Call It Crazy

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“Morning Ave,” I looked up to see my co-worker Jordan saunter right into my record store. He had a smile on his face and his familiar beanie trying to calm his brown hair. Jordan had started working here a few years back to help save up money for his band The Ready Set. I wasn’t going to hire him at first for being so shy but I’m glad I did because he’s opened up and has become one of my closest guy friends.

“Morning, how are you today?”

“Fantastic! The venue that I was telling you about called us back and we booked a show.”

I beamed, “Congratulations! When is the show?”

“It’s in two weeks. At least I have some time to promote.” He walked behind the counter to place his shoulder bag underneath the counter, “Can I hang a flyer in the window?”

“Of course, we’ll mention it as often as we can!”

He beamed before heading in back to check the new stock in. His job was fairly simple, mostly marking clearance, making sure cd’s are in order, and inventory of the new stock. If we had a band coming in for a in store performance then he’d help with that too but it wasn’t often and even then the local radio stations had their own idea so I’d have to deal with them to make sure they don’t walk over me in my own store.

But this was just my day job. At night I was a dj at a local club. I’m friends with the owner and he knows how much I love to mess around with music he offered the job and so far I had been doing wonderfully. It also made sure I could keep my music store open.

I was going to be working tonight so I had no idea why I was here this early. I knew Jordan could handle anything going on and I’m sure he’d call me if there was trouble. Regardless I was making it through the day trying to stay awake and be ready for the night job.

By the time my store was closing and I had sent Jordan home I had forced an energy drink into me before changing out of my work clothes. I always took the subway because driving in New York was pointless. It was a decent ride but a bit scary late in the hours after midnight. I tried to tag along with someone else who would head my way so I didn’t have to go alone.

I made it into the local club rather early. I stayed near the bar watching the night start out slow and finally sitting down to have a decent meal. My boss, Micah, never seemed to mind me eating before my shift. A dj that is content plays decent music, it was an excuse I always used and he’d agree.

The night finally started to settle and the crowds started to increase in its size, a little more than usual but I wouldn’t complain. Business was business. I had left to play my own set of beats as well as requests but I was in my own little world. Music was my escape, my one place where things didn’t matter and I could just honestly express myself.

What threw my off was my boss taking the microphone away from my gear after one of my songs. He headed back toward the bar a little and I knew he could tell I had a puzzled look on my face. I kept my music off but I finally could see he was walking up to someone sitting at the bar.

“Hey guys, Micah here and I wanted to let you know this man next to me, well, it’s his birthday. You may know him as Gabe Saporta but I know him as a longtime friend that’s in it for all my vodka. He’s here celebrating his thirty second birthday here so let’s give him a nice round of applause for being one more year close to death!”

I shook my head not believe that Micah knew Gabe but I couldn’t help but laugh when Gabe took the microphone, “Drinks on Micah! Let’s get wasted!”

Micah stole the microphone back, “He’s just joking.”

Micah headed back over to me and I started my music back up. Micah beamed as I question how he honestly knew the rock star that was here. Micah went off how he used to be Gabe’s friend back in the Midtown era before Cobra Starship and how they honestly never lost touch. Micah had offered for Gabe to come down with a couple of his band mates just to let loose and have a decent night.

Micah left with a smile and a friendly tune, “Keep the tunes coming just don’t disappoint Gabe.”

I nodded before letting the next song play. I felt a wave of nervousness run through me; I was a fan of Gabe. Always have been and to have him here was a little shocking. I knew he’d been really into the little dj jobs here and there he had but I worried he’d judge me; I was still a little new. I figured I was doing alright because Gabe kept tapping his foot to the beat and occasionally letting his body rock out to the music.

I honestly couldn’t believe it, my idol and celebrity crush was enjoying the music I was playing. My knees almost went weak at the thought. I had always been a fan but never had the chance to meet him. Everything in my just wanted to go over and just ask for a hug or a photo just to have a chance to really talk to him and meet him finally.

But I couldn’t leave; I had a job to do.

After about an hour later I got my prayers answered. Out of the blue Gabe had appeared near me and my heart almost stopped. Could I even say anything smart or say anything at all? I smiled as I let the song finish and Gabe took the time to move to the beat. I couldn’t help but start dancing with him; it wouldn’t get me in trouble. I danced up here all the time and it was nice to have someone else rocking out up here.

“You have some real talent there; I’ve loved the order of the songs.”

