The Screeching Banshees

“Great show tonight chickadees.” Lyra said as she zipped up her guitar bag. “Very great show.”

“Wasn’t it?” Juno said with a smile tapping her sticks on the air.

“And you’re singing was amazing Josie.” Brooklynn said wrapping an arm around her friend. “You didn’t mess up.”

Josie looked and smiled at her friend. “Except when I tear up during Love Never Dies.”

“Well, that’s a personal song for you and we all know why you wrote it.” Aries said the band all took on a somber mood.

At that moment Rodney and Tracy came backstage. “Okay, what’s with the long faces?” He asked. “Y’all were great tonight.”

“We were just talking about Josie’s performance during Love Never Dies.” Lyra said.

Rodney’s face fell before he walked over to Josie and tilted her chin up so she met his eyes.

“Hey it made that song that much better the fact you teared up it resonated with the audience even better.” He said smiling.

“Yeah?” Josie asked.

“Yeah.” Rodney said before hugging her.

“Okay, enough of this mushy sad shit.” Lyra said. “Let’s go out and celebrate!”
Brooklynn grinned. “Let’s get wasted on alcohol and candy!”

“Oh God.” Bexlee said with a groan knowing it was a long night ahead of them.

“Okay so how are you going to approach her with the offer?” Mick asked.

“Simple, I’ll just wait till she’s alone and turn on the ol Sixx charm.” Nikki said with a smirk.

Tommy chuckled. “Sounds good while you turn on the charm on Red I’ll turn on the charm on the cowgirl.”

“Her name is Brooklynn.” Mick said as the Banshees made their way from backstage.

The band and Tracy excluding Rodney made their way to a longue area Josie’s face was now cleared of her the makeup except fore a dark shade of red lipstick and she had reapplied the red cloak around her neck. The band sat down each member scooting down to make room for the others till they were all seated.

“Okay what are we getting?” Lyra asked looking at the drinks and eating some of the complimentary pretzels.

“Margarita.” Aries said. “Mango margarita.”

“Dark n Stormy.” Juno said pulling off her wig and shaking her hair out.

“A mojito.” Tracy said.

“Long Island Iced Tea.” Bexlee said pulling some of the face gems off.

“I’m getting a Bahama Mama.” Lyra said.

“Rum and Coke.” Brooklynn said twirling one of her pigtails around her index finger.

“Bloody Mary.” Josie said making her band mates look at her.

“Bloody Mary?” Lyra asked with a raised eyebrow then scrunched her face. “Eew.”

“What’s wrong with it they’re good.” Josie asked crossing her arms with a fixed look.

“There are some things that just aren’t meant to be mixed.” Lyra said. “Tomato juice and alcohol aren’t meant to be mixed.”

“Well, they’re good for hangovers.” Bexlee said. “So they have some use.”

“But you’re not gonna get hungover with that not really.” Lyra argued back.

“Come on Josie live a little and order yourself a real drink.” Brooklynn encouraged. “You’ve earned it treat yourself.”

Josie sighed and looked as the others all nodded and agreed with Brooklynn.

“Fine I’ll have a Blue Hawaiian then.” Josie said.

Lyra made a disapproving noise then shrugged her shoulders. “It’s better than a Bloody Mary.” Lyra then waved a waitress over who took her notepad out.

“Good evening my name is Rene I’ll be your server for tonight.” She said then took a pen that was behind her ear out. “What can I get for y’all to drink?”

“We’ll have a Mango Margarita, Dark n Stormy, Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea, Bahama Mama, a Rum n Coke and a Blue Hawaiian please.” Lyra said. “Can we also have some tortilla chips and salsa?”

Rene smiled as she wrote down their orders. “Of course you can I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

“How was everybody’s day?” Brooklynn asked.

“Great I managed to write a couple of new songs we can look over them next band meeting.” Josie said and the others agreed.

“At the diner wasn’t so bad except my boss as per usual was getting on my last nerve.” Aries said with a scowl.

“Girl, you really need to quit that shitty job the pay is I’m sure below minimum wage plus your boss is a major asshole and perv.” Lyra said.

Aries sighed. “I know but I just have a high school education it’s all I can get I’m really hoping some talent scouts or name in the music industry heard us here tonight.”

“Aren’t we all?” Bexlee asked. “How long we’ve been a band now?”

“We started when we were sixteen, Josie’s 23 we’re either 24 or 25 so almost nine years now.” Juno said.

“That’s almost a decade and we still have no record deal and not signed with a record label.” Bexlee said.

