No Angel
folder
BtVS AU/AR › Het - Male/Female › Angel(us)/Buffy
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
9
Views:
2,710
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
BtVS AU/AR › Het - Male/Female › Angel(us)/Buffy
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
9
Views:
2,710
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
At a Glance
Disclaimer and all that other good stuff in Chapter One
Chapter Three – At a Glance
“Sound Check! Check one, two, one, two...”
The technicians were testing out the sound system as the lighting techs worked out the light designs for the upcoming night. Francis Doyle walked along the first floor of his beloved club. In all Metamorphosis had three floors and each floor had different music genera’s to it but the first floor was probably the most elaborate.
The first floor had a fully stocked bar along with an elaborate seating area which could easily be considered a small restaurant. So of course at certain times full meals were served and patrons could truly have an area to just sit and take in the atmosphere. Then there was the dance floor and the stage where either a live band or a DJ could set up.
Tonight however was probably going to be the one of the biggest in Metamorphosis’ history, let alone the fact that tonight was opening night; Addictive the HOTTEST band to ever grace the stage from Slayer Records was having their celebration party there for their second album going platinum. So obviously everything had to be more than perfect.
It was already 12 noon and there was still a lot to be done. In about less than a half an hour Doyle was suppose to meet with the owner and top executive of Slayer Records, a Wesley Windom-Pryce.
Wesley Windom-Pryce was probably one of the youngest executives of a record company but in many ways it was what made him so successful, he knew what most young people wanted to listen to and if he didn’t he had the ability to just walk up to someone and just ask.
“Mr. Doyle! Mr. Doyle!”
Bright blue eyes widened in alarm as he watched one of his bouncers carry off the lead dancer for tonight’s big show. Ampata Gutierrez had to be one of the best dancers in L.A. and now it looked like she wouldn’t be able to perform. He quickly made his way to where the dancer was now seated icing her ankle.
“What the hell happened? Ampata are you alright?” his eyes darting back and forth between the bouncer and dancer
The woman with chocolate colored eyes and hair just shook her head in confusion. She herself wasn’t even entirely sure what happened. She’d done the routine a million times before this. Hell she had even helped choreograph it, though at the time it was just for fun she enjoyed the drunken evening she spent with Buffy Summers, Lindsey McDonald and Francis Doyle. She and Buffy had heard some music come on while they were still fixing up the club and they just went with it while the boys whooped and hollered at them. It was probably one of the most enjoyable nights she had in awhile.
“I’m not really all that positive, all I know was that I was doing a simple turn while twisting my torso, you know that move in the middle of the song where…”
“Yes I know but what happened?” He asked cutting her off
Ampata’s eyes grew hard as she bit out that he’d really didn’t let her finish. Casting his eyes downward he eventually raised his eyes again giving her an apologetic look.
“As I was saying I was going through that turn and I guess since I’m not use to doing it in such heels that I lost my balance and
twisted my ankle. It’s so swollen and red that Luke says I might have even sprained it.”
“Sprained… Oh no! No, no this can’t be happening. Not tonight I mean let alone the fact that you can’t dance for awhile I have no lead dancer tonight” Doyle cast a glance at the remaining dancers on stage and he couldn’t help the wince as he watched Harmony
Kendall try to lead the girls though the routine.
Ampata followed his line of vision and couldn’t help a wince of her own. She knew how important tonight was to Doyle and she couldn’t help but feel terrible at the unfortunate turn of events and then suddenly an idea hit her.
“Elizabeth!”
“’Lizabeth? What about her?”
“Well she could do it. I mean she practically created the dance along with me that night. I’m sure after a bit of a refresher she’d remember all the steps. Hell she’s even a better dancer than I am though I wouldn’t never openly admit that.” She smirked at her own last comment
“I suppose but… we both know that Lizzy has always had a terrible case of stage fright I mean the only person and I mean the ONLY person she’s ever sung a song for all the way though without stuttering or turning a bright shade of red is Lindsey. I highly doubt she’ll be able to make it thorough the first number let alone the whole night”
Thoughtful brown eyes looked up into crystal blue ones and for a moment all they could do was stare at the other until finally the brown turned away and they fell onto the stage.
“I think you underestimate her. We all know before her mother died that she was so… outspoken and bright that it might’ve gotten her into trouble one day… but after that day…”
“I know…”
For the longest time there was nothing but silence between the two friends and while they sat comfortably next to one another. The dancers continued to practice their routines on the main stage. The chiefs continued to slave away in the over heated kitchen. The decorators hustled around them to finished decorating the club and the security was still making sure all their equipment was in place and that all the bouncer were accounted for. Eventually Doyle turned to Ampata and said:
“So are you calling Sunnydale or am I?”
