By Trynia Merin

Disclaimer: KISS, Gene Simmon and Paul Stanley are actual persons. This is a work of FICTION, and is not meant to harm or demean. It is a fictional account of what things might have been like for a personal friend of Gene and a friend of Stan getting to know KISS in their formative years. Toni Jamerson is the property of Starchildschiq, and used with her permission. Raina MacLaren, Karen Valentez, Trisha Malloy and Liz of Sweet Revenge are property of the author, Trynia Merin.

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Stan led Ray backstage where several people were mingling. Ray was nervous, seeing all men and no women save what must be girlfriends. All the members of the Androids were present, a man named Martin with long black hair and ice blue eyes, which fixed on her and Stanley when the entered. He was tuning up a Gibson Specter Bass, while a guy with long blonde hair coming to his shoulders and bushed out was playing with a pair of drumsticks on a practice pad. Women and girls in heavy eye makeup and short skits and gogo boots were rubbing his chest, and hanging off of him and Martin.

"I can't BELIEVE you wanted me here..." she mumbled. He grabbed his guitar off a couch in the main room and nervously played with it. Ross glanced over and his eyes opened wide. He wolf whistled at Ray, seeing her in the leather mini skirt and boots she had purchased the other day, while Stan wore his rhinestone jeans and platform shoes ray had gotten him with his paisley silk blouse in blue and green.

"What not? Besides...I'm not sure I know exactly what to say to some of these characters,’ Stan mumbled, stroking Ray’s back.

"Holy, she's a hottie," Ross laughed. "This your big save kid?"

Ray blushed profusely. A loud voice is heard, as Vivian rounded the corner. Flaming red hair, wavy and long topped his head, his features strong and handsome. Vivian was tall, and skinny, but still knotted with muscle and built like a dancer. Several groupies hung on him, one on either arm, and the other trying to keep up with him. Both of the blondes were rubbing his bared chest, smooth with little hair, while the other was brushing his long carrot topped locks. Before entering he pulled one girl into an embrace, his hand reaching down to squeeze her ass before he turned to kiss the other.

"Nice... very nice..." said Martin. He looked Ray up and down.

"This is my.... This is Ray," he said, blushing a bit. She cringed behind Stan.

"Um, uh, hi, "she said. Stan looked back at her then looked at Martin blankly, his dark eyed stare becoming evident. Vivian strode over to the group, giving a smile to each groupie and shoeing them away. Giggling they rushed out of the room with the other girls who were clustered around the other Androids. Ross and Martin walked toward him.

"I thought you were supposed to be getting READY?" he said loudly, rolling his eyes.

"We are man, hold onto your horses," Ross mumbled. "Damn."

"Bunch of damn amateurs." he said, waving his hand. "Even I can handle my women and preparations at the same time!"

"We try man, we try," Martin mumbled.

"I found you a keyboardist." Stan said sullenly. Vivian glanced towards him, not convinced.

"Let's not talk and bitch, let's just get to it," Martin threw up his hand. As he encouraged Ray to come from behind him.

"Um hi..." Ray said, walking over. Vivian sighed loudly and rolled his eyes at Martin."Is she just to look pretty?" asked Ross. "Damn, that's a plus."

"Oh...THIS is our keyboardist.... A GIRL?" Vivian snorted.

"Yes a girl, you blind?" asked Martin. "Besides, maybe she can PLAY."

"She'd be more than happy to sit and watch." Stan said glaring. "If you've got a better idea, let's hear it."

"Let her play, we need someone, dammit," Martin snapped at Vivian.

"WHERE did she study?" Vivian said, glaring down at her. "What music school?"

Stan groaned to himself, as Ray turned her green-eyed glare on Vivian. Suddenly her Scottish temper asserted itself and she marched right up to him, hands on her hips, staring up at him.

"Cornell," she said angrily. "Cornell school of music..."

"Are you really a musician or just someone who dabbles on the weekend?" he said, looking her up and down.

"I can READ music," she glared. "Just WATCH me."

"Well that's a bonus," Martin said.

"Now WAIT a minute..." Stan glared.

"I'm touched." he snorted, clearly not impressed with Ray, whom he saw as just another looker. Angrily Ray’s hands knotted into fists, and Stanley moved up behind her, rubbing her back.

"Don’t let him rile you up, he’s just being an asshole. If he gets to be too much I’ll take care of him…" Stan whispered.

"Kid, you're playing lead." He said to Stan.

"Lay off her," Martin snapped. "I say she plays dammit. Let’s see how she does onstage.""I can play lead." Stan said slowly, "Someone's going to have to teach me your songs, unless we're playing covers."

"Some covers, some originals," said Ross. "You'll get it."

Stan sighed with nervousness, attempting to not let it show. Vivian leaned over to grab his guitar as well, slinging it over his shoulder. "Oh, and hey, I can't really pay you for this. It's just a try-out, so you know."

"What.... You mean, you get paid and we don't?" Stan said, alarmed.

"Exactly...." Vivian nodded and grinned as he walked by. Stan shook his head in frustration and followed."What a prick," Ray mumbled under her breath.

"He does that," Ross laughed. He whacked Ray on the ass. Ray mumbled and ignored it. Stan turned around and glared at 'Ross, not seeing the slap."I don't care what he said. If I don't join this band, Ray and I want our one night performance fee," Stanley mumbled, grabbing his guitar and following them out to the stage, which was being set up by the roadies. Martin rolled his eyes and showed Ray the moog organ.

Ray sighed as Martin led her to the organ onstage, and started telling her about the features, "This way little lady. Can you play a moog?"

"I can play anything with keys," Ray said, cracking her knuckles and sitting down at the bench. She deftly pulled stops and fired it up, playing a few chords experimental. Clearly impressed as she played Fur Elise, Martin nodded.

"Good..." said Martin, turning to the amplifier and plugging in his Specter bass.

"Fuck Martin." Ross mumbled and climbed behind the drums. He started to tune his snares and tom toms up a bit. Martin started tuning his bass standing by Ray, who played a few chords he called out. Vivian walked to the front, adjusting the mic level, frowning as he glared periodically at the house road staff. Martin gives her a paper with chords from the songs so she can follow; a block list of songs, and Ray studied them. Stan walked over next to Vivian, beginning to tune up and nervously looking into the crowd. Slowly Ray played with a few of the stops, asking Martin which ones would work best. Stan walked around a bit, stretching his legs and looking at the band members. Not seeing many smiles back, he frowned.

