Chp 2: Perhaps a job?

When I climbed out of the bed I had slept in and missed my audition with, Violet cast a quick eye at my baggy t-shirt and every day jeans.

She shock her head, "You were gonna perform in that for the audition?"

"No, no!" I said, embarrassed, "I was going to change."

"Well, Lil's got some jeans in her closet you should borrow," by the way she instructed me to use her boss' clothes, I figured they were pretty close. Kevin and Violet left the room. I heard Violet announce my singing outside, and I figured I should probably change fast. Lil's closet contained a collection of dazzling, revealing clothing I had never worn before. Hesitant, I took out a purple, glitter top that tied up like a corset and revealed my stomach. For pants I took out these amazing black, leather jeans that literally glossed. Runners Violet would not approve, and I should look good since she did save my life. or Kevin did, either way. Plus, if I had to face an audience, I had better look good. Out of the shoes on the shoe rack below the clothes, I chose a pair of black high boots. Then I quickly jumped into the bathroom close by and darkened my makeup. I must've took some time because a blonde, short haired woman who introduced herself as Lil came into the room to check on me.

"Sorry if I'm being slow," I apologized.

"Oh don't be, I just came to check on how you're looking, I do like my girls to look good on the bar," she winked, and glanced at my clothes. "Pretty good, my things look good on you."

I smiled, and Lil shoved me outside into the bar. Cammie, who had to be the girl with shoulder length blonde hair, jumped on stage with a microphone.

"Here she is! Liz, our special treat tonight! What will you sing for us Liz?" Cammie yelled loudly over the crowd, who quickly quieted with her voice ringing in the microphone.

"Right Kind of Wrong, by LeAnn Rimes," I told her, speaking into a microphone Violet handed me. Her eyes seemed to glint at the title, I figured she liked it. Cammie yelled out for me to climb on stage, and when I did, she went to turn on the jukebox. I stood on top of the bar, trying to calm my nerves. When the background for the song came on the jukebox, I found my beat and my encouragement, and I sang.

I know all about,

Yea about your reputation

And now it's bound to be a heartbreak situation

But I can't help it if I'm helpless

Every time that I'm with you, ah

It was right about here when an incredibly handsome young man walked in the door of Coyote Ugly. He looked wonderingly over at me, standing on top the bar. I paused for a second, but when Cammie and Violet climbed on the bar and started dancing beside me, I came back to my senses. I tried to start dancing, but Cammie and Violet were way too good and glam for me to ever match. So I sat down, hang my legs down the front of the bar and swung them around as I sang.

You walk in and my strength walks out the door

Say my name and I can fight it any more

Oh I know, I should go

But I need your touch just too damn much

Lovin you, yeah, isn't really something I should do

I shouldn't wanna spend my time with you.

When the song finished I stood up on the bar, pulling myself away from the massive crowd that now applauded loudly. Lil came behind me and patted me on the back.

"That was amazing," she breathed, "Have her sing your songs, Violet!"

I gave her a confused look.

"Didn't you know? Violet wrote that song for LeAnn Rimes!" Cammie told me.

I was speechless as I stared at the coyote in leather pants. A song writer? Violet laughed and gave me am appraising look, "Ya, I should."

The crowd began to shout louder now, asking for me to sing another song. First I blushed, but then the pride of being a good performer overwhelmed me. I sang another song by Violet, 'But I do love you', with Cammie and Violet dancing beside me again. The crowd cheered, and the night worn on, song by song. By the time the crowd disappeared my throat was dry. It didn't hit me until I sat down in a chair to rest that the brown haired handsome who had entered when I sang my first song was talking with Violet and Kevin, as if they were friends.

"You have an amazing voice," he said now, wearing an extremely adorable British accent. "My name is Ian," his blue eyes shone.

"I'm Liz," I managed, but my throat cracked, "ha, not so amazing now is it?"

Ian laughed and took a seat next to me, "I heard you were going to audition at the musicians' club?"

"Ya, until I got sprayed and drugged," I replied with a laugh.

"Well, I wouldn't have been able to hear you had you made it to your audition," Ian said, and I looked at him, confused. "I'm a guitar player for this ensemble, we're planning to perform at that same audition a week from today, but we can't go without a singer. Maybe you wouldn't mind performing with us instead of going single?"

I laughed, "Like I've even got a chance for a second audition. It took my friend Dean a real long time to get this one, since I don't have an agent. Sure, I'll sing with me if you think I'm good enough."

"Definitely good enough," Ian said, and I laughed. "I wanna hear you sing without the crowd around, do you think you could sing a song now?"

I shrugged, "Ya, sure, I just want a glass of water first."

Ian smiled, and walked over to the bar. There he picked up a glass and filled it up with water from the sprayer. Then he came back to my seat and handed me the glass. I drank it down in one gulp like a thirsty kitten. Placing the glass on a table, I smiled my pleasure. Ian went over to Lil, said something, and then Lil nodded. Then he went into the backroom, and in less than a minute, came out with a guitar pressed against his hips. He smiled at me.