+ + + + +
Elizabeth was lounging out on the balcony with guitar in hand as a soft California breeze whipped through her hair. She was leaning back on one of the few chairs her feet propped up on the railing bare foot strumming away on her guitar while Lindsey only a few feet away was going over some case he was handling. It had been a beautiful uneventful afternoon after they’d come home from the park. They hadn’t heard from Hank nor were they looking for him.
After Elizabeth had finished crying Lindsey suggested maybe that it was time she move out of that house and in with him. Lindsey knew her father was a difficult subject for her and he just had hunch if he could get her out of that situation that maybe, just maybe he might finally be able to bring in the proper authorities. So they decided tomorrow they’d head over to the house and pack up what things she really wanted or needed and she’d be living with him for the duration of her senior year at Sunnydale High. Lindsey highly doubted that her father would object since he wasn’t home half the time anyway.
The shrill of the cordless phone on the side table broke the comforting atmosphere that had developed and was present for most of the day. Both looked over at the phone but at Lindsey shake of the head Elizabeth turned back to her guitar and continued to idly play while he picked up the phone to see who was calling.
“McDonald”
“Linds I need your help… well more like Lizzy’s but…” Doyle’s panicked voice came through the phone line. He was so loud that Lindsey held the phone slightly away from his ear instantly catching Elizabeth’s attention.
“What’s up?” she mouthed to her companion
With a shrug of his shoulders he held up his hand and mouthed back saying that he was trying to find out. All the while Doyle continued to rant and rave at the other end. When finally air became and issue and Doyle had calmed down somewhat Lindsey attempted again to find out what exactly was wrong.
“Alright Doyle now calm down and start over from the beginning”
After inhaling and exhaling a few times Doyle went into how Ampata and the rest of the girls were practicing their routine for the opening dances that night and she fell and hurt her ankle. It was also explained how Harmony wanted to take over as the lead dancer and that he was trying everything to detour her from doing so. He even went as far as to lie and said they’d already found a replacement. Lindsey already didn’t like the way this was going…
“What did you do Doyle?” he asked in a low tone
“Well… see I sort of…”
“What Did You Do Doyle?”
“I… IsortoftoldeveryonethatLizzycoulddoit!” he rushed out already knowing Lindsey’s reaction. Though Elizabeth only played for Lindsey now there was a time where she’d play for other people even small crowds where she was most comfortable at.
“Doyle you didn’t” Lindsey sighed
“I really sort of did”
“Man you know she isn’t going to do it…”
“Isn’t going to do what?” After all this Elizabeth finally decided to remind her best friend of her presence.
Lindsey sighed heavily already knowing that there was no way he was going to get out of telling her. He could really throttle the Irishman right now.
“Doyle’s lead dancer, Ampata hurt herself during rehearsal today and…”
“Oh my god; is Ampata okay? I mean was she hurt badly?”
“No but well she IS out for the night and…” Lindsey trailed off still unsure as of how to proceed.
“And what Linds? Just spit out already, okay?’
“She hurt herself and in order to keep Harmony from taking over as lead dancer Doyle already said they’d found a replacement… you”
“Me?”
“You”
“Doyle can’t be serious I mean me? Of all people to suggest, he had to have hit is head or something. There is no way I can get up in front of all those people and dance. I mean Ampata and I were just joking around that night and the tiny bit of JD you let me have went to my head… that’s all” she looked at Lindsey pleadingly.
“Liz I know but he’s in a serious bind I mean a lot of the top members of the music industry are going to be there. A lot of members of my firm are going to be there since they represent so many of them. We were going to go anyway. I mean all you’d really have to do was the main opening dance. I’m sure after that you could… you know fade into the background… and I’d be there the entire time.”
Elizabeth bit her lip in contemplation. She knew that it had been awhile since she’d been on stage but she was a quick study and with an hour or so of practice she could easily remember the dance. The only thing holding back the tiny blonde was her fear of returning to the stage though she knew that she would have to do it sooner or later. Though she was hoping for later rather than sooner…
“Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? Lindsey!?!”
“Uh yea, yea I’m here Doyle… no she hasn’t given me an answer. Look Doyle maybe…”
“Tell him yes”
“What?” Lindsey gave her slightly puzzled look
Inhaling deeply she straightened herself up and looked Lindsey squarely in the eye and said that she was going to do Doyle the favor. At the other end of the phone Doyle let out a whoop of triumph and said that he’d see her in about an hour. Elizabeth turned on her heels and headed back into the house. Lindsey seemed glued in place for a moment before clicking the end button and carelessly tossing the phone onto the table before following the little blonde inside.