Ray looked out in the crowd, feeling weird. She waited for the cues, and Martin winked at her. She shivered a bit at his leering hungry gaze. Ross looked for the cue. Glancing out at the forest of tables, Ray noticed Peter Crisscuola watching with Lydia and the other members of Chelsea from a table right in front. He whistled at her and they clapped for Ray. From a table not far away she saw Liz and her cohorts waving and giving her the peace sign. With a few audience members giving their support, Ray felt a bit better.

Vivian glanced back at everyone to see if they are ready. Stan looked at him directly, nodding, as he looked nervously down at his fingers for a moment.

Ray shot her gaze at Vivian, and then Martin whispered the chords for the foist song. Vivian nodded to the announcer.

"Ladies and gents, and cool cats, I give you the FEATURE of the evening. They’re live their LOUD and they’re New York’s own, straight from the heart of Brooklyn, the ANDROIDS!"

Vivian raised his arm as the spotlight click on him, and at the drop of his hand, they tore into their signature song. Ray kept up very well, looking at Peter Crisscuola momentarily. Peter nodded and gave her thumbs up. Ross slammed on the drums like a demon possessed man giving a fast live beat as Stanley ripped in with a guitar part. Ray kept up, adding stuff overtop the lead line and improvising. Vivian added his twanging crunch from a brand new Martin guitar; cherry red and dark green painted all over its glossy body.Stan played along well, occasionally making a minor mistake and getting a quick glare from Viv in return. Martin winks at Ray and related her more chord progressions. Ray followed Vivian's lines with contemptuous ease. Once she heard the lead and rhythm, she figured out the simple chord progression, nodding how easy it was. Viv danced around, his hair flying wildly, prancing for several ladies near the stage. Peter’s brother stood up and whistled at Ray."GOOO SEXY!" he yelled. "HOT MOMA GIVE ME SOME sugar! That’s the sugar papa likes!"Peter's brother threw his phone number onstage at Ray's feet. Vivian looked at her a moment, disapproving of the attention she was receiving. He tried even harder to flamboyantly dance from one end of the stage to the next, flirting with a girl who appears to be his girlfriend. Stan was very intent on playing and is fully concentrating, his eyes squeezed shut as his hips swayed and sweat beaded up on his partly bared hairy chest. Peter Crisscuola whooped and threw a rose from a bouquet he had gotten for Lydia onto the stage. Another flower shot up and landed at Ray’s feet, hurled by Peter’s brother. He blew her a kiss, clapping and screaming as he waved his beer bottle.

"ROCK ON LADY!" he howled. Liz smiled at how cute Vivian and Stanley was. Moonbeam threw up a few daisies.

As the song ended, Vivian strutted back, brushing almost too close to Stan as he passed by. Ray sighed, shaking her head as Martin whispered, "I don't know but i think he's jealous of you."

"WOOOOOOOOOO!" he shouted, wiping fake sweat from his brow. Everyone cheered and screamed clearly animated by this band.

"You cats are CRAZY, man," he shook his head with laughter. Ray sighed.

"But you're at least smart enough to pick the right fucking place and the right fucking NIGHT!" he hollered. Stan frowned at his attempt to be dangerous; realizing how gangly and thin Vivian looked in comparison to him. Ray mumbled and played a dramatic chord worthy of a horror film nut.

"Because.... We’re Android, and we’ve come to cosmically stick it to you.... Where you like it BESSSTTTT." he hissed, as his girlfriend and her friends tittered in the crowd.

"UP your ASS!" Peter’s brother shouted. "WHERE the sun don't shine!"

Peter grabbed him and pulled him down. Vivian looked at him and smirked a bit."Ask your girlfriend. She's ALLLWAYYS complaining about that."

"I'm looking, and I’m GETTING SOME SUGAR tonight, thank you!" Peter’s brother yelled. Stan turned his back a moment and rolled his eyes at Ray. Vivian chuckled in spite of himself as he got too close to the mic and his voice screeched through the bar."PUT a lid on it!" Peter Crisscuola yelled. "SHIT!"

"Peter, shut up," Lydia hissed. "Don’t’ get into trouble…"

"That fucking asshole thinks he’s hot shit? Christ almighty," he mumbled to Lydia, who shushes him. "The girl and the kid are the only ones with any damn TALENT in that crew!"

"I want to tell everyone here.... That we love you and that we're to play some songs tonight that will make you say "John Fucking Lennon WHO?" and "Paul Fucking McCartney WHO? And we’ll blow you other candy-assed Village bands away in our WAKE!"

Stan glared at Viv a bit, as Ray played another dramatic chord. Clearly Vivian’s attitude was annoying the members of Chelsea, who shook their heads and hissed, some of them even flipping the bird to Vivian’s sick delight.

"Oh here it comes," said Martin to Ray. He whispered the next few chords.

"This next song features the babyyyy of the group.... One of our newest members of the family.... Mr. Scott Eisen." he yelled

"Stan" he mutters.

"YEAH!" yelled Liz.

"Eisey's gonna play you ladies a tune." Vivian seductively attempted to continue. Ray looked to Stan, and wondered what it was.

"And it's called WHY WON'T YOU DO ITTTTTT?" he screamed, backing up from the mic and looking at Stan for the start up chord, which he dramatically played. Ray started to play in time. She suddenly guessed what song it was. Martin rumbled under after he plays the chord. Viv had given Paul the chords of this song when they talked on the phone.Stan was nervous at first, but after looking up and seeing the attention he's receiving from the ladies, he began to loosen up a bit. Ray started to chime in singing with him. Stan sings the lyrics, which are fairly stupid, but he is enjoying the attention. Ray started ad libbing. Moving over and under Stan's lines. In much the way she heard him play before. Ray sings background and harmony around Stan, and the audience started to cheer. Stan smiles at her and nodded his head in her direction to encourage the crowd to cheer. Vivian pouts.He held his hand over his ear to signal to her that he was going to have her sing the next chorus. She smiles and then started to sing. He wanted to showcase her talents, knowing that he was not interested in playing in this band. Her voice is very compelling, causing people to whistle and cheer. It was as if it is filling the small club, and resounding very richly. As she finished singing, Stan bowed in her direction to acknowledge her, and continued singing. Periodically he shook his head to get the curls out of his face. Peter Crisscuola and the members of Chelsea whooped and cheered.

"Now THAT’s singing!" Peter’s brother shouted. "WHOOO MAMA!"

"RAY!" Lydia yelled. "Show them how it’s done, girl!"

"WOOHOOO!" Peter’s brother and the rest of Chelsea screamed for her. As the song finished, Stan calls her name loudly so the crowd is aware of who she is. Viv shook his head, muttering to himself.

