The Screeching Banshees

“She’s even more stunning up close.” Nikki thought to himself.

Due to the lighting when she was on stage he couldn’t really make out Josie’s features. She looked to be either in her early to mid-twenties with jet black hair that ran halfway down her back. She had fair skin with an average figure and a heart shaped mouth. Probably the most stunning feature on Josie was her eyes. Nikki couldn’t tell if they were hazel, green, or brown. They looked like honey that he found himself lost in.

Josie blinked which broke him out his stare. “You’re…you’re Nikki Sixx.” She said with shock.

Nikki chuckled. “Yes I am you sound surprised.”

“Well, you’re one of the biggest bands in the world right now.” Josie said. “Didn’t think I would see you at the Whiskey Go Go since y’all are so big now.”

“Well, we like this place it was one of our first gigs and it’s just a great place to hang out.” Nikki said with a smile.

“That’s true.” Josie said with a laugh.

“Well you know my name but I don’t know yours.” Nikki said.

“It’s Josie.” She said. “Josie Mara.”

“Josie.” Nikki repeated. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too.” She said sipping her drink focusing her attention back on her friends.

Most girls would be all over him trying and willing to do anything to bed a member of Motley Crue. Nikki realized Josie wasn’t like most of the girls that the Crue was used to. Other than the slight shock at seeing a famous rock star in the bar she hadn’t shown any indication that she was interested in him. If anything that intrigued him even more about her.

“So how long have you been in a band?” He asked trying to make conversation.

“Hmm we started when were sixteen so about 7 years.” Josie said sipping her drink.

“So if you don’t mind me asking…

“What?” She asked half of her wondering what he wanted the other half wishing he would leave her alone.

She knew all about Nikki Sixx and his bands reputation. Their partying, their drinking, drug using, and their promiscuity. Supposedly the band had all been gone to rehab and were now newly sober. Still Josie wasn’t 100% brought on that. They may not use drugs or drink no more but that didn’t mean they didn’t still indulge in the more than willing female bodies who threw themselves at the band. The last thing she wanted was to become another name in Nikki Sixx’s book.

“But what kind of a name is The Screeching Banshees?” Nikki asked.

Josie set her drink down and crossed her arms. “What kind of a name is Motley Crue?”
Nikki blinked stunned at her defensiveness. “She’s a spitfire.” He thought. The old Nikki would’ve told this girl how lucky she was to have someone of his magnitude in her presence even talking to her but he pushed that away. If you wanted this band to open for them and go on tour with them he had to play it cool.

“It was actually Mick who came up with the band name.” Nikki explained.

Josie looked surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah he was in a band called White Horse one of the members called them a motley looking crew.” Nikki said. “He wrote down the phrase and after modifying it that became our name.”

“That’s interesting.” Josie said.

“So why the Screeching Banshees?” Nikki asked.

Josie glanced at him before turning to face him. “Do you know what a banshee is?”

Nikki shook his head. “Can’t say I do sounds like some sort of demon.”

Josie laughed. “Something like that but no a banshee also known as the wailing woman is a spirit in Irish mythology who is an omen or messenger of death.” “She wails or shrieks when a person is about to die the myth says that she may even be able to cause the persons death due to her screams.” “So we decided to go with that and since a banshee shrieks…

“Hence the screeching part.” Nikki said finishing it.

“Exactly.” Josie said smiling at him. “The screeching part was acutally mainly Rodney’s idea.”

“Rodney?” Nikki asked then remembered the dude in the numerous costumes. He looked at the dancefloor seeing her band members dancing with some guy wearing a Big Bird costume. “The loon dressed in the Big Bird costume?”

“Yep that’s him.” Josie said smiling as Rodney did the worm. “He thought that we should at least have an adjective to describe ourselves plus he said we didn’t want to be called just The Banshees.” “He’s our manager.”

“That clown is your manager?” Nikki asked.

Josie looked at him with a glare. “Rodney is eccentric but he looks out for us, takes care of us, makes sure we get to the gigs we get.” “He does a lot for us and then so don’t talk about him and you don’t know him.”

Nikki held up his hands. “Sorry.” He said.

Josie shook her head. “Why are you even talking to me?”

“I’m sorry?” Nikki asked genuinely surprised by the question. He wanted to get to know her better wasn’t that obvious by the questions?

