"Oh, Lucy, I love it!" Livvie admired her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a midnight blue dress. It had a sweetheart neckline and a skirt that flared when she turned. "Where did you find it?"
"You are talking to the CEO of Jax Cosmetics. I have connections." She brought over a large box. "Are you positive you don't want the hat to go with it?"
"No, a cowgirl hat really isn't my style. I don't need one to go to a country music club," she smiled.
"Well, ok. Besides, you really would not want to cover up this beautiful braid," Lucy said. Livvie's hair was done up in a French braid that came halfway down her back.
"So you know Nikolas is a nice guy, right?" Livvie had seen Nikolas a few more times since they met in the park. They had hit it off right away. Still, she could not help but feel a little nervous going out with a person she hardly knew. However, Lucy had assured her that Nikolas was a good young man.
"For the thousandth time, yes!" Lucy laughed. "You'll have a great time." There was a knock at the door. "Oh, that's him!" Lucy exited the back room of the suite. Livvie took one final look at her reflection in the mirror.
Lucy opened the door to find Nikolas holding a single rose. "Hello, Lucy," he smiled.
"Come on in, Nikolas. It's certainly nice to see you again."
"And you as well." Then Livvie emerged from her room. Nikolas was left breathless by her beauty. Her blue dress clung in all the right places, and her dark hair was off her face, which drew attention to her eyes. She wore only the subtlest hint of makeup. She smiled at Nikolas, and somehow he felt warmth in his heart. He was amazed at how fast they had connected, especially since hiding his feelings was a matter of principle for him. "Wow, you look incredible."
Livvie turned around as if she were modeling. "It's all thanks to Lucy."
Lucy smiled as Nikolas gave Livvie the rose. Livvie quickly ducked into the bathroom to put it in some water, then she returned.
"Well, we better go. I promise I won't keep her out after one," Nikolas said.
"Charlie is an adult. I trust her," Lucy said.
"But you would still worry." Lucy smiled sheepishly. "I promise
I won't be too late,"
Livvie said.
"You two go have fun," Lucy smiled.
"Goodbye, Lucy!" Livvie called as they left. She looked at Nikolas as they walked down the hall. "So tell me why we're going to this club again?"
"Well, the band performing tonight worked on Juan Santiago's demo. They're letting Juan get up and sing a couple of songs with them."
"Oh, this is about your record company job."
"Yes. Maybe Juan will get a major recording contract, and L&B will get a cut of it."
They came to the elevator. Soon after, the doors opened. Livvie hesitated. "Well, are you going to go down with me?" Nikolas blushed as soon as he realized what he said. "I'm sorry," he stammered. "I didn't mean…"
Livvie just laughed. "I know what you meant. Don't worry. You know, you're kind of cute when you're blushing."
Nikolas sighed in relief as the doors closed.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The doorbell of the Quartermaine mansion rang, and a frazzled Reginald answered the door.
Juan smiled broadly. "Hi, is Emily ready?"
Reginald sighed. "Not yet. Why don't you come to wait in the study?"
"Oh, that's ok…" Juan protested, but Reginald already had gone into the study to announce Juan's arrival. "Mister Santiago is here." Juan walked into the study grimly. He hated these occasions when he actually had to face Emily's family. Monica and Alan had warmed to him somewhat; it was Edward that he really dreaded.
He walked into the room to find Monica and Alan sitting on the couch; Edward was sitting on one of the wing chairs like the king of the castle.
"Hello, Juan," Monica said. Alan just nodded his head.
"So you're here to bring Emily to some sort of redneck saloon?" Edward said from behind his newspaper.
"Um, it's actually a country music club," Juan said nervously.
"Will there be alcohol served there?" Edward said in his full protective mode.
"It's actually a restaurant, so they can't set an age restriction. But they close off the bar area to anyone under 21."
"That's good to hear," Monica said. "Emily tells us you're going to sing?"