"YEAHHHHH!" Chelsea cheered. Ray suddenly felt as if Vivian doesn't like her.

Martin whispered, "Take it easy. He's getting nervous."

Ray mumbled and cursed to herself. In rapid succession over the next hour, the androids played more songs, each louder and more jarring then the last. Finally towards the end of the set, Vivian was getting more and more agitated. Ray has played a lot in the last few songs, and Martin was starting to follow her lead, as was Ross. A lot of flowers and phone numbers have been thrown up at Ray from the male members of the audience, a lot of little white papers clustered at her feet. As the show winds down, Stan who is very encouraged from the attention to Ray walked over, saying, "I got a song for all of you out there… it’s a new one… and it’s called Black Diamond! Guys.... If we can just do one more...I know we're just VISITING..."

"YEAHHHH stay!" Liz screamed.

"But this song will be worth it to you." he said a bit shyly "Because it's written by a special friend over there on the keyboards."

"It's about life in the big city," Ray said. Viv looked at him blankly then began playing his chords, spitting on the ground in annoyance. Peter looked at the stage, entranced by the song. Ray started to elaborate on the chords slow and ponderous.

"WHOOOHOO!" Peter shouted.

"Out on the streets for a living," Ray began to sing very softly as Stan played a soft chord on his guitar that added to her melody. "Pictures only begun... got you under their thumb..."

And a long pause ensued, driving Peter on the edge of his seat. Ray waited for Stan’s count to move into the fast part. "Hit IT! " he yelled, suddenly quite animated. He leapt up and slammed his chord, ripping into the lead as Ray’s organ part chimed around, setting a fast pace.

"YEAH!" Ross shouted, drumming hard. Martin rumbled his bass, drawn along by the siren behind her keyboards, her fingers flying over the moog in rapid succession.

Viv at this point had pretty much resigned himself to pacing stage left, looking very annoyed. Ray heard Stan sing the fist few lines, and she joined in at the chorus, singing harmony. Her organ part moved in almost as lead to Stan's part, and held it up. She flew wildly on the melody, fingers dancing over the keys as Stanley’s vocal shot loud and strong into the smoky club. Peter's band Chelsea stands up and started to dance, and so do Liz and her group as if they were back at Woodstock. Soon the whole club was screaming and clapping along, and grooving. Stan smiled at Ray, clearly enjoying her success.

Viv finally just walked offstage in a huff, slamming his guitar down as he left. During the solo Ray runs her hands up and down the keyboard playing her heart out. There were loud screams and cries when the solo bridged and the end slowed to a grinding halt. Peter looked at the lead guitarist in concern. He sensed the shit would son hit the fan. He whispered to his brother to go backstage and hang out just in case. His brother nodded and moved discreetly off to wait, in case Ray needs backup. Martin was trying to get Ray to cool it, but he wasn't successful.Stan turned to her and smiled, holding his hand up to encourage the crowd. They finished the song, and sweat poured off Ray. She stood up, and everyone is screaming her name. Flowers hit the stage.

"ALL RIGHT!" Peter Crisscuola yelled as Lydia snapped pictures.

"RAY!" Liz and her hippies screamed. Stan walked over to her, kissing her lightly.

"You were the hit." he smiled broadly, " I can't believe we had to drag you up here."

She hugged him tightly and smiled. Martin laughed and slugged her on the back. "YOU FUCKING ROCKED!" he yelled and whoops. He picked up Ray and swung her around in a hug. She gasped.

"YEAHHH!" Ross laughed. "Fucking girl can play dammit!"

"Not so bad yourself, kid," Ross turned to Stan and slugged him on the back. Ray bent down and picked up some of the papers.

"Yeah, well, this isn't exactly my scene. Sharing a stage with HIM..." he nodded toward backstage.

"I know. He's a bit of a mouthful," said Ross. "But you get used to it..."

"I hope i didn't do the wrong thing," Ray gasped.

"Hey, he'll live," Martin said, and he squeezed Rays butt, holding her to his side. She pushed away.

"Excuse me," she said, going over to stand by Stan. Ross moves backstage to follow Vivian. Stan is bending down to talk to some of the people in the crowd, not noticing Martin. He turns to Ray for a moment and introduced her. Martin grinned and walks backstage, patting Ray's ass and walking away.

"This is Jill." he said to Ray, "She was just telling me that her uncle owns this club. And I was telling HER how you're looking for a band to join maybe." Stan winked.

Ray smiled as Jill shook her hand. She wrote her phone number and gave it to Ray, and Ray passed her number to Jill who takes it, saying, "We'll be in touch..."

"Damn I can't believe this," Ray whispered to Stan. Martin was waving for them to go backstage.

"I can. I TOLD you that you should pursue this. You're better than anyone up there...probably including me too."

She smiled and took his hand to walk backstage, a bit leery. He stopped her about midway. "You want to do this.... Confront that asshole, or should we just slip out?" he cuddled her a bit.

"Let's just leave," she sighed. "Obviously he doesn't want me around."

"What the HELL was that?" they heard Vivian screaming from backstage.

"She can fucking play and you can't handle it!" Martin yelled back. "They get NOTHING THEN?"

"They're not even in the fucking BAND. Give me a damn break!" he yelled.

"You m other fucking moron!" Martin yelled. "You're an idiot! She can play! You’re just jealous a GIRL played you under the facing table!"

"You guys are both whiners," Ross mumbled. "Let's get our money and go!"

Ross stormed out, and cursed. He started to put away his drums, cussing at the road crew. "I've GOT my money." Vivian howled as he storms out, "The rest of you.... Fuck you."

"BASTARD!" Martin shouted. "You can't do this!"

He rushed after Vivian. Ray gasped as Vivian is storming towards her. "Oh my god," she gasps, seeing murder in his eyes.

"TRY to stop Me." he wheeled on Martin, glaring.

"Fucker," Martin mumbled. He lunged after Vivian, but Ross and a few roadies stopped him.

"This is MY band and if you idiots don't like it.... I suggest you sit your asses down, get wasted with the rest of the loser crowd here tonight, and find yourselves NEW bands tomorrow."

"Easy man," Ross urged him. "You want to be out of a job martin?"

"But what about the girl and the kid?" Martin asked Vivian. He stops a moment, muttering in frustration.

"Okay man it's your way,' Ross said to Viv. "Whatever you say... I'm in viv..."

"We don't have any decent alternatives" he grumbled. Ray was still standing near Stan, scared out of her mind.

"I'm sorry to make you angry, I was trying to help," Ray said to Vivian. He looked at her a moment, blue eyes blazing.

