RC.

Ch4 .......... J

Tonight, I'm meeting my friends at a concert hall where Colin usually performs with his group.

After the week I've had, I need to let my hair down a bit! I spent all Saturday under the quilt watching tv shows.

And today I did some shopping, just to take my mind off things. Tomorrow, we're leaving for Houston!

Matt arrives, all smiles.

Matt:"Hey, Angel!"

T:"Hi, Matt!"

He leans against the bar, somewhat overreacting the good-looking guy.

Matt:"Can I buy you a drink, pretty young lady? Or should we just go to my bad-boy's pad, now... ?"

(Play his game.)

T:"See that guy over there? He's my buddy and he also happens to be the lead singer of the group that's playing tonight ... If I were you I'd drop it. I'm way out of your league."

Matt:"I see ... You prefer the long-haired heavy metal type to the dark handsome one."

Matt smiles like an idiot.

I laugh rolling my eyes.

T:"So have you made friends with Robert, yet?"

Matt:"Well, guess what? He has a passion for powerful bikes."

I roll my eyes.

T:"So you're going to be the best of friends then!"

Matt:"Yeah ... Except that he's the cruising Harley type. I prefer sportbikes, babe."

I let out a mocking laugh.

Matt:"How about you? How's work going alongside, God the Father?"

T:"Well, I didn't see him this week . . ."

Matt:"Did you check his office?"

T:"Very funny, no, he was away on business."

T:"I'm going to Houston with him tomorrow ... I have to handle some interviews."

Matt:"Can't he answer himself?"

T:"No, he has to close a business deal at the same time ... I don't know how he manages it all on a daily basis. . ."

Matt's good mood fades in a flash.

Matt:"Yeah, wake me up when the feeling sorry for him part is over ..."

I don't understand why Matt is always on the defensive when it comes to talking about Carter, or any other successful businessman.

I sigh, staring at my drink.

Lisa comes along at just the right time. But, she's not looking too good.

T:"Hey! Are you okay? You look tired?"

Lisa:"Yeah! I need a drink!"

She beckons to the bartender.

Lisa:"Whisky. On the rocks."

Lisa:"I got a letter that drove me mad! But nevermind, I don't want to spoil our night, so let's have fun guys!!"

Under her apparent casualness. I can sense that my friend isn't feeling too good . We'll have to talk about it as soon as we're alone.

Lisa:"Their drummer's rather cute . . ."

Matt:"Adam?"

Lisa:"You know him ?"

Matt:"Of course, he's a buddy."

Lisa suddenly seems very, very interested and comes closer to Matt, who's not stupid.

I roll my eyes. She really is beyond help!

I glance over at Colin and his group. I would have liked to talk to him about my mysterious Persephone, but now's not the time to bother him with it.

T:"You must introduce us to Adam."

Matt:"You know, he's already got enough groupies . . ."

Lisa:"Don't be jealous Matt! Can't you do it for me?"

Matt sighs, smiling tenderly at our favourite little blonde.

He throws up his hands as a sign of surrender and Lisa kisses him on the cheek.

Matt takes a swig of beer while staring at his friend who seems busy reading his music score.

Lisa:"So, ready for the flight in a private jet, Tayla?"

T:"Absolutely, I've thought about it all week!"

Matt stares at me and Lisa looks at me, all smiles.

Lisa:"I'm sure you'll be seated in ultra chic leather seats, and that a hostess will bring you deliciously fresh, hot croissants . . ."

We chuckle while Matt seems increasingly annoyed.

T:"No seriously, with Carter at my side, I doubt I'll be able to rest . . ."

Lisa:"Yeah right, he's the kind of guy to have you lying down on a bench seat in no time."

T:"Lisa !!"

She looks at me, horny eyed, while Matt roars with laughter heading towards Colin and his group.

T:"Really, you're impossible!"

Lisa shrugs her shoulders, looking innocent.