Roller Coaster Ride Ch. 08

The band launches into one of their original songs, the crowd comes to its collective feet and people start dancing and hollering. It's electric in the building! I've moved to a table reserved for the wives/girlfriends of the band, located just to the right of the stage and just beyond the area reserved for dancing in front of the stage; we have a great view of the band, the dancers, all the action, and we get the full effect of the music. The song ends, another begins seamlessly, and the crowd whoops and hollers. I note the various cameras and suspended mikes, see several camera operators and sound men I hadn't noticed, and surmise those are all there to capture the highlights for the ZZ Top audition. Is this the work of BM and Charlie, or did Andrew put all this together in one day?

Speaking of the devils, where are Brad and Charlie? I wander over to the bar, order a mug of Lone Star Draft (LSD) that arrives with unnecessary foam, and sip my beer while looking over the crowd. A little older and wealthier looking than I expected, but flush with expectations and ready to party; could be a good night for everyone concerned. I don't immediately see anyone I know, but I am getting eyeballed and talked about, so perhaps they know me.

The lead singer for the third song was Johnny, who informed the crowd he had the honor and privilege of introducing the newest and best-looking members of the band, promising, "You'll see what I mean in just a moment". He called Angie out first, introduced her, handed her the mike so she 'can tell everyone where she is from and a little about herself'. Angie is cute as can be in her little sweat suit, her petite gymnast's body on display below her lovely face and red hair. My cock began to swell. Bree is next, and she looked more beautiful than I'd ever seen; her light blonde hair cascading down her back, makeup perfect, her tiny waist with round butt and boobs jutting out below and above. I'm not sure what she said, because the crowd was cheering so loudly and I was staring and not listening. Then beautiful Brittney, her dark hair framing her alabaster face and striking blue eyes, with her long legs sculpted by the form fitting sweat pants, and her big tits stretching the zipper on the top.

When Katy came out all made up with her mane of golden hair there were gasps and a ripple went through the crowd. Her flawlessly molded body, her smiling face the picture of perfection, her pouty lips bright red; she was literally show stopping. Johnny froze in his spiel, recovered, completed his intro, and handed her the mike. She told the adoring crowd her hometown where she is now a teacher, and that she was the captain of the Strutters when she attended Texas State with some of them. The crowd, both men and women, went wild, cheering, hooting, and clapping. She beamed, let it die down a bit, and then said "We're going to join the band for a few songs; hope you enjoy our efforts."

I didn't fail to notice that her intro did not mention her husband or children...

The girls took their places, the band struck up Thunderstruck, and they set the house on fire! Within seconds most of the crowd was pressed as closely as possible to the stage, singing and dancing along. They were good when they went on stage that first time, but now they were as polished and professional as Beyoncé's dancers. Still adorned in their tight sweats, but moving so effortlessly and rhythmically clothing don't seem to matter. The band is playing as if they are enchanted, Johnny's vocals are tight, but the dancers were simply transcendent. When the song ends, there is a roar that reminds me of a football game when the home team scores the winning points in overtime!

Johnny yielded the mic to Rocky, who looked at the girls, then the band, and started the intro to 'Highway to Hell'. The girls, in unison, unzipped their tops and started dancing, giving a nice preview of the tiny halter tops under the jackets. The crowd went wild again. When the song ended Chad told the crowd we're going to slow it down for a few songs to let everyone get their breath, so hydrate and dance with your darling. The girls left the stage while he was talking. I walked around for a few minutes, in awe at what I'm seeing tonight: I had no idea it would look like this!

I spot Audrey, and stop to talk, all the while looking for BM and Charlie. I'm downing yet another beer, but I'm not getting near the buzz from the alcohol I get from the dancers and the band. Audrey is thrilled and excited and about as flabbergasted as me, but she's still ready to play, hugging and rubbing on me. She feels good, and smells heavenly.

