It was at that point that I was sure one of the three girls, all of whom had been cracking their knuckles like boxers, was going to snap. But James and his friend, whose name I never got, seemed to be hitting it off. I stayed a minute longer in case a bird tried to strangle him, and jetted off for the comfortable sanctuary of the bathroom.

I was in a stall pretending to pee – people in line are generally weirded out if you just go into the bathroom to stand around, even if you’re hiding – when James burst, cut in front and grabbed me.

“Dude, I haven’t seen this girl in months. I don’t know what it is, but she’s totally down.”

“Awesome,” I said, trying to avoid meeting the looks we were getting.

“So her and her friends are leaving right now, but she said she wants to meet up later. I totally want to smash some box, but I don’t want to leave you behind. Are you okay to find your way home?”

As soon as I nodded, he was out the door. I was fake washing my hands when he burst back in.

“Hey bud, here’s some cash for the cab. Fuck yeah! I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I made my way back to Dan, Julia and Bruna in time for the curtains to get ripped back for the band, who launched into some great ’50s covers. The band was impressive, and the four of us danced around and yelled into each other’s ears. I was surprised when Bruna grabbed my arm a couple times. I gave Julia a questioning look, but she just winked back. I wasn’t sure what she meant, and wasn’t in a position to ask, so I just stood by and enjoyed the singer, a young James Brown with an accent.

Half an hour into their set the band announced they’d take a quick break. Dan and I left to fight through the crowd for beers. The bar was overwhelmed, but one of the bartenders recognized him and tossed him a couple bottles. We walked back to the stage to find only Julia, who Dan quickly pulled off into a corner. I told them I was headed to the bathroom, but instead walked into the middle of the room. I stood about looking for Bruna, and caught sight of her at a table arguing with a guy whom could only be her boyfriend.

I left.

Or, I tried to. The bar handed everyone entering a checklist of drinks to act as their own personal tab. Mine was empty, and I handed it to the bouncers at the entrance.