Erin looked at the bus schedule for route 93 to Monticello, NY. “The last bus leaves the station at 2am. The next one after that is about 5am. So, it seems you have your wish.” She smiled to Amy as the paper shivered in her grip.

“This is just too damn cool. I really hope that guy, Billy, wasn’t jerking us around!” Amy hissed through chattering teeth.

“Well, lets see what happens. We have a long way to go from 42nd& 8th to West18th & 10th avenue. I took out some extra cash, just in case. Just wish we had a change of clothes or something. We aren’t really dressed for the Roxy.” Erin commented as she regarded the street sign on the corner. “Wanna hail a cab or just hoof it?”

“Lets save our cash to have a few drinks.” Amy smiled, stuffing her hands into her pockets. “So what do you think of Billy and Orlando?”

Erin shrugged. “Don’t know. Billy seems really nice. Orlando seems kinda quiet and reserved. I wonder what they were talking about, with the whole ‘acting thing’.”

Amy shrugged, walking alongside of her best friend. “Maybe we can find out tonight. Either way, I don’t care, I am completely hyped for some fun!”

Erin laughed, “Yeah, I agree with you there. It’s about eight o’clock. If we keep up the pace, we should get there in time.”

The pair walked on. When traveling in New York City, the streets went up in numbers as the avenue moved down. The two friends plotted their course until they reached the bright blue neon herald, “The Roxy”.

Walking up to the bouncer, Erin tilted her head. The tall black man with the shaved head gave a generic speech in a matter-of-fact voice. “The club is at capacity tonight. Only people on the list can get in.”

“I believe we are on the list. Amy and Erin here to see Billy and Orlando.” The bouncer regarded the paper in front of him, scrolling down with the tip of his pen, till he came upon the names. Handing them both a pass, the large bouncer stepped in front of the next throng of young, beautiful women. Amy was ecstatic, where Erin suddenly felt self conscious. Each of the women who tried to get into this closed shindig were beautiful to behold. Erin wondered how she managed to compare, being only 5’7 and about 20lbs overweight. Amy, of course, was athletic and perfect. What kind of recognition did these two hold, to have their names reserved, on a list for only a select few?

Erin settled her pass on the waist of her black bell bottoms. Amy did the same along her hip huggers. “Holy shit, I can’t believe this!!!!!!” Amy cried out in a shrill voice. “We are at the Roxy, and they let us in!!”

Erin laughed, removing her black beret as they entered the club. Her long burgundy mane fell in cascades more than half the length of her spine. “Do I look alright?”

“When have you ever cared, heartless wench?” Amy laughed, removing her own blue skull cap, her long blonde mane glinting like gold beneath electric lights.

“Um, I care now.” Erin smiled. “Do I look alright? Come on, Amy!?”

“Can it be, Erin has a sense of social consciousness?” Amy could not help but smile. “You look great, Miss Screw-The-World-This-Is-How-I-Am. Seriously, you look fine. Now, lets go party and drink! For one night, lets forget our responsibilites and just go with it!” Amy pleaded as the pair walked into the main hall.

The Roxy was one of the trendiest clubs in all of NYC. Neon guided the way from the hall to the main chambers. The front room was booming with loud music. The furnishings were leather and the most hip either of the pair had ever seen. Are we really here?

Erin and Amy checked their coats at the end of the long hallway, leaving them feeling more vulnerable than fashionable. “I need a vodka tonic!” Amy exclaimed, her joy evident in her blue eyes.

“Yeah and I need a Jack and Coke. Lets hit the bar.” Erin nodded, following as Amy grasped her by the hand. Pulling up to the lounge area, away from the throng of dancing masses, the pair placed their drink orders.

“Oh my god, this is too much. Can I bum a smoke?” Amy screamed in Erin’s ear as the music pumped through the room.

“Yeah.” Erin nodded, withdrawing her pack from her pants pocket. Sparking a Marlboro to life, holding a flame to Amys’ cigarette, the two exhaled excitedly. Both scanned the huge dance floor and lounge area for sign of Billy or Orlando. The lighting was too dim to allow for confirmation.