“Things take time Bex and not just gonna happen overnight.” Aries said.

“Yeah well I hate to be the Debbie Downer but it gets depressing and dejecting.” Bexlee said. “I mean when is it gonna happen?”

“Our time will come eventually Bex we just have keep trying and be patient.” Josie said she said reaching over and patting her friend’s arm.

Bexlee squeezed her hand. “Okay, but there’s only so much patience I have.”

“Ditto.” Lyra said her face lighting up a Rene walked over with a plate full of drinks.

“Okay who had the Bahama Mama?” Rene asked as Lyra raised her hand.

“I get my drink first!” Lyra said in a singsongy voice making her bandmates roll their eyes.

“And your chips and salsa.” Rene said placing a basket of tortilla chips in front of Lyra.

“Thank you.” Lyra said before digging in.

“We got a mojito.” Rene said handing the drink to Tracy.

“A mango margarita.” Rene handed it to Lyra who began swirling the salt around the rim.

“Dark n Stormy.” Rene handed to Juno who immediately began drinking her beverage.

“Long Island Iced Tea.” She handed the drink to Bexlee who squeezed her lemon wedge into her drink then left it to set.

“Rum and Coke.” Rene laughed slightly handing the drink to Brooklynn’s outstretched eager hands.

“And lastly the Blue Hawaiian.” She handed the drink to Josie who smiled appreciatly.

“Thank you.” Josie said.

“You’re all very welcome is there anything else I can get for you?” Rene asked.

“Yeah, can you give us an estimate of how much this is gonna cost please?” Lyra asked.

“Oh, it’s not charge your drinks our on the house tonight courtesy of Dave for putting on one hell of a show.” Rene said as the band looked at each other with wide eyes.

“That’s really sweet.” Josie said. “Thank you.”

“It’s nothing enjoy your night.” Rene said before walking off.

“Well we might not ever get famous but being in a band still has some perks.” Lyra said.

“Getting free stuff?” Bexlee said.

Lyra slammed her chest roughly. “Duh!” She exclaimed making Bexlee roll her eyes though she fought the smile on her face.

“Where the hell is Rodney at?” Juno asked looking around for their loud manager.

Tracy snorted. “Who knows probably hurt himself putting up the equipment.” “He’s such a klutz sometimes.”

The band exchanged looks and secret smiles. “Are you sure you’re not a tiny bit concerned bout Rodney?” Brooklynn asked making Tracy give her a look like she was crazy.

“The day I care about Rodney’s crazy ass antics getting him hurt is the day hell freezes over.” Tracy said then smirked. “How’s your love life going Brooklynn?”

“Same ol same ol the guys turn out to be major drags talking all that serious shit like marriage and kids.” Brooklynn said with an eyeroll.

“I’m not looking for anything that serious I just wanna have a good time.”

“So casual sex, friends with benefits, fuck buddies, etc?” Lyra asked.

“Pretty much but none of these guys catch my interest enough for it to become an ongoing thing.” Brooklynn said. “Plus the sex is subpar I want sex to blow my mind, give me a toe curling, out of body experience, hear angels singing orgasm.”

Bexlee grimaced. “God Brooklynn you’re something else.”

Brooklynn smirked. “You’re just now realizing this?” “And people call me slow.” She said making everyone laugh then turned her attention to Josie. “How bout you Josie?”

Josie shrugged and sipped her drink. “Nothing new.”

Lyra sighed. “Josie you should at least go on dates here and there who knows you might meet someone.”

Josie shook her head. “I don’t think so after what happened it’s kinda weaned me off of dating.”

“Josie you haven’t dated in four years not every guy is gonna be like Brad.” Aries said.

“I know I just don’t know how to open myself up to another person like again especially after everything.” Josie said unconsciously stroking the Hailey tattoo that was hidden underneath her costume on her left shoulder.

Everyone noticed how quiet Josie got and decided to change the conversation.

“Okay enough with the mushy shit let’s move on to something else.” Lyra said raising her glass all the others followed suit. “How bout a toast to a great show and many more to come?”

“I’ll drink to that!” Brooklynn said as they all sipped their drinks her eyes widen. “Oh…my…God!”

“What?” Juno said looking around in search of what Brooklynn was staring at when she caught sight of it her eyes widen. “You got to be kidding.”

“What is it?” Bexlee asked.

Juno pointed at the thing her and Brooklynn were staring at when the others caught sight of it they all had various reactions of shock and disbelief. Making his way over to them occasionally dancing with the dancers was Rodney dressed in a Big Bird costume.