I grabbed a microphone from the bar, and supported myself against the bar so I won't fall over from being so tired. Ian struck a chord on the guitar, and it sounded awesome.

"How about that. I do love you one?" he suggested.

"Sure," I replied, and Ian played while I sang.

I don't like to be alone in the night I don't like to hear I'm wrong when I'm right I don't like to have the rain on my shoes But I do love you. but I do love you

I don't like to see the sky painted grey I don't like when nothing is going away I don't like to be the one with the blues But I do love you. but I do love you.

Ian's guitar sounded softly as I sang on top of his chords. Slowly the coyotes began to sit around us to listen. Ian smiled at me in praise. Melted into the song, I began to dance around as I sang. Just then, the door of the Coyote Ugly creaked open. The song continued, but Lil went over to see who it was. When she came back a tall, blonde young man came with her. He was Dean. I let out a squeak in the middle of my song and waved to him. Dean came over, and I danced around him until the song finished.

I put the microphone away, and looked at Ian questioningly. Ian studied Dean, then his gaze came back on me. He smiled, that same, playful smile.

"Do you think I'll be good enough?" I took the initiative.

"You're awesome," Ian told me, "I think the band will love you!"

I smiled and turned around to hug Dean. When we let go of each other I turned him around to face the coyotes.

"This is Dean, the guy who got me into the audition," I introduced. "Dean, this is Violet, Rachel, Lil, Kevin, and Ian."

Dean smiled at them, but then he looked down at me worriedly.

"Where were you tonight?" He asked.

"It's a long story," I replied, but his look insisted I go on. "When I went to have dinner, this guy took me by the arm and sprayed some drug on me to make me go to sleep. Thank god Kevin worked in the restaurant, he saved my life! So he brought me here until I woke up. By then it was ten thirty and way pass the audition time. Violet had told me they needed an extra hand with the performances, so I figured I could help."

"I knew I shouldn't have let you go have dinner alone," Dean accused himself.

"Nothing happened! See?" I spun around to show him. "So, what made you come here?"

"I heard you sing when I was going down to my apartment," Dean replied. "C'mon, I'll drive you back to your apartment."

Just when we were about to leave, Ian spoke up.

"Hey, Liz, what about rehearsal?" the British handsome asked, his eyes big.

"Call me," I went over and wrote my number in his palm.

Dean and I left Coyote Ugly in his car. Back at my apartment, Dean and I talked at the door.

"I'm not sure if I should let you in there," Dean mumbled. "What if someone else is going to kidnap you?"

I laughed, "Don't be silly Dean, and plus, I wasn't completely kidnapped."

"Just be careful," Dean warned.

"I will," I replied, "I promise."

Back in the apartment I unwillingly had to call home, my body dropped itself on the bed and was soon asleep. But my mind wondered; the events of the day swarmed in my head. I was grateful that I didn't remember much of the incident with the drug spray. Ian and the band would be a great thing to look forward to; I wished they called me soon. Towards Kevin I felt thankful. The Coyote Ugly was a fun spot to hang out, and I wouldn't mind performing again.

Dawn came for me around noon. I woke up to a mess of a hair and heavy bags under my eyes. Somebody knocked at the door, and I freaked. Quickly I got up and opened the door, it was Kevin, Violet, and Ian.

"Holy shit," my eyes went big as I realized what a mess I must've been in. "I love you all very much but please excuse me while I get dressed!" I shut the door on them.

As fast as I could I washed my face and pulled a brush through my hair. Then I dabbed some eyeliner on and didn't quite bother with anything else but blush. Lil's clothes were definitely not something I'd wear on an ordinary day. So I changed into a white tee, jeans, and brown boots. Then I tried my luck with the door again.

"Ready now?" Ian asked, his eyes laughed at me.

"I can't help it, you know, singing to 4am wasn't exactly my plan," I argued, and Kevin and Violet laughed. "Anyway, why are you guys here?"

"To take you out around the city," Kevin said. "Ian wanted to show you the studio he rented."

I smiled, "Thanks."

"No problem," Violet replied, and we were off.

First stop was the studios. It was in the same building as the one Dean works in. Ian's studio was on the third floor, several rooms to the right.

"It's not very big," Ian apologized, "but we can't afford anything better."

"No," I argued "it's great!"

Ian didn't look convinced, but I didn't try to convince him. It was the sort of thing you'd do out of courteousness, which really doesn't change the person's original thoughts. Soon enough, we left the studios and went to buy lunch. Kate's Corner was your every day fast food restaurant, with nothing particularly interesting. Violet and I bought some fries and a drink, while the guys ate hamburgers. Not a big surprise, isn't it?

"Liking it here so far?" Kevin asked between bites.

"Yep," I didn't want to disappoint him by saying I've been here before.

"Are you going to come back to Coyote Ugly tonight, Liz?" Violet asked, hopeful.