After a couple of slower songs the stage goes dark and someone enters. The man with the mic says they have a special duet featuring the beautiful and talented Brittney Adams. As the lights come up we see that she is joined by Chad's son, Cam. The guitars fire up a familiar opening and Britt proclaims "Baby you come knocking on my front door..." in a husky, sexy voice Stevie Nicks would envy as she and Carl kill it on "Stop Draggin My Heart Around". Cam ain't Tom Petty, but he's close enough with Britt carrying the load, and when she finishes the final plea the crowd loses it again. I look around at everyone in wonderment and notice that Andrew has a look of disbelief on his face like many of us do. I hear one guy say to his group "God, I can't believe we almost didn't come! This is the best music I've heard in years, and these girls are unreal-beautiful!"

Brittney bows, Cam stays at the mic, the other girls come out, and Cam sings a loud, rock heavy version of Tom's "I Won't Back Down" while the girls do some intricate footwork interpreting the classic. The crowd likes it, and Andrew is nodding and swaying. Another AC/DC classic "Back in Black", "Born to Run" by Bruce, and then a break for the dancers with Hotel California. When that ends Katy appears at the back of the stage while another young bandsman, Lad, is at the mic. He's got his hair slicked back, and she's got hers fluffed out. She's wearing a black leather jacket over her sweat suit, high heels, and holding a cigarette between her lips; she walks toward him with a lot of hip action as he cries "Sandy!" In the sexiest voice I've ever heard her use she says "Tell me about it Stud!" Lad does a creditable Travolta, but Katy is much, much sexier than the cute Oliva Newton-John. The crowd goes crazy when she pushes him backward with her foot and says "You better shape up!", and entirely insane when she sings, "I need a man who can keep me satisfied', jumps in his arms and wraps her legs around his waist while they dance. She is sexy AF and the crowd is in love with her!

I glance back at Andrew, who is staring with his mouth open, and see BM and Charlie standing off to the side staring. They don't look happy, at all. As the song ends to uproarious applause and whistles they make their way toward the back of the stage and dressing areas; I follow, and I see Andrew notice us and follow. Okay, this party is about to start, and I'm just drunk enough to finish it!

The set ends, 15 minute break, the band joins the girls backstage. BM gets there first, and roughly pulls Katy inside the office; Charlie follows and they slam the door. The other girls look stricken and afraid as I arrive, loaded for bear. I put my hand on the door handle, test it to be sure it isn't locked, and listen to BM's strident voice: "What the fuck are you up to Bitch?!! This isn't the show we agreed to; I know this is your doing you high and mighty bitch! You think you're running this show now? You weren't so high and mighty with my cock in your pussy and Charlie's in your mouth, but now you run the fuckin' show? I'm going to teach you a lesson you won't soon forget, and I'm going to fuck up that pretty face!" I open the door to see his right hand drawn back to slap her, his left holding her arm, and her cowering down with a look of terror on her face. Charlie is beside BM with a sadistic smile.

I jump into the room, hook my arm through his as it starts forward, and pull him around to face me. My Viking blood is boiling, but I'm ice cold: "Assaulting women again, puddin'? How about you try me instead?" He laughs "Pussy cuck husband to the rescue? I'm gonna kick your sissy ass, then fuck her up so bad no one will want her!" He swings a roundhouse right; I step inside it and drive my fist into his liver. He stops as if kicked by a horse, and gasps, bent over in pain and breathless; I drive my right and left fists into his ribs: "You think your size scares me? I played college football, nutsack. There were dozens of people bigger than you trying to hit me!"

I slap him upside the head with my right hand. "So you like to beat women as well as rape them" I state. "I guess with your tiny, soft, little dicklet that's all you can do to feel like a man, but after I beat you to a pulp I'm going to cut your little pricky off and stuff it up your ass. I'll bet you'll love that!" He mumbles something defiantly and tries to rise up; I slap him with my left hand, shattering his right eardrum. He screams in pain, blood runs down his cheek, and he collapses to his knees. Charlie backs against the wall in terror; I look at him "You're just as guilty as he is, you sorry ass hole. You should have just said no when you had the chance; now you pay for your sins!" I grab him by his shirt, bitch slap him forehand and backhand, and then order him to come kneel beside his butt-buddy, which he does with mincing steps and trembling hands, while begging for mercy as tears run down his face. He's an even bigger pussy than I thought!