“I know this fool ain’t dressed up like Big Bird.” Aries said.

“He is and you’re drink isn’t messing with your head.” Lyra said as they continued to watch Rodney on the dance floor.

Rodney shook his hips with the other club goers then did a split before doing a spin on the floor making the dancers cheer. The girls couldn’t help but clap along with the crowd.
Rodney chuckled as he finally came to their table. “Sup my beauties?” He said.

“Are you for real with that costume Rodney?” Brooklynn asked.

Rodney nodded proudly. “Yep sure am.”

“Why in the world are you dressed up like Big Bird?” Bexlee asked.

Rodney shrugged. “Why not?” “It’s Halloween the only day you can get away with looking stupid and crazy.”

“You look stupid and crazy all day every day.” Tracy said making the others laugh.

Rodney pretended like he had been shoot before his eyes rolled in the back of his head and he fell to the floor. The others rolled their eyes but smiled good naturedly at his antics. Rodney got up smirking at making his friends smile before producing a camera from out his costume.

“Come on you all look so good let’s take some pics.” Rodney said raising the camera. “Big smiles!”

The band threw their arms around each other before all leaning into the frame as the flash went off.

“Okay silly faces.” Rodney said raising the camera again.

Josie stuck out her tongue, Brooklyn pulled the corners of her mouth, Bexlee pulled the skin under her eyes, Aries held her breath making her cheeks puff out, Lyra stuck her bottom lip out, Juno made a kissing face at Tracy who made a fake gagging face. Rodney chuckled before pressing the button.

“Let’s get some weird ones.” He said

Josie covered her eyes, Brooklyn covered her ears, and Aries covered her mouth as Rodney took the picture. Brooklyn then leaned over the couch so her ass was in the air as Lyra smacked it as the picture was taken. They took a couple more pictures till Rodney only had two frames left.

“Okay let’s make these two count.” Rodney said. “Let’s get one of y’all in a pile.”

“What?” Josie asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Like over the couch three of you on the bottom, the other three on top.
Rodney said.

“That sounds cool.” Brooklynn said as they got into postion.

Juno, Aries, Lyra were on the bottom then Brooklynn, Josie, and Lyra laid on top of them. They all smiled as Rodney took the picture.

“Okay one last frame.” He said.

“Let’s do a group picture.” Josie said noticing Rena nearby and waved her over.

“Yes?” Rena asked trying to fight the laughs at Rodney’s costume.

“Rena would you mind taking a group photo of us?” Josie asked.

“Not at all.” She said taking the camera from Rodney as they all got together. “Okay ready?” They all nodded. “Smile!”

She took the pic as they all dispersed. “Thank you my fair lady.” Rodney said kissing Rena’s hand making her giggle and Tracy rolled her eyes.

They all sat down drinking their drinks and chatting Nothin but A Good Time by Poison played.

“Ooh I love this song!” Lyra said. “Let’s go!” She grabbed Aries hand who grabbed Brooklynn’s hand who grabbed Juno who reach for Josie and Bexlee who both declined.

“Spoilsports!” Lyra yelled as they made their way onto the dance floor.

Now listen, not a dime I can’t pay my rent
I can barely make it through the week

Brooklynn held onto Lyra’s hips as she began moving her hips in a grinding motion against
Brooklynn while Aries began raised her arms above her hand interlacing them with Lyra’s who reached around shaking her ass against Aries.

“Holy shit.” Tommy said looking at the three girls on the dance floor.

“Holy shit is right.” Vince said in agreement as he pulled the crotch of his pants as they became uncomfortable.

“Hmm.” Nikki said lustfully looking at the three his eyes occasionally went to Josie hoping she would join in.

As the chorus began Brooklynn separated herself from the other two and three herself on her knees and began gyrating her hips on the floor then threw her head back making her hat fall off.

Don’t need nothin but a good time
How can I resist?
Ain’t lookin for nothing but a good time
And it don’t get better than this

“Are you sure this is a band or this a band of strippers?” Vince asked. “Cause goddamn!”

Tommy said nothing mesmerized by Brooklynn’s movements imagining what else those hips could do in the bedroom.

“So when are you gonna approach the lead singer about touring with us?” Mick asked Nikki.

“I’m waiting till she’s alone with no distractions or interruptions from the others.” Nikki said his eyes back on Josie.

“What her all to yourself Sixx?” Vince asked with a smirk.

“Exactly.” Nikki said smirking.

