PIANO MAN

“Sing us a song you’re the piano man…” I sung in the phone when my sister Liz picked up.

She started to laugh.

“Okay, so I’m not a very good singer.” I laughed to myself. “But did you know Billy Joel’s 100^th concert at Madison Square Garden is going to be shown on TV tonight?”

“I already have it taped.” she answered.

“Oh.” I was confused. “But it’s on tonight.”

“They must be replaying it because it was on a few days ago.”

“Aw. I was going to ask you if you wanted to watch it together and we could reminisce about when we went to see him in person.” I looked at my glass of wine sitting on the coffee table, ready for the concert to begin.

“How long ago was that?” she asked. “It’s got to be about six years!”

“Well, I can tell you we were in the balcony, on the right hand side of the stage and the man next to me was playing air drums. It turns out his high hat was right in front of my face!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “He was wailing on that cymbal all night long!”

Liz started to laugh again. “How do you remember all that?”

“Because I don’t go to many concerts so each and every one of them is memorable to me!” I picked up the remote for the television and clicked it on. “The concert is starting in about five minutes. Are you in?”

“I’m sorry.” She sighed. “But I’m not going to be able to watch it with you tonight. I’m going out with some friends.”

“Aw. That’s too bad.” I reached over and picked up my glass of wine and took a sip. “I was looking forward to watching it with you.”

“Why don’t you watch it now and when I get the chance to watch it later I’ll call you and we can talk about it then?”

“That sounds like a plan.” I looked over at the television and could see that the concert was about to begin. “I gotta go. It’s about to start.”

“Enjoy. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Have fun with your friends!” I hung up and dropped the phone next to me on the couch. I was taking another sip from my glass when my son Alex walked into the room. “Hey, do you want to watch Billy Joel’s 100^th concert with me?” I patted the couch cushion next to me.

“I was just coming out to get something to eat. Tommy and I are in the middle of a Call of Duty game. Why don’t you ask Dad?”

“He’s downstairs watching a movie.” I put my glass back on the coffee table. “That’s okay Liz and I have already been to his concert.” I pointed to the television. “I just want to see it again and I’ll catch up with your Aunt Lizzy tomorrow.” I grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and threw it over my legs. “I think I’m finally getting to that age where watching a concert on the television, sitting on my own couch, and sipping some wine is even better than being there in person!”

Alex kissed me on the top of the head before he headed into the kitchen. “Have fun!” He called over his shoulder.

“Oh, I will!” I grabbed my glass again, held it up for a quick salute before taking another sip and settling in for the night.