Josie sighed. “I know you heard me why are you talking to me when there are plenty of other women that would kill to be graced by your presence?” “I don’t know what you hope you’re gonna get from me tonight but I’m letting you know right now I’m not sleeping with you.”

“What makes you think that’s what I want?” Nikki asked feeling himself get defensive.

Josie scoffed. “Cause I know you I know about your reputation how you think just because you’re some big rock star you think you can get and do anything you want.” “Just because you’re famous doesn’t mean you can treat anybody any kind of way and it be okay.”

Now it was Nikki’s turn to get defensive. He couldn’t blame Josie for her perception of him and the band. He be surprised if she wasn’t weary towards him.

“What happened to not talking about someone when you don’t really know them?” He asked defensively.

Josie laughed humorlessly. “The whole world knows about Motley Crue your antics and your outrageous behavior are splashed all over the headlines and the news.” “You can’t miss it unless you have head up your ass.”

“We’re not like that anymore we’ve recently came out of rehab.” Nikki said trying to maintain his calm. “We’re clean and sober now.”

“Yeah sure.” Josie said doubtfully.

Nikki started to argue with her but remembered why he came over here if you wanted them to tour for them he had to remain on Josie’s good side.

“Can we start over Josie?” He asked catching her attention. “I didn’t come over here to make fun of or disrespect any member of your band.” “I actually came over because I have an offer I want to make you.”

She turned facing him intrigued. “What kind of offer?”

“Well I’m really impressed by your band y’all were amazing up there tonight.” Nikki said genuinely.
Josie blushed at the compliment from this famous rock star. “Thank you but we’re nothing special.”

“I disagree your sound isn’t like anything me or the others have heard before.” Nikki said. “And your lyrics are…wow.”

Josie looked down blushing at his compliments. “What genre do you call yourselves?” Nikki asked.

Josie shrugged. “We just call ourselves alternative we don’t really play a particular genre.” “We simply call ourselves a rock band.”

“If you don’t mind me asking what inspired you to write the song Love Never Dies?” Nikki asked.
Josie tensed up and grew silent no matter how long ago it was it never got easier talking about what inspired her to write that song. She could feel tears forming at the corners of her eyes and quickly turned her head so Nikki couldn’t see. But Nikki did notice the way she withdrew back into herself when he just got her to open up.

“Smooth Sixx ask her about the song that made her tear up on stage.” He thought to himself he had to save this fast.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bring up…

“No it’s okay.” Josie said wiping her eyes with a napkin. “It’s just that song is really personal to me.” “I wrote it when I was 19 you think it wouldn’t get me so worked up anymore.”

“I think those are the best songs that ones that resonate with us, the ones that make us feel some kinds of emotion.” Nikki said then smiled. “And the ones that occasionally give us a good ol cry.”
Josie laughed her eyes sparkling in the light then she grew somber. “It’s about how love for someone whether it’s friendship, romantic, platonic, or parental love is so strong that it never dies even when that person is no longer around.” “I wrote it after my father passed away after a five year battle pancreatic cancer.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Nikki said genuinely he never had a good relationship with his own father and his mother’s numerous boyfriends were no even decent human being let alone father material. But it was obvious to anybody Josie had a good relationship with hers.

“Thank you.” Josie said. “It wasn’t easy on me and my mom when he died but he was finally at peace.” “He wasn’t suffering or hurting any longer it’s one of the worst feelings in the world when a loved one is in pain and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“I can’t imagine.” Nikki said.

Josie shook her head. “It’s not a good feeling.”

For a while they just sat quietly sipping their beverages Josie finally broke the silence. “So you said you have an offer for me and my band, what kind of offer?”

Nikki had almost forgotten about the reason he had approached Josie in the first place.

“Right so me and the others were really impressed by your bands performance tonight.” Nikki said.

“Really?” Josie asked surprised. “Motley Crue the world’s biggest band was impressed by us.”

Nikki chuckled. “Yes we were you know we’re about to start our Dr. Feelgood tour soon we were actually supposed to start the 14th of this month but we got delayed because needed an opening act.” “After your performance tonight I think we found an opening act for the tour.”
Josie’s breath caught in her throat as she thought about what he was about to ask. Was it possible?

“Josie would the Screeching Banshees open for tour?” Nikki asked.

“Whoa!” Brooklyn who was sweating and laughing exclaimed. “What a night.”

“I’ll say.” Lyra said taking her hat off and fanning herself with it then noticed Josie at the bar. “Check it out.”