“Lets get a table!” Erin screamed into her friends ear. Amys’ only answer was a nod. The two walked over to one of the leather booths and sat down, eyes keen on the throngs of people clouding the dance floor.

“You made it!!” Billy cried out loudly as he leaned into both Amy and Erin at their table. “These are my friends Dom and Lijah”

“Billy, good to see you!!” Amy smiled, grasping Billy into a hug as though she had known him for more than a scant few hours. Billy seemed to glow. “She wants me.” The Scot exclaimed to Dom and Lijah with a grin on his lips. “Dom, Lij…this is Amy….and Erin.” Billy cried out before disappearing into the crowd.

“Good to meet you.” Erin smiled, her hand extending as she flicked the ash from her cigarette into the waiting receptacle.

“You too,” Lij cried out, his voice obviously American, even amidst the loud music. “got an extra smoke?”

“Yeah,” Erin responded, offering him a cigarette from her pack. Lij looked familiar, but Erin could not place his face. She knew she had never met either of them before and yet she swore she had seen “Lij”, somewhere.

“Thanks.” Lij took the lighter from the table and lit up. The music died down as the next set prepped to play. “So, Billy tells us that he and OB met you this afternoon in Starbucks.”

“Yeah, those two are great!” Amy laughed, her eyes checking out both Dom and Lij. Dom was rather plain, dressed in a black suit jacket with a tightly trimmed haircut. Lij, wore jeans and an old navy shirt. He had the most incredible blue eyes she had ever before seen.

“I’m Dom, good to meet you both, don’t smoke though.” His English accent seemed different from the one Orlando spoke with. “Knowing Billy, he tried to set me up with either of you or a spare friend of you lovely ladies…he’s a bit of a loony, that one. Pay him no mind!” Dom laughed.

“Good to meet you.” Amy and Erin both spoke at once, breaking off with a laugh.

“You coming out to dance?” Lij smiled. “Any friend of Billy or Orli is a friend of ours!”

“Who are these two ladies?” A new voice, obviously American piped in, leaning behind Lij. “Just cause I am married doesn’t mean you get to have all the fun. Make with the introductions!”

“Sean, this is Amy…and Erin.” Lij smiled. “Both are here on the invite of Billy and Orli.”

“Hey, good to meet you!” Sean offered a portly yet friendly hand to both, respectively. Sean turned his eyes toward the entrance to the main room from the long hall. “So, you must be the lovely ladies Billy has been wound up about all day!” Sean pulled another draught from his bottle, smiling.

“I guess that must be us.” Erin smiled as Amy nodded, mid sip of her drink.

Sean turned his eyes to the door suddenly, “Damn, think my wife is here. I have to go, sorry. Nice to meet you both. Lij, I will see you for the Premiere.” Sean rushed off before anyone could respond.

“I am going to get another drink. Anyone?” Dom smiled. Just then, Billy came crashing into his back.

“Ahh, fer christs’ sake, this is a party, ya bastards!” Billy piped in, rejoining the group as the music began to blare once more. “Amy, Erin. I’m so glad ya both made it! Lassies, I love ya both!!” Billy embraced each individually. “Wait. Wait. Don’t go anyplace, I will be right back!” Billy ran off into the crowd, again.

“Another jack and coke and I would wager an Absolute and tonic for Amy.” Erin laughed to Dom.

“Right.” Dom nodded and turned toward the bar.

“So, any takers on my offer?” Lij smiled. Amy shrugged her shoulders with a heaping smile and accepted the outstretched hand.

“Go for it!!” Erin shouted, a bit envious of her obviously beautiful best friend. With a smile, she admired Lij and Amy heading onto the newly pumping dance floor.