Strolling into the living room he leaned up against the door way while he watched her get ready to leave. He knew he’d never truly figure out Elizabeth Anne Summers. It never ceased to amaze that once he was absolutely sure he had her figured she’d up and do something like this.
“Are you sure you’re up to this ‘Lizabeth?”
“Yes”
Her reply was short and to the point. Lindsey could already hear the determination in her voice. He already could tell there was no changing her mind.
“You know there’s going to be a lot of people there tonight”
“And?”
“A lot of record label executives…”
Elizabeth sighed heavily at this. For the longest time Lindsey had been trying to get her signed to a label and in the beginning she was all for it but things had changed. She had changed and she was no longer interested.
“Linds we’ve been though this. I’m done with that. I sing and play for myself. It’s a good way for me to unwind at the end of the day. And I’m ONLY doing this performance tonight as a favor to Doyle.”
“I know, I know but… could you at least think about it. I know Doyle would jump at the chance to have you play tonight.”
Elizabeth sighed knowing that she wasn’t going to get anywhere with him now and if they didn’t leave soon she wouldn’t have enough time to be fully ready for the upcoming evening.
“Alright I’ll think about it but if we don’t leave now we’re never going to beat traffic. So lets move mister” and with that she was out the door with her bag slung over her shoulder not even looking back to make sure if he was following.
Lindsey just shook his head and headed out the door.
+ + + + +
‘Certified quality’
The lights flashed.
‘A dat da girl dem need and dem not stop cry without apology’
The lights flash and you can see the forms of dancers on stage.
‘Buck dem da right way - dat my policy’
The lights flashed on two of the forms on stage as they stand in an alluring stance.
‘Sean Paul alongside - now hear what da man say – Beyonce’
Again the lights flash on two more of the dancers.
‘Dutty Ya, Dutty Ya, Dutty Ya’
The lights flash again on the lead dancer front and center on stage.
‘Beyonce sing it now ya’
Suddenly all the lights came up and just about everyone in the establishment audibly sighed. This had to be the fourteenth time they’d began to rehearse the same number. Elizabeth and the rest of the dancers broke formation and began to walk around the stage. Elizabeth walks to the apron of the stage and kneels down to take the water bottle Lindsey offers her.
“How ya holdin’ up?”
“Eh, I’ll be alright. Its just I haven’t been pushed this hard in a long while”
“Don’t worry about it you’re doing fine” Lindsey smiled
Harmony sauntered over trying to catch Lindsey’s attention. For quite some time Harmony Kendall had been trying to catch Lindsey McDonald’s eye. It was a well known fact that Harmony was very experienced with men and was a favorite among the L.A. male population.
“Hi Lindsey” giving him what she thought was a seductive smile
Lindsey just rolled his eyes and Elizabeth had to suppress a laugh.
“Okay girls back on stage I think we got everything fixed.”
+ + + + +
Doyle wove his way threw the throngs of people. Things couldn’t have gone off any better. The bouncers were weeding out all the people who either didn’t belong or who were causing trouble. The club had opened up nearly an hour ago but things were just getting under way now. This music was pumping and nearly everyone who was anyone was there.
Wesley Windom-Pryce was over by the bar deep in conversation with Daniel Osbourne better known as Oz; who was the bass guitarist of Addictive. Slayer Records hottest band. Just across the room the rest of the band members were surrounded by their many female admirers. William Giles better known as Spike and Alexander Harris also better known as Xander were soaking up the attention like sponges.
Willow Rosenberg and Tara McClay were in a group with a few others them being Charles Gunn and Lorne Caritas. Gunn was stunt man for many movies and a lot of Las Vegas’s shows and as for Lorne Caritas he had to be the best agent in the industry. If you had him representing you, you could probably work anywhere.
So many important people were in attendance tonight; Rupert Giles, Jennifer Calendar and Anyanka Jenkins were just to name a few. Doyle was in awe of the turn out. Things were truly looking good for Metamorphosis.
“Doyle you’ve done a truly wonderful job”
“Angelus… how have you been?” He asked with a smile
“I’ve been alright. Cordelia and Dawn always seem to keep me busy.”
