All In The Name Of...

Back In The Saddle

"Constance Joyce? Of all the goddamned people in the world?" Trixie blurted out into the receiver. As soon as I'd gotten home, I dialed her up, promising Dj and James I'd make it up to them. Thankfully, they understood. 

I snorted, nodding to myself. "I feel like Sonic did it to be a heel... I mean, Constance did say that it took some convincing, but I'm not sure how much I believe that. What do you think?" I put the phone down and set it on speaker for a moment so I could write down my Chinese food order. Axl had decided that he wanted takeout, and I was in no mood to complain whatsoever.

After a moment of silence, Trixie replied, "I think this could be advantageous." 

"Seriously?" I replied, unable to stop myself. "How is Sonic working with a living Barbie doll of any advantage? Neither of them like us!" I passed the slip to Axl, and then set the phone back on its regular sound.

Trixie explained, "Well, it'll certainly give Vicky initiative to join us. As for Sonic, I think we can just use it as more of a 'look, this brought us together, why are you letting it tear us apart?' sort of thing. Did you let her know what we were planning?"

"Oh God, no!" I answered. "I made it seem like I was just happy for her. Constance should have no idea, thankfully. If she did, and she tipped off Sonic, I have a good feeling that she would make it a point to avoid us." Trixie agreed, happy that I left no clues to be had.

Next, I asked, "So what's our course of action? I mean, that gig we're going to isn't until after the New Year. I don't think there's a good need to go rushing Vicky into things." 

"As long as it's sometime before Christmas, then I don't care when. I do kind of want her around for the holidays, of course. Speaking of which, what do you think you and Axl are doing this year for Thanksgiving and Christmas? Slash and Duff showing up?" She seemed genuinely curious, which made me laugh.

"I assume," I replied, "And I'll invite Gilby, Matt, and Dizzy. I know James, Dj, Nikki, Tommy, and Mick'll be there, but Vince won't." If it were my choice, he would be going, but I refused to spark controversy. "If they somehow grab a singer before then, they can come too. I think dad and Steel Panther are joining us as well again. You and Marilyn are more than welcome."

Laughing, Trixie sighed into the phone. "I'll see what's going on, Stel. Looks like you already have a full house, though."

Shrugging to myself, I answered, "It's the holidays, Trix. I don't care how many people show up as long as we can celebrate. Speaking of celebrations, what the hell are you doing for Halloween, because I have no idea. Axl isn't exactly the cheesy sort of 'trick-or-treat and shitty costumes' kind of person, and I never really do anything, either." 

"Lucky for you two," Trixie answered, "Halloween is our holiday. It's going to be one of the biggest parties around, if you two are up for it. Probably gonna have it here, though; the perks of double housing." My eyes flickered over to Axl, and I was unsure of whether or not he'd be up to it, but I definitely wasn't about to let Trixie know that, especially with how nice she'd been about it. 

After a minute, Trixie decided, "I'll do some digging around and see what other info I can get on Constance's dad's label... I'm gonna call it bullshit right off the bat, but we'll see. Probably just using her for more money, and she's probably stupid enough to go for it. Ugh... I'll see you, Stel." We hung up just then, and Axl raised an eyebrow.

"We're seriously having that many people for the holidays?" He laughed. "I won't even be here for that, babe. Fuck, at least I'll be around for Christmas." I frowned, but shrugged at the fact that I'd be hosting Thanksgiving by myself. I didn't mind the work, but it was always nice to have Axl around, no matter what time of the year it was.