Billy Boyd returned inside of a moment, his hand encircled around the wrist of a familiar face. Orlando. “Looky who I brought back to the…table…” Billy paused, his eyes scanning the room for Amy. “That rat bastard! I’ll be right back. Lij, thinking he can steal my woman!” The Scot cried out, leaving Orlando and Erin, alone.

“Orlando, good to see ya again!” Erin sipped the last of her drink, feeling a bit buzzed. The lights and smoke of the room, coupled with her drink, was playing games on her senses.

Orlando flicked the ash of his cigarette into the receptacle, setting his beer down on the table. “Erin, surprised you made it. But glad.” The beautiful Brit smiled. The American had a rather becoming flush to her features and yet seemed somewhat tense.

“I see Lij has your friend on the floor. Prepare for war.” Orlando laughed as Billy stormed onto the scene, putting himself between Amy and Lij.

“Believe me, it is always that way when Amy is out in public. Pretty girl like that is always the popular attraction.” Erin crushed her own cigarette, looking into the chocolate brown eyes of the Brit before her.

Orlando could hear the self depreciating tone in Erins’ voice through the blaring music and smiled at her foibles. She is quite real alright, and a bit aggravated at her own, believed, shortcomings. How much more intense could you get?

Dom returned with three drinks in his hand. Erin grasped for her jack and coke and downed it in one fell swoop. “To the fellowship!” Dom offered as he raised his glass.

Erin paused as Orlando raised what was left of his beer. Raising her empty glass, she toasted with the two, opting to chew on the ice remaining. The two pulled long from their respective drinks before setting them both down.

Erin spied Amy, now coupled with Billy as the song changed to one she knew, unfortunately. Shakira, Whenever Wherever. Is it wrong for a Goth to know pop songs?

“I feel like getting my fat ass on the dance floor, any takers?” Erin felt more brash than normal. Rising from her seat, she looked to Dom and Orlando. Before Dom could speak up, Orlando volunteered.

“Let’s show those two what dancing is all about. Even if I have two left feet.” Orlando laughed, finishing off his beer as the bottle hit the table with a resounding thud.

Erin grabbed his hand and fell out onto the dance floor. Grasping each other as hips began to grind, the music blared.

“Lucky you were born that far away so…We could both make fun of distance…Luck that I love a foreign land for…The lucky fact of your existence.. “

Erin leaned her wrist upon Orlandos’ shoulder, her hips finding an easy rhythm with his own.

“Baby I would climb the Andes solely…To count the freckles on your body…Never could imagine there were only…Ten Million ways to love somebody….Le do le le le le, Le do le le le le Can't you see, I'm at your feet… “

Orlando lowered his beautiful lashes, his body equaling the movement of his partner.

“Whenever, wherever…We're meant to be together…I'll be there and you'll be near, And that's the deal my dear…There over, hereunder…You'll never have to wonder…We can always play by ear…But that's the deal my dear…”

She feels too good. I need to slow down on the drinks, Orlando noted as the tip of his tongue moistening his lower lip. Erin had her eyes closed, her long burgundy mane stringing against her skin as a thin sheen of sweat filmed over her features. His hands felt comfortable on her waist, her hips finding a counter sway to his own. She is as lovely as she is animated.

The beat was primal as images of the beautiful Shakira played itself on the large screens surrounding the dance floor. Another woman had joined the duo, Erin noticed as her eyes opened, blinking somewhere between buzz and reality. This woman was incredibly familiar, though she could not place a name with a face in her intoxicated state. The female had long dark hair cascading to her collar bone, wispy and thin as a sprite. As the woman danced, swaying in counter rhythm from Orlando, Erin could make out she was wearing hip hugger jeans and a white tee, her navel exposed. The female braced an arm over Orlandos’ opposite shoulder.

“Lucky that my lips not only mumble, They spill kisses like a fountain…Lucky that my breasts are small and humble…So you don't confuse them with mountains…Lucky I have strong legs like my mother…To run for cover when I need it. And these two eyes that for no other… The day you leave will cry a river…”

Despite the woman joining the intimate, enjoyable dance, Orlando kept his dark brown eyes locked to Erins. Erin found herself mesmerized, captivated.