"Yeah, the band is letting me sing a couple of songs off my demo tape, to kind of road test them. Of course, the people there aren't really my kind of crowd. I love to perform, though. I'd sing just about anywhere."
"Well, we'll see if Ned is wasting his money on you or not." Edward put down his paper.
Reginald came into the room. "Emily is ready." Everyone entered the foyer.
Emily descended the stairs. She was wearing a long black dress that had spaghetti straps and a pattern of small pink roses on it. She had matching black shoes. It looked like she had put her hair up in hot rollers because it cascaded down her back in soft waves. She had a single pink rose behind her ear.
"You look beautiful, Emily," Alan beamed.
"Just gorgeous," Monica echoed.
Emily got to the bottom of the stairs and gave Monica and Alan each a kiss on their cheek. She then moved to Edward. "Do I meet your approval?"
Edward smiled. "I have not seen a more beautiful young woman since the first time I saw your grandmother."
Emily moved to Juan and took his hand. "We won't be too late." They moved to the door.
"Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Quartermaine," Juan said.
"Have her home at a decent hour, or there will be hell to pay," Edward called after them.
Monica and Alan walked back to the study. "Our little girl has really grown up," Monica said.
Edward began to walk up the stairs. "Where are you going, Father?" Alan said.
"To see your mother. Seeing Emily that way, well, it just reminded me of how beautiful she still is," he said with a small grin.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Nikolas and Livvie walked into Boomtown Ranch, the premier club for country music in the whole county. It was decorated in a western motif. There were lots of neon signs everywhere, and plenty of booths and tables for the restaurant portion. They came to a huge hardwood dance floor. Country music blared from the speakers near a stage at the front of the room.
Nikolas spotted Juan and Emily near the stage. "Come on, I'll introduce you," he said to Livvie. They walked over.
Emily spotted Nikolas walking up to them with a girl she did not recognize. It was almost funny. A few years ago, she would have been so jealous if Nikolas had a new girlfriend. Now she was happy for him that he was finding someone for himself. At least she hoped so.
"Hello, Nikolas," she said.
"Hey, Nikolas," Juan called over the loud music.
Nikolas and Livvie reached where Emily and Juan were standing. "Emily, Juan, this is my friend Charlotte Macmillan."
"It's nice to meet you," Juan said.
"Any friend of Nikolas' is a friend of ours, Charlotte," Emily said.
"Please, call me Charlie. Charlotte sounds so formal."
"Well, Nikolas has always been a little too formal," Emily teased.
"Are you nervous, Juan?" Nikolas asked.
"A little, but I'm more excited. I'm just waiting for my moment to really show them what I can do."
Emily smiled at him. "I'm sure you're going to do well."
Jon the steel guitar player walked across the stage to Juan. He knelt down to talk to him. "Just wait for the cue from us, and you can get up here to sing."
"Great!" Juan said happily. He looked to Emily, Nikolas and Livvie. "This is going to be a fun night."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Sly paced the room behind the stage. It was Wildfire's first time playing the stage at Boomtown Ranch, and he was nervous. He looked at all of the pictures lining the walls. Each showed a country music star that had played the Ranch posing with the club's owner, Darlene "Dusty" Carr. She had owned the club for more than twenty years. Sly looked at some of the pictures. She was standing with some of his musical heroes: George Jones, Charlie Daniels, Tammy Wynette, Patty Loveless. There were many more.
Just then, Dusty blew into the room. There was no other way to describe her; she was like a human whirlwind. Dusty owned and managed the club. She booked the acts, and made sure everything went smoothly. The club was very popular; in fact, it was the main competition to Luke's.
"Sly, darlin', are you ready for your big night?" She walked over to him and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Ready as I'll ever be."
She took a look at Sly. "Well, you look terrific." He was wearing a pair of black jeans, a starched white shirt and a black vest. He had on a pair of black boots and a black hat to top it all off.