Brooklynn looked at where Lyra was pointing and saw Josie engaged in conversation with a man. She smirked to herself glad that Josie was finally letting herself live a little.

“Alright Josie.” Brooklynn said making Lyra laugh in agreement.

“Bout time looks like she might be going home with him tonight.” Lyra said in approval. “He looks hot.”

Brooklynn nodded in agreement. “I doubt she’ll go home with him though Josie isn’t a casual encounter girl.”

“Well at least she’s talking to another male that’s better than she was those years ago.” Lyra said.

“True I’m gonna go get another drink.” Brooklyn said. “You want anything?”

“Can you get some Snake Bite shots?” Lyra said wrapping arm around Aries waist.

“You got it.” Brooklynn said as she walked towards the bar. She choose a place in the middle where she could keep an eye on Josie but not enough that she was invading on her conversation.

“What kind I get you?” Dave asked.

“A Christi Extreme and a couple of Snake Bite shots please.” Brooklyn said with a flirty smile.

“Got it coming sweetheart.” Dave said.

“Thank you.” Brooklyn said then reached in her back pocket for her cigarettes. She reached into her bra for her lighter which had her name in cursive writing on the side. Brooklynn cupped her hand around the flame so it wouldn’t go out as it lit her cig. She inhaled deeply before blowing out the smoke.

She peaked in Josie’s direction whatever her and the guy were talking about Josie had a surprised and shocked look on her face. She wondered what they were talking about but she wasn’t gonna be nosy and intrude on their conversation. Brooklynn’s musings were interrupted as someone took a seat next her.

“Hey you got a smoke?” The guy asked.

“Yeah sure.” She grabbed her box and turned to face the guy her eyes widen and her cig almost dropped from her open mouth as she came face to face with Tommy Lee.

“Holy shit you’re Tommy Lee.” She finally said closing her mouth figuring she looked like an idiot.

He chuckled at her reaction. “And you’re even more gorgeous up close.”

Brooklyn looked down and giggled. “I’m sure you say that to all the girls.”

“Only the ones who catch my interest.” Tommy said still with the smile resting his chin in his hand.

“I caught your interest?” Brooklynn asked smoking her cig. “All the gorgeous scantily clad dressed girls in here tonight.”

“I don’t even see them.” Tommy said making Brooklyn laugh.

“I don’t believe you but okay I’ll take it.” She said making him laugh. “So what brings the world’s biggest band to the Whisky Go Go?”

“It’s a nice place to hang.” Tommy said Brooklyn nodded in agreement then noticed his nonalcoholic beverage.

“No alcohol?” She asked then remembered something. “You all just came out of rehab right?”

“Yep we’re all trying to stay sober so that means no drinking for us.” Tommy said. “It’s easier said than done.”

“I’ll bet.” Brooklynn said smiling when her drinks were placed in front of her. “Thanks Dave.”

“You’re welcome Brooklynn.” He said walking off.

Brooklyn started to gather up her drinks she smiled at Tommy. “Well it was nice meeting you Tommy Lee but I have to get these drinks to those chicks or it’s my head.”

“Wait.” He said making Brooklyn turn back towards him as he held out her box of cigarettes with a smirk as she took the box from him. “I never did get that cigarette.”
Brooklyn tilted her head then grinned. “You could’ve taken one just then before you gave it back to me.”

“True but I want you to offer it to me personally.” Tommy said with the smile again.
Brooklyn shook her head fighting the smile forming on her lips as she took a cig out to hand it to Tommy. He took it she held out to it as if she wouldn’t give it to him. Tommy chuckled as he took the cig and placed it in his mouth.

“You got a light?” He asked politely.

She reached in her bra Tommy’s eyes following her movements making her grin. She pulled out her lighter held it out for Tommy to take. “Can you light it for me?”

“You want me to smoke it for you next?” Brooklyn asked.

“Babe, I’d like you do to a lot more than that.” Tommy said making Brooklynn smirk. “What do you say about that?”

“I say let’s take this conversation elsewhere.” Brooklynn said in a sultry voice.

Josie was still in shock about what Nikki was offering her attention was briefly diverted by Brooklynn leaving with the man she was talking with. Nikki noticed her attention elsewhere and turned in the direction she was looking.

“Your friend is with Tommy no worries.” Nikki said.

“Brooklynn is with Tommy Lee.” Josie said still in a daze that Motley Crue was there.

Nikki chuckled. “Yeah she’ll be fine.”

