So we arrive at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ at 7:15, the show is at 8:00. We head straight for our seats; we can buy merchandise later. It is now 8:10. "Where is Eric?" I ask myself; but alas, the lights dim and the Village People's 'YMCA' comes on... and is still on... still on. Three minutes and forty-six seconds later, the lights dim even further and Eric comes out. The first half whizzes by so fast that I am amazed that it is time for Intermission already. We rush into the lobby where an amplitude of people are waiting to buy Greedy Bastard merchandise. After 10 minutes of being squished like a sardine, I make my way to the table and buy a T-shirt. I notice signs saying "The Greedy Bastard will only sign purchased Merchandise." Good thing I got the shirt, eh? We make it back to our seats with seconds to spare before the Second Act begins. Before I know it, the concert is over and the people are calling for an encore. Of course he gives us one. We plow our way back to the lobby. There is a line; 'Autographs'. Woo hoo, he's doing autographs. So, we make it to the back of the line. There are a lot of people in front of us, but I am determined to meet him.
The line starts moving, we're getting closer. We are in front of the merchandise table, so I decide to buy The Road To Mars. I see him. Gaaah he is better looking in person. My friend grabs my arm. "It's him, it's him!" my mind shouts. My friends push me to see him first. I walk up and hand him my book. He gives me a big smile, "Ah, I see you bought my book." A million thoughts are swimming in my head and all I can muster up to reply is a meek, "Yes." My voice is lost, I can't speak. "So, you like science fiction?" he asks as he signs my book. All I can do is nod and give a small "Mmmhmmm." Why am I so nervous? I thought I rehearsed this? He hands me the book back giving me his adorable smile. It is now or never. "Thank you so much. It is an honor to meet you." Is all I can say. He gets that a million times a day, duh! Can't you think of anything creative to say? "Thank you," he replies as he waves his hand at me. I scurry away, feeling elated and like a fool at the same time. My friends got to take a picture of him (since he was behind a table it was kind of hard to take one with him) and get him to sign some stuff. I just stand aside, looking from my book to Eric.
We left the theater at 10:45 and started to walk back to the car when suddenly we see a bus parked outside the theater. It's Eric's bus. I recognize it from the Greedy Bastard website. I get a picture of my two friends in front of it, trying to do the same pose as Eric in the photo. I am giddy the entire ride home. As I lie on my bed staring at my ceiling, I can't help but smile knowing I met one of the most talented people in the world; and although I went comatose when I met him, he still kept me smiling the entire time.