"And you're just as gorgeous as ever," he gently flirted. Dusty was known for her flamboyant fashion sense. She was wearing a long black skirt and a purple shirt with some pins on it. She wore all silver jewelry. Each hand had several rings, one from each husband, as she was prone to say. She had her long blonde hair teased and sprayed as high as it could go.
She put a hand on his shoulder. "I remember when you first came here. God, you were just a baby."
"Hey, I was fifteen. That's hardly a baby," he laughed.
"And you would always try to sneak in."
"I just wanted to hear the music," Sly said honestly.
"The bouncer would kick you out for not paying. I still remember the night I found you outside in the alley by one of the windows, just listening to the band." She smiled. "You looked so forlorn. Of course I had to take you in."
"I owe my musical education to you, Dusty."
"And don't you forget it when you get to Nashville. When you're a big shot star, I want you to come back to play the Ranch again."
"Who says I'm not taking you with me," Sly grinned.
"Don't be fresh, Sly." She smiled. "Well, maybe just a little." She walked over to the door to check on the crowd outside then walked back to Sly. "I knew it the first time you played for me; you had something special. I just knew you needed a little help getting there."
"And I'm so glad you helped me put together a band." Sly smiled at the memory.
"Do you remember that? The flyer said, 'Lead singer in search of a band.'"
"Yeah. It was after I came back from Oregon. I think the rest of it read, 'If you're a first class player with your own instruments ready to play kick-ass traditional country, give me a call."
Dusty laughed. "And that's how you got this crew together."
"My brothers in arms. I don't know what I'd do without them." He turned to her. "Or you. Thank you so much, Dusty, for believing in me."
"No problem, Sly. It wasn't hard. How could I ignore your talent?" She sensed his nervousness. "And everybody out there will see it, too. They'll be eating out of the palm of your hand. Just turn on the charm like you always do."
"This is my shot. I promise I won't let you down."
"Don't worry about me, honey. Just make yourself happy." She looked at the clock. "What do you say boys? Are you ready?" she yelled.
The whole band yelled back. "Yes, Ma'am!"
"Well, then. Go to it!"
The band walked out on the stage behind the curtain. Dusty walked to the other side and stood in front of it with a microphone. The crowd quieted down when they saw her. The house lights went down slightly. "Hello, y'all, and welcome to the Boomtown Ranch!" The crowd cheered.
Emily, Juan, Nikolas, and Livvie stood near the stage. Juan put his hands on Emily's shoulders, and she flinched slightly. Something in his touch now made her uncomfortable. Every time he looked at her or touched her, she was reminded of the trust she had broken. She betrayed him by kissing another man. Well, that was behind her. She didn't have to tell Juan. Why hurt him needlessly?
Dusty spoke again. "Well, it's been my pleasure to have known these guys for many years. Here they are for the first time for your listening and dancing pleasure," she paused dramatically. "Wildfire!"
She moved away and the curtain opened. The band was set up around the stage, and they started off with a jaunty tune. Sly shook off his nerves and played the lead guitar part. He then stepped up to the microphone.
I keep hearin' your concerned about my happiness
But all that thought you've given me is, conscience I guess
If I were walkin' in your shoes, I wouldn't worry none
While you and your friends are worryin' bout me, I'm havin' lots of fun -
The crowd was really into it, and all of the guys in the band started to relax. Sly strutted a bit, then sang the chorus.
Countin' flowers on the wall, that don't bother me at all
Playin' solitaire 'til dawn, with a deck of fifty-one
Smokin' cigarettes and watchin' Captain Kangaroo
Now don't tell me
I've nothin' to do
Sly smiled as the crowd yelled. He could really get used to this.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
About an hour later, Juan hopped off the stage on top of the world. Sly just
shook his head. Juan had not exactly won the crowd over; but then again, his
musical style was not really the club's type. Still, he was excited about just
being up there with the band. Sly smiled. Juan reminded him of himself when
he was starting out. "Juan Santiago, everybody," Sly said as he returned
to the mike. Then they started a slower song.