“Le do le le le le, Le do le le le le. Can't you see…I'm at your feet. Whenever, wherever…We're meant to be together. I'll be there and you'll be near…And that's the deal my dear. There over, hereunder…You'll never have to wonder. We can always play by ear…But that's the deal my dear. Le do le le le le, Le do le le le le. Think out loud… Say it again….Le do le le le le, Tell me one more time…That you'll live, Lost in my eyes”

Erin moved herself tighter into the controlled movement of Orlandos’ hips. He does not have the two left feet he had initially claimed to possess, Erin noted. Orlando was smiling, his features glossy with such humid, close contact. The thin black shirt he had obviously changed into, hugged his form; tucked into his jeans.

“Whenever, wherever, We're meant to be together…I'll be there and you'll be near, And that's the deal my dear, There over, hereunder, You've got me head over heals. There's nothing left to fear…If you really feel the way I feel.”

The music wound down. Orlando braced a soft, short kiss on the fair cheek of his dance partner, Erin. Turning his attention to the other female that joined them, OB embraced her with a wide smile.

Erin walked to the bar, ordering another drink as she laid her cash before the bartender. Scanning the room, Amy was on the dance floor. Laughing and turning with the music, attentions were split between both Billy and Lij. She is having the time of her life, a time she will never forget.

“You have some rhythm to ya., “ Dom smiled, sipping his drink. “Don’t mind Liv and Orli, they are quite good mates.”

“Why would I mind. I am having a blast!” Erin smiled, charmingly. Her voice booming with excitement as if to emphasize the adrenaline running her system.

“Well, just incase you were having thoughts, love.” Dom winked. “You both must have made quite an impression on Orli and Billy to be here. Billy is a friendly sort of chap, but there is a cleverness to him. He is not the pushover ya might think. Amy and you were all Billy could talk about during the set today. Met at Starbucks, did ya?”

“We are not originally from around here, but rather from two hours up north. We both come into the city every so often, just to get away from the responsibility of work and the bullshit of our lives. You know how it is.”

“Love, you couldn’t even begin to guess.” Dom sipped his drink. “Can’t hardly wait till Sean and Vig meet ya both. Should prove to be an interesting scene, to say the least.”

“I already meet a Sean?” Erin quirked a brow.

“Aye lass, but not this one. Sean Bean. He is something entirely new to behold,” Dom laughed. “ahh, here comes Liv now.”

Erin turned her attention to the woman who had joined both she and Orlando on the dance floor. Liv was fanning herself, pulling up to the bar with a slight stumble as she placed an order for her drink.

“Dom!!” Liv grasped hold of him as her lips danced with a full smile.

“Darlin’ I only saw you a few moments ago. Looking good on that dance floor.” He winked. “Gives me something to dream of, I tell ya!”

Liv laughed vivaciously. “You are just too much.” Grasping her drink, the beautiful brunette turned her attention to Erin. “You must be one of the ladies Billy met at the Starbucks. Sorry about intruding into your dance. OB is like a brother to me, I couldn’t help but interject myself into his grove! The drunker he gets, the better he dances. I could tell you some stories that would get me in so much trouble!!”

Erin extended her hand. “Yup, I am Erin. My friend Amy and I met Dom and Orlando at Starbucks today. And its cool about the dance, just having some fun. You said your name is Liv. You look really familiar?”

“Liv Tyler. Glad to meet you, Erin. You might remember me from a few B movies I have done in the past. Either that or you see the resemblance of my father, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith.” Liv accepted the outstretched hand.

“Holy shit!” Erin exclaimed. Before her life as a Gothic subculture devotee, she was quite familiar with every band that graced the MTV airing of Headbangers Ball. “That must be the coolest shit in the world!”

“Amen to that Sister!” Liv laughed. “Forgive me, but I have to down this quick. I have to get back to the hotel. I have too much shit to get done. It was great to meet you Erin, hope I run into you again.”

