When The Going Gets Tough

What Did You Expect?

Jackson POV

Stood waiting for the back door to open just adds to my apprehension, I've not heard of this club, not surprising as I'm new to town, I'm unsure what to make of it all. 

The door opens a crack and I can't see who is on the other side.

"Hey sugar, I see on the camera your not alone, what am I telling the boss?" A silk cool voice says

"Hey AJ, he's my ride, can you hide him in the bar please?" She turns to me "because I'm presuming no matter what I say your not going to leave? She raises an eyebrow at me. Damn she's not my number.

"A space at the bar till you finish sounds great" I smile, a little irked that I'm so predictable on this matter but still glad I didn't have to fight her on this. 

The door opens a tall bouncer is stood, his white shirt and tailered waist coat really complimenting his chocolate skin, he smiled wide. 

"Hey there Casinova, now you behave yourself this evening or you will have to wait in your car, do you hear me?" He say. Oh I hear him!

"Yes sir, I cause any problems" I say tilting my head in respect to the man, I used to run track and play a lot of sports, mainly for fun so I'm toned, but this man could probably crush me with one hand. Well I'm glad he's got Alex's back by the looks of things. 

"Sugar you head on back to Molly" AJ says giving her a little tap on the arm, "and you" he points at me "come with me and keep you mouth shut" Alex's smiles at me and waves as she rushed down the hall, AJ guestures for me to step inside, he shuts the doors and bolts it. The he starts walking down the corridor which comes to a t junction, looking left there are alot of doors, AJ starts walking right where there are just 3 he goes to the one on the left and puts his hand on the handle and then looks at me. 

"What's your deal with Alex, she doesn't bring people here with her" he says, I'm getting protective older brother vibes, well I hope that's what this is.

"Were friends from school, she missed the bus and asked me for a ride" I say "what kind of club is this?" I ask nervously. He laughs a proper chuckle 

"She hasn't told you what she does here had she?" He asks looking amused.

"Uh no, she was really vague" I say honestly hoping he would tell me.

He just laughs again "this should be good, let me know what you think of her performance" he smiles and winks 

"Performance??" I exclaim 

He doesn't answer just opens the door, he still has an amused smile on his face. I walks over to the bar a points at stool at the end of the bar closest to the servers hatch. 

"Sit here" he says, I comply taking a moment to take in the room. 

The bar is dark wood, and the large room is full of round tables with little lamps on, people dressed up fancy drinking and laughing, some enjoying meals, the colours are dark wood, a deep burgundy and gold trimmings, it feel very classy in an old fashioned way. I could imagine sitting here in the 1920's or something. Although it doesn't look tired, it's clearly well looked after by the manager. Beyond the tables is a stage with a stunning surround and drawn burgundy curtains, nothing hinting at what kind of show is going to start on the stage. I look back round and AJ is talking to bar tender and glances at me, she nods and then he heads back to his door. I feel like I've just been handed off and this is my new baby sitter. She walks up to me 

"Hey cutie, I'm Tina, can I get you a coke, lemonade or a water?" She smiles, I'm guessing I'm on a no alcohol menu. Not that I mind I'm driving anyway, but I don't appreciate the condensing nature of the come.

I smile "coke please" no need in being rude, maybe I can get some info. She goes off grabs a glass, adds ice and puts coke in from draft. She puts it on the bar in front of me. "What times does the show start?" I ask

She smiles knowingly, that git AJ told her not to give me any info didn't he! "8pm, you have 15 minute wait till the fun begins" she winks and walks off. 

I don't know how I feel about all this secrecy, I would have just dropped her off and left like I imagine she was meaning when she asked for a lift but I really need to speak to her about her decision, did she just make it out of necessity, needing to work, I can only presume based on her sparce home she needs the money. For my only reasons I'm glad she didn't, I need to be here for Alex, maybe just as a way of easing my guilt I feel over my mother, feeling I let her down.  I'm hit with the sadness of the situation with my mother, it was just over a year ago and so much in my life has changed since then... what I wouldn't give to have a do over. I'm lost in thought drowning in my past when I hear music and I look up to see the curtains opening, there are three women stood to the left in matching royal blue dresses, and an old style band on stage. The band is playing and I'm.trying to put my finger on the song. 

 what you want baby I got it, what you need, you know I got it

Then I see the person singing, she turns facing the crowd from a raised podium in the corner, wearing a gold evening gown with a suggestive slit up to her upper thigh 

All I'm asking, is for a little respect when you come home then the 3 ladies in red join in and I've never really enjoyed this kind of music by my aunt loves it, I just gained a new respect for it. 

I'm keeping an eye out for Alex but I don't see her.

Then the lady in gold gets front and centre of the stage and she sings the chorus with such power, she then flips her hair back and looks direct at me.... That when it hits me, this power house diva on stage is Alex. I hear laughing and look to my left and see AJ laughing, 

"The look on your face was worth not saying anything! She really is something isn't she" he smiles and then watches the stage again 

"Yep, she is definitely something" I say also returning my head to the stage. I check.my phone and it's quarter to 11. I wonder how long she is going to be singing for. 

"Hey Tina, how long does she sing for?" I ask 

"Bored already toots? I can entertain you if you like" she winks, oh god know, did I mention Tina's about 40. 

"No, I could listen to her all night" I say, but I am concerned as we have school in the morning and I still want to talk to her. 

"She's on till 11, then it's the very hunky hunky Kyle King, whoooo momma likes that guy" she fans herself as if she's all hot and bothered. I am not going to miss my baby sitter! 

After a couple more songs she then starts singing 'arms of an angle' I can hardly breath it's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard and I can't help but feel every word she sings, I hear a sobbing noise and I can see the lady sat in the stood two over is crying, and I don't blame her, I'm sure there are other people in the audience equally as moved. The song finishes and there is a silence and you can almost hear the room take a breath like they didn't know they were holding it, then an applause with most people getting to their feet.

I join in the clapping and stand, where the hell did she learn to perform this way? 

She takes a bow and leaves the stage.