I decided I had to break the chapters up: otherwise its too overwhelming reading it. This is more a bit of light weight fluff. Think we all need it after the previous emotional chapters. As usual, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it.
Rayna's silent tears slowly subsided as she lifted her head and gave Sadie a tired smile. "I hope so." Wiping her eyes, for what felt like the hundredth time today Rayna fixes her gaze on Tootsies stage where the staff were beginning to set up the karaoke equipment. A sly smile began to slowly transform Rayna's face. She was sick of feeling this way, of being overwhelmed with indecision in relation to Deacon. The activity on the stage gave her an idea of how she would be able to switch her brain off for a while and just be herself.
"I believe you promised me a girls' night out, alcohol and karaoke. Think we have well and truly nailed the first two…" Rayna says with a wicked grin to Sadie, "how about we find a trashy song to slaughter to complete the night?"
Laughing at not only Rayna's suggestion for the evening but at her sudden change of emotion, Sadie's eye light up as she accepts the challenged put to her. "Oh, we are totally going to own the competition tonight!" Their outburst of laughter draws the attention of those around them, in particular a group of young men. Two of the bravest men approach the booth where Rayna and Sadie are now examining the list of songs available. "So ladies, I see that you are not only gracing us with your beauty tonight but you are going to entertain us with your vocal talents."
Both Rayna and Sadie look up at the speaker, with their mouths open in shock. Standing before them were two guys, who looked like they would be lucky to be 20. Floating on an afternoon full of alcohol and emotions, Rayna smiles widely at the speaker and says with a purr to her voice, "If you stick around you might just find out how entertaining I can be!" The eyes of both men widen slightly and they both gulp in shock. "Ummmm, I'm Bobby and this is Ben, we noticed you both earlier but you seemed like you didn't want company then. Can we join you?" Bobby asks pointing to the empty side of the booth.
"Suuuurrrrree" Sadie says with a saccharine drenched smile on her face. "We were just deciding on what song to sing….Oh by the way, I'm Jenny and this is Kate. I was thinking I might do 'You're the one that I want' but I need a partner." Turning to Bobby and leaning in towards him, "Do you karaoke Bobby?" Bobby visibly gulps as he nods his head frantically and stutters out "I…I …I can sing with you" "Gee, that would be swell. Kate, what song are you doing?"
Sadie turns her eyes towards Rayna. Rayna swallows a smile as she picks up the message Sadie's eyes are sending her direction. "Ummm, well I just don't know. Since you took my song" Rayna pouts "I think 'I touch myself'" At this both Bobby and Ben toss back their drinks and signal for another from a passing waiter. The young men continue to flirt and flatter Rayna and Sadie while they wait for their 'names' to be called to the stage.
Sadie and Bobby were first up and Bobby quickly overcomes his shyness at being on stage. Sadie is in her element and puts on an over the top performance to the 'Grease' classic, with Bobby proving that he is equal to her performance. As the applause dies down Rayna makes her way to the stage. All eyes are quickly on her as she performs a sultry rendition of the 'Divinyls' controversial hit. Coming off the stage with a huge smile on her face, Ben rushes over to assist her as she staggers through the crowded dance floor. Breathless he gushes at her "That was amazing. Have you ever thought about being a singer, because you have a great voice." Smiling sweetly at the enthusiastic young man Rayna thanks him.
Sipping her drink, Rayna can feel herself slowly fading. The momentary distraction of karaoke and flirting is quickly losing its shine. She had to get out of here and head home. Realising she needed some time away from everything and everyone Rayna tries to catch Sadie's eye. Rolling her eyes towards the door and inclining her head in that direction, Sadie nods that she understands. Sadie makes the excuses for both of them to the boys, with disappointment showing on their faces. Rayna rises and grabs her bag. Placing a kiss on Ben's cheek, she thanks him for being so sweet. As she weaves around the tables, Rayna realises that she is exhausted. The roller coaster of emotions she has been on today, the fresh wounds that were ripped opened today has drained her. All she can think of at the moment is HER home. The only place she has ever felt safe.
The sudden blast of cool air has a sobering effect on them as they flag down a taxi. They are both silent as the car cruises the busy night streets of Nashville, both absorbed in what has been revealed today. Sitting with her head inclined on the back seat, Rayna's eyes flit across the taxi ceiling not really taking anything in. Sadie tells the driver to pull up and looking over at Rayna she can see that her friend is still deep in thought. Sadie gently nudges Rayna's arm to get her attention. Rayna blinks the heavy thoughts away as she smiles at Sadie, "thank you for today. You were right I did need to escape from being me for a while."
"Rayna, you are welcome, though I should be thanking you. I've never told anyone about my marriage before, so thank you for being listening to me." Rayna squeezes her hand and smiles. "Anytime Sadie, anytime…. You take care." Sadie begins to get out of the taxi, but looks back at her friend, concern written on her face. "Rayna are you going to be ok getting home? You are welcome to stay if you want."
"Thanks, but after today I need …. I need to be somewhere I feel safe. Does that make sense?" Nodding, Sadie closes the door and makes her way up the stairs to her house. A small smile graces her lips as she opens the door as she realises that Rayna is currently on her way to her safe place…Deacon.
***** All song belong to the artists who wrote/performed them