“You sure about that?” Josie asked with a nervous laugh. Based on what she seen in interviews Tommy seemed the most likable and funniest member of the band. Like the rest of the members he was still dealing and fighting with his issues.

“You won’t let anything happen to her I reassure of that.” Nikki said.

“Okay.” Josie said relaxing a little. “About your offer.”

“Yes?” Nikki asked.

“I don’t know I mean I can’t make a decision right away.” Josie said. “This is something I have to talk to the rest of the band, Rodney and Tracy about.”

Nikki nodded. “Of course but are you interested?”

“I’m interested in the offer but I’m not interested in what may come along with it.” Josie said. “The drugs, booze, groupies, me and my band we drink and do the occasional weed but we’ve never experimented or been around recreational drugs and we have no interest being around people who use it.” “I also have no interest of getting in trouble with the law in anyway, shape or form.”

“We’re not like that anymore hell I haven’t had a drink in almost half a year now.” Nikki said. “Nothing bad or illegal is gonna happen to you or your band on this tour and our manager is making sure we stay on the straight and narrow.”

Josie sighed and waved Dave over. “May I have another drink?”

“What will you have?” Dave asked.

“Surprise me.” Josie said.

“On its way.” Dave said.

“Thank you.” Josie said smiling.

“How many drinks you’ve had tonight 2 but only 1 when you consider the fact a Shirley Temple isn’t an alcoholic beverage.” Josie said. “I don’t like getting sloppy drunk to the point I can’t take care of myself.”

“So you’re a goody two shoes?” Nikki asked smirking.

Josie returned his smirk. “Sometimes not all the time.”

“So when does the dark side of Josie come out?” Nikki asked dropping his an octave making him sound sexier.

Josie gave him a sultry smile. “You’ll never find out.”

Nikki pouted as Dave came over with her drink. “Black Widow for you.” He said sitting the drink down.

“Thanks Dave.” Josie said taking a sip. “It’s something I’ll sleep on, run over with my bandmates, and I’ll get back to you.”

“Sounds good to me.” Nikki said. “May I have your number?”

Josie snorted. “I’m not giving you my number not now or ever so you can call me to get your rocks
off.”

Nikki felt himself getting defensive but controlled himself. “It’s not like that I…we really like your band to open for us.”

“Even Vince Neil?” Josie asked skeptically.

“Yes even Vince was impressed with y’all.” Nikki said.

“Doubt it that the only thing that man is impressed with is himself.” Josie said. “Seriously his head is so far up his ass it’s a wonder he’s not dead from eating his own feces.”
Nikki laughed when she wasn’t on the defense Josie was a funny person.

“You and me both wonder that.” Nikki said making her smile. She had a beautiful smile. “I really hope you consider my offer.”

Before Josie could reply they were interrupted by a loud boisterous voice. “Josie!” It yelled.

Josie turned to see Lyra stumbling over in her heels with an almost empty shot glass in her right hand.

“There you are chickee!” Lyra said throwing an arm around Josie’s shoulders. “What’s up?”

Josie shook her head at her friend. “Hey Lyra how are you?”

“I’m greeeeaaaattt!” Lyra said in a drunken imitation of Tony the tiger before swallowing the rest of the Snake Bite and slamming the glass on the counter.

“Lyra how much have you had to drink?” Josie asked trying to steady her drunk friend.

Lyra appeared to think about it before holding up both hands. “Don’t know bout this much probably more.” “You know I sent Brooklynn over here to get us some shots and the bitch didn’t return.” “She went out the back with some twig with a bush on his head so I came over here to get the shots myself.”

Nikki chuckled at Lyra’s description of Tommy drawing her attention to him. She looked at him tilting her head back and forth before squinting her eyes.

“Has anybody ever told you, you look a lot like Nikki Sixx?” Lyra asked making Josie and Nikki laugh.

“That’s probably because I am Nikki Sixx.” Nikki replied.

Lyra laughed. “Dude whatever like Motley Crue would be up in this joint they’re too big now for this place.”

“Lyra, he really is Nikki Sixx.” Josie said.

Lyra snorted. “Girl, don’t be bullshitting me like that I’m too drunk for this shit.”

“You’re a mess.” Josie said making Lyra laugh.

“Girl I am so fucking smashed right now and it’s awesome!” Lyra said slamming her fist on the counter after each word to emphasize her point.