“Yeah, yeah, same here!” Erin smiled. This was her first celebrity encounter since Nuno Bentoncourt from the band, Extreme. Sometime in her youth at a club called World Stage, in Rockland County, she had had the chance to have a chat with him.

Liv downed her drink and gave Dom a huge, warm hug before rushing out the door.

“That one is more sprite than elf, “ Dom smiled. “yeah, its about time for me to be going as well. Good to meet ya, Erin.” Dom grasped her into a warm, unexpecting hug.

Erin returned the embrace, downing half her drink a moment after Dom and Liv walked away. Ordering another, Amy came bounding over.

“Dude, that was the most fun I can remember having. Holy shit, I’m having a good time. You?”

Erin smiled and nodded, lighting up another Marlboro. “Seems like your two dance partners can’t keep a hand off of you!”. Erin was laughing.

“You and Orlando looked great out there, work that junk in the trunk!” Amy mimicked the hip movements Erin had displayed on the dance floor only moments before. Ordering another Vodka tonic, Amy continued. “Thank you so much for agreeing to stay. I have never had so much fun. These guys rock. They are almost too real to be true! Lets toast.”

Erin raised what was left of her glass as Amy received her drink. “To best friends, forever.” Amy smiled.

“Cheers!” Erin replied, both entwining their elbows, bringing their drinks up to their lips.

Amy drank too quickly, parched, as her drink stung its’ way down her throat. Laughing, she grasped Erin by the arm. “Come on, lets dance!”

Erin dropped her cigarette onto the floor after the unexpected grasp of her best friend. Music blared loudly across the speakers as the two made way to the dance floor. Billy immediately interjected. “The party isn’t over love, we have dances to be gettin’ to!”

“Not this one, Billy. This belongs to my best friend!” Amy smiled as the music pumped, “Lady Marmalade”.

“Well then,” Billy cried out, grasping Lij. “Two can play at that game!”

Orlando stood to the side with a cigarette in hand, watching the unfolding scene. Delightful, he thought as the music blared on. “Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya dada (da daeaea yea) Giuchie, Giuchie, ya ya here (ooh)…Mocha Choca lata ya ya (yea)…Creole lady Marmalade.”

Erin and Amy laughed as they danced, showing off some degree of prowess in the art. Arms enfolded in intricate moves, the two looked more like twin souls, darkness and light, rather than merely friends. Lij and Billy did their best to mimic, failing miserably as they made the most of the music. Billy dipped Lij low as the song came to an end, dropping him on his behind, resoundingly, much to both of their mirth.

Erin and Amy hugged, walking hand in hand back to the table they had initially set up shop, upon arrival. Both were obviously buzzed to a new degree and neither seemed to mind. Lij and Billy followed the two women.

“This is bloody fantastic!” Lij exclaimed, grasping another of Erins’ Marlboros and sparking it to life.

“I think you have been hanging out a bit too much with Orlando.” Billy laughed, calling the bartender over. Oddly enough, the bartender seemed to obey. “Where is that prissy little elf, anyway?”

“Did someone call for a prissy elf?” Orlando chimed in, setting his newly opened beer upon the small table. Resoundingly, his fist flew into Billys’ side. Withdrawing the palpable hit, Orlando brushed his nails against his shirt, admiring them as though freshly manicured.

“OWWW!!” Billy exclaimed, rubbing his side. “Yer having another drink?” The Scot asked as the bartender took orders.

“Yeah, mate,” Orlando exclaimed, tipping the long neck bottle to his lips and draining its’ contents.

“A bottle of whiskey and 5 shot glasses, barkeep. The best ya got!” Billy took residence in a seat. “I promised these lovely lassies a nip of good Scottish spirits an’ I am to please!”

“Whisky?” Erin groaned. “Another drink and I might just forget who I am and where I am!”

