Chapter 10

The boys had had no problem getting into the club or being served once it had become apparent they were Janis' guests. Even though they had gotten there later than planned, they had scored the best table in the place beside the band's usual table and even the bulldog-looking bouncer at the door had even waived the cover charge and passed them through.

A few chicks had tried to hit on them, but neither were interested. They were there for Janis and Janis only; to go off with a couple of bimbos for the night would not only be a slap in the face to her, but both knew Janis would look upon them with even more disfavor than the scary looking dudes watching the door.

Paul wisely figured that he'd rather be raped by six thousand apes than to have the likes of Jan bitching his ass out. Better to stay put; besides, in many aspects, Janis could run circles around some of the chicks that were in the joint anyway.

"One thing about Jan and the guys, they put on a hell of a show," Paul grinned during the band's intermission.

"Not kidding there, dude," Brian agreed. "They sound even better live than on that CD she gave us. You check out that Chico guy? I never thought there would be someone that was actually hairier than you."

"Very funny, homie. And no, I don't exactly check out the dudes. We're here for Jan, remember?"

"Yeah, she's the icing on the cake."

"Everyone having a good time?" Janis asked, sidling up beside them.

"Damn, Jan, you nearly scared the fuck out of me!" Paul cried.

"If you hadn't been ogling the chicks sitting at the bar, Tarzan, you'd seen her coming," Brian remarked.

"I wasn't watching anyone, dude. Cut the bullshit."

"Yeah, yeah. Can dress you up, but can't take your sorry ass anywhere."

"Anyway," Janis interjected. "Everything going okay so far?"

Brian grinned at her. "Hell yeah. You and the guys are kicking some serious ass up there on stage tonight."

"That's what we get paid to do," Janis smiled at him. "Glad you approve nevertheless."

"Want to dance?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Hey!" Paul spoke up. "I'm supposed to get the first shot."

"Tough shit. Go ask one of those skanks at the bar your eyes have been undressing all night. I'm showing Jan some real fun," Brian replied, dragging Janis out on the floor.

"I am so beating his ass when we get back to the hotel," Paul grunted, his arms crossed while watching Brian and Janis whoop it up on the floor.

"Got left behind, huh, holmes?" Chico asked, coming up to him.

"Yeah, something like that."

"Shit, don't sweat it. Jan dances with everybody she likes. Who knows, she might be saving one of the slow ones for you."

Paul stared at Chico. "You think so?"

"I would like to think so. She always seems to save the best customers for last. But she's a lady and don't go home with any of them. I mean, she can be mouthy and shit like that, but in the end, she's got a good head on her shoulders."

"Chico, what's the story on Jan anyway? I mean, Spanky and I have only known her a short time, but she hasn't really told either of us much."

"Kind of had a rough early life, holmes; went through all kinds of shit too scary for even mentioning. A holy miracle she survived it all. She can come across as a tough one, but Jan's really got a heart of gold underneath it all."

"Kind of what drew me to her," Paul said. "Jan's got a true, feisty spirit. Kind of like the incredibly angry bitch, yet sweet, kind woman."

"Yeah, too bad not many see it the way you do, holmes. Janis was seeing a dude about ten years ago, but he got cancer and passed on. She's been around guys and stuff since, but just friendly like. No serious shit. That's all any of us can really tell you. You want real dirt, you might want to talk to Donnie. He knows more about that side of her than me, Jerome and Brett do."

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Soon, Janis and Brian headed back to the table right before a slow song started.

She grabbed Paul. "Come on, big boy; it's your turn."

He glanced over at Chico. "I guess you were right after all."

Later that night:

"Dude, you are so lucky that guy didn't press charges on your ass or that Janis didn't stay pissed very long," Brian said. "I can't believe you'd get into a fight with one of the locals when we promised Jan we would be decent."

"I don't even know why she bitched my ass out to begin with," Paul replied. "I was defending her, especially when the greasy fucker tried to cut in while we were dancing and called Jan an uptight cunt when she refused."

"Look, homie, I'm well aware that you're trained in Japanese fighting, martial arts, karate, and ground wrestling; you could basically kill somebody in like two seconds, but did you have to drag that shit out tonight of all nights? You should be grateful all that happened was us getting evicted from the club. If this gets back to management, both of us are basically screwed, and the last thing we need is you getting in more trouble."

"You sure Janis isn't mad at me anymore?"

"No. I just talked to her about half an hour ago when she got home. She was online talking to that chick in Canada or something, and I caught her. She was pretty pissed off that you'd embarrassed her at first, but when I told Jan the whole story and you got that crazy protective thing going on, she kind of calmed down and thought it was pretty sweet."

Paul perked up. "Yeah?"

"Yeah, but don't get any ideas about pulling this again in the future. She may not be so forgiving the next time. And I don't exactly feel like bailing your ass out of jail either."

"Good point, dude. I should talk to her sometime tomorrow."

"And apologize for acting like a jungle freak. This is probably one of very few decent chicks that will do more than give either of us the time of day, and we don't need you screwing that up too."