"Help.... In case you aren't aware, I am the lead singer. Got it? It's my stage...my show...ah, forget it."

"But I..." she started, trying not to cry.

"He means you play by his rules or don't play, sweetheart," Ross chimed in. "You got to learn honey, that the lead is the lead. No questions asked. Don't upstage him. If you want to play anywhere that is."

"Oh save me from the ass kissers," Martin mumbled. "Don't let them get you down baby...."

"NOW WAIT a minute!" Stanley shouted. "She saved your show, and t his is how you show gratitude?"

"Shut the hell up, kid!" Vivian snarled. "I want you out of here, you upstaging harlot! NOBODY but ANYBODY upstages Vivian FAIRCHILD, got it! So if you have any damn future, you stay backstage where GIRLS BELONG!"

"You son of a BITCH!" Ray screamed. "You take that back now!"

"No girl talks to ME like that!" Vivian raised his hand.

"Stop it!" Martin shouted.

"Shut him up!" Vivian snarled as Ross and the roadies held him back. "I want to teach this uppity broad a lesson!"

"You leave her ALONE! "Stanley shouted, as Vivian raised his hand and Ray ducked. Like quicksilver Stanley moved, grabbing Vivian’s hand and twisting it behind his back. He cracked the whip as Vivian whirled around, his fist flying at Stanley. Quickly Stan blocked and sent his fist flying into Vivian’s jaw. A sickening crack hit Vivian and he crashed to the floor. Roadies leapt onto Stan, holding him back as he fought and squirmed, and another guy grabbed Ray, pulling her arms behind her back.

"Mother fucker," Vivian gasped, spitting blood. "You son of a bitch! Boys, throw this harlot and this asswipe out!"

"No fucking way!" Peter’s brother suddenly said as he let onstage. "You lay one FINGER on that girl and I’ll fuck you up!"

"Said WHO?" asked Vivian, as the road crew grabbed Ray and Stan, who fought hard against their grip.

"Said us," Peter Crisscuola and the rest of Chelsea, who climbed up on stage. "I saw you try to hit the lady. NOBODY hits a girl while we’re around asshole."

"Who the fuck are you?" Vivian laughed. "You don’t DARE mess with me…"

"I suggest you leave them alone, or else you’ll mess with us," Peter said clearly. "Now let’s just go NICE and quiet and nobody gets hurt… Lydia, call the police…"

The club owner rushed up, furious as he shouted, "WHAT THE HELL IS going on here?"

"This moron tried to assault the lady," Peter’s brother exploded. "And when her boyfriend tried to defend her, all hell broke loose…"

"You get the hell OUT of my club, Vivian. No fighting, got it!"

"These assholes upstaged me!" Vivian screamed.

"You get your sorry ass out of here, now!" the club owner hissed. "You have your goddamn money, now get your crap and get out!"

Peter and his friends wrenched Stan and Ray out of the grasps of the roadies, and quickly rushed them out the back door. One of them rescued Stan’s guitar and handed it to them as they reached the back alley. Stan gasped, turning to see t heir rescuers, panting.

"Get out of here kid, now," Peter told him. "We’ll handle your friends…"

"But the money…" Ray gasped.

"Take this and go. He’ll settle this," said Peter’s brother. "You get out of here. Disappear…"

Stan gasped as they handed him four hundred dollars and his guitar and things. Quickly another member of Chelsea urged them out as shouting and yelling came from inside the club. Lydia waved at them, from a cab that had just pulled up to the front of the alley.

"Quick kids, get in…" she urged as Stan and Ray, hand in hand bundled into the cab, and she closed the door. Passing a five to the driver she whispered, "Get them out of here… as far as five bucks will go…"

"Thanks but I can’t," Stan said.

"You gave a hell of a show. Don’t worry. My husband’s got it covered. You’re okay. And don’t play with these morons again. Just go home and forget about it. It will be okay…" she said, pressing Ray’s hand through the window. Before they could catch their breaths and steady their racing pulses the cab pulled out and roared off down the street. Strangely Stan wondered why he didn’t see police sirens as they pulled around to the front of the cab and Vivian and his band were chucked out onto the street with their gear by several club bouncers and members of the band Chelsea. Ray buried her head in Stan’s shoulder, crying as Stan clung to her and reassured her that everything would be all right. He wondered with some sinking feeling if this were some omen that he had better return to Gene’s band after all.

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"Where is Stanley?" Gene Klein mumbled, resting his hands on his hips as he paced the loft they had recently rented to perform in. Temporarily he had moved his belongings into this roach infested corner of Manhattan, and shared it with Tony Zarella and Brooke Ostrander. He had one room to himself, the tiniest, while Zarella had the other, and Brooke made do with sleeping on the sofa bed. It wasn’t much, egg crates taped to the walls in one corner where the drumset, a battered piano, and their amplifiers sat, yet it was home. Fresh from a day’s work at the Puerto Rican agency, Gene had just come in for the weekly rehearsal to find only two of his bandmates present.

"Steve called. He said he was running late. Wondered if there was any word from Stanley," Brooke said, walking over to Gene with concern.

"Dammit, he Said he’d be here… do I have to call Leejack in here?"

"You might have to," Tony chuckled. "Esp if the kid’s not gonna show. He’s probably crying at home with mommy."

"Shut up, Tony," Gene rolled his eyes. A knock sounded at the door, and it was Steve, carrying his guitar case.

"I take it no kid?" Steve Coronel asked.

"No, nada," Tony Zarella chuckled.

"I was hoping you had heard something," Gene folded his arms and looked at Steve.

"Who me?" he asked. Behind him walked another gentleman, known as Ron Leejack.

"Glad you could make it," Gene said, shaking Ron’s hand. "WE might need you to fill in tonight. My rhythmic guitarist is missing and well…"

"Oh that’s FINE, just replace him," Steve snapped at Gene.

"Look, I’m just TRYING to cover my bases, dammit," Gene mumbled. "I can’t be put off schedule by some kid with teenage problems."

"Gene’s making sense," Zarella snickered. "After what I saw last night…"

"What did you see last night?" Steve asked. Gene looked at Zarella with interest.

"You know I like to hang at the clubs? Well last night I was there with Gloria, and well, we saw this band called the Androids. They were down two members…"

"You mean that excuse of a group with that prick Vivian?" Ron Leejack rolled his eyes. "God… what WERE you thinking."

"The ANDROIDS?" Gene asked, with concern. "You saw them…"

"Not only that, but I think I know where Stanley’s been keeping himself. HE was playing lead for the Androids…"

"Shit," Gene cursed. "Mother fucker…"

"He had said something about considering playing for them," said Steve with concern.