Doyle just laughed at the comment. He knew all to well what a handful his sisters could be. He’d encountered them once or twice while visiting Lindsey at the firm. Though both their parents are still alive they’ve always been extremely busy inadvertently leaving some responsibility on Angelus’s shoulders to his two sisters.
“Oh Ang, you have to check out the main stage in about… 5 minutes that’s when we’re officially getting this party started”
Angelus just smiled and nodded his head and headed off in search of Oz. Probably one of his best friends in the world. Oz was actually one of the only people he could really talk to. Sometimes he wondered if it was because Oz tended to be more monosyllabic that he was half the time. Though he didn’t have to much time to think about it because the lights on stage dimmed and the rhythmic music that filled the club instantly took his attention.
‘Certified quality’
The lights flashed.
‘A dat da girl dem need and dem not stop cry without apology’
The lights flash and you can see the forms of dancers on stage.
‘Buck dem da right way - dat my policy’
The lights flashed on two of the forms on stage as they stand in an alluring stance.
‘Sean Paul alongside - now hear what da man say – Beyonce’
Again the lights flash on two more of the dancers.
‘Dutty Ya, Dutty Ya, Dutty Ya’
The lights flash again on the lead dancer front and center on stage.
‘Beyonce sing it now ya’
Angelus was transfixed on the figures on stage but the one that caught his eye was the tiny blond leading the pack. Though he was cursing the lighting technician at the moment because all he wanted to do was stare at the young thing that had caught his attention so.
‘BABY BOY YOU STAY ON MY MIND
FULFILL MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
BABY BOY NOT A DAY GOES BY
WITHOUT MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
AAH OH MY BABY'S FLY BABY OH
YES NO HURT ME SO GOOD BABY OH
I'M SO WRAPPED UP IN YOUR LOVE LET ME GO
LET ME BREATHE STAY OUT MY FANTASIES’
Angelus couldn’t take his eyes off the beauty on stage. She moved so fluently and effortlessly it took his breath away. There was no way he couldn’t have never heard of her before. He had to found out who she was. What she was about. In just the few scant moments of seeing her from afar Angelus was instantly hooked.
‘Ya ready gimme da ting dat ya ready get ya live
And tell me all about da tings that you will fantasize
I know you dig da way me step da way me make my stride
Follow your feelings baby girl b/c they cannot be denied
Come check me in-a night and make we get it amplified
Me have da ting to run da ship cause I'm go slip and I'm go slide
And in the words of love I got ta get it certified
But I give you da toughest longest kinda ride – girl’
Elizabeth was already lost in the music and the feel of being on stage again. At first when the song began to play and it became apparent about the amount of people in the room but all she had to do was look Lindsey’s way and see his warm smile directed at her and she was once again calm. So she went with it and never noticed the dark stranger studying her so intently from across the room.
‘BABY BOY YOU STAY ON MY MIND
FULFILL MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
BABY BOY NOT A DAY GOES BY
WITHOUT MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
PICTURE US DANCIN REAL CLOSE
IN A DARK DARK CORNER OF A BASEMENT PARTY(who naa naa)
EVERY TIME I CLOSE MY EYES
IT'S LIKE EVERYONE LEFT BUT YOU AND ME
(whoa naa naa)
IN OUR OWN LITTLE WORLD
THE MUSIC IS THE SUN
THE DANCE FLOOR BECOMES THE SEA(who naa naa)
FEELS LIKE TRUE PARADISE TO ME
BABY BOY YOU STAY ON MY MIND(whoa naa naa)
FULFILL MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
BABY BOY NOT A DAY GOES BY
WITHOUT MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
BABY BOY YOU STAY ON MY MIND
BABY BOY YOU ARE SO DAMN FINE
BABY BOY WON'T YOU BE MINE
Baby boy, Lets conceive an angel’
Angelus’s dark mahogany eyes easily detected the meaningful glances and smiles shared between Lindsey McDonald and the mystery girl. Though it was no secret that Lindsey played the field it was also known that Lindsey wasn’t attached in any sense of the word so the question was; who was this girl? And what was her connection to McDonald? Though he didn’t possess the answer to these questions or to any of the others he had Angelus was determined to find out.
‘Top top - girl
Me and you together is a wrap - dat girl
Driving around da town in your drop top - girl
You no stop shock - girl
Little more da Dutty, we'll rock dat world’
Angelus stride was strong and full of purpose he made it over to where Lindsey was seated in no time and was sliding gracefully into the seat across from him. Lindsey threw one last wink toward the stage as the lights went out and the girls exited. Another song came on but neither male paid it any mind. Lindsey leaned back in his chair and studied the man across from him. He already knew that Angelus wanted something from he just wasn’t sure as to what.
