Patience

Twelve

They next night, we arrived at the Whisky A Go Go just an hour before Guns' performance. I was handed a pass so I could stay backstage. Security took Axl and I to a lounge room here the rest of the band was waiting.

"Axl!" Everyone said as we walked in.

"This is going to be one kickass show man, I can't wait," Duff said as I took a seat on a couch.

"Hey, Lucy, what are you up to?" Slash asked after I sat down.

"Nothing much. Just waiting for the show, I guess. Check out this pass they gave me," I said, showing them the bright yellow slip of laminated paper on a black string.

"Isn't that the same thing they give fans who get to go backstage?" Izzy asked and we all laughed.

"Probably," I shrugged, studying the flimsy pass.

"They don't know who she is, yet. Once the album is out, we'll get big and she'll be known as my best friend," Axl said, shooting me a glance that definitely said or more than that.

"Then she won't need a pass," Steven chimed in.

Then, a man stepped in and told Guns N Roses to start making their way to the stage because it was show time. I followed the band as they walked out, and I stood on the side of the stage to watch the show. I wished them all luck as they filed onto the stage. I felt proud of them.

Amazed at the large crowd, I almost could see every one of the band members' adrenaline go up. After the first few songs, I could already conclude that this was one of their best performances yet. I think the band also noticed that they were playing well, because they seemed to just get more and more energy as the show went on, and every song sounded better than ever.

During the last song, I made my way back to the small lounge room and waited for the rest of the band. The band, who looked exhausted and was covered in sweat, grabbed beers and talked about the show.

"Honestly, I think that was one of your best shows," I told them.

"That's what I thought, too. The crowd's energy was just so good," Slash agreed.

"I felt it, too. I think all of us did," Axl added and everyone agreed.

"I think we should celebrate. Let's go out nightclubbing!" Steven shouted, finishing off his beer.

"Well, Lucy, what do you say? Are you up for it?" Axl asked me.

I was and as fun as it sounded, I knew I shouldn't. I started my job tomorrow, and I needed to make a good impression. However, an hour or two might not hurt...

"Yeah, I'm up for it, I'm just not going to stay for long. I start my job tomorrow," I said.

"Well, let's get going, then!" Izzy said, jumping up off of the couch and heading towards the door.

We all took separate ways to get to a club just down the street from the Whisky. We all met up outside and went in together.

The first thing we did was get drinks. Axl bought mine, and then Axl and I went to go play a game of pool.

"You know, I'm very good at this game," Axl warned me.

I just rolled my eyes. "So am I. I grew up playing pool," I told him.

"We'll see about that. May the best man or woman win," Axl said before we started the game.

After a few rounds of pool, I finally decided to call it a night. I told Axl that I was leaving because I started my job the next day, and he agreed to come with me.

"Well, lovely Lucy, I underestimated your pool skills," Axl told me as we walked outside to his car.

I shrugged. "I told you I was good."

I opened the car door but Axl stopped me. I turned to face him. Axl and I stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds, and Axl leaned in a little. I wanted to give in. That look. I can't.

I turned around and climbed into the passenger seat. Axl quickly turned away and put his hands in his pockets. He began to rock back and forth and whistle as I got situated.

"Home, then?" He asked, before I shut my door.

I nodded, "Yeah, home."

***

The next morning, I got up and had a quick breakfast. Axl was still asleep in his room. I didn't want to wake him, so I just left a note telling him I left for work.

Once I arrived at the job, I went in the back way, like I was told to do. I was greeted by a girl who looked about my age with shoulder length, bleach-blonde hair. She showed me where to put my jacket and her name tag read, "Amy."

"So, you're the long awaited newbie, huh?" Amy asked me. Ah, yes, I forgot how much I hate being the new girl at jobs.

I shrugged and followed her. "I guess," I said.

"Well, I'm Amy, and here's your apron. I'll be training you to be a waitress," She told me.

I put the apron on and continued to follow Amy. "I'm Lucy," I introduced myself.

"Okay, Lucy," Amy began, "I hope you know that we get a lot of business here, and most days are a little frantic. We like to move at a fast pace, so try to write fast and keep up with everything I show you today as well as your customer's orders."

Amy handed me a notepad and a pen. I took the pen and nervously clicked it a few times.

"Also, make sure you fill your pockets with straws and silverware," Amy said, motioning to the pockets on my apron.

"Where are they at?" I asked.

Amy pointed to her left and I followed her finger. I did as she said and then reported back to her.

"Now, this place opened for the day about two minutes ago, but we probably won't start getting business for another fifteen minutes," Amy said.

This is going to be a long day.

***

Amy was right, things got busy and even a little chaotic pretty quickly. However, Amy seems to like me, or at least I think. During our lunch break, she was making conversation with me, so that's something.

"What made you become a waitress?" Amy asked me.

I shrugged. "I'm sharing an apartment with someone, and I need a job," I told her.

"Are you from Los Angeles?" She asked.

I nodded. "I am. I was actually going to college, but things didn't work out, so, here I am," I said, my voice trailing off a little. I always felt a bit like a disappointment when I mentioned that I was a college dropout.

Amy gave me a look and dropped her fork. "Girl, this is a shit job, I hope you know that. I also hope this isn't what you're planning on doing for the rest of your life," Amy said.

I shook my head. "I hope not. I'm just at a point in my life where I'm really," I stopped, because I wasn't sure how to finish my sentence.

"Unsure?" Amy finished for me.

"Yeah. Unsure," I said in agreement.

"That's okay. I'm there, too, Lucy. We'll suffer through this shit job together," Amy smiled and she nudged me with her elbow.

"Right," I agreed, smiling.

"Now come on, our lunch break is up," Amy said, "Time to get back to work."