Juan returned to where Emily, Nikolas and Livvie were standing. "Congratulations,
Juan," Nikolas said. "You were great," Livvie said. Juan picked
up Emily and spun her around. "Oh, baby. It was so perfect." Emily
felt a little dizzy, but she managed to say something. "You were wonderful."
Juan responded by kissing her on the lips. Emily tried to kiss him back, but
she felt nothing at all. It was really kind of depressing. Maybe passion just
died out over the course of a relationship.
Nikolas noticed the change in the music. "Charlotte, would you like to dance?"
"Charlie, call me Charlie." She laughed. "Of course I would like to dance." They both moved to the dance floor.
"Come on, Emily, dance with me." Juan led Emily out to the dance floor. They gently swayed to the song.
Sly stepped up to the mike and sang in a sultry voice.
I don't wanna hurt nobody
Don't wanna make nobody cry
I don't wanna do wrong
I don't wanna do wrong
I don't wanna tell no lies
I'm lovin' you, lovin' you against my will
Lovin' you, lovin' you against my will
Emily closed her eyes. She tried to appreciate the feel of Juan's body against hers, but she couldn't help but wonder how it would feel if it were Sly's.
I don't wanna hear the phone ring
Don't wanna hear your voice on the line
I don't wanna come to you
I don't wanna come to you
I don't wanna give in this time
Girl I'm loving you, lovin' you against my will
Sly looked out at Emily dancing with Juan. He had to turn away. Did their kiss mean nothing to her? Still, he felt his eyes were drawn to her. God, she was beautiful.
Your love is like a deep dark river
Pullin' me out to sea
The harder I try to resist you
The weaker I seem to be
I don't wanna turn down your side street
I don't wanna pull in your drive
Don't wanna see you standin' there
Don't wanna see you standin' there
Don't wanna see that look in your eyes
Girl I'm loving you, lovin' you against my will
Nikolas and Livvie swayed to the music. He couldn't help but notice the sweet smell of her hair. She felt so right in his arms. It was all happening so fast. It was something he couldn't quite put his finger on. It was different from what he had felt about Elizabeth just a few weeks ago. He wasn't pining after a woman that could never be his, or someone who was totally out of his league. She was just a nice girl who actually seemed interested in him, and it felt terrific. He just tried to stay in the moment, there in her arms.
Your love is like a deep dark river
Pullin' me out to sea
The harder I try to resist you
The weaker I seem to be
I don't wanna feel your heartbeat
I don't wanna taste your kiss
I don't wanna call your name
I don't wanna call your name
I don't wanna want you like this
Girl I'm lovin' you, lovin' you against my will
Lovin' you, lovin' you against my will
The song ended and the band received a round of applause. Sly smiled. "Well, it's coming to the time for us to say goodbye. But before we leave, we've got just one more song. I had a lot of fun writing this, and we have a lot fun playing it. We hope you like it, too." The band began a fast song with a bounce. Juan, Emily, Nikolas and Livvie moved off the dance floor to listen.
Downtown, stoplight, red car rolls by
What else can I do
But wonder if it's you
Scanning the stations, every song they're playing
Is like a soundtrack to the love we had
I should be over you by now
But every time I turn around
Sly played strummed his guitar hard going into the chorus while he scanned the room looking for Emily. He found her by the side.
It's always
Somethin' everyday reminding me
Everywhere I go, there's a memory
Ready and waiting to catch me off guard
There's no way to prepare my heart
What I wouldn't give, what I wouldn't do
If only I could just stop missing you
I'd let go of our love like it was never nothing
But it's always somethin'
Emily smiled at the tune. She had to admit Sly was really talented. The song returned to another verse. Sly smiled anticipation. He looked directly at Emily.
Lunchtime, a new place; waitress says her name
Why does it have to be
The whole band joined in on the next line:
Emily
Emily felt her whole body blush in embarrassment. She should have known better. Sly wasn't going to let the other day go. Leave it to him to bring it up in a song.