The band members and Andrew are crowded at the door, with the girls are just inside. I look at the anger on Brittney beautiful face: "He's all yours" I tell her. She steps in front of Brad, draws her boot back, and kicks him as hard as she can in the nuts. He screams again, grabs his nuts, and falls forward at her feet, holding himself in a fetal position. Katy's face is a mask of ferocity; she does the same to Charlie, from behind; he collapse in tears, groveling and sobbing. She and Britt high-five, and then throw their arms around me and hug me tight enough to break ribs...but it feels great. My adrenaline is slipping downward from off-the-charts but it is still surging, and, as good as they feel in my arms, I have to uncover my rational brain in order to keep from carnally enjoying the spoils of my conquest, as my Viking and Celtic ancestors would have done.

I look across Britt's head at Chad and Andrew and state: "They had that coming for a long time!" Andrew says "I've heard the stories out of Nashville; he swung first, so yeah, self-defense, right everyone?" The witnesses are in total agreement.

Chad says "Charlie, you committed sexual harassment and assault on two band members: you are FIRED! Get the fuck out, and if we ever see or hear from you again you will look worse than this jerkoff. Take his sorry ass with you, and don't be within sight in 5 minutes or you both get a second round!" Charlie struggles to his feet, helps Brad to his, and they stagger toward the back door; I block the doorway and warn, "If the cops show up Katy and Brittney will both swear out a warrant for your arrests, and we will start looking for other girls you've raped through coercion".

They staggered into the good night, and right there I become a legend!

The men are patting me on the back and shaking my hand; the women each hug and kiss me on the lips, and thank me in a worshipful way. Katy stands there smiling, obviously proud of her husband. Tommy says "If I ever piss you off, just tell me and I'll commit Hari Kari. You are one bad-ass MF!" "Don't rape my wife or any of the other ladies and you'll be fine" I reply glibly.

If only I knew...

I can hear the crowd chanting, and remind them "Don't you have another set or three to play? You audience is ready for round 2." The ladies shoo us out so they can pretty up, and the band returns to the stage.

Chad grabs the mic "The classic rock we played in the first set is derivative of the rock we will play in this set, so get your dancing shoes and hit the floor! Ladies and gentlemen; I give you The Continentals!" The band begins the set with Elvis's classic 'All Shook Up', transitioned into 'Blue Suede Shoes', and slowed it down for Ricky Nelson's 'Poor Little Fool'.

As the opening cords of Chuck Berry's iconic 'Johnny B. Goode' saturate the air, the girls prance on stage, jackets unzipped, their blue/white halters and flat bellies exposed. The dance floor is immediately covered with gyrating figures that, nonetheless, are fixated on the four dancers on stage. Like all great strippers/exotic dancers/entertainers, they slip their jackets off, twirl then around, and toss them into the band. Their upper torsos being fully exposed add an erotic flavor to their dancing, and they gyrate in appreciation of their rapt, engaged audience. The girls face away from the stage as they pull their sweat pants down to the top of their hip hugger shorts as the band plays "Dance, Dance, Dance" by the Beach Boys. Very sexy, very well received by the crowd; the band transitions to another Beach Boy's hit, 'Rock and Roll Music', and the girls seamlessly change with them.

I've roamed around the hall throughout the set, getting a crowd's eye view of the band and dancers, being a part of the crowd rather than The Continentals and their entourage. Andrew has stayed largely in the back, by the camera operators and the equipment, watching the band and dancers, and the crowd reacting to them.

Katy stand front and center as the band performs 'Hot for Teacher', and the girls employ their best stripper moves with their shapely asses to the crowd shaking those asses to the tune, they slowly pull down their sweat pants, kick them off, and toss them to band members. This is burlesque at its best! If only they had a pole, it would qualify as stripping! More skin is showing, but there are still more clothes to take off. The crowd noise exceeds all previous volumes as the loud music and awe-inspiring, newly exposed bodies raise the roof!

Although my heart is racing, I watch with a jaundiced eye: I've seen them all before, and know their beauty. I decide to look at them if I've never seen any of them before. After a moment, I see the same magnificence I've admired all along: each is beautiful, each has a body to die for, and each has an infectious on-stage personality. The difference is the unpracticed exuberance and extemporaneous movements of their first time on stage together now have a practiced proficiency of movement without loss of the excited exuberance. They bring a level of entertainment and excitement to The Continentals that never existed.

