A Day In The Life- Part 2/4
Restive Nature
Disclaimers & Notes- see part 1.
A/N- When last we left the fair Miss Chase, she was at the mall, surrounded by freaks. Whatever could that lead us to believe?
"Willow?" I was so stunned to see her. She tried to spin around, but the giant blue M&M costume was hampering her movements. It was hilarious. "I see you're finally letting your… true colors show?" This was too good an opportunity to pass up. "And here I thought it was just Xander that was in his second childhood." She started to speak, but I didn't let her. "God, where is a camera when you need one?"
"Cordelia!" she finally gasped out. "It's not what it look's like." I raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow.
"It looks to me that for some reason you're dressed up as candy," I pointed out smoothly. "What, the little miss innocent act no longer working? Think the guys will come panting after you now because you're oh so sweet?"
"No, no," she protested. One of the others had come forward, a look of interest on his face. "It's just a job. I'm, uh, just filling in for a friend."
"Are you Cordelia Chase?" he asked. I nodded and with a stupid grin, he held out a bouquet of gorgeous flowers, with some candy mixed in. He turned back to the rest of the group. "Ready?" There were various nods. I was so shocked when they began to sing a little ditty. Obviously they were some sort of delivery service. But my embarrassment over being made a public spectacle was outweighed by Willow's flaming face as she sang along. Once they were done, I opened the card that was with the bouquet. It was from Gregory.
"Oh, he's so sweet," I crowed. He had certainly made my day. And thank God they had found me here. How would I have explained to Willow why I was no longer living at the address I had given Gregory? Before she could escape, I just had to twist the knife a little further. "My new boyfriend sent me these," I preened. I knew she wasn't really interested, but possibly the news could get back to Xander, my main target. "Gregory is just so thoughtful. Does Oz ever do sweet things like this for you? Oh, I suppose not. He must be so busy these days, what with his band and everything." I could see the little flash of insecurity in her eyes. I would have stayed longer, but honestly, much better things in the offing and her little group of friends were pulling her along to get to work. Thank God I never had to stoop so low in my quest for a decent job.
Luckily I didn't run into anyone else. I was so busy eating a light dinner, which was usual these days, then getting ready for my date. I had made arrangements with Gregory to meet at the Bronze. Of course, that was just the jumping off point for our evening. I was sure that we'd end up going somewhere classier. I made sure that I was fifteen minutes late. Grand entrances are essential, no matter where you make them. After checking to make sure my make-up, hair and dress were perfect, I entered the Bronze. I had long ago perfected the precise area to stand as I scanned the crowd. The light haloed behind me, giving me that extra sparkle. I saw Gregory immediately, but pretended I didn't. Men came to me, not the other way around. And he was no exception. As soon as he saw me, he jumped up from his seat and came to escort me to the table.
I have to say, he did look scrumptious, in a scruffy college boy sort of way. He was dressed in charcoal gray slacks with a nice green sweater. It could go wither way. Casual enough for the Bronze, but acceptable in other places too. I let him greet me with a peck on the cheek. It was always best to establish boundaries from the start. And despite the reputation I seemed to have gained in some quarters, I have never given in to the baser urges. He led me to the table he'd chosen and I mentally applauded his choice. Front and center before the stage, where everyone was sure to see us. I took in the familiar faces in the crowd. But then realized he was still talking. I managed to repress a sigh. This was the hard part of the date. Pretending to be interested to keep his interest. I was excellent at it, but it could be so draining sometimes.
"…can't believe it," he was saying. "I'm so glad we came here tonight. I haven't seen them in so long."
"Huh?" I can't help myself. "Seen who?" I glance around again, wondering what other influential I might be introduced to.
"Dingoes Ate My Baby!" he crowed. "They're playing tonight."
"Oh, them," I sniff. It's not as if they are some up and comers. In fact, they've been getting a little stale as of late. But still, he seems impressed. "I used to date the lead singer," I let drop. His eyes go wide. And speaking of eyes, it seems they're kind of glazed a little. Is he really that impressed? "And I'm still friends with the lead guitar player."
"Oh man," he grins. "That guy rocks!" What the hell? How did I not notice the language usage on our previous encounters. So eighties! But, he's talking again. "Could you excuse me a second."
"Sure," I agree, watching him carefully. Something seems to be off. "Are you okay?" I ask as he sniffs again.
