Chapter 70

"Maine!" Jerald called pointing at the direction of the square. "I see Jase over there with a bunch of locals setting up. I think they're about to start."

They were in the Liberdade District, Sao Paulo's famous Japanese district. Everywhere they looked there were booths and stands that sold Asian products, particularly Japanese but there are some that sold Chinese and Korean products as well. So it was a bit odd for Maine that the band Richard had joined in were Brazilians, and she was sure they would be singing in their native tongue. But looking around, she could feel the energy buzzing with excitement. Regardless of the culture, she was sure that everyone present would enjoy the performance.

The whole team came to watch their captain play again. It was a rare treat for them, as Richard rarely show off his talents. Martin had tried so many times to get him to sing when they go out for karaoke but he always failed to get Richard to hold the mic and sing a song. So when Maine mentioned that he will perform, everyone said that they'll come to watch, even if he was just a back up guitarist for that night.

They found a good spot to hear the performance and Maine saw Richard's head shot up and immediately turned to their direction. He smiled when he saw her and they locked eyes. He gave her a quick wave and turned back to his companions, speaking to them quickly. One of them looked at the group and smiled. He playfully hit Richard on his arm and said something with a laugh that the others followed suit. Richard just scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, then gave the guitar to one of them as he stood. There were hoots and whistles coming from the band as Richard walked towards them.

The whole team greeted him when he approached but he only gave them a smile and a quick wave. He sat down beside Maine, and reached out to take her hand in his. He kissed the back of her hand tenderly as he looked at her.

"You made it," said Richard with a smile and turned around to the cheers of his flight team. "And the whole team is here. You guys are going to give me stage fright."

"You'd better not freeze up there, Jase," Sam said with a laugh. "Or I will throw a tomato at you."

"Where'd you get the tomato, Sam?" Jerald asked, looking over Sam's shoulder as he searched for the vegetable.

"Fine!" He replied with a sigh. "I don't have tomatoes here but I do have a plate of sushi that I bought at the stall over there. It's really good sushi so I really don't want to waste it by throwing it at you."

The rest of the team laughed and they started to gang up on Sam to get a piece of his sushi. While their team were preoccupied, Richard tugged at Maine's hand.

He pulled her up with him and he whispered, "I want to introduce you to Felipe and his band."

They heard another rounds of hoots and whistles but this time coming from their team. He held her hand tightly, like he was drawing strength from her. She held his hand tightly as well, giving him reassurance that she was there. When they reached the band, one of the men stood and walked towards them. He was in his early thirties, his hair was long but it was tied neatly in a pony tail. He has a handsome face and was a head shorter than Richard but he was built like an athlete. His band mates were of similar built, like they were players on the same team. They smiled at the couple when they approached, and the man who walked towards them gave the biggest smile. Richard made the introductions.

"Maine," he started. "This is Felipe. He's the band leader. And they're Tonyo, Luis and Tiyago, his bandmates. Guys, this is Maine."

Maine shook Felipe's hand as well as the rest of the band, with Richard keeping a hold of her other hand while she was doing so. The band noticed this and couldn't stop from chuckling at him.

Felipe gave his bandmates a scolding look before turning back to the couple. He faced Maine and said, "senhorita. We do hope you will enjoy tonight's performance. Watch out for the last part as it will be a surprise you do not want to miss."

Maine smiled and thanked Felipe for his kind words. Felipe then looked at Richard and said, "escort your amada back to her seat so we can start."

Richard nodded and walked back with Maine to their team. In the short distance that they've walked, Maine noticed that Richard looked a little pale.

"What's the matter, RJ?" Maine asked, looking concern.

"I suddenly feel very nervous," Richard replied. It was the first time that Maine will hear him play with a band. It was different in Milan as she only heard him play one full song and the last part of Central Park. This will be a whole performance. And Felipe gave him the closing song. He wanted to make this great for Maine. He wanted her to enjoy every moment. He didn't want to screw this up.

They've stopped before they've reached their team. They've faced each other and Maine reached out with both her hands and cupped Richard's face. She gave him a reassuring smile.

"You'll do fine," she assured. "You've done this a thousand times. You've got this. Besides, try to remember Sam's threat. Don't let him waste good sushi."

Richard barked out a laugh at her statement, and it helped with his nervousness. He reached for her hands and gently kissed both palms. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Thanks," he said. "Thanks for being here."

"Where else would I be?" She replied. "Just have fun tonight. I know I will."

With that, she tugged at Richard's hand that was holding hers and they reached their team who were absorbed with a story that Tom was telling them that they barely noticed they've returned. Before Maine took her seat, she turned and reached out to place a quick kiss on Richard's cheek. She whispered, "break a leg" before turning to her teammates and sitting down with them. Richard turned without a second glance, a bedimpled smile across his face, and a renewed sense of confidence have been restored. He took the guitar that was handed to him by Tonyo and he made final checks if the instrument was in tune. With a nod to Felipe, they began to perform.