“Well you obviously want something LIAM. So what is it?”
End of Chapter Three
Chapter Three – At a Glance
“Sound Check! Check one, two, one, two...”
The technicians were testing out the sound system as the lighting techs worked out the light designs for the upcoming night. Francis Doyle walked along the first floor of his beloved club. In all Metamorphosis had three floors and each floor had different music genera’s to it but the first floor was probably the most elaborate.
The first floor had a fully stocked bar along with an elaborate seating area which could easily be considered a small restaurant. So of course at certain times full meals were served and patrons could truly have an area to just sit and take in the atmosphere. Then there was the dance floor and the stage where either a live band or a DJ could set up.
Tonight however was probably going to be the one of the biggest in Metamorphosis’ history, let alone the fact that tonight was opening night; Addictive the HOTTEST band to ever grace the stage from Slayer Records was having their celebration party there for their second album going platinum. So obviously everything had to be more than perfect.
It was already 12 noon and there was still a lot to be done. In about less than a half an hour Doyle was suppose to meet with the owner and top executive of Slayer Records, a Wesley Windom-Pryce.
Wesley Windom-Pryce was probably one of the youngest executives of a record company but in many ways it was what made him so successful, he knew what most young people wanted to listen to and if he didn’t he had the ability to just walk up to someone and just ask.
“Mr. Doyle! Mr. Doyle!”
Bright blue eyes widened in alarm as he watched one of his bouncers carry off the lead dancer for tonight’s big show. Ampata Gutierrez had to be one of the best dancers in L.A. and now it looked like she wouldn’t be able to perform. He quickly made his way to where the dancer was now seated icing her ankle.
“What the hell happened? Ampata are you alright?” his eyes darting back and forth between the bouncer and dancer
The woman with chocolate colored eyes and hair just shook her head in confusion. She herself wasn’t even entirely sure what happened. She’d done the routine a million times before this. Hell she had even helped choreograph it, though at the time it was just for fun she enjoyed the drunken evening she spent with Buffy Summers, Lindsey McDonald and Francis Doyle. She and Buffy had heard some music come on while they were still fixing up the club and they just went with it while the boys whooped and hollered at them. It was probably one of the most enjoyable nights she had in awhile.
“I’m not really all that positive, all I know was that I was doing a simple turn while twisting my torso, you know that move in the middle of the song where…”
“Yes I know but what happened?” He asked cutting her off
Ampata’s eyes grew hard as she bit out that he’d really didn’t let her finish. Casting his eyes downward he eventually raised his eyes again giving her an apologetic look.
“As I was saying I was going through that turn and I guess since I’m not use to doing it in such heels that I lost my balance and
twisted my ankle. It’s so swollen and red that Luke says I might have even sprained it.”
“Sprained… Oh no! No, no this can’t be happening. Not tonight I mean let alone the fact that you can’t dance for awhile I have no lead dancer tonight” Doyle cast a glance at the remaining dancers on stage and he couldn’t help the wince as he watched Harmony
Kendall try to lead the girls though the routine.
Ampata followed his line of vision and couldn’t help a wince of her own. She knew how important tonight was to Doyle and she couldn’t help but feel terrible at the unfortunate turn of events and then suddenly an idea hit her.
“Elizabeth!”
“’Lizabeth? What about her?”
“Well she could do it. I mean she practically created the dance along with me that night. I’m sure after a bit of a refresher she’d remember all the steps. Hell she’s even a better dancer than I am though I wouldn’t never openly admit that.” She smirked at her own last comment
“I suppose but… we both know that Lizzy has always had a terrible case of stage fright I mean the only person and I mean the ONLY person she’s ever sung a song for all the way though without stuttering or turning a bright shade of red is Lindsey. I highly doubt she’ll be able to make it thorough the first number let alone the whole night”
Thoughtful brown eyes looked up into crystal blue ones and for a moment all they could do was stare at the other until finally the brown turned away and they fell onto the stage.
“I think you underestimate her. We all know before her mother died that she was so… outspoken and bright that it might’ve gotten her into trouble one day… but after that day…”
“I know…”
For the longest time there was nothing but silence between the two friends and while they sat comfortably next to one another. The dancers continued to practice their routines on the main stage. The chiefs continued to slave away in the over heated kitchen. The decorators hustled around them to finished decorating the club and the security was still making sure all their equipment was in place and that all the bouncer were accounted for. Eventually Doyle turned to Ampata and said:
“So are you calling Sunnydale or am I?”
