The Sweetest Thing (nikki sixx)

SIX(X)

Brandi took herself to the shower, getting ready for the show at the Whisky that night. It'd be the last time she'd seen Nikki and Tommy for months, a jump she wasn't ready to take.

She curled her hair, teasing it in the back for more volume and gave a dark, dramatic makeup look. If she was going to be seen anywhere like the Whisky, she needed to look the part. She slid a black tight mini skirt over her legs and paired it with a Crue shirt Tommy gave her on their first official date.

"I'm heading out, I have to take Tommy to the airport after the show tonight." Jess nodded as Brandi grabbed her jean jacket. She still wasn't speaking to Brandi it seemed. Brandi wouldn't press it, Jess always wanted space when she was upset.

Instead, she closed the door behind her and walked to the car.

She took long ways to the venue, still showing up before it started. It was a closed show, only a few tickets sold. Tommy told her it was a 'remember their roots' gig before they left.

"Vodka Tonic." Brandi smiled to the tender over loud stereo music. She'd grown more fond of the sleazy, rock music and dreaded whatever this was playing over head. She swirled the straw, remembering how she met Tommy this way. "Jack and Coke." Nikki called from behind, causing Brandi to take a shallow breath. She refused to look in his direction, not giving him the attention he very clearly did not deserve.

"Brandi." He greeted walking away. "Nikki." She muttered, still staring to the empty stage until she was sure he was gone. She exhaled from her chest, finally relaxing. It had been two years since she was in the Whisky A Go Go seeing Janes Addiction with Jess. She had no idea who they were but she was not interested. Nothing inside had changed a bit. Tommy described this place as heaven but really it smelled like cheap liquor and sweat.

Tommy peaked his head out from the side door and waved her over. She followed him back stage and stood while the guys finished getting ready. "You been practicing for Doc Hollywood?" He asked. Brandi nodded and began explaining her stress to him. "Well, let's see it!" He smiled, promisingly. "What?"

"Yeah, I wanna hear it."

Nikki stared at his desk mirror, as if she wasn't even in the room. Brandi rehearsed every line, keeping the same tempo as the bassist. As a matter of fact, what bassist? To her, he was just a figment of her imagination. After all, he looked crazy as the rest of the guys laughed with every punch line she delivered.

"That was good!" Tommy paraded. "You got it in the bag, baby." He slug an arm around her and walked her away from the group. "You know I've been thinking," 

"Yeah? It's pretty hot when you do that." She smiled up at the drummer, admiring his curls tucked under his sweatband. "Oh shut it," He chuckled. "We should move your things when I come home on break." 

Brandi opened her mouth to speak but fell short of a reply. 

"I mean, if you're ready." He held both hands out in front of him with drum sticks between his middle and ring fingers. "Y-yeah, that sounds great, Tom."

"I won't be home till about Christmas. So we've got time to figure it out."

"Christmas? I won't see you till then?" Her heart felt like leaping from her chest. It would be a lonely California winter. Tommy nodded, keeping his eye contact anywhere but on her in fear of tears. "I'm sorry. We can talk about this more on the way to the airport. " Tommy took her face in both hands, kissing her forehead slowly, before following the flashing lights to the stage. She stood on the side, and looked to her fiancé who pointed a finger at his eye, then to his heart, then to her. She repeated the motion with a smile. and sang along to every song that played.