InsaneJournal

Who: James & Ella.
What: Ella contacted James earlier today and asked for a meeting, so they could discuss things.
Where: Twisted Sister strip club, where James works.
When: Late evening.
Warnings: violencia.


"Will you stop it already, kid?" The bartender was a heavyset man with more tattoos than spare skin, and he smacked James' hand when she tried to steal another orange slice from the drink garnish tray. She'd already had a picnic with half of the maraschino cherries and wiped out the martini olives.

Like a child caught, James withdrew almost sheepishly before coating herself thick with incredulity. "What?"

"You're eating all of my garnish." He reprimanded, and watched James from the corner of his eye as he retrieved another beer from the cooler for a customer.

"Right, like somebody's going to order a mai tai in here.." James glowered playfully and waited until his back was turned before snatching up the orange slice she'd lost a moment before. Shoving it into her mouth for a quick bite, even as she was certain that she'd already been caught. Although, when the bartender leaned forward on his elbows, it was with concern and not scolding.

"You going to tell me what's wrong, James?"

"What do you mean?" She questioned, slyly dropping the orange rind to the floor under her boot heel.

"Well, you've been off work for almost an hour now, but you're still here.. stealing my shit." He lit a cigarette conversationally, smiling. "You're worried about something."

"I am not." James stiffened at his perception, casting her attention away with a determination. Momentarily inspecting the dancer that was currently on stage, the club wasn't very crowded tonight. "I'm just.. waiting for someone." Her eyes wandered to the door in thought. She hoped that Ella had taken a cab here and not tried to walk through this part of the city. Not only was it far too cold, but the dark characters of the city felt hungry tonight. James had sat on enough of their laps in this evening to know.