Under the Influence

Chapter 4

Val walked offstage after the gig in New York and saw Noel standing there. She ran over to him and hugged him.

He smiled at her as she pulled back.

"Great show."

"Did you see it? I wasn't sure if you'd be here yet"

"Yeah we got here around 5. Was that a new tune you played last?"

"Yeah."

"Good tune. I like that line, "Pour another glass of that rock and roll."

She smiled.

"Thanks, so you play tomorrow night?"

"Yeah"

The guys came over and said hi to Noel. They all decided to go out to eat for a late dinner. They called a cab and all piled in and went to a small restaurant that was close by. They ordered their food and talked. Val got up and went to the bathroom and John looked at Noel.

"So, what's going on with you and Val?"

Noel was surprised by the question.

"Whadya mean what's goin on? Nothins goin on."

"She really likes you, you better not hurt her."

"We're just friends, mate. I'm married."

He held up his hand and pointed to his ring.

"Just don't play with her ok?"

Val returned to the table and sat down next to Noel. Noel stared at John for a minute then turned to Val.

"Can we go talk?"

"Sure."

They both stood up and walked outside.

"What's up?"

"You tell me."

"What are you talking about?"

"Your friend in there was telling me I better not hurt you and was asking about us?"

"What? Who did?"

"John."

She rolled her eyes.

"He's always trying to protect me, don't worry about him."

Noel looked at her with a serious face.

"You know we are just friends right?"

"Of course I know that, I'm not an idiot."

Ok, let's go eat."

They went back inside and sat at the table. Val glared at John and he glared back. Their food came and they ate. Afterwards the guys got up to leave. Val looked at Noel.

"You coming?"

"Nah, I'm gonna stay awhile longer."

Val looked at the guys.

"You guys go ahead, I'll stay with Noel."

She sat back down next to him and the guys left. Noel looked at her.

"You don't have to stay."

"I want to."

He shrugged.

They sat talking for awhile. Val noticed some couples dancing over by the bar and smiled. She stood up and pulled Noel with her.

"Come on, dance with me."

"Dance?"

"Come on, you grumpy bastard. One dance."

She grinned at him and he sighed.