"I think so," I told her, "it'll be fun, wouldn't it?"

"Of course!" Violet exclaimed. "Maybe you can come work there like Cammie Rachel and I."

"Maybe," I said hesitantly.

"Let's go around shopping," Violet suggested.

My eyes glinted up in happiness, but the guys were a completely different matter.

"You and Ian can sit here while we go, if you want," Violet suggested.

"Nah, we'll take a long time Violet, trust me," I winked. "Why don't we meet you at Coyote Ugly around 7pm?"

Ian nodded, "Good plan, we'll see you there." With that he and Kevin left, and Violet and I headed across the street to a mall.

Kevin O'donnell and Ian Dashwood had been friends since more than half a year ago when they met at Violet's first performance. The british young man had been impressed by Kevin's devotion to Violet, and had taken a step to know this man who had the likely potential of a great friend.

A couple of hours have passed since Kevin and Ian left Violet and the new girl, Liz. They were walking now down to Coyote Ugly, where they promised they would meet the girls.

"Liz is great fun, isn't she?" Kevin commented.

"Yeah," Ian replied, "she is."

"So when do you plan to ask her out?" Kevin continued.

Ian had a shocked expression and froze for a moment before replying, "I don't know."

"Ask her tonight," Kevin suggested casually. "Did you plan to give that necklace you bought yesterday to her?"

Ian blushed, "Yeah."

Kevin patted Ian on the back, "She'll say yes, I just know it. Last night at the bar she was staring at you all through the night."

Ian shrugged and let out a laugh. Not long after, they entered the Coyote Ugly. The bar was still empty this early, but the girls were already behind the bar, serving the early guests.

"Hey Kev!"

"Hi Cam."

"This early? And without Violet?"

"She's coming later with Liz."

"Liz? Serious?" A new voice joined. "Looks like it'll be a loud night."

"She's great, hi Lil," Ian spoke up this time.

Lil waved to Ian, and turned around to serve another group of guests who had just entered. Kevin and Ian took their usual seats near the bar, where they could chat easily with the girls. Not too long after, Violet and Liz showed up.

"Jersey!" Lil called from the back as she came out with new bottles of whiskey.

"Hey Lil!" Violet replied.

"Nice to have you back again, Liz! Get ready, we want you to sing!" Lil said happily.

"Thanks Lil!" Liz replied. "Oh wait, shoot! I left your clothes in my apartment. Could I borrow more?"

"Go ahead!" Lil was in a great mood.

Liz walked into the back, and left Violet to chat with the girls. She dressed quickly, this time in a vintage leather top and beige pants. With plenty of time, Liz applied liquid eyeliner and gold eye shadow, giving her a more sexy look for Coyote Ugly.

Ian couldn't help but stare when Liz came out of the back. His eyes grew large, but he quickly returned them to normal as to not embarrass himself. His heart raced, however, at how amazing Liz looked tonight. By now the bar was quite full, and Violet had to help the girls with the drinks. Rachel took the hint when Liz came out, and she turned on the joke box. Liz knew what to do, she jumped on top of the bar with Rachel and Cammie, and sang. You can try, to resist, try to hide from my kiss. But you know, you know, that you, can't fight the moonlight. Deep, in the dark, you'll surrender your heart.

Liz's body moved to the beat this time. Sexier as the crowd applauded her and cheered her on. It wasn't long before some men climbed onto the bar to dance with the girls. Ian didn't like it, but he had to give in to the fact that this was what the Coyotes did. But soon enough, things got out of hand as Lil left to rest for awhile in the back.

A man in his twenties, drunk and demented, started to pull Liz closer to him than she wanted. He pulled her so close that the girl dropped her microphone out of embarrassment. Cammie realized the situation, and quickly jumped down the bar, probably to get ice. But Ian had had enough. He pulled the guy down the bar and punched him hard in the face.

Lou came speeding in, but by the time he got there the bar was a mess. Cammie quickly motioned for Liz to leave while they cleaned things up. The girl didn't know better, and so went in the back.

Lil sat in the back with a glass of water in her hands. When I went in the back, she looked up at me in question.

"There's a fight outside," I explained apologetically. "Some guy decided to get it on with me and Ian got super mad."

Lil sighed, "Darn! Is Lou taking care of it?"

"I think so," there was a pause, "I'm sorry Lil."

Lil shock her head, her hair flapped around, "Not your fought, don't worry about it. Sometimes we get these guys who think this is a cat hous-"

Coyote Ugly's boss didn't have time to finish her sentence before a loud bang sounded outside. Liz jumped up and ran out as fast as she could, her heart pounding real fast. Outisde by the bar, most of the guests have stormed out. The man who had tried to dance closer with Liz than the girl wanted was held tight by Lou and another police officer. Kevin was kneeling on the floor, his body shadowing another figure. Liz didn't want to take in the image, but her eyes forced her brain to see that the figure lying on the floor was Ian.