“Then mayhaps, I should make it two bottles!” Billy laughed. Looking around, the Scot drew a sour face. “Where is Dom, he should be enjoyin’ this! That little priss ran out on us, didn’t he?” He was obviously referring to Dom.

“Dom and Liv both had to leave. I can not believe I got the chance to meet Stephen Tylers’ daughter. How amazing is that?” Erin smiled as she grasped a burning cigarette from the ashtray.

“That was mine.” Orlando made the most dejected face as Erin drew in a pull.

“Open your mouth and I will shotgun you, if you are that upset about it!” Erin laughed, inhaling sharply. “ It’s not like I have cooties or something.”

“Give it your best shot.” To her surprise, Orlando parted his lips. Feeling obligated, Erin drew in a long pull. Bracing her heels onto the barstool, Erin drew herself upward, her lips only barely connecting with Orlandos’, smoke billowing from her mouth to his.

Orlando closed his eyes, tasting her breath beneath the cigarette smoke. His hand braced around her waist to keep her from falling over. Lips so close. He could feel her warmth. In an instant, Erin drew away.

Billy instantly rose. “Now where is mine? I don’t smoke but I could make an’ exception!” His eyes connected to Amy, eyebrows wriggling.

“I’m game!” Lij laughed, shaking his head.

“Oh, no you don’t. Either of you. Besides, I have a boyfriend and so does she!” Amy laughed.

“Damn it all ta hell!” Billy cursed, pouring shots of the viscous brown liquor left by the bartender. “Well, what tha hubbies don’t know, won’t be a hurtin’.”

Erin felt her face flush, realizing what she could have easily done. His nearness sent a shiver down her spine, tingling in her most delicate nether regions. It seemed an eternity before he relinquished hold of her. When that moment finally came, Erin found herself swooning.

Simply delicious, Orlando smiled as his fingertips reclaimed his cigarette. He was admiring the flush on the feisty Americans’ cheeks, her eyes distant and unfocused.

The bartender returned with the aged whiskey and five crystal shot glasses. Billy lined all 5 of them up and poured with expertise. Billy set one before each of the gathered party

Erin grasped her hand around the shot glass, looking to the others as they all prepared. “On my word!” Billy smiled impishly. “Go!”

All five downed the whisky with haste and speed, glasses slamming to the table with precision. Her eyes turned to the beautiful Brit with the unruly dark curls and chocolate eyes, his face slightly grimaced as he took his shot. Shaking off the enchantment and the rising desire to have her way with him, Erin counseled herself. You already have a man. Besides, you always start eyeing up the boys when you have a few. Don’t be stupid enough to act on it This one is charming, beautiful and aloof. Why must you always make eyes at the ones who seem preoccupied..like you don’t have a man of your own! Looking for strength, Erin turned her eyes to Amy.

“You bitch!!” Amy laughed, shaking her head. “I know what your thinking.” Her voice was sing-song.

Erin shook her head, clouded over with the thought of what it would feel like to have Orlandos’ kiss.

“I’m starving!” Orlando exclaimed. “That sconce is not holding me over. If I don’t get something to eat, I swear I will pass out.”

“Prissy Elf!!” Billy chortled. “Lets feed the wench before we carry him home. Again. Ya know, I recall this one time, in Wellington….”

“Elf?” Amy asked, interupting, quirking a brow.

“It’s a long story, one of many. Lets eat!” Lij smiled, unusually quiet during the entirety of events. “I will settle the tab, lets find us a greasy spoon all night diner. This town is famous for them. I could really go for a huge cheeseburger, extra fries!”

Orlando made a heinous face. “As long as they serve something veggie, consider me in.”

“Your in anyway Orli, unless your walkin’” Billy laughed, downing the shot before him. Grabbing the bottle, he continued, “anyone here have a problem with a limo?”

Erin and Amy exchanged glances and shrugged, “Whatever is clever.” Erin laughed and gathered her belongings.

“I hear that!” Amy added, following suit. Moments after, the group embarked for the local 24hr diner, Billy, with the bottle in hand.

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