+ + + + +
Elizabeth was lounging out on the balcony with guitar in hand as a soft California breeze whipped through her hair. She was leaning back on one of the few chairs her feet propped up on the railing bare foot strumming away on her guitar while Lindsey only a few feet away was going over some case he was handling. It had been a beautiful uneventful afternoon after they’d come home from the park. They hadn’t heard from Hank nor were they looking for him.
After Elizabeth had finished crying Lindsey suggested maybe that it was time she move out of that house and in with him. Lindsey knew her father was a difficult subject for her and he just had hunch if he could get her out of that situation that maybe, just maybe he might finally be able to bring in the proper authorities. So they decided tomorrow they’d head over to the house and pack up what things she really wanted or needed and she’d be living with him for the duration of her senior year at Sunnydale High. Lindsey highly doubted that her father would object since he wasn’t home half the time anyway.
The shrill of the cordless phone on the side table broke the comforting atmosphere that had developed and was present for most of the day. Both looked over at the phone but at Lindsey shake of the head Elizabeth turned back to her guitar and continued to idly play while he picked up the phone to see who was calling.
“McDonald”
“Linds I need your help… well more like Lizzy’s but…” Doyle’s panicked voice came through the phone line. He was so loud that Lindsey held the phone slightly away from his ear instantly catching Elizabeth’s attention.
“What’s up?” she mouthed to her companion
With a shrug of his shoulders he held up his hand and mouthed back saying that he was trying to find out. All the while Doyle continued to rant and rave at the other end. When finally air became and issue and Doyle had calmed down somewhat Lindsey attempted again to find out what exactly was wrong.
“Alright Doyle now calm down and start over from the beginning”
After inhaling and exhaling a few times Doyle went into how Ampata and the rest of the girls were practicing their routine for the opening dances that night and she fell and hurt her ankle. It was also explained how Harmony wanted to take over as the lead dancer and that he was trying everything to detour her from doing so. He even went as far as to lie and said they’d already found a replacement. Lindsey already didn’t like the way this was going…
“What did you do Doyle?” he asked in a low tone
“Well… see I sort of…”
“What Did You Do Doyle?”
“I… IsortoftoldeveryonethatLizzycoulddoit!” he rushed out already knowing Lindsey’s reaction. Though Elizabeth only played for Lindsey now there was a time where she’d play for other people even small crowds where she was most comfortable at.
“Doyle you didn’t” Lindsey sighed
“I really sort of did”
“Man you know she isn’t going to do it…”
“Isn’t going to do what?” After all this Elizabeth finally decided to remind her best friend of her presence.
Lindsey sighed heavily already knowing that there was no way he was going to get out of telling her. He could really throttle the Irishman right now.
“Doyle’s lead dancer, Ampata hurt herself during rehearsal today and…”
“Oh my god; is Ampata okay? I mean was she hurt badly?”
“No but well she IS out for the night and…” Lindsey trailed off still unsure as of how to proceed.
“And what Linds? Just spit out already, okay?’
“She hurt herself and in order to keep Harmony from taking over as lead dancer Doyle already said they’d found a replacement… you”
“Me?”
“You”
“Doyle can’t be serious I mean me? Of all people to suggest, he had to have hit is head or something. There is no way I can get up in front of all those people and dance. I mean Ampata and I were just joking around that night and the tiny bit of JD you let me have went to my head… that’s all” she looked at Lindsey pleadingly.
“Liz I know but he’s in a serious bind I mean a lot of the top members of the music industry are going to be there. A lot of members of my firm are going to be there since they represent so many of them. We were going to go anyway. I mean all you’d really have to do was the main opening dance. I’m sure after that you could… you know fade into the background… and I’d be there the entire time.”
Elizabeth bit her lip in contemplation. She knew that it had been awhile since she’d been on stage but she was a quick study and with an hour or so of practice she could easily remember the dance. The only thing holding back the tiny blonde was her fear of returning to the stage though she knew that she would have to do it sooner or later. Though she was hoping for later rather than sooner…
“Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? Lindsey!?!”
“Uh yea, yea I’m here Doyle… no she hasn’t given me an answer. Look Doyle maybe…”
“Tell him yes”
“What?” Lindsey gave her slightly puzzled look
Inhaling deeply she straightened herself up and looked Lindsey squarely in the eye and said that she was going to do Doyle the favor. At the other end of the phone Doyle let out a whoop of triumph and said that he’d see her in about an hour. Elizabeth turned on her heels and headed back into the house. Lindsey seemed glued in place for a moment before clicking the end button and carelessly tossing the phone onto the table before following the little blonde inside.
