Chapter 11

"Best finishing move, huh?" Janis said to Paul. "Well, they couldn't have picked a better person, though I may be a bit biased."

"Be biased all you want," he replied. "I know it sounds a bit silly, but in my profession, even a mention like that in the magazine is kind of a big deal."

"Not that I would be bragging about it," Janis smiled.

"I see you already did. And why didn't you say you guys got nine indy award nominations?"

"Oh, those. No big thing really. There's a lot of good acts up for those, and I didn't want to sound like I was tooting my own horn anyway."

"Nothing wrong with doing that."

"Sorry, but I don't carry off arrogant very well," Janis laughed.

"Who says anything about being arrogant?" Paul wondered. "You guys have nine nominations under your belts; you must be doing something right. And even if you don't win a single thing, someone apparently thought your work was good enough to get on that list of nominees to begin with. So enjoy the ride."

"I suppose you have a point, especially giving the consideration that we are neither the conventional type of band nor me the conventional type of singer."

"Which drew me and Brian to your happy ass in the first place."

"Uh huh. And how many young chicks have you said that to this past week alone?"

"Come on, Jan, I didn't know I was that untrustworthy," he said, a little downtrodden. "Do you honestly think every guy in the universe gives you a line?"

"Of course not; I was just teasing," she replied. "But seriously, I think you two are about the most brutally honest people I have ever come across. Granted, there are bullshitters in every business, including yours and mine, so it's refreshing to come across a couple of straight up dudes. A little difficult to get used to, but refreshing nevertheless."

"You really think that?"

"Yes, even though I do have a weird way of showing it sometimes. But when you've been on this green earth as long as I have and have seen what I have, you can't help but question things sometimes."

"Sure, but you got to take things as they are sometimes. Not everybody is out to bullshit or con you or whatever."

"I know, but just bear with me sometimes when I go off on a tear. That's just the old Janis coming back to the surface for a 'visit' once in awhile."

"So you're really not pissed about that fight thing that happened the other night anymore?"

"Surely you're not still worried about that," Janis answered. "Look, if anyone should have apologized, it was I for being quick to judge and jumping down your throat like I did before I got the whole story. If it makes you feel any better, the other guy got thrown out too, not to mention permanently banned from anywhere we're playing. He's been a pain in the ass for over a year anyway, so really in the end, you did me and the band a huge favor. And I thought it was sweet you'd put your ass on the line like that for me."

"Yeah?" He was thrilled.

"You bet, buddy. And the next time you boys roll into town, I owe you another free invitation."