"Apparently he’s made his choice," Brooke Ostrander shrugged, walking over to the piano and sitting down. Gene brought his fist down on the amplifier and snarled.

"Stupid…"

"Bu t that’s not the half of it,"

"I don’t like the First half," Gene snapped.

"You wanna know what was REALLY funny? Apparently a fight broke out cause some chick was playing keyboards, and Vivian got a fly up his ass because she was way better, and when Vivian tried to teach her a lesson, Stanley punched his lights out…"

"Girl?" Gene asked, snapping to attention. "What girl?"

"Come to think of it she looked damn familiar… like that chick you used to hang out with…Ray somebody…"

"RAY, you saw RAY?" Gene demanded. "At a club playing with the ANDROIDS and STANLEY?"

"Uh yeah…"

"Uh oh," Brooke mumbled to Steve, who sighed and shook his head. "Looks like the shit’s about to hit the fan…"

"Was she hurt… what was she DOING there?" Gene asked.

"She was performing," Tony gasped as Gene seized him by the shirt. "And dammit if the whole house didn’t go up and cheer for her. That girl's got talent. Apparently Viv didn’t like it…and tried to cut them out of a deal. He got his ass kicked out by some Italian goon squad with one of the other bands and by the time we all came back in, the chick and the kid had split…"

"What was Ray doing with Stan?" asked Steve.

"That’s what I want to know," Gene mumbled.

"What do you care, you moved out of her place didn’t you?" Brooke asked him. "I thought you guys had broke up or something…"

Gene sighed. "I care okay?"

"Sure could have fooled me," Brooke mumbled.

"Let’s just practice guys…" Steve suggested quickly. "Sounds like Stanley won’t be playing with the Androids any time soon…"

"But if he comes crawling back here, will you take him in?" Ron asked.

"If he shows up, we’ll decide then," Gene said slowly, picking up his bass. "Now men, let’s get to work. Enough idle talk…"

Steve and Brooke exchanged glances, as they started to warm up, and Tony showed Ron Leejack where he could plug in. He pulled out several trumpets and arranged the brass instrumentation to one side. Clearly Gene was definitely not over Raina as much as he would lead them to believe. Was it concern for her safety or something deeper that preoccupied Gene? They didn’t bother to question it as they tried their best to fall into line with the new songs that Gene and the others had written earlier that week.

****************************

Stanley Eisen was just getting off his taxi shift when he stopped by Ray’s apartment. She walked up to open the door and see him walk in, handing her his long woolen coat and muffler. "How did it go?" she asked him.

"Well, not bad," he smiled. "I don’t take my first fares yet, but hey… that will come in time… right now they’ve got me studying maps of the city, hoping I can memorize every freaking street. Is that something I smell cookin, good lookin?"

She laughed as he put his arms around her waist and drew her in for a kiss. For a minute they let their tongue entwine and their breaths merge before pulling apart and looking at one another shyly. Between hot and a strange coldness they had walked their tightrope, afraid of saying the wrong thing since the previous night’s escapades. Taking his hand she led him into the kitchen, where two places had been set.

"I made spaghetti. Hope you don’t mind," she said.

"Anything you’ve got is good, baby," Stan smiled, taking a seat and letting her wait on him. She brought over the colander of spaghetti noodles, draining into a bowl, and a pot of steaming hot sauce to dish overtop. Out of the oven she pulled several pieces of garlic toast spread out on aluminum foil and put them into a basket lined with a towel. He inhaled the scents of garlic, parsley, sage and other spices wafting into the small space, and sighed. Last to come out were two wineglasses and a chilled bottle of cabernet.

"To go with our meal," she smiled, fiddling with a corkscrew. Finally she handed it to Stanley, and he pried the cork out with a resounding pop and poured them each a glass of wine. Ray ladled out spaghetti and sauce, filling his plate before helping herself.

"Mmm smells delicious, you didn’t have to, I could have picked up something," he sighed.

"Shut up and eat," she smiled. First she said a grace, and then sprinkled Parmesan cheese on top of her spaghetti before digging in. Stan seized some garlic toast and bit into it first, savoring its spicy buttery flavor that melted in his mouth. A guy could get used to this, he imagined. However the uncertain feeling in the pit of his stomach made him loath to ask the next question.

"Um, Ray, this is great and all, but when do you have to go back to work?"

"Monday," she sighed. "I go back to work Monday. Should be light duty till I get settled in once again. And then hopefully I’ll get caught up."

"You really want to go back?"

"I have to finish my assignment, and then apply for postings in the school district. I had thought of a district in New Jersey, or maybe even private schools. Anything to get away from Daddy Principle MacLaren…"

"Sounds like you have a plan, anyway," he sighed.

"And now you’ve got your taxi job. So you know what you’re going to do?"

"Um well…"

Her hand touched his, and Ray looked him in the eyes, saying softly, "You’re going to play with Gene’s band again, aren’t you…"

Guilt filled him, and he looked away for a moment, sighing as he closed his eyes. He felt her hand reach and turn his chin to face her again, and instead of the look of anger he expected, there was a sadness mingled with acceptance in her eyes. She said softly, "I know. You have to. And I don’t want to stop you from following what could be the chance of a lifetime…"

"Ray… I don’t’ want to just abandon you…"

"You won’t. I’ll be fine. You got me through the worst part. And it’s always darkest before dawn, they say. But you have to get on with your life, and I have to get on with mine…"

"Ray, I can’t stay here tonight," he sniffled. "My mom… she’s worried sick, and well… Julia’s had some problems and they need me to go pick her up from the hospital…"

"You have to go to your family," she said firmly. "And eventually I’ll have to go back and face mine. I can’t hide forever. Sooner or later I have to go back…"

"Go crawling back to your father?" Stanley asked, squeezing her hand.

"No, but my mother, I can’t leave her hanging. I at least have to let her know I’m all right, and that I have a place to live and still have a job. And then try and mend the fences…"

"I guess family is the most important thing Ray," Stanley nodded. "But will you be okay?"

"I will…"

"If you EVER need me... you can call," he said, scribbling his phone number down.

"I know," she smiled. "And for what you did, I’ll always thank you…"

"I know," he nodded.

"Now do me a favor…"

"Anything…"

"Just finish your dinner, and let’s enjoy this time together…" she pleaded, lifting her wine glass. Choking, Stanley lifted his glass also, fighting the tears in his eyes. She had known this day would come, and yet she seemed stronger for the facing of it. Neither one wanted to leave the other, and yet they had to resume their lives. Who could say what the future held?