"Yeah, just a cold, I think," he offers with another sniffle. Ew, so don't need to catch that. "I'll be right back." He hurries off, to the men's room I think. I sit there, all by my lonesome, wondering a little more about this guy. He's enthusiastic, that's good, I guess. But my man-o-meter has shot up on the cautious side. But really, the thought of all that wealth overcomes it. I'm still waiting fifteen minutes later, but to my utter relief, I happen to catch sight of Oz, conveniently Willow-less at the moment. I wave to catch his attention and he changes course. Surprises me, as we're not that close. But we do have the shared experience of catching our respective others violating our trust. That's a bond you just can't ignore.
"Hey Oz," I greet when he's close enough.
"Hey," he responds in his usual stoic guy manner.
"So, you're playing tonight?" I could almost smack my forehead. Don't I sound lame?
"Unless there's another group named Dingoes, then I guess so," he nods. To my relief, Gregory has returned. But, uh oh, there goes the meter again. Eyes are even more glazed and I catch a faint whiff of an odor I most definitely don't enjoy. Great! My date is stoned. But I'm committed, for tonight at least.
"Gregory," I catch his attention, " this is Oz. Oz, my date, Gregory." Oz shakes his hand politely
"Oh man," Gregory gushes over the currently red-haired guitarist. "This is so cool. You guys are awesome. Everyone in my fraternity thinks so." His fraternity? If they're all druggies like him, then I could see that.
"Thanks," Oz gives a little half-smile, which is actually kind of cute on him.
"No seriously man," Gregory continues. "The things you do with a guitar blows my mind."
"It's the fingers," Oz jokes, I think, as he holds his hand up. "They're very independent. Come up with all sorts of stuff to try." Gregory nods, as if Oz has imparted some majestic wisdom.
"I don't know how you do it though man," he shakes his head. "Getting up on stage and putting yourself out there to be judged. I couldn't do that." Oz had a strange look on his face.
"Suddenly I'm nervous now," he mutters to me. I want to laugh. Nervous Oz? But the look in his eyes convinces me not to. Is he serious? "Uh, I think I should go." He hurries off and I turn back to Gregory.
"That was strange," I comment. And it was. Oz never gets nervous. He just doesn't care what people think of him. But I put the thought out of my mind as Gregory motions at the bar.
"What can I get you, fair lady?" he asks, kind of appeasing me a little. At least he's still being gentlemanly.
"A cola would be great," I reply with my patented charm smile.
"Anything to eat?" he offers. "I hear they're doing some appetizers here now."
"Whatever you think," I shrug, in a ladylike manner. Another good pointer. Let the men make some of the non-essential decisions. It adds o their delusion that they are in charge. With a nod, he hurries off to the counter. He returns after a few minutes and places my drink before me. I can't tell for sure what he's gotten himself, but no worries. Hopefully he'll lay off the stuff with his attention elsewhere. Just as the band finally makes their way onstage, a waitress comes to our table, her tray loaded down. My eyes go slightly wide as I take in everything she sets down for us. There are chili cheese fries, a blooming onion, spicy Buffalo wings and other assorted munchies. After thanking the waitress, he slides a shrimp cocktail towards me.
"Here, I thought you might like this," he smiles. And sure, shrimp is great. Haven't eaten seafood in a while. I dig in to avoid my astonishment as he begins to pig out on the rest. I guess it's true. Drugs do make you get the munchies. I avoid his eyes as I seriously r-evaluate this date. Oz. He's glancing constantly at us, that same wild look present that I saw earlier, catches my eye however. And did he just bungle a chord? Oh wow, he really is nervous. And of course, it isn't helped when Devin's mike suddenly cuts out. Great, now I have to make small talk while they fix the problem.
"Mmm," Gregory moans, holding out a drippy, half-eaten chicken wing out to me. I can't conceal my shudder of revulsion. "You have to try this."
"Uh, no thanks," I lean back a little. "I'm not as hungry as I thought." Completely true now. His attention is caught again as they have fixed the problem and the band has started up again. And yep, Oz is still fumbling with his chords. It's a sad sight to see.
We listen to the first set, not talking. I drink my cola quickly, wondering how I can steer this date towards a quick end. But before I can make my suggestion, Gregory excuses himself again. But instead of heading to the men's room, he heads towards the entrance. I watch in disgust as he meets up with someone at the door. I see a flash of cash and it dawns on me what precisely is going on. And that is it! Cordelia Chase does not put up with this behavior. I'm going to put a stop to it right now!
Part Three coming soon!