Page 58 of Striking a Chord at Randy's

The crowd chanted 77 Rotary, 77 Rotary when we just got off the stage. The final leg of our world tour brought us to one of the biggest festivals in Europe, and fans in Germany were positively bonkers during the show, crowd surfing, jumping, and singing with us.

“Are we going back?” Trixie asked, twirling her sticks.

“Second encore? The festival will kill us,” Sabrina said, plucking the edge of her crimson dress.

“We’re only one minute over our time. Let’s do one more.”

The Rotarians, as the fans dubbed themselves, erupted with joy when we returned to our spots on the stage.

“We can’t leave you wanting. So here’s the last song, for real this time. Dedicated to all of you are still looking for your perfect significant other, or others. To those who want to enjoy the freedom to fuck whoever they want. And to those who are happy in a relationship.

“Inspired by the love of my life.” I pointed to the first row where Trent stood squished to the balustrade. He could sitbackstage in comfort if he wanted to watch us play, but he kept saying he enjoyed being amongst our fans, seeing how people reacted to us, feeling the high of being a part of the crowd. And said that mosh pit was an excellent workout, because it was how Trent’s mind worked—seeking a silver lining in everything. And it was only the tip of the iceberg of the things I loved him for. “Here’sLollipop Kisses.” The fans whooped in excitement. I lifted my hand and waved it from side to side as Sabrina started the sing with a bass intro.

I took in the ocean of people in front of me who had raised their hands to wave to the melody. In the setting sun, I couldn’t see where the crowd ended, feeling like we were playing to the entire world.

“Eating strawberry lollipops

Better than cigarettes

Sweet like you.

I keep my rose-colored glasses on

Around you

But they’re not on my nose

It’s my world that’s happy

Because you are in it.”

Standing on the stage with my best friends, in front of my fans, and squinting against the lights in my face to see the love of my life cheering me from the first row did feel like my entire world was with me. And at the center was my Trent—my heart, my lover, my husband.

T.H.E E.N.D.