We were hot as hades so I went to the bar and got some expensive soda's for the girls and a water for me. It was off to the bathroom, which was totally gross (I will not go into the gory details). Well, I opted to use the facilities as I knew it would be a long time in line outside. You know, when nature calls... It was time to leave the dancing and music and depart for (hopefully) the moment I waited for since I left the DC concert when I couldn't wait due to the work place and, more importantly, Heather having to get up for school. We went outside and there were two lines of people, one against the building and the other lined up against the rope which was tied to the posts to serve as a fence, so to speak. It was around 1:30 or so. The girls and I parked our butts on the ground. Others had done the same; there was about 20 people in front of us. I talked to the only guy from Charlotte, a guy from Philly (who later discussed his nail color with Gary), a guy from SC, Numanboy and Polar Bear, among others. Then I found out from the guy from Philly that I indeed had the "wrong" Exile shirt. Supposedly they printed some of them wrong...the web site reads www.human.com instead of www.numan.com (geesh my luck).

Anyway, a rent-a-cop walked by us to the bus, and it was time to stand again. Gary had emerged. People had numerous things to sign and say. It was almost my turn and some girl gave him two things to sign. Then she said something to him and was opening a bag. At this point I looked at Gary, who had been smiling and most congenial, and noticed the look on his face. He looked a tad upset. I heard him say something about how he had the rest of the people to see and he had to be in New York at 5:30 pm. She still fumbled with the bag and pulled out a black and white polka dot box. She said 'I wanted to give you this'. He instructed her to give it to the guy near the bus. Polarbear and Numanboy had pix/cd's signed, pictures taken with Gary and then it was my turn. Just before that I asked Val if the camera was ready because I didn't want to waste Gary's time. I was nervous enough and I certainly did not want to upset him. Not after waiting all this time to meet him. She said 'of course' and looked at me like I was being a mom, which I was. I knew she was ready and able.

OK, here goes: (the moment you've been waiting for...lol)
He looked at me. I looked at him and said "Hello, Gary". I gave him my copy of "Praying to the Aliens" to sign. I said "I just wanted to show you my defective book" (as I flipped through the pages).
He looked at the blank pages near the back and uttered "S***." I exclaimed that is what I said when I couldn't finish the book! He flipped through the book and happened to the back cover where saw the cover design credits.
"What?!" he exclaimed, "Cover design by Clarie Goble??" He shook his head, pointed to himself and said "No no, it was me. ME! F***ing cheeky!" He raised his arm, fist clenched and stepped backwards (of course, all of this in a playful manner). His hand then made the gesture of calm, and he said "Ok, calm...calm." He walked back to me and said "So, we're going to sign this book on a blank page?"
I said "You can sign it wherever you want."
As he was signing it he said "You really should return this book."
I said "No, that's ok. I want to keep this one."
He said "Well, that's not right." He then looked at me, head tilted sideways, and with an evil, wicked smirk he said "So you couldn't finish the book?"
I said "No, but that's ok. That way you can finish the story for me." I then told him it was a pleasure meeting him after 20 years or so. I thanked him, asked him if he would be back in 6 months. He said "Yes if I can get the sponsors." I asked if we could get a picture and he said yes. I was bold enough to put my arm around his back. Val took it and I said a great big thank you. I touched his arm and told him that I was looking forward to seeng him in 6 months. As we walked away, some guy asked me "What was the big deal with the book?"

What more can I say? It is all so anti-climactic from here on out...until the next concert!!

I hope...