, splattered with different colors of paint and the words “Slow Realization” in bold letters across it.

“Here you go, Natalie. It’s on the house since you’re my biggest fan and all that.” Sean said not breaking eye contact with me.

“Thanks!” I grabbed it trying to break the tension. “I’m going to change I’ll be right back,” I said turning to David.

“No worries, I’ll grab us a drink. Cheap beer right?” David responded in a voice that sounded a little judgy.

By the time the lights dimmed the banter between David and I started to even out again. Yes, the interaction with Sean was a bit strange but he’s just looking out for me. He just wants what’s best for me. It’s not like he was jealous or disapproving of David right? Maybe he was just put off by me dating a finance guy who takes me to wine tastings? Maybe I’m overthinking it all because I’ve had too much wine?

Sean and his bandmates made their way onto the stage breaking my thought pattern. He always looked so good up there in his element, wielding his guitar, spotlight highlighting every hue of his hair. No, he wasn’t jealous, right? And if he was, maybe that wasn’t a bad thing? Wait, do I like Sean? No, he’s my best friend.

The first chord stopped my thoughts, and the first words out of Sean’s mouth made my heart drop.

“I wrote this song for a girl I love. I’ve never told her but I sing this song at every gig hoping she’ll get here in time to know how I feel. She’s a girl who isn’t perfect. She’s the kind of girl who would go to a wine tasting and end up with more merlot on her blouse than in her glass.”

My mouth was wide open. I could feel David looking at Sean, then looking at me, then looking back at Sean.

Sean looked right into my eyes, smirking from the stage, and as he began to play, he let out four life-changing words, “This song’s called Natalie!”