Strolling into the living room he leaned up against the door way while he watched her get ready to leave. He knew he’d never truly figure out Elizabeth Anne Summers. It never ceased to amaze that once he was absolutely sure he had her figured she’d up and do something like this.
“Are you sure you’re up to this ‘Lizabeth?”
“Yes”
Her reply was short and to the point. Lindsey could already hear the determination in her voice. He already could tell there was no changing her mind.
“You know there’s going to be a lot of people there tonight”
“And?”
“A lot of record label executives…”
Elizabeth sighed heavily at this. For the longest time Lindsey had been trying to get her signed to a label and in the beginning she was all for it but things had changed. She had changed and she was no longer interested.
“Linds we’ve been though this. I’m done with that. I sing and play for myself. It’s a good way for me to unwind at the end of the day. And I’m ONLY doing this performance tonight as a favor to Doyle.”
“I know, I know but… could you at least think about it. I know Doyle would jump at the chance to have you play tonight.”
Elizabeth sighed knowing that she wasn’t going to get anywhere with him now and if they didn’t leave soon she wouldn’t have enough time to be fully ready for the upcoming evening.
“Alright I’ll think about it but if we don’t leave now we’re never going to beat traffic. So lets move mister” and with that she was out the door with her bag slung over her shoulder not even looking back to make sure if he was following.
Lindsey just shook his head and headed out the door.
+ + + + +
‘Certified quality’
The lights flashed.
‘A dat da girl dem need and dem not stop cry without apology’
The lights flash and you can see the forms of dancers on stage.
‘Buck dem da right way - dat my policy’
The lights flashed on two of the forms on stage as they stand in an alluring stance.
‘Sean Paul alongside - now hear what da man say – Beyonce’
Again the lights flash on two more of the dancers.
‘Dutty Ya, Dutty Ya, Dutty Ya’
The lights flash again on the lead dancer front and center on stage.
‘Beyonce sing it now ya’
Suddenly all the lights came up and just about everyone in the establishment audibly sighed. This had to be the fourteenth time they’d began to rehearse the same number. Elizabeth and the rest of the dancers broke formation and began to walk around the stage. Elizabeth walks to the apron of the stage and kneels down to take the water bottle Lindsey offers her.
“How ya holdin’ up?”
“Eh, I’ll be alright. Its just I haven’t been pushed this hard in a long while”
“Don’t worry about it you’re doing fine” Lindsey smiled
Harmony sauntered over trying to catch Lindsey’s attention. For quite some time Harmony Kendall had been trying to catch Lindsey McDonald’s eye. It was a well known fact that Harmony was very experienced with men and was a favorite among the L.A. male population.
“Hi Lindsey” giving him what she thought was a seductive smile
Lindsey just rolled his eyes and Elizabeth had to suppress a laugh.
“Okay girls back on stage I think we got everything fixed.”
+ + + + +
Doyle wove his way threw the throngs of people. Things couldn’t have gone off any better. The bouncers were weeding out all the people who either didn’t belong or who were causing trouble. The club had opened up nearly an hour ago but things were just getting under way now. This music was pumping and nearly everyone who was anyone was there.
Wesley Windom-Pryce was over by the bar deep in conversation with Daniel Osbourne better known as Oz; who was the bass guitarist of Addictive. Slayer Records hottest band. Just across the room the rest of the band members were surrounded by their many female admirers. William Giles better known as Spike and Alexander Harris also better known as Xander were soaking up the attention like sponges.
Willow Rosenberg and Tara McClay were in a group with a few others them being Charles Gunn and Lorne Caritas. Gunn was stunt man for many movies and a lot of Las Vegas’s shows and as for Lorne Caritas he had to be the best agent in the industry. If you had him representing you, you could probably work anywhere.
So many important people were in attendance tonight; Rupert Giles, Jennifer Calendar and Anyanka Jenkins were just to name a few. Doyle was in awe of the turn out. Things were truly looking good for Metamorphosis.
“Doyle you’ve done a truly wonderful job”
“Angelus… how have you been?” He asked with a smile
“I’ve been alright. Cordelia and Dawn always seem to keep me busy.”
Doyle just laughed at the comment. He knew all to well what a handful his sisters could be. He’d encountered them once or twice while visiting Lindsey at the firm. Though both their parents are still alive they’ve always been extremely busy inadvertently leaving some responsibility on Angelus’s shoulders to his two sisters.