Josie shook her head with a smile at her friends dance moves as she sipped her drink she got a
feeling. The kind of feeling like you’re being watched she looked around the club her eyes roaming over the dancers then over the bar her eyes stopping on four distinct figures at the bar. She couldn’t make out their faces due to the lighting but something about their silhouettes seemed familiar.

“Yo Josie what you looking at?” Juno asked.

“You see those four at the bar?” She asked pointing.

Juno looked over and nodded. “Yeah, what about them?”

“It’s silly but I think they’re watching us.” She said.
Juno looked over again tilted her head as if that would help her see better. “It’s probably nothing I mean there are a lot of half dressed beautiful girls in here tonight.”

“Yeah that’s probably it.” Josie said taking another glance before watching her friends on the dancefloor.

“Looks like the object of your desire notices you looking at her Sixx.” Vince said sipping his drink. “She looked a little freaked just then.”

“She can’t see my face so I’m not worried.” Nikki said.

“Just make sure you don’t tell her you’ve been watching her all night when you approach her.” Mick said. “Don’t wanna scare her off.”
Nikki glared at him. “You think I’m dumb Mars?”

“I wonder sometimes.” Mick mumbled under his breath.

Eventually the song ended Brooklynn, Aries, and Lyra made their way back to the table sweating and laughing. They laughed harder as Rodney produced a dollar out his costume and stuck it in Brooklynn’s belt.

“Y’all trying to put on a strip show?” Bexlee asked with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s called having fun Bexlee, do you know what that is?” Lyra asked sipping her drink with a smirk.
Bexlee and Lyra got along for the most part but they occasionally butted heads. Then again what kind of band didn’t butt heads? Josie jumped in before they could get into it.

“So what are everyone’s plans for the weekend?” She asked.

“Probably going to the gym and my yoga classes but just relaxing for the most part.” Brooklynn said.

“Just work.” Aries said.

“I’m trying to play the violin now.” Bexlee said. “I took up some classes.”

Lyra shrugged tilting her drink back. “Nothing.”

“Oh I’ve almost accomplished catching my sticks.” Juno said tapping a beat on the table then threw her sticks in the air. One landed in Aries lap while the other hit Juno right in the face making the others laugh.

“Nice real nice Juno.” Lyra said clapping making Juno scowl as the opening riff of Dr. Feelgood began playing. “Oh!” “This is the new single from Motley Crue let’s go!” Lyra said downing the rest of her drink before grabbing Aries.

“Come on Josie.” Brooklynn said grabbing her hand but she shook her head.

“I’ll pass.” Josie said.

Brooklynn pouted. “Come on Josie you gonna stand on the sidelines all night?”

“Maybe.” She said with a shrug making Brooklynn sigh.

She squawked till she was eye level with Josie. “Will you at least go out on the floor one time?” Josie didn’t want to but she didn’t want to ruin Brooklynn’s good mood knowing her friend only wanted her to have fun.

“Okay just one dance though later.” Josie said.

“You pinky swear?” Brooklynn asked holding out her pinky making Bexlee roll her eyes.

Josie shook her head fighting a smile before wrapping her pinky around Brooklynn’s. “Pinky swear.”

“Great!” Brooklynn said before she grabbed Juno and they ran onto the floor.

“Pinky swear?” Bexlee asked. “Really?”

Josie shrugged her shoulders as she watched her friends. She got up catching the others attention. “I’m gonna grab another drink.” They all nodded as she walked towards the bar.

“Little Red at 10 Sixx making her way over.” Vince said elbowing Nikki and pointed at Josie. The Crue watched as Josie came over sitting at the farthest part of the bar.

“Time to make a move.” Nikki said flipping his hair back before walking down towards to Josie.

“Y’all think she’s gonna take the offer?” Tommy asked.

“She will cause who can so no to touring with us?” Vince said. “And what woman can resist Sixx’s charms?”

“She might it’s a great opportunity for the Banshees to get more exposure and maybe secure a deal with a record label.” Mick said.

Josie finally sat down at one of the barstools she took down the hood of her red cloak and smiled as Dave walked over.

“What can I get you sweetheart?” He asked returning her smile.

“May I please have a Shirley Temple?” Josie asked then looked at his nametag. “Dave.”

“You got it Josie.” Dave said.

“Thank you Dave.” She said turning around crossing her legs as she looked at her friends dancing.

As Josie bobbed her head in time to the music she felt someone occupy the seat next to her. Judging by the cologne and type of jeans she guessed it was a man. She payed him no attention until she felt his gaze on her. She slowly turned till her eyes met a pair of green eyes.

Her eyes widen slightly as she realized she was staring into the eyes of Nikki Sixx.