She then took notice of Josie’s drink. “Ooh what’s that?” She asked.

“It’s a Black Widow.” Josie said.

“It’s so pretty.” Lyra said squatting till she was eye level with the drink. She waved Dave over. “I’ll take one of these.”

“Lyra don’t you think you’ve had enough?” Josie asked in concern.

“You can never have enough drinks, am I right man?” Lyra asked Nikki.

Nikki chuckled. “I guess not.”

“See?” Lyra said. “Even your buddy here agrees with me.”

Josie shook her head and shot Nikki an apologizing look for Lyra’s antics.

He shrugged completely unfazed. “Nothing I’m not used too”

Josie chuckled knowing how true that statement was.

Outside Brooklyn lit a new cigarette before standing against the wall Tommy next to her. “God he’s even hotter in person.” She thought to herself.

“You were amazing on stage tonight.” Tommy said.

Brooklynn laughed. “Thanks, but I’m not that good I’m not as good as Mick is.”

“You think Mick is good.” Tommy asked.

“Is that a rhetorical question?” Brooklyn said. “Mick Mars is the greatest guitarist in rock history.”

Tommy grinned. “I’ll be sure to tell him you said that.”

“You do that.” Brooklynn said. “And you’re one of the greatest drummers in rock history.”

“One of ?” Tommy asked with a mock raised eyebrow. “Not the greatest?”
Brooklynn smirked smoking her cigarette. “You’re okay I guess.”

“Just okay?” Tommy asked moving standing till he was in front of Brooklynn. “Not better than okay?”
Brooklynn shrugged. “Nope.”

Tommy moved forward putting his hands on either side of Brooklynn’s head caging her in. “How about now?” He asked.

“Better.” She said.

Tommy leaned in as Brooklynn raised her head causing him to graze his lips under her chin. “Hmm a little better.” She said.

He pulled back looking into her eyes then glanced at her lips as she pulled her cig out blowing a puff against his lips. He leaned down grazing his lips against hers almost but not really kissing.

“Now?” He breathed against her lips.

“Excellent.” Brooklynn whispered as Tommy pressed his lips against hers.

They didn’t kiss for long as the door burst open causing them both to jump they looked as a red head poked her head out looking around till she spotted them.

“Brooklynn we’re about to leave.” Juno said.

“Right now?” She asked irritated that they were interrupted. “Why?”

“Lyra had too much and just threw up on the bar.” Juno said rolling her eyes. “Anyway we’re about to go.”

“Fucking figures.” Brooklynn said throwing her cigarette down and stomping it out. She started to walk towards the door she smiled as she felt Tommy place his hand on her lower back as they walked inside.

“God, Lyra I told you to stop.” Aries said as she held her friend up with Josie’s help.
Lyra moaned as Josie wiped the remnants of the vomit off her face.

“I’m sorry Josie I’m so sorry I ruined your nigh and attempts to get some tonight.” Lyra said her voice breaking as she began to cry.

Josie blushed at Lyra’s words and glanced at Nikki who seemed unfazed by it all. “Lyra it’s okay I’m not mad at you.” Josie said.

“This mean you’re still my friend?” Lyra asked looking at her through her messy hair and tears.

“Yes.” Josie said as Lyra threw her arm around her.

“You’re the best Josie I love you so much.” Lyra said kissing Josie’s cheek making her scrunch her face as Rodney came over after talking to Dave about the mess.

“Okay it’s time to go home.” Rodney said. “Dave’s not mad about the mess plus I gave him a generous tip for dealing with our antics.” “Let’s get drunkie home.”

Lyra moaned as Rodney picked her up bridal style and began making his way to the exit with Aries close behind. She stopped when she noticed Josie wasn’t following.

“I’ll catch up Aries.” Josie called to her friend who nodded she looked at Nikki. “I’m sorry about that.”
Nikki shrugged. “Been there done that, when you’ve done the shit we’ve done nothing bothers you after a while.”

Josie smiled. “I suppose look I’ll think about your offer.”

Nikki took out a napkin and a pen writing his number down. “When you make up your mind call me.”

Josie took the napkin before stuffing it in her bra. “I’ll call you when we come to a decision.” “It was nice meeting you Nikki Sixx.”

“You too Josie.” He said. “Don’t forget to call we’ll respect whatever decision y’all make.”
Josie nodded. “Goodnight Nikki.”

“Goodnight Josie.” He said as she walked away her red cloak flowing behind her.