I made sure she left first and spent a little extra time tucking in my shirt and putting on my hat. I don't know how long I would have stayed in there, but moments later, I heard the announcer start his spiel just before he welcomed me to the stage.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for. Please help me welcome back, Misterrrrrrr, Owennnn Wallllllkerrrrr!" He growled until Carl picked the first note on his Telecaster.

Busting out the door like a celebrity, I waved to the crowd of screaming people that packed the venue. The hairs on my arm stood as I took the stage and...