They ate quickly at the coffee table. Roland put his boots on and Lilly walked him to the gate. “Music starts at ten. Come on over when you are ready. I’ve put you on the guest list. Give them your name at the door.”
“Thanks, Roland. I can’t wait to hear the band.”
Roland laughed, “We are in rock and roll mode tonight it is going to be far out!” He kissed her like he meant it and walked off toward Bourbon Street.
Lilly returned to her apartment, lay back in her bed and replayed every moment of the most extraordinary love making she had ever experienced.
Chapter 15
Wild Magic
Arriving at the Cave a little after 10:00, Lilly could barely squeeze in the door. The city was working its way into Carnival mode and Bourbon Street was rocking. The Doorman gave her a thumb’s up as she yelled her name over the music.
The afternoon’s melodious music in the square had morphed into some serious rock and roll. The medieval costumes were replaced by bell bottoms and fringed leather vests. Roland was firing mind shattering leads on his electric guitar. Trey was playing rhythm guitar. Bart’s long blond hair swung as his electric violin screamed. Leon the gentle gnome, held it all together, hidden behind a huge set of trap drums.
Lilly made her way as close to the stage as she could. The crowd pressed close dancing until the floor was overflowing. The tabletops became mini dance floors as young girls with short skirts and men with long hair undulated to the driving beat of the music.
Watching Roland play electric guitar was mesmerizing. Lilly swayed and danced until sweat was running between her breasts. She quenched her thirst with Dixie beers and, finally climbed onto a chair, her arms pumping and her hips moving in time with the electric throb of the music.
The band announced a short break. Before Lilly could make her way to the stage, Roland was surrounded by a group of adoring girls. Lilly stood a few feet away and nervously rubbed her tingling fingers, wishing the girls would walk away. Instantly, the knot of women surrounding Roland dispersed as they turned as one and put their attention on a bearded, beaded hippy guy.
Roland looked around and spotted her in a heartbeat. He raised one eyebrow, pointed a finger at her and mouthed, “Did you do that?”
Lilly guiltily stared at her hands as Roland closed the space between them in two strides and put his arm around her. “I’m sorry,” she said, laughing with a twinkle in her eye. “I am trying to learn to be aware of my thoughts when my fingers tingle. I’m afraid that wild magic escaped before I could stop it.”
Roland smiled and urged her toward the back door. “Let’s get out of here for a minute, okay?”
They sat on boxes in the closed courtyard and shared a beer. Roland lifted her hand in his, gently pulling on each of her fingers. “These are your magic wands, Lyla. I don’t mind you dispersing a few groupies, but I want you to be aware how and when you are focusing and channeling your energy. Remember you have a powerful tool at your fingertips.”
Lilly was stunned. “How do you know about my tingling fingers?”
Roland responded in a matter of fact voice, “The power of observation. Those twitching fingers are dispersing bits of wild magick. Your ability is getting stronger. The run in with your ex-husband gave you more confidence in your magick, but it also threw you off balance. As long as you are centered, your magic stays in balance. Watch out that wild magick doesn’t fly off those twitching fingers and create havoc.”
Lilly didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry. ‘The idea she had power at the tip of her fingers had been exciting. Realizing it was now, something she had to control became a new responsibility.’
Lost in reverie, she was surprised when Roland lifted her chin with one finger, “No need for regrets, think about all the fun you can have.”
Lilly’s pensive frown transformed to a mischievous grin. She wiggled her fingers, nodded her head and said, “Yea, right on!”
Changing the subject, she exclaimed “Ya’ll sound great! You know how to transition from Celtic music to rock and roll. I never dreamed it would be so electric!”
Roland laughed, “Yea, we’ve discovered medieval music doesn’t go over well in nightclubs. I like the electric music, it gets the crowd going. I like the way the energy builds and circulates. Its super cool. I could play all night.”
Lilly smiled, “The music is great but I don’t think I can stay all night. I’ll be heading home after your next set.”
“Oh, Lyla I was hoping you would stay and come back to the bus when we finished playing. You haven’t checked out our bus.”
Lilly locked her hands around his neck and drew him close to her, “I have to work in the morning at Panthea’s. I’ve got to get to bed before dawn.”
“You are too responsible,” Roland said, looking slightly dejected. He took a long pull on the beer as Lilly ran her hand down his back, smoothing his long hair.
“I have an extra key to the front gate, you can come over to my apartment when you are finished here.”
Roland leaned over and kissed her deeply. She slipped the key in his pocket and whispered, “We will have time later.”
“I don’t think I can wait until later,” Roland said in a husky voice as he stood in front of her and pulled her close.
His passion engulfed her in a wave of deep longing, banishing any hesitancy and fear. Her legs went around his waist and she pressed herself close to him. The heat of her body radiated through his jeans. His hands slipped beneath her shirt and his thumbs rubbed her erect nipples. Lilly unbuckled his belt, opened his zipper and guided him to