Corner-store, stopped in;
Someone asked how you been
I said I wouldn't know, I really gotta go
Wish I could forget you but I don't know how
Cause every time I turn around
"Why don't we get out of here," Emily said to Juan.
"Are you sure?" he said. "I wanted to thank the guys again."
"I'm sure they know how much you appreciate them. I'm really not feeling well," she fibbed.
"Ok, then, let's go. Bye, Nikolas, Charlie." They moved to go.
"I'll talk to you soon, Juan," Nikolas said.
"It was nice to meet you," Livvie called.
It's always
Somethin' everyday reminding me
Everywhere I go, there's a memory
Ready and waiting to catch me off guard
There's no way to prepare my heart
What I wouldn't give, what I wouldn't do
If only I could just stop missing you
I'd let go of our love like it was never nothing
But it's always somethin'
They finished the song with a flourish. "Thank you! You've been a great audience!" Sly was a little disappointed to see that Emily had already left. Still, nothing compared to the high he felt right at that moment. Performing was such a rush, especially when it went so well. The band left the stage. "Alright!" he screamed. The whole band was hugging each other and giving high fives. Dusty was there to greet them.
"You were so terrific! Great job!" She hugged Sly. "I knew you could do it, honey."
"Thanks," he whispered. Somewhere in his heart, he always knew it, too.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Nikolas walked up the hallway with Livvie to Lucy's suite. "Did you have a good time tonight?"
"Oh, it was great. Your friends are so nice, and they're really talented."
"Thanks." It was funny, but Nikolas didn't really think of Juan as a friend, and he certainly didn't think Sly was one.
Livvie smiled. "So, am I going to see you again?" She had to ask. She wasn't sure how long she had in Port Charles, but she wanted to spend as much time as she could with Nikolas. It just felt so right. She felt bad about deceiving him, but no more than she did deceiving Lucy. It was necessary for the moment. She would tell them the truth when she could.
Nikolas looked down at Livvie. "Of course you're going to see me again. I want to be with you. More and more." He lifted her face with his hand. He bent down and gently pressed his lips to hers. He felt an incredible rush of happiness.
Livvie returned the feelings. It was incredible. It was what she had dreamed about for so long.
One perfect kiss.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Sly was driving the band's van back from the club to his home where the rest of the guys had parked their cars. The whole band was still so happy from their performance. Dusty had asked them to do it again in a few weeks.
"I think we all owe Jon a big thank you for getting us this gig," Cris said.
"Hey, we all wouldn't be here without Sly," Jon said back.
Sly smiled but kept his eyes on the road. That was a good thing, because the car in the opposite lane suddenly swerved into theirs. He had to move fast, and he pulled off the road. The van was going too fast to stop suddenly, so it ended up crashing into a stone wall.
It was silent for a second in the van. Sly lifted his head off the steering wheel. "Guys? Are you ok?" he said.
"Yeah," he heard Jon whisper.
"Cris, Chuck, Keith, are you guys alright?"
He heard them all respond "Yes."
"Then why don't we get out of the car?" Each door opened and the guys got out. They walked to the front to examine the damage to the van. The whole hood was smashed in. "Oh, man, that's going to cost a lot of money," Chuck said.
They moved away from the wall. "Where's the jerk that ran us off the road?" asked Cris.
"I don't see anyone coming," Keith said.
Jon looked at Sly who was strangely quiet. He had a big gash over his eye. "Hey, Sly, you're bleeding."
Sly barely heard his words as the world faded to black. He collapsed to the ground.
Jon raced to his side. "Sly, wake up!"
"Sly!"
Song Credits: "Flowers on the Wall" written by Lew DeWitt, recorded by Eric Heatherly on his album, "Swimming in Champagne." "Lovin' You Against My Will" written by Jaime O'Hara, recorded by Gary Allan on his album, "Smoke Rings in the Dark." "It's Always Somethin'" written by Green/Mayo, recorded by Joe Diffie on his album "A Night to Remember."