“Aw thanks Gabe.” I felt myself blush, “It means a lot coming from you.”

He took a sip from the drink in his hand, “Does it?”

I nodded, “You’re an idol of mine.”

“Well then,” He beamed, “I mean every word. May I take over for this next one?”

I nodded letting him take my headphones and moving away so he could have full control over the music. I spent the song taking a small break and drinking my glass of water. Gabe really wasn’t that bad. He kept dancing throughout the song and I just smiled, this was amazing. Gabe was up here with me.

By the end of the song he returned my headphones and I just kept that stupid smile on my face, “Not bad!”

He shrugged, “Not as great as you but I can pretend. How long have you been doing this?”

“A few months, it’s just one of my jobs.”

“What’s the other?”

I told him about my record store. He asked where it was locating and he was astonished that he’d never stepped a foot into my store when he lived near it. I couldn’t help but chuckle that my store was near his apartment. What were the odds?

My heart had stopped with his next sentence, “I’ll have to go and have you show me around. I’ve been looking for a couple things on vinyl and who knows, you might have it.”

“Of course; a grand tour just for you Gabe.” A paused when an idea popped into my head, “Or you could come in with your band and do an in store performance. It would boost sales.”

Gabe thought about it for a second, “I’d love to. Let me stop by tomorrow and we can talk details.”

Oh god, what had I gotten myself into? Setting up an in store performance for Cobra Starship? I hoped my store would be decent enough for them. At least I could hold a new sale and add a limit of people to the show. Maybe the first three hundred to buy their new album could go. Seemed reasonable to me at the moment and I at least earned another chance to see Gabe again. Hopefully he’d actually come and not just saying he’d be there just to be nice to me.



I won’t lie, I woke eager the in the morning and made it to my store in record time. I looked around trying to make sure it would seem somewhat presentable to someone like Gabe and by the time.

Jordan had come in he easily picked up on the stress, “Whoa, Ave, what are we preparing for?”

“Gabe Saporta is coming in today.”

I could swear I could see the color drain from his face, “Really? How’d you manage that?”

Jordan was pretty much the only one new my insanity for Gabe. He knew I looked up to Gabe, that I’d do anything to just meet him. So I told him what happened last night and he just sat there nodding occasionally.

“I think we hit it off pretty well.”

“Ave,” He sounded sincere, “Maybe you’re blowing this out of proportion. He probably just thinks
you’re a fan not a potential partner. I know you like him but you honestly don’t know him.”

“Do you have to crush all my dreams?”

Jordan reached over to rest his hand on my own, “I just want you to fall for someone who really cares for you and who honestly loves you. Not someone who is unreachable.”

I looked down at his hand not even bothering to respond. He probably was right, what were the odds of Gabe actually coming in? Did he even remember who I was? Was he even sober last night when I talked to him? I shook the thoughts from my head trying to justify that he was a good person and he was going to try, like Jordan had said, I didn’t know Gabe at all.

The day move by agonizingly slow and by the time we reached closing Gabe still hadn’t shown. Maybe I did hope too high and I know Jordan could tell I was bummed, “I’m sorry Ave; maybe he just got busy.”

I heard the chime of store’s door and didn’t bother to look up from my magazine, “We’re closed. Hours are posted on the door.”

“Should we come back?” I looked up seeing Gabe as well with Alex Suarez and Nate Novarro with him.

“Oh,” I felt butterflies in my stomach almost making me sick but Gabe looked so attractive I couldn’t tell if I was dreaming or not, “No, come in. Please.”

Jordan came back in front and he froze in his spot not believing that they were here either. He came and stood next to me as the three walked up to the counter and looked around. Gabe smiled with his hands in his jacket’s pockets and I could feel my heart melt, god, I did sound like a fan girl, “Sorry we’re so late. We had an interview and we didn’t think it’d run that late.”

“No you guys are totally fine.” I knew I had a stupid grin but I didn’t care, “I half expected you to come anyways.”

Gabe pulled out a hand to hold over his heart with a smile on his face, “Ouch, you think that lowly of me?”

“Well, I didn’t know if you really wanted to do a show in a small store like this. You guys tend to do larger places.”

Alex spoke up before moving away to look through some cds, “That’s because Gabe’s ego can’t fit in most places.”

Gabe had a fake laugh before becoming serious, “Shut up Suarez. No we’d do anything to have a show in New York. It’s out favorite place to be. You have a nice store, it’s a good size. We could hold like two to three hundred people in here.”

