16. Alone
The DJ had come on the mic, informing the dancers that karaoke would be starting in half an hour. The Trenton Trio were on the dance floor, hopefully burning off a little of their alcohol before the show started. Lester was taking a patrol walk around the floor. Lil wasn't fooled, he was checking out the single women. Tank had offered to hit the bar for more Coke and waters. "So you're just gonna drop a bomb like that, and say nothing else?" Ranger's tone was playful but his voice had dropped a few octaves, his accent thicker. Lil gave him a sideways glance, "What more is there to say? They asked. I gave them the truth. It's not like they'll remember in the morning anyway." Ranger gave her a small wolf grin, "True, but I will." Lil was saved from the discomfort of further conversation by the entrance of Bobby, Ram, and Zero. The men were dressed to kill, yup...great scenery. After some very brief pleasantries, the men went to the dance floor. Lil was relieved that Tank had made his way back to the table.
Tank stood in between Lil and Ranger, sensing the growing tension. It wasn't uncomfortable per se, but it was there. "You don't want to dance anymore before the DJ is done Lil?" He offered her a smile. "No Tank, I think I'm all danced out tonight." She was unconsciously rubbing her hand on the side of her left thigh. Ranger noticed. "Do you need to go home?" He tilted his eyes to the progress of her hand which had made it to her knee. "No Sir, I'm good. Just need to stay off my feet for a while. So Tank, do you karaoke?" The large man blanched, "Um, not really." Lil giggled. "I guess with the right motivation I could do it, probably with a group of people… and lots of whiskey." She nodded her acceptance. Most people needed a few shots of courage before they could get on stage. "Speaking of which, why don't you drink?" Ranger took a slow sip of his water, his ears trained on her answer. "I haven't had a bad experience or anything. I don't have a story that involves too much rum and my clothes falling off in college." The innocent bat of her eyelashes made the men smirk. "I just don't care for how alcohol impairs me, especially in a setting like this. I would rather have clear judgment and a fast reaction time if needed." Tank's smile was dazzling. He kinda figured as much. "And drinking alone at home just seems a little too pathetic. So I just don't." Ranger rolled this information around his head. He had rarely ever met a man or woman who would forego a 'good time' for their own safety. Unless of course they were on duty and prohibited from imbibing. Lil was an interesting woman.
By the end of the DJ's set, their friends had made it back to the table where more stools were stolen from nearby. Lula looked around at the increased eye candy, fanning herself again. Stephanie seemed a bit more sober, and hugely distracted by all the men. Connie had index cards and a pen in one hand, a small laminated book in the other. "OK, who's gonna sing tonight? I have the songbook here." Lula snatched it from her, she and Steph started to thumb through it together. The Rangemen made small talk with Lil about her evening so far. Bobby and Zero both commented on how nice she looked. Ranger had scooted his stool closer to her after that. Connie was watching the group. She found it funny that Ranger was being possessive, she'd never seen that side of the mysterious man. It was also a surprise to witness his men act so normal around Lil. She had either known or been in contact with many of the Rangemen over the last few years, they were always so anti-social. Interesting.
The songbook was being passed from the girls to the guys. Tank and Ranger ignored it completely. "What are you gonna sing Lil?" Tank asked like it was a given. Bobby and Lester had their heads together, something was fishy. When they pulled Lula into the whispered conversation, Lil knew that their performance was going to be memorable. Lil filled out two cards, Ranger was watching her neat handwriting. She caught him. "I have a two song limit tonight. I think that's all I've got in me." Lil gave a 'whats a girl to do' gesture. "I can take you home whenever you want. The other's won't mind." She knew he was earnest, concerned even. "It's OK Carlos, I want to see what these guys have cooked up…" He shook his head in feigned disgust, "I don't think I want to witness this, there's not enough brain bleach in the world to handle Lester on a stage. Trust me." Lil was giggling. He really did look traumatized from previous experiences. They turned their attention to the stage, where a group of college aged boys were starting a drunk rendition of 'Don't Stop Believin'. Their shit-faced version of Journey was entertaining. When the DJ called Lula's name they all smiled in anticipation.
Steph was bouncing on her stool, reminding Lil of Tilde when she was excited. Lula sauntered up to the stage on her five inch heels. Lil thought that alone was impressive. The lights changed as the beat of 'Single Ladies' blasted from the speakers. Oh. My. Word. It was a glorious train wreck. Money was quickly changing hands at the nearby tables, they were likely betting on how long it would take Lula's ample bosom to bust out of her dress. She worked the stage like a pro, when she made that same comment out loud, Ranger laughed. Her Beyonce moves were on point, her singing quite abrasive. It was awesome. Much to the chagrin of the betters, she made it through the entire performance with only a small nip-slip. Thank Fuck her dress was so tight, or it would have ridden up even further. Lil did not need to know Lula THAT well. She walked back to their table with swagger. Panting from her exertion, pulling her hemline back into place. "Now that's how you get a mother fuckin party started!" The girls clapped. Connie's name was called next. She also teetered to the stage. Lil was praying that her routine didn't involve too much movement. That little red dress was really close to becoming just a shirt. The strains of 'Like a Virgin' began to play. Stephanie choked on her drink.