"After all, this won’t be the last time I’ll stop by," he chuckled. "I’m awfully hard to get rid of…"

"I know," she laughed.

"What should be toast to?"

"To friendship, in its many forms," she said, raising her glass. "You’re my best friend, Stanley Eisen… and I’ll always love what you did for me…"

"Same here, baby," he whispered. "I love y… what you’re doing, and who you are. Don’t ever be afraid to perform…"

Clinking glasses, they each sipped, and put their wine down. Both resumed eating, shyly averting their glances from one another, and letting an awkward moment pass them by. Clearing his throat, Stanley then asked, "Ray, did you call Jill? From the club last night?"

"I did in fact," she smiled, ladling more sauce on his spaghetti. "I went back down to the club, and she wanted to hear me play, and I did. And she said that the girl band wants to try me out this Saturday to help fill in."

"That’s a dangerous place," he mumbled.

"Well our friends last night will make sure nobody bothers me," she said. "That last band who saved our necks, they’re very tight with the club owners. And well, there won’t be any repeats of last night’s fights. From now on, they lay out the cash only ad the end of the show, and with EACH member present…"

"Great!" Stan smiled. "You see, you’re on your way!"

"Yeah, I guess I am. But its only a fill in…"

"Little things can turn into bigger ones," he said, smiling as he leaned over and kissed her. She kissed him back, and they both resumed their eating. When they had both had enough, Stanley offered to clean the dishes for her. She dried them as he washed, and put them all away by the time eight o’clock rolled around, and Stanley seemed anxious to get moving.

"Well, I guess you’d better get moving if you want to get to your band’s rehearsal," said Ray quietly.

"I guess," he sighed, torn.

"I’ll get your coat…"

"You don’t have to…"

"I want to," she said quickly, rushing over and taking his coat out of the closet before he did, and handing it to him lovingly brushing it off. Sighing, Stanley put it on, and saw her hand him his duffel bag, already packed with his things, and his guitar. Winding the muffler around his neck, she rested her hands on his lapels and straightened them out.

"Damn Ray I don’t want to leave you alone…" he pouted.

"It’s all right… I’ll be fine,’ she reassured him, leaning up to give him a kiss. Stanley crushed her to him, eyes squeezed shut.

"I’ll be back to visit I promise!" he whispered, then tipped her chin to kiss her. Dropping his bag and case he wound her in his arms and buried his lips into hers for a passionate kiss. Their hands searched and rubbed, fingers feeling the texture and noses inhaling the unforgettable smells that comprised one another. An eternity lingered in that kiss, sealing what special things had happened between them, and the promise that if either needed the other ever, they’d be there. Yet life had to go on, and they knew that perhaps they had to be strangers when next they met, or just close friends. With fringe benefits.

"Goodbye. See you around," she whispered.

"See you later," he said, not wanting to say goodbye. She blew him a kiss as he picked up his things and squared his shoulders, leaving her there to stand in the doorway and watch him disappear as he walked down the stairs. Smiling through her tears, she walked back and closed the door, knowing it wasn’t the end, but perhaps the beginning. Nevertheless she knew in her heart once he was back in the sphere of Gene’s influence, she should not get involved. It was better this way, and she wanted what was best for him, for he selflessly gave her his heart when she most needed it, and the courage to return to her life. If someone could care for her so much, there was no chance of love being lost in her life.

******

The next morning Ray stirred in her bed, knowing that there was nobody present, but sighing all the same. Today she would go to the club, and see the members of Jill’s band, and see if they could use her as a fill in for the upcoming performance that night and that Saturday. Even if it might only be a one shot, it could be a step to something greater. At least if she was busy she couldn’t think about how much she missed Stanley… and Gene. How could two men hold such sway over her life, she wondered?

Ray yawned, thankful she had taken the whole week off. In the span of a month she felt she had lived what most people had in a year. Each day had lasted what seemed like a month, and she wondered if this was the end or the beginning. Before her the future unfolded with such blatant uncertainty, it shivered her, and yet she knew she HAD to get up, put the kettle on, and slip bread into the toaster for breakfast. How much easier it was to take one step at a time, one hour at a time.

Flipping on the television, she managed to catch Good Morning America by the time her coffee and toast was ready. Smearing strawberry jam over either piece, she carried her plate and mug out to sit down on the sofa and watch what was new in the world. Sometimes a television was a substitute for human companionship, albeit a poor one, but at least the electronic signals never answered back directly when you yelled at them. They simply flickered with the calming patterns of a campfire, entertaining her mind till she could plot her next move.

First a rehearsal with Jill, and then the tryouts. She moved quickly through cleaning up her dishes, and then back to the shower for a quick one. Next came the arduous selection of the right outfit, not too dressed up, but not so casual as to send the wrong impression. Trying to keep in mind what other women at the club had dressed in, she decided on a pair of gray herringbone pants and a white turtleneck sweater. These she pulled on with a pair of comfortable lace-up shoes, with a slight tapered heel and her hair she pinned partly up, letting the rest fall over her back. A compromise between being free and being somewhat able to control her hair conveyed a mixture of youth and sophistication. Makeup was trace yet alluring enough to convey a hidden sensuality and no nonsense air. When Ray surveyed the finished product in the mirror she added a few spritzes of perfume and decided she didn’t look too shabby for a woman who had lost the love of her life and had torrid passionate sex with his band mate. More song material, the cold calculating side of her brain said. File under loss for inspiration for the songs she would write about being jilted or ill used. It might not be country western style, but a lot of heartache poured into a two-minute segment would go far.

Women songwriters were an unknown quantity, the role models few. Diana Ross and the Supremes she didn’t quite consider a woman’s band, for they sang to a soundtrack. Whereas Grace Slick and Janis Joplin were two extremes within she attempted to find a mean. This wasn’t the carefree college days of a campus band, it was a merciless market where you could be eaten for breakfast if your weren’t careful. Music was unfortunately a man’s world, and the women who would claim success had to learn the rules of the game, or else make their own rules while breaking others. In this time women sang with a group, or played an instrument, usually for the sex appeal. Very few women formed their own groups that she had seen. That in itself was a rarity.

Moving back into the living room, she crossed into the kitchen, and hunted for a paper bag. Digging through the bread and the sandwich items, she set them out on the counter. Quickly she made herself a ham and cheese sandwich, and wrapped it in foil, then added some chips in a small plastic bag. She’d take it with her to eat later, and save some money.

Raina rushed out to catch the bus, and ride downtown to Greenwich Village. It was a simple matter of catching connecting busses, and then walking the rest of the way to the club. The front was open, but only the pool halls were being used at this time. Walking back to the bar, she searched for Jill, the club owner’s daughter, who she found wiping off the mirrors to one side of the stage.

