False Starts || Dave Grohl

Chapter 16

"Well Look Who's Going Crazy Now, We're Face To Face My Friend"

April 17, 1991

Seattle, WA

Never in my twenty years had I purposely gotten dolled up for a concert. I knew that by the end of a show I would be drenched in sweat and sporting ripped clothing due to bystanders grabbing and shoving me around. Now, here I am though, looking myself over in Shelli's floor mirror.

"Are you sure this isn't too much?" I was skeptical. My face was covered in a layer of foundation and whatever make up items Shelli chose to contour it with. A Smokey eye shadow emphasizing the bright blue of my eyes. "It just seems so... not me."

My torn white Bad Brains t-shirt popped from under a black utility jacket; giving the intensely dark outfit a hint of color. The front of my shirt was tucked into a pair of black jean shorts I was barrowing from Shelli; the ripped fishnet leggings underneath giving the outfit an edgy look.

"You look fuckin' hot Rose," The woman I considered to be my best friend exclaimed before wrapping her arms around my shoulders, smiling back at me through the mirror. "He's not gonna know what hit him tonight."

It was the first Nirvana show since their short tour in Canada at the beginning of March and I was terrified to finally face Dave tonight. The daily phone calls had ceased to exist, and Krist no longer relayed messages to me from him. "Bullshit," I brushed a few loose strands of hair out of my face, "He's not even going to bat an eye."

"Rosemary Ann," Shelli scolded, "Watch your language young lady."

I twist my head, a goofy grin appearing on my face as we made eye contact. "I won't be a 'young lady' anymore once Dave's done with me tonight."

"Oh god," She crinkled her nose, "That's too much information for my virgin ears. I really don't need any more details about Dave's sexual escapades. Krist told me all about the crazy shit you two were up to while in Europe. You should've just boned the dude."

My body was on fire as I did my best to avoid eye contact. "It was a bet okay..."

"Sure, it was," She pinched my cheek, "Tell that to me again after you to bang in one of the storage closets after their set." She released me, leaving my small guest bedroom in order to finish getting ready herself. "I'll be out in five!"

The two months away from one another have been refreshing. I missed the brunette drummer like hell, but we really needed the break. After our argument in March, I know he agreed due to our lack of contact. Krist kept an eye on him for me though, assuring me when they returned that Dave didn't do anything that would be considered out of the ordinary for him.

I slip on a pair of combat boots I'd found at a nearby thrift store, taking one last glance at my reflection in the mirror before exiting the small bedroom to meet Shelli.

---

The ride to OK Hotel consisted of loud music and us screaming along even louder. Neither of us caring what bystanders and passing cars thought as we enjoyed the short ride across town. A line of teenagers were waiting at the door to either be admitted or turned away and I couldn't help but feel nostalgic. It reminded me of long nights at the 9:30 Club back in D.C.

"Krist said he'd meet us at the side door," Shelli recounts before grabbing my arm to steer us away from the front of the building. "If he forgot I swear..." I pulled out my pack of Marlboro's, bringing one of the white sticks to my mouth as the two of us turned down a side alley.

"Do my eyes deceive me?" My ears perked up at the familiar voice and I couldn't help but chuckle when I noticed Krist sprinting towards us with a startled looking Kurt on his back. The blond man holding on for dear life as his friend stopped in front of us. "Or is our little Rosemary finally out of the house?"