From Lil's right ear she heard Tank's low voice, "Imagine if you will… Madonna and Betty Boop had a baby..." Lil was in tears. She reached back and slugged him in the arm. "Be nice", she hissed. He winked. In reality, Connie's performance was just that, the oddly satisfying blending of Madge and the olden cartoon character. She sang with such conviction, which made everyone laugh harder. A dead man could tell that Connie was far from virginal. Her song ended to roars and whistles. When she bent to bow, the whistles got louder. As Connie ambled back to the group, Lil's name was called. Ranger watched as every man in the club turned to follow her progress to the stage. Hawks eyeing prey. She dodged one kid who said something to her while reaching his hand toward her ass. Tank had to place a massive hand on Ranger's shoulder to keep him seated. Lil waved a small hello to the waiting crowd before pulling a stool from the back of the stage into the spotlight. She winked at the DJ who hit a few buttons. Led Zeppelin's 'Going to California' began to play. Her version was more acoustic, softer, subdued. Her eyes remained closed, like she was singing to herself. Ranger and the other men were in a trance. The Trenton Trio sat with mouth's agape. By the third and fourth verses Lil had kicked up the power and the volume. Ranger adjusted himself under the table. Lil made it through the crowded club without incident. She sat down with a small smile. Connie and Steph were still gaping. Lula kept repeating "Holy Shit" like it was her new mantra. She somehow found the ability to stuff three more syllables into the words. Further examination of her performance was stopped by the DJ calling for Connie, Steph, and Lula. Thank goodness.
The three women marched to the stage arm in arm. Money was moving at the other tables again. The college boys were trying to get their attention down below. The girls laughed harder. How appropriate, their choice of song was 'Wannabe' by the fricken Spice Girls. Too. Fucking. Funny. Everyone had a great time. The singing was tolerable, the dancing and antics were hilarious. When Connie pulled a random guy onto the stage for them to dance around, the place went nuts. Lil was ready to pee herself. She hadn't laughed that hard in a really long time. Even Ranger was smiling. The song ended but before Lula could manage the stairs off the stage, the DJ held her back and called Bobby and Lester up. Ranger readjusted his position, scooting closer to Lil. His breath reached her hair. Placing a hand on the small of her back he whispered, "Don't say I didn't warn you." Lil silently shook. Tank had his hand over his eyes, peeking out like a small child. Ram and Zero had turned a little pale. Bobby and Lester were standing on either side of Lula. Lula was more than pleased to be in the middle of that particular sandwich. The iconic funky beat of 'Brick House' hit them like a tidal wave. Lester and Bobby were shuffling on stage, singing just like the Commodores. Lula was busting every move she knew. And nearly all the seams in her dress. Lil grabbed Ranger's hand, ready to fall off her stool. "Oh My", was all she could get out. "I know, their so bad, their good." Ranger was laughing quietly. He rubbed small circles on her hand while she was distracted by the show. He liked the feel of her skin.
Ranger missed the rest of the spectacle. He was too busy studying Lil. She was gorgeous, and she didn't know it. That made her even more attractive to him. She was so different from the women who normally flocked to Ranger like hyenas on fresh meat. Lil never flinched or backed away when he was in her personal space. She just accepted that he was who he was. Even if he was being an ass. Instead of backing away, she stood up to him. Stood up for herself. The musical display of debauchery came to an end. The crowd was on their feet, cheering. Lula had managed to flash those up front at least twice. Lester and Bobby were having trouble walking thanks to their laughter. Stephanie, Connie, and the remaining guys were torn between speechless horror and admiration at their sheer courage. Over the ruckus, Lil heard the DJ call her name again. She looked at Ranger and squeezed his hand gently before walking away. He looked down at the place where her warm touch had been only seconds before. His skin was already missing the contact.
The crowd quieted. Her fist performance was very good, so the rowdy group was more respectful. She moved the microphone to a good height as the lights dimmed. The DJ placed the spotlight directly on her. It was bright. She could no longer see the audience, but kept her eyes in the direction of their table anyway. Ranger was on full alert, all of his being was focused on Lil. That was dangerous for many many reasons. The moving piano music started, Lil's haunting voice filled the room. "*I hear the ticking of the clock. I'm lying here the room's pitch dark." Time suspended for Ranger, and everyone else. They were feeling what Lil was singing, living the emotions. When the drums signaled the chorus, her voice was strong, perfect, almost painful. Ranger remained on the edge of his seat. His only thought was 'how do I get you alone?'.
*Song is Alone by Heart.