I nodded, “That’s what I was thinking. I could get one of the local radio stations to back it up and I can hold some kind of sale to sell wristbands for the show or something.”

Gabe looked behind him over at Alex, “What do you think?”

Alex shrugged, “I say we do it. Novarro?”

“Let’s do it. Three to two anyways, I doubt they’d say no anyways.”

The smile on my face couldn’t capture the feelings inside my body. I almost stopped breathing. This was beyond any dream I would ever ask for. I glanced over at Jordan and he had a weak smile on his face. He just seemed to be deep in thought and I decided I’d wait to talk to him. He probably just wanted to go home anyways.

The three took a few minutes to look around and browse everything and Jordan leaned closer, “We can still promote my show right? No offense.”

I nodded, “Of course. Just because they’re doing a show here doesn’t mean I can’t promote both.
Why would you think I wouldn’t?”

He shrugged before walking around the counter, “I’m going to leave. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Hey, Jordan! Wait!” I caught up with him and caught his jacket’s sleeve before he exited the store and he didn’t look back at me, “Can we talk about this? I don’t want you to think I won’t help you out. You know I love and support your music.”

“I know.” He pulled his arm away and smiled weakly at me, “But you do for others too and when it comes to the store we should think of what would bring more business. I’m just some kid that sings.”

“No you’re not.” I could feel the three men in back of us staring, they had begun to whisper trying to act normal, “I go to every show you have and helped with the demos you send in to the labels. If I didn’t give a shit about you or your band I wouldn’t have done all that. I fucking love your music plus you’re my best friend. What more could I ask for?”

He nodded before leaving me there at the door. I was worried he was really that upset over Cobra Starship doing a show here, I didn’t want him to be. I adored him and all I felt was a pang of hurt radiating through me. Though regardless, I did have my dream band going to be performing plus my man of my dreams standing five feet from me. What an interesting life I seem to be having.

I flipped the open sign and turned around, “Sorry about that.”

Gabe smiled, “You’re fine. So he’s your employee?”

“Uh yeah, he’s one of my best friends and he asked to work here but once he gets signed I doubt he’d need to work here anymore.”

Alex continued for a bit about starving artists and how Jordan should keep a job as long as he could then went off about asking about Jordan’s show. I mentioned it to them trying to give all the information about it and they seemed interested for the most part.

With that we then shifted to more of the important details of their show here. Gabe was going to talk to their manager about certain details and I had given a few suggestions on what radio stations would be likely to help promote as well as plans for what the sale would include.

I couldn’t help but notice that during all this Gabe had stayed right next to me and even when I went looking for certain phone numbers he’d help me look. There was even a moment when our hands brushed and I pulled my hand back as a reflex and apologized. I inwardly shook my head at the butterflies in my stomach but he just beamed at me and I just wanted to giggle like a mad school girl.

I know I was crazy for liking him. I had nothing he’d want; I wasn’t some superstar or some top of the line model. I was just this simple girl enjoying her dream of having a music store. Granted I had a couple interviews coming up for a couple labels for working in music production but I was content where I was.

Regardless, the way he looked at me just seemed to be so welcoming and inviting. Maybe I could just be a friend. I could settle for that. I was even more excited to have the whole band come in. I could see more Gabe; have more time to actually get to know him. Make sure I am making all the right judgments. That couldn’t hurt.

Who knew?



In the next couple days things had finally sunk in and the sale for the in store performance had started. I had made quite a few flyers and posters that I could hang around. I spend a few hours making them look good so that if Gabe saw he’d approve. Then at the same time I made a bunch for Jordan and his show. I wasn’t going to let him down.

When Jordan came in he stopped at the end of the counter and gave a second look at the pile of flyers there. He smiled when he saw his face and what it was for. I couldn’t help but smirk a little proud of myself. He walked over to me and just looked flabbergasted, “Did you really make those for me?”

I nodded and turned to him, “Of course, anything for you.”

He pulled me into a hug and I just chuckled. I knew he loved them. I wrapped my arms around him and just held him close, “Thank you so much Ave. I’m going to put them up and hand them out everywhere I go.”

“Sure. I put up a few in a couple other stores and my coffee shop that I go to.”

“You are so amazing.”

He pulled away and brushed his hair out of his face as I looked up at him, “Am I forgiven then?”

