~ 2 ~ #2
I could see where she was coming from. I really could.
I was a successful music producer for some of the biggest names in the industry.
I’d started making music for myself again and was feeling creatively inspired.
I was happy DJ’ing small gigs or bespoke queer festivals like this and doing my own thing, in my own way.
Of course I’d want to release music being authentically me.
It would be a dream. But that was separate from my music producing career, almost. I didn’t need to monetise my passion project.
I had a niche special interest making music just for myself while I churned out hit songs and albums for other people.
I was able to make a decent enough living from producing.
“Like I said, I like how it is now. Why change anything?”
“Because it would be good for you.”
I disagreed but loved her for trying to look out for me.
I put my arm around her shoulders. “Let’s just have fun with it right now, eh?
That’s what it’s all about, after all.” I felt myself grin.
We’d played a great set and really enjoyed it.
We were in the perfect location with our closest friends.
This was going to be an epic night, I could feel it.
Nell smiled. Her sword lowered. “Okay. I won’t go on about it anymore. But you know how I feel about it.”
We joined our friends on the little dancefloor as the crowd cheered for the next DJ to come on. Everyone was dancing and we hugged and slammed into them all. Being around this many sapphics and queers was like being rocked inside a soft cocoon.
“Fucking hell, Rona, you guys made me cream myself with all that,” Vicky said. “You had this whole place on the edge of coming with those tunes.” She laughed.
Mathilde slapped Vicky’s arm, not so gently, then looked at me. “I agree. I wouldn’t have put it so crudely, but it was excellent, both of you.”
Kaira had turned red, nodding her head to the beat. She gave me a thumbs up and smiled.
Bouchra was dancing away to the current song but gave me a smile and a look that said she enjoyed my set.
“I’m just the glorified tech guy. That was all Rona’s concoction,” Nell stated.
“You were incredible,” Lily said to me, looking very sexy sporting a pristine white muscle-tank and stylish black denim shorts. Even her trainers looked brand new. The rest of us looked scruffy in comparison.
“I couldn’t agree more. Hey, I like you,” Nell said, looking at Lily.
“I’m Lily, and you must be Nell?”
“That I am. You came up to the decks, right?”
“She’s also the former captain of England,” Vicky spoke to Nell like she was missing some valuable information she should have known, trying to get Nell to catch on.
Nell turned to Vicky. “I know. But I want to meet Lily in a normal way. She deserves that. Christ knows how much it stresses Rona out when people come up to her acting as if they already know her.”
I found Lily’s eyes. She gave me a small smile.
“I’m glad you all enjoyed the set. Thanks for the vivid endorsement, Vicky.”
“The clits don’t lie.”
I laughed.
“Enough of all this talking you guys.” Bouchra danced walked into the middle of us, quite serious about it. “Dance!”
And that we did.
We danced at the beautiful venue by the sea amid fairy lights and some seriously hot sapphic women. I was thankful for the light breeze. The sea and the pitch-black sky blended into one another, with boats harbouring on the water and stars peppering the expanse.
Nell and Kaira disappeared for more drinks. Bouchra and Lily let loose when a new tune dropped. Vicky and Mathilde were more grinding than dancing at one point.
It was hard not to notice how effortlessly Lily moved. She had the sort of command over her body that befit an athlete. Her toned arms were highly distracting. She suited soft dancing, even though she clearly excelled at hard physical work. Her being here with us was giving me such a rush.
At one point, a woman came up to Lily and politely asked for a selfie with her. Lily graciously accepted and smiled for the camera. Thankfully, the woman left Lily to be with her friends. I was glad that I didn’t get recognised in places like this. What a nightmare.
We found a table as a group when the last act finished their set. Everyone looked pretty tired, but happy. There were mentions of us not being in our twenties anymore and how past it we now were. I sat next to Lily, conscious of my arm brushing against her elbow.
Lily turned her head towards me, her eyes hazy and curious. “Do you DJ a lot then?”
“Some,” I replied, feeling butterflies. “I usually play nights like this. Small venues. Queer nights. Safe places, basically.”
“How does it feel to be up on stage and then to come back out on the dancefloor with everyone?”
“It’s great. It’s one big party at the end of the day, right? Whether that’s behind or in front of the decks.”
Lily nodded, thoughtfully. “You have the talent to be up there but you’re just as happy being a punter.”
“That’s right,” I smiled. “I play the music but I’m just like everyone else. I just want to have fun.”
Lily smiled. “You look like you really enjoy it.”
“I do. It’s the best feeling being behind the decks and playing for a lovely crowd like this one.”
“She should do it as a solo career,” Nell interjected from across the table, hands cupped around her mouth.
“Oh wow! That would be so cool!” Lily turned more of her body towards me.
“That’s not my thing. I’m a music producer.” I shook my head and kept my attention on Lily, feeling Nell’s eyes burn into me. “So how about this venue. Pretty special, right?”
Lily’s eyes were bright and full of wonder, even though I was sure she’d be used to gorgeous holidays being a jet-set famous footballer. “It’s super special. This whole island looks so beautiful. I can’t wait to explore the beach and the hills.”
“Me too.”