Are they good musicians? Yes. Are they good singers? Yes. Do people have fun at their dances? Yes. Would you pay $50-$500 for a seat at their concert? No. Now, add the dancers: would you pay $50-$500 for a concert experience with The Continentals and their dancers? Much more likely: it is almost as if fate brought this exceptional group of girls to a fair grounds dancehall on a night when everyone was receptive to the notion to put some dancers on stage. Kismet? Who knows, but it has transformed this crowd.

The band lowers the tempo for 'a few slow dances with your sweetie' and the girls depart. After three songs Rocky announces, "We have a treat for you now. For the first time on any stage anywhere, the gorgeous Katy performing a solo!" Everyone gathers closer to the stage and it gets quiet.

As the music starts the lights are dimmed and a soft spotlight comes on. Katy wanders back on stage taking slow steps, hips gently swooshing her dress side to side: she's barefoot, wearing a yellow off-the-shoulder sundress printed with flowers, with her hair in a ponytail; she looks like a teenager. Well, a really well-developed teenager, but she looks young, fresh, and innocently sexy. Her dress clings to her waist and hips, flounces when she walks or turns; her breasts are free beneath the bodice and her legs are displayed to mid-thigh. Her youthful look and beauty are mesmerizing, and I'm almost shocked as she begins to sing softly in a very clear, sweet, and sexy voice while she wanders about the stage, taking mincing steps, pausing, looking down and around, in natural poses that accentuate the music and lyrics:

He was working through college... on my grandpa's farm

I was thirsting for knowledge and he had a car

I was caught somewhere between a woman and a child

When one restless summer we found love growing wild

On the banks of the river on a well beaten path

It's funny how those memories they last

Like strawberry wine and seventeen

(Looking up at the moon)

The hot July moon saw everything

My first taste of love... oh bittersweet

Green on the vine

Like strawberry wine

(Dramatic pause as she wistfully reflects)

I still remember when thirty was old

And my biggest fear was September when he had to go

A few cards and letters and one long distance call

We drifted away like the leaves in the fall

But year after year I come back to this place

Just to remember the taste

Of strawberry wine and seventeen

The hot July moon saw everything

My first taste of love oh bittersweet

Green on the vine

Like strawberry wine

(On the front of the stage, facing the audience but staring into the distance)

The fields have grown over now

Years since they've seen the plow

There's nothing time hasn't touched

Her hand caresses her abdomen, sliding down her flat stomach before moving to her hip:

Is it really him or the loss of my innocence

I've been missing so much!

Oh yeah...

(She turns, her dress swirling outward and wanders along the front of the stage)

Like strawberry wine and seventeen

The hot July moon saw everything

My first taste of love oh bittersweet

Green on the vine

Like strawberry wine

Strawberry wine

Strawberry wine

She curtsies, turns, and starts to walk away. The audience had grown quiet when she entered and began her performance, they swayed to the music and listened, holding each other and watching this beautiful creature reenact that special night in song. When she turned to leave, however, they erupt in applause, whistles, and cheers. She's directed back to the center of the stage by the band members to receive and acknowledge the adulation. It was a moment I knew she would always cherish, and one I feared would change our happy little world. I turned sideways and looked at Andrew, who looked like someone looking for quartz who just found a diamond.

My thoughts returned to the day before our wedding. After our rehearsal dinner, Dub sat with the bride-to-be and played his guitar while Katy sang 'Strawberry Wine' several times. He told her it was the perfect song for her voice. With his advice and guidance, each time she sang it better, until he said she sounded better than the original "and I love Deanna." So it's easy to see why this song was chosen for her debut. Even so, I'll admit I had no idea she could sing like that. I love her voice when she sings in the shower, sings lullabies to the boys, and to me when she's in a romantic mood, but this is a whole other level of artful performance I didn't know was lurking below the surface.

The band stood to join the crowd in applauding her debut, announced they were taking a 15 minute break, and went backstage. Katy was being mobbed by the other dancers, and then by the band members, offering high praise. I waited patiently until she saw me and ran into my arms "Did you like it?" she asks excitedly. I said "WOW!! Phenomenal! Just wonderful! You were magnificent!"