"Jill?" Raina asked.

"Hi Ray," she smiled, turning around. "You’re a bit early. That girl band doesn’t show up till a little later. However if you want to jam a bit, you’re welcome to try onstage…"

"Thanks," Raina smiled. "I think I need to work out the kinks with some of my songs. Look I’m sorry about the other night…"

"Don’t worry about it," Jill said. "My dad’s damn sure he doesn’t want the androids back here till he gets a written apology. Besides, with all the money Chelsea makes for us when they’re here, it more then makes up for loosing the Androids. And we have other acts too…"

"Who’s on for tonight."

"Raisin Ragamuffins, the group I told you about. And then there is Mystery Machine. It’s a ladies night delight tonight. And there is an open mike session, if you want to play a bit…"

"Ragamuffin?" she asked with a chuckle.

"They were trying to be like some type of Janis Joplin. Their lead singer is Toni Jamerson. She’s pretty nice. I don’t’ think they’ll want a permanent spot with you, but you never know. We’ll just have to see. She seemed excited when I told them about you."

"Right on," Ray nodded. "Well, if you don’t mind I’ll go ahead and tickle the ivories a bit. Say how often does Chelsea play here anyway?"

"Every Thursday night this month. And also they tend to play on Saturday nights as the main feature? Why do you ask?"

"I wondered if clubs tended to have bands that were regulars?"

"We do. Some of the others don’t. I can take it you’re new to the club scene…"

"I am," she blushed.

"Don’t worry. There’s a lot to know, but a lot you can pick up. I’d be happy to help steer you in the right direction so a disaster like the other night doesn’t happen again. Also I recommend you go around, with a friend of course, and check out the local bands and see what the competition is."

"I don’t’ have lots of people I know that I can go out with," Ray blushed.

"That’s okay. Seems like you and Lydia Crisscuola were getting pretty tight."

"She’s nice…"

"There’s a friend for you. She likes to sometimes scope out the clubs and see what’s hanging out. And she takes pictures as a hobby. I bet she’ll know people you can mellow with."

"Thanks Jill," Ray smiled.

"And if you need a place to practice and play, you can ALWAYS come here and jam in the back room. You really impressed my dad… you’re always welcome."

"Thanks," ray blushed, not believing her good fortune. Smiling, Jill draped an arm around her shoulders and led her up front to where an organ and a keyboard setup were placed. Ray gasped when she saw the Mellotron, a really nice model, and looked to Jill with questions.

"Dad got it. Since a lot of the new psychedelic hangers on want to use one, they can pay us a rental fee if they can’t supply their own. You ever played one?"

"I have never seen one since college… I played around with a theramin…"

"You’re kidding! We’ve got one of those dinosaurs in the back… you know how to play one?"

"Studied it in alternate music theory at Cornell…"

"What did you major in?"

"A double major in Teaching and Music," Ray admitted. "It was a hell of an effort, but I carried top honors… for keyboard instruments."

Jill showed her how the Mellotron was put together, and Ray ran her hands over the console, which was similar to an ordinary organ, but different. The Moog she had played the other night had a series of things she plugged in to blend various effects and she had been stunned to see the Androids had the money to own one. However when she played the series of notes, it sounded like a string quintet in warm warbling tones. She didn’t stop to question when Ray moved the organ to a ninety-degree angle with the mellotron console.

"I have no idea how it works," she mumbled.

"I do," Ray said. "There are loops of tape, unlike the Moog which uses analogue pickups that you have to plug in. The taped sounds correspond to various pitches. It’s all really neat. You can always program other tape sounds and have them respond to pitch. But this one is nice…"

Raina’s fingers flew across the Mellotron, evoking a strange and sonorous sound. It filled the club with its melodies as she warmed up with Tuesday Afternoon by the Moody Blues. Jill was suitably impressed. Especially when Ray fired up the organ and began to play cattycorner to the Mellotron, one hand wringing the bass notes on the organ while playing the lead lines from the Mellotron. She had seen very few keyboardists play two instruments at one without loosing accuracy.

"How did you get so coordinated?"

"When your primary instrument is church organ," Ray said slowly. "You HAVE to be coordinated."

"Church pipe organ?"

"I was interested in religious music," she said slowly. "And well, my father seemed delighted when I told him a story about wanting to teach music. Like choir. Funny, since I’m ending up in science. But anyway, he managed to pull some strings and get me lessons since age 12 on organ. I’ve played piano since I was seven…"

"Good god," she mumbled, when Ray turned around to the organ and began to play a composition by Handel, and then shifted into a work by Tournamere, a French organ master.

"I know though this doesn’t sell, but it gives good coordination," Ray said shyly.

"You’d get a hell of a reception at a movie theater twenty years ago," she laughed. "But hey, it’s cool. Classically trained musicians can make the jump. No WONDER you could play by ear…"

"If I can doodle during a communion service at an Anglo Catholic church, or play at a Presbyterian hymn sing, I can play anything you throw at me," she winked.

"Damn. The Ragamuffins would be stupid to pass you up…"

"I’m nothing special."

"Bullcrap," Jill shook her head. "Talent like yours doesn’t walk by here every day. Don’t sell yourself short girl."

Blushing, Ray returned to her jamming and rehearsal. Periodically she saw a few people milling in and out, to use the pool hall below, and she noticed that Jill had put an empty brandy snifter by her console, and shook her head, thinking Jill was a big joker. A few patrons walked in, and Ray saw them out of the corner of her eye. It was now eleven and she guessed that lunch was being served in the club, for the tables were neatly set with folded napkins and the bar was polished. In addition to being a nightspot the Triple Cat was a lunch bistro. Yet when the bar started to fill with a crowd of people she judged to be the lunch rush hour group, she shivered when a few people started to drop coins into her glass, and the full import of WHAT Jill had done came in on her.

She noticed the slate set up that became apparent, and saw that people were writing requests on it. Temporarily Ray froze, cursing Jill for putting her into such a spot without warning. But when she scanned the list she saw they were easily things she could piece together. Cracking her knuckles she began with the first, and set herself up for a long afternoon of playing.

****

Finally at one, Jill came by and said, "Take five. You’ve earned it…"

"You SCAMP!" Ray pouted. "You could have TOLD me…"

"If I had, you wouldn’t have done it," Jill giggled mischievously, rattling the brandy snifter filled to the top with coins and bills of varying denominations. "Looks like they like you…"

"I’m thirsty," Ray sighed.

