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The bouncers eyed them supsiciously when they entered the Can-Can Club that evening. Before they could start anything, though, Harry pulled them aside and handed over a pile of money. “Enjoy your evening,” they said patting him on the back.
They found a table and sat down, ordering a round of drinks. Sady enjoyed being on the audience side of things. When the comedian stepped onto the stage, she nudged Matt with a grin. “Do you see her?” she whispered.
Matt nodded and pointed to the side of the room. The comedian, part way through a joke, stopped and adjusted his suddenly tight collar. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead and he mopped his face with a handkerchief. Sady snickered. The comedian finished the joke and started a funny story. He gave a nervous look at the side wall and took a long drink of water.
The longer he was on, the more rattled he became. By the time he finished his timing was off and the jokes fell flat. He left the stage and raced to the dressing room looking overwrought. Then he slammed the door when he reached safety.
Sady and Matt moved to observe the activity from a spot close to the hall leading to the backstage rooms.
Desiree had been flashing her silicone boobs and sissy panties at the comedian the whole time he was on stage. She pulled out a key and unlocked the door to the men's dressing room after the comedian locked her out.
Sady held up her hand and said, “I'll tell Bea if you don't give me a high five.” Matt smiled, gave her a high five, then held up his fist. “Don't forget Argus.” They bumped fists and returned to their seats.
“Do you think we should check on him?” Sady asked after a few minutes.
“To quote Desiree, 'Nah, I think I'll let him suffer',” Matt grinned.
“I only wish Amanda had been here to enjoy the show. I wonder how he likes it.” She gave Matt a dark look, “That's not what I meant and you know it. I meant about his show being disrupted.”
Charm was up next, with her snakes. Harry left to use the bathroom and CJ said, “Hey, I see an old buddy over there. I'm going to say hi.”
Matt and Sady watched with interest as CJ approached the table where a man sat by himself. The look they exchanged said, CJ has friends?
CJ clapped the man on his shoulder. “Hey, Dave. It's been a long time. How's everything with you?”
He nearly choked on his drink, then said, “Well, CJ, it's about time you made it over. I've been waiting for you.”
“We haven't been here that long, Dave. I didn't even know you were here.” Her look was puzzled.
“Well, I am. How about if we ditch this place and go somewhere we can have some real fun?” He made a grab for her, and she stepped back with a frown.
“I don't think so. I'm married, in case you forgot.”
Foolish Dave paid no attention. “That doesn't matter. Besides, it's only temporary right? I mean after what he did to you? I don't blame you for tossing him and having a night on the town. As I recall, you really know how to show a guy a good time!”
CJ narrowed her eyes... military type, no patience, no sense of humor. She glanced over at Dawn who was signaling with her eyes.
CJ looked back in confusion. What was going on? Why did Dave target Harry? It made no sense to her, so she made an excuse and went back to the table where Matt and Sady sat. “Matt, tell Harry to meet us outside. I don't want him coming back to the table until I make sure of a few things. And grab Dawn on your way out as well.”
Matt was charmed by Charm, and CJ had to slam her hand down on the table in front of him. “Move it, now!” Matt jumped and hurried to stop Harry. CJ sat down with a thump.
Sady had never seen CJ in a state of confusion, but if it wasn't genuine, she was doing a good imitation. “CJ, are you okay?” Sady asked.
She ignored Sady's question and asked one of her own. “How would you describe the guy over at that table?” She nodded at Dave.
Sady watched him for a minute. “Looks like a military man with the haircut. He keeps in shape.” He waved furiously to a server. “Impatient... oh, no! Is that your guy?”
“According to Dawn, yes. I just can't figure out why. He doesn't even know Harry. This makes no sense. I sent the men out so they wouldn't jump the gun before I had answers.”
“Tell me what he said,” Sady suggested. CJ repeated the conversation and Sady nodded.
“Why are you nodding? Are you telling me that makes sense to you?”
Sady tried not to smile, but CJ was totally oblivious to the come-on he was sending her way. “Did you ever date him?” Sady asked.
CJ nodded and asked, “What does that have to do with anything? That was a long time ago. A very long time ago, before I met Harry.” CJ was still clueless, and Sady felt stunned. CJ always seemed to know everything.
Sady patted her hand. “I don't know how to break this to you, but this whole ordeal isn't about Harry, CJ. It's all about you.”
CJ finally put the pieces together, and she looked at Sady in shock. “No way!”
Sady nodded and said, “If there's one thing I'm possibly more experienced at than you, it's the way a guy sends a romantic look across the room. Or his idea of a romantic look. Now if he was here to blow up the place, that would be your department, but you can trust me on this one.”
CJ stood and grabbed Sady's arm, hauling her to Dave's table. “Sorry, Dave, but my friend is sick. I'll take a rain-check and see you tomorrow night, okay?” She didn't wait for an answer, but rushed Sady out the door.
Outside, the men paced and Dawn had a smoke. Harry looked at CJ and asked, “Is everything okay?” CJ didn't answer.
Sady asked Dawn to confirm Dave's identity. “That's the guy. Couldn't you tell by the way he was looking at you?” she asked CJ curiously. CJ shook her head. Sady and Dawn exchanged shrugs.
“Well, do I get my necklace?” Dawn asked in her husky smoker's voice.
“After I take care of business,” CJ scowled. She was back to herself and ready to give Dave the beating of his life.
“I have a better idea,” Sady suggested. “Why don't we go back to the hotel and come up with a plan?”
CJ tried getting back to the door, but Harry wouldn't let her enter. “If you both end up in jail you won't solve anything,” Harry said convincingly. CJ glared at everyone and stomped off for a taxi.