And so it began, my 10 minutes of relatively private time with (arguably) the world’s biggest rock star, Bono.

In a corner booth in a dark lounge, with flash bulbs popping and nervous-looking minders hovering, Bono chatted with 3 excited female fans who all happened to be Music Directors at radio stations. Present at the table: raven-haired hottie and former Mountain-eer Haley Jones, now MD at The Sound in Los Angeles, and earthy goddess Kelly Ransford (follow her at twitter.com/kellykfog ) from KFOG in San Francisco. Oh, and me: skinny, buck toothed Olive Oyl look-a-like, once again WAY overdressed.

He charmed, we charmed. We drank a toast to the new album and I shouted “Bob’s your uncle,” an old Stewart family rallying cry and he laughed.

More flashbulbs but no lull in the conversation. We talked about The One Campaign (join at www.one.org). Bono ordered a margarita (with salt).

We talked about change, the inauguration, and public service. He asked if anyone will care about Africa now that we’re all broke.

I reached across the table and handed him his drink with my giant floor grazing arms and said, “My arms are long.” And he heaved a sigh and said, “And so is my…thirst.”

I mentioned that I’d read an article in USATODAY about more American’s volunteering in the down economy. And he said, “USATODAY?” and I said “Yes.” And he said, “Today’s USATODAY?” and I said, “Yes.” And he said, “I must get that.”

Flash bulbs. Nervous minders getting nervous-er. And finally someone told him it was time to move on. I believe I saw a twinge of regret in his eyes. Was he wearing sunglasses? I didn’t even notice.

Here’s what I do recall:

- He smelled nice.

- We touched accidentally several times (we were sitting side by side) and every time I thought, I just touched Bono.

- At one point, someone joined our little bouquet of Music Directors, and we had to “scoot over” to make room. I said to Bono, “You can sit on my lap.” He said, “I might just.” To which I replied, “The night is young.” And he looked at me and laughed. Laughed!

- The flashbulbs did not phase him even a little.

- He was sitting on my good side.

- I genuinely liked him.

More tales from my once in a lifetime night with U2 (including a preview of tonight’s guest dj-ing, Adam’s curiosity about The Mountain, and why I chose to pass on meeting Larry Mullen, Jr.) all to come…with some U2 home movies too!

- Shawn