Escaping Grace

"Xavier wants us to play? Tonight?" I frowned down at my half-painted nails. "Is he calling his favor or asking, because I'm kind of busy."
"Calling a favor," Nate informed me over the phone. "His premiere band canceled, and he needs somebody bad."
I chewed my lip a minute. Andy was in the shower, and I had taken the time to paint my nails red and black instead of leaving them chipped like normal. I had one entire hand done, but if Xavier wanted us to play tonight I would have to leave right now to get my stuff and head over to his club considering it was already four O clock.
"I'm already have plans for tonight, though." I sighed, shuffling so I could start on my other hand.
"Leah, come on. We owe him. He helped us get started. He gave us numerous times to play when no one else would."
"Yeah, but he didn't try to sleep with you every time either."
"We all have to make sacrifices," Nate retorted, sounding miffed. "And I don't see why he didn't. Do you think he just doesn't like blondes?"
"Nate, I have blonde hair."
"Yeah, but you're mean."
I rolled my eyes. "You're not even gay, what does it matter?"
He sighed, as if I was disappointing him. "That doesn't mean I can't appreciate when someone finds me attractive."
Oh for goodness sake.
"What time is the show?" I muttered. Nate would drivel on until I gave in, but at least I had my nails painted. The likelihood of me not fucking them up before they dried was spiraling though.
"Eight." his voice brightened. "Clarke and Vale are already on the way. I knew you would agree."
"Honestly, I didn't want too." I shuffled to my feet. "This is not what I wanted to do tonight," I glanced at the bathroom door. "But I'll be there as soon as I can, okay?"
"Cool! Love ya!" he hung up before I could say anything, and I sighed, sitting my polish on the coffee table before skirting to the bathroom door; I would put them back with my pile of stuff in the spare room when I came back through.
I knocked, then opened it enough to stick my head in, steam hitting me in the face. "Andy! I gotta go. Nate guilted us into doing a show tonight for an old friend."
"Okay." he slid back the shower door slightly. "Where is it?"
"Club Dremel."
Andy frowned, and ran a hand over his face to brush the water away.
"We owe Xavier, the owner, a favor," I explained at his look; Xavier was notorious for his womanizing, but he had given us a break when we needed it.
"All right. When does the show start? I might drop by."
"Eight. And see you there!" I blew him a kiss, and then shut the door. I slipped on my shoes and grabbed my small shoulder bag. I tossed in my makeup and a change of clothes, and then took off.
It took me an hour to make it to the club, and by the time I got there the club was smoky and bustling with people, the bar full. They kept it dark and decorated with blacks and purples, which was kind of overly goth for me. I think it was a requirement for your entire face to be tattooed before you could even work here.
I grimaced, and made my way to the bartender. "Hey! Where's Xavier?" I called over the current band playing. The bartender motioned, and I followed his hand to the upstairs area, and waved my thanks.
I started upstairs, training my eyes down so I didn't trip. I made it to the balcony and Nate stood as he saw me, the two girls at the table looking relieved.
"You made it!" he perked up, and I nodded. "Vale and Clarke are backstage."
"Cool. I'll be there in a minute," I said, leaving Nate to head to the owner of the club. Xavier stood as he saw me. He smiled, and took my hand, pressing a swift kiss to my knuckles.
"Leah! Good to see you again," he grinned at me. "It's been too long."
"Not that long," I pulled my hand from his. "All I wanted to say is this is the favor, okay? No more surprises," I warned. "We're even."
"Fine," he looked disappointed. "Do you not miss me?"
"No." I rolled my eyes. "I told you last time we played I was done."
"I know, I know," he sighed. "I'm sorry about that. I'm clean now, so there will be no issues. I just had an open spot and needed it filled."
"Alright." I took a few steps back. "As long as we're clear."
"Perfectly."
I hurried away from him and backstage, finding the cramped backroom that served as a dressingroom. Vale and Clarke were at one mirror, Vale sitting on the bar and Clarke in the chair.
"Hey guys."
"Xavier totally knows this is a one time thing, right?" Vale looked pissed. "I had to leave Mom and Dad at the apartment; they wanted to come but this place isn't somewhere I want them to be."
"I know. I told him this was it. We're even. Nate was out flirting with some seriously hardcore looking people."
"Nate never learns." Clarke shook his head. "We really shouldn't be here ourselves. Two songs and we're out."
"Agreed." I sat down on Clarkes knee, hastily applying some makeup, Vale shifting until I could see the actual mirror.
My phone buzzed, and I glanced over, opening Andys text.

Everything good?

Yeah. We're doing two songs and we're out. This place sucks and smells like cheap alcohol.

How's the boss?

Andy knew his reputation apparently. I glanced at my band mates, and leaned back against Clarkes shoulder. "I haven't missed this place."
"Us either," Vale braided her hair to the side. "It doesn't change, does it?"
"Nope," I shook my head, texting Andy back. "It smells the same too."
"It totally looks like there's more business here. I could barely get in the door." Clarke said.
"Ugh. I don't want to be here," Vale shifted in aggravation. "I hated playing here."
I would be so relieved when we could get out of here.

Notes