“Oh Ang, you have to check out the main stage in about… 5 minutes that’s when we’re officially getting this party started”
Angelus just smiled and nodded his head and headed off in search of Oz. Probably one of his best friends in the world. Oz was actually one of the only people he could really talk to. Sometimes he wondered if it was because Oz tended to be more monosyllabic that he was half the time. Though he didn’t have to much time to think about it because the lights on stage dimmed and the rhythmic music that filled the club instantly took his attention.
‘Certified quality’
The lights flashed.
‘A dat da girl dem need and dem not stop cry without apology’
The lights flash and you can see the forms of dancers on stage.
‘Buck dem da right way - dat my policy’
The lights flashed on two of the forms on stage as they stand in an alluring stance.
‘Sean Paul alongside - now hear what da man say – Beyonce’
Again the lights flash on two more of the dancers.
‘Dutty Ya, Dutty Ya, Dutty Ya’
The lights flash again on the lead dancer front and center on stage.
‘Beyonce sing it now ya’
Angelus was transfixed on the figures on stage but the one that caught his eye was the tiny blond leading the pack. Though he was cursing the lighting technician at the moment because all he wanted to do was stare at the young thing that had caught his attention so.
‘BABY BOY YOU STAY ON MY MIND
FULFILL MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
BABY BOY NOT A DAY GOES BY
WITHOUT MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
AAH OH MY BABY'S FLY BABY OH
YES NO HURT ME SO GOOD BABY OH
I'M SO WRAPPED UP IN YOUR LOVE LET ME GO
LET ME BREATHE STAY OUT MY FANTASIES’
Angelus couldn’t take his eyes off the beauty on stage. She moved so fluently and effortlessly it took his breath away. There was no way he couldn’t have never heard of her before. He had to found out who she was. What she was about. In just the few scant moments of seeing her from afar Angelus was instantly hooked.
‘Ya ready gimme da ting dat ya ready get ya live
And tell me all about da tings that you will fantasize
I know you dig da way me step da way me make my stride
Follow your feelings baby girl b/c they cannot be denied
Come check me in-a night and make we get it amplified
Me have da ting to run da ship cause I'm go slip and I'm go slide
And in the words of love I got ta get it certified
But I give you da toughest longest kinda ride – girl’
Elizabeth was already lost in the music and the feel of being on stage again. At first when the song began to play and it became apparent about the amount of people in the room but all she had to do was look Lindsey’s way and see his warm smile directed at her and she was once again calm. So she went with it and never noticed the dark stranger studying her so intently from across the room.
‘BABY BOY YOU STAY ON MY MIND
FULFILL MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
BABY BOY NOT A DAY GOES BY
WITHOUT MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
PICTURE US DANCIN REAL CLOSE
IN A DARK DARK CORNER OF A BASEMENT PARTY(who naa naa)
EVERY TIME I CLOSE MY EYES
IT'S LIKE EVERYONE LEFT BUT YOU AND ME
(whoa naa naa)
IN OUR OWN LITTLE WORLD
THE MUSIC IS THE SUN
THE DANCE FLOOR BECOMES THE SEA(who naa naa)
FEELS LIKE TRUE PARADISE TO ME
BABY BOY YOU STAY ON MY MIND(whoa naa naa)
FULFILL MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
BABY BOY NOT A DAY GOES BY
WITHOUT MY FANTASIES
I THINK ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME
I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS
BABY BOY YOU STAY ON MY MIND
BABY BOY YOU ARE SO DAMN FINE
BABY BOY WON'T YOU BE MINE
Baby boy, Lets conceive an angel’
Angelus’s dark mahogany eyes easily detected the meaningful glances and smiles shared between Lindsey McDonald and the mystery girl. Though it was no secret that Lindsey played the field it was also known that Lindsey wasn’t attached in any sense of the word so the question was; who was this girl? And what was her connection to McDonald? Though he didn’t possess the answer to these questions or to any of the others he had Angelus was determined to find out.
‘Top top - girl
Me and you together is a wrap - dat girl
Driving around da town in your drop top - girl
You no stop shock - girl
Little more da Dutty, we'll rock dat world’
Angelus stride was strong and full of purpose he made it over to where Lindsey was seated in no time and was sliding gracefully into the seat across from him. Lindsey threw one last wink toward the stage as the lights went out and the girls exited. Another song came on but neither male paid it any mind. Lindsey leaned back in his chair and studied the man across from him. He already knew that Angelus wanted something from he just wasn’t sure as to what.
“Well you obviously want something LIAM. So what is it?”
End of Chapter Three