He furred his eyebrows, “For what?”

“For upsetting you a couple days ago.”

He shook his head, “That was me. I shouldn’t have had a bitch fit. I was just jealous.”

“Still, I felt bad that-”

He cut me off, “Don’t. Don’t feel bad. I’m the one I’m sorry. “

He walked away to go clock in and I smiled too myself. I did feel bad but I’m glad he was in a good mood. I hated the thought of hurting him, I trusted him probably more then I should have but I didn’t care. He was a god guy, a guy I’d hope to find and date because I knew they’d be loyal.

Though I don’t know if I’d ever date Jordan; don’t get me wrong he was a great guy, if not beyond great. He was just so shy at times and afraid to make certain moves so I’d be afraid to overstep my bounds, and besides the factor that he’s my best friend and I sure as hell don’t want to lose that but he was cute. I’ll give him that.

“Hello,” I flinched away from the hand waving in front of my face, “Is anyone home?”

I looked to see Gabe leaning over the counter and smiling, “Oh hell Gabe. Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts.”

“You’re fine. I just wanted to drop by to see you about-”

I didn’t even hear the rest. He came to see me, of course that’s all I heard and all I wanted to hear. I couldn’t help it; Gabe just had this kick in his personality that I loved. I felt my heart flutter an beat as if it was going to rip out of my chest and flop down on the counter for Gabe to take.

“So is that all right?”

“Uh…” What did he even say?

“I know, asking for a girl’s number isn’t easy and I’m sure me asking you is a little weird but like I said, strictly business, I promise.”

“You want my number?”

Gabe looked confused, “Yes. So I can call you if I need to change anything. Are you feeling okay? You seem miles away.”

“Oh,” I felt myself blush, of course he’d want it for business nothing else, “Yes. I can give you my cell.”

I reached for a business card of some store I had received and found a pen to scribble it on the blank back of. As I was writing Jordan had come back and starting talking to Gabe and mention the posters. I felt myself panic, would Gabe like them. What if he considered them unprofessional?

Could I save myself before utter humiliation?

“Oh, I like them. I could have gotten you ones from the label but I really like this. Did Ave make them?”

“Yeah she did.”

I looked over to see Gabe hovering over them and then over to Jordan’s, “Are these for your show too? Ave these are wonderful.”

“Uh,” I shifted on my feet trying to smile, “Thank you Gabe.”

Gabe came back over to take the card from me and flicked my nose with the card grinning ear to ear,
“See you soon.”

After Gabe left I could hear Jordan bust out laughing and I glared at him. He just shook his head as he went to go organize some of the vinyl collection that I had and I wanted to badly to just smack the back of his head or throw something at him. Granted that would be stupid because I’d break something or him.

“Oh shut up!”

“You have it so bad for him it almost hurts.” He continued laugh and I rolled my eyes, “Jeez Ave, how are you going to even handle the in store performance when you can’t even handle five minutes with him?”

“I will throw something at you or fire you!”

“I’m only joking.” He knelt to get closer to the stacks near the floor, “Just ask him out for coffee or something already. Before someone else does.”

I walked over to the other side of the store to put out the new music magazines, “You were the one who said I didn’t know him or that fact he probably saw me as a fan!”

“I know, but you won’t know till you try.”

Whoa wait, back this all up. Jordan was supporting my crush. I think he was the one that was off his rocker not me. Regardless I was going to take it but I was pretty sure I’d never ask Gabe Saporta to have coffee or anything in general. I mean this guy was out of my league, wasn’t Jordan the one that even called me on having too high of hopes?

I shook my head, it didn’t matter. What did was the fact that Gabe Saporta had my phone number.



By the time the in store performance was to happen I sold every wristband in about a week. One of my favorite radio stations to work with was here and Cobra Starship had come in with their equipment to set up. It was a pleasure to finally meet Ryland and Victoria. I even had the chance to get my photo with them, and Jordan joined in the fun too.

It wasn’t long before the crowd outside started to line up and I had hid the band in the back of my store so that the fans wouldn’t become too crazy and break down the door to my store. They didn’t seem to mind, it was a reasonable sized place and they want to make a grand entrance anyways.

Jordan started to let them in and we had to double check wristbands as the crowd started to make their way in. Some were regulars, kids, parents, and all other people where here for the show as I had closed the normal store shopping for this. I was so happy it had been such a success so far.

The radio representative Heather took her chance to introduce me and we both exchanged a few words about the show and how great this chance was for the crowd to have a performance like this. I took off to let Heather finish listing sponsors as Gabe started to peak out from the back. I smiled trying to attract attention and just jumped up to sit on my counter. Jordan followed me to do the same and we watch the crowd’s reaction as Gabe led the others out to the little stage.

I smiled at the cheers knowing I was doing the same on the inside. Gabe just kept a goofy grin on his face as he looked around at the crowd and to his band members, “So how are all you guys today? Good?”

There was a little talking before the music started and everyone seemed to have their own way of rocking out to the music. Jordan seemed bounce his foot to the beat as I quietly sung the lyrics. Gabe seemed like he wanted to jump around but confined himself to the small area. Gabe even took his chance to walk into a part of the small group of people to sing to them. It was so nice to see how his fans would interact with him.

Jordan leaned over, “You know, he might be a good guy after all.”

I looked over at him and gave a playful sneer, “You don’t even know him.”

“Of course not, but I have seen how he acts around you and he’s sincere.”

I just reached over to lean my head on his shoulder, “Shut up. I don’t have a chance with him anyways.”

“You never know.”

Gabe quieted the crowd down after one of the songs and I saw him look over at me, “So I wanted to take a second to thank Ave, the store owner who is amazing for letting us do this and for The Beat for coming out here to promote so as a thank you we’re going to play Ave’s favorite song off of our new album. Hope you guys don’t mind.”

I furred my eyebrows trying to figure how Gabe would know what my favorite song was off of the new album and I could hear Jordan snickering to himself. I looked over and he beamed and I knew he must have told Gabe. I looked over to see Alex Suarez smiling at me before looking back at Ryland.

Gabe moved close the microphone stand and looked at me while starting to sing, “Your daddy always said you should stay away from a fool like me. A fool like me.”

I could help but sing along enjoying Gabe’s voice hoping this day would never end. I didn’t want to say goodbye to Gabe just yet. I finally got to sit and talk with him over the past week and a half as well as the rest of Cobra Starship and it just made my life better. Not to mention I wanted some fashion tips from Victoria, she was flawless.

Eventually it all did come to an end and the crowd slowly started to leave as the packing up started. I tried to keep myself busy so I didn’t have to think about this being probably the last time I’d see Gabe for a while. Maybe he’d show up in the club I worked out again but until then this as it. But hey, I had more than the average person did. Plus I should be excited that Jordan’s show was coming up soon.

By the time Gabe was ready to leave he had followed me back into the store room and I turned around surprised, “Oh hey. Did you forget something in here?”

He tucked his hands into his jacket pockets, “No actually I had a question.”

“What would that be?”

“Look normal I’m great at asking girls out but do you happen to want to go get some dinner with me tonight?”

“Uh,” Say yes you idiot, it’s not that hard. Come on; respond to him before he takes back his offer,

“Yes. Yes I’d like to.”

“Great,” His smile was probably as big as the one on my own face, “What time do you get off? Seven?”

“Yes. Do you want me to meet-”

He shook his head as he cut me off, “No I’ll be here then and we can go together. If you don’t mind.”

“That’s fine.”

He said a goodbye before I gripped onto the table near me as he left. Jordan came back and looked concerned. He asked if I was all right and I nodded in shock at what just happened. I just got asked out on a date with Gabe Saporta.

“What happened? Did he hurt you ?”

I shook my head, “He asked me out on a date.”

“Oh good, he believed me.”

I looked up at Jordan, “What?”

“I told him you had the hots for him and told him he should take the chance if he was interested. He did ask if you were single.”

I just moved to sit in the chair at the table. Jordan did what? Gabe asked if I was single. I didn’t even know what to say, I didn’t even know when the hell the two talked to each other. I just was in shock.
This had to be a dream, none of this was real. What are the odds of an average person scoring a date with Gabe? Honestly?

“Oh god, I need to find something to wear.”

“Well then go! I can handle the store.”

I knew he could but I should ask, “Are you sure?”

He nodded, “Yes, now go.”

I stood up and went to hunt down for my bag with my keys and money. I could run home and make myself look good. I just couldn’t stop smiling. This was turning out to be a wonderful turn in my life and I honestly thought this was the start of something grand. For the first time in my life I felt like I could touch the sky. I could do anything with these new feelings of joy.

And I would ride this wave of great things for as long as I can.

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