"Take five. There’s a glass of water and a powder room with your name on it. Anything you want for lunch? It’s on the house…"

"Grilled cheese sandwich and fries?’ Ray asked hopefully.

"Shoot for that you get a cheeseburger and the works,’ Jill laughed.

"All right, a cheeseburger," Ray smiled.

"I’ll get the cook to whip it up while you rest for a while… the powder room’s back that way if you want to freshen up…"

Ray stood up and handed Jill the snifter of money, and then walked in back to freshen up. When she returned she saw a glass of diet soda waiting for her at the bar, and quickly walked up to take a big drink. Beside it was put a cheeseburger well done with a basket of fries. Raina ate hungrily, watching as Jill counted the money she had made, and opened the cash register to sort out the coins.

"This is delicious," Ray sighed, between bites of cheeseburger, dripping with juice and hitting the hungry spot inside.

"I’ll make sure to tell the cook. Damn girl you made seventy five dollars…"

"Wow, really?" Ray asked.

"There’s an afternoon crowd at happy hour. Would you be interested in sticking around and playing when they come in?"

"What about the girls?"

"They stop by at six… you get to keep half of what you make here…"

"Thanks," Ray smiled.

"Sure no problem. I’ll send the girls your way when they show up. You get a fifteen-minute break between sets. And if you tire out, don’t’ worry. Just give me a wave…"

Not believing her fortune, Ray gulped down her mouthful of burger with a sigh. Her wrists were aching, but she hoped that it wouldn’t be too difficult to keep up with the rising demand. Jill smiled and slipped a few bills in twenty-dollar denominations into an envelope with her name on it, and slipped it in the cash drawer for later.

*****

Halfway through happy hour she felt someone patting her on the shoulder, and turned to see Lydia standing there with a smile on her face. Ray looked up in surprise, and Lydia backed away, holding up her camera. Ray posed for a few shots playfully, before she realized it was time for another break. Getting up from her organ, she collected the money deposited in her glass and walked back towards the bar.

"Looking good up here…" Lydia smiled.

"What brings you here?" Raina asked her.

"I had a feeling you’d come back here. You and the kid all right?"

"Uh he had to go," Ray said slowly. "He um… had family issues…"

"Sorry to hear that… you alone again?"

"It was just a… rebound," Ray sighed. "Damn… sometimes I hate men…"

"You can’t live with them, can’t live without them," Lydia sympathized. "Well I heard from a reliable source you’d be here tonight. And well, I just thought it wouldn’t hurt if someone kept an eye on you, considering last night…"

"You’re awfully kind to a person you hardly know," Ray blushed.

"Well when you see talent, you can’t help but want to promote it…"

"Your husband’s brother’s insistence?" asked Ray.

"He likes you," said Lydia with a laugh. "You got a lot of people talking last night you know. And well, just if you need a friend, I’m here. I’ve seen a fair share of women trying to make it, and they always fall flat on their faces if they don’t’ make the right connections…"

"Is it that obvious that I’m green to this?"

"Well, we had a talk with the club owner."

"I take it he and your husband are good friends."

"Let’s just say they’ve known each other a while in the business," Lydia said, mysteriously, and Ray suddenly saw a spark of something that made her shiver. After all, the owner was also Italian. Was her mind playing overtime though, the result of many hours of old silver screen classics of an old boy’s network. It was a very real presence, and she suddenly wondered if she was going to be swept into something she wasn’t prepared to enter.

"Well the music thing is only a side thing," she whispered to Lydia. "I go back to work on Monday…"

"I hear that," Lydia nodded. "You’d be smart to keep having a day job. Being a musician isn’t exactly steady work.
That’s why I have to pay my fare share of the rent. It can be rewarding, but it’s not always easy on a marriage…"

"I can imagine," Ray sighed. "Why do I feel like I’m getting in over my head here?"

"It’s a New World," Lydia patted her shoulder as Ray handed the money to Jill, who counted it and gave her the thumbs up.

"Can I get you ladies anything?" Jill asked.

"Rum and coke for me, and you Ray?"

"Gin and Tonic," Ray mumbled. Jill walked off to count Ray’s earnings and add them to the envelope before getting the ladies their drinks.

"Peter and I, we’d like to be your friends, if you’ll let us," Lydia said slowly. "No strings. It just looks like with all the garbage you unloaded last night that you need friends… and well…"

"You’re very kind to someone you hardly know…"

"The music world is a harsh one," Lydia said. "Without friends you have nothing. Don’t close yourself off. Sometimes good things come to the people who wait. And you’re a nice girl. I’d hate to see you get swept off into the wrong side of the business. And besides, my friend Liz said she had a vibe that we’re supposed to be all good friends…"

"Liz is something else."

"You’d think a level headed girl like me wouldn’t jive for that eastern relig stuff would you?" Lydia laughed. "Well I trust Liz, and she’s got a good judge of character. And she likes you, and any friend of Liz is a friend of mine…"

"Her band’s playing tonight?" Ray nodded.

"They sure are. Hope you’ll stick around after you play with your gig…"

"I will,’ Ray nodded. She hastily scribbled down her phone number and passed it to Lydia. Lydia in turn took a paper from her purse and wrote her number down for Ray.

"If you need to hang out, or you want to just do something with a friend," Lydia nodded. "Just give me a call. We could have a good time on lady’s night… scooping out the local bands… doing research for your career and generally hanging out. Not many ladies I can hang out with that actually I can have convos with like you and I seem to."

"As long as your husband doesn’t come and find out, right?" Ray giggled.

"Right," Lydia laughed. Ray could tell the woman was just a few years older then she and they started to talk about their various families and school experiences. It seemed remarkable how easy she was to talk to. By the time Toni Jamerson walked up and rapped on the bar, she and Lydia were deep into discussion about various photographers they’d seen and liked.

"Ray, this is Toni," Jill suddenly interrupted.

"Hi," Ray said, turning from Lydia.

"Good to meet you chick," said Toni with a smile. Her long straight hair waved slightly at the ends and she wore a loose blouse and above the knee mini, with tall boots. She couldn’t have been more then Ray’s age, and she had a nice smile that accompanied the honey blond hair and light blue eyes.

"So what’s the plan…" Ray asked.

"Room in back where we can jam, and get the feel. Our keyboardist couldn’t’ make it, but you came highly recommended. And anyway, I think you’ll work out well…" Toni said. "We’re on second… they scheduled some last minute band called Millemo. Real nut case act… we can jam while they’re opening…"

"Not sure I’ve hard of them…" Ray mumbled.

"Go have fun," Lydia laughed. "I got to roll… see you Ray