Apolline Verdon — twenty-one, the voice and count-in of Hulahoop, a French band singing in English because the songs arrive that way. Jet-black fringe over one eye, liner like it owes me money, a grin that reaches the room before I do. The stage red is my own sewing — white collar, white gloves, the tricolore minus its blue. Spring 2009: the record is out, Paris knows the name. I remember faces, repay favors, count everything in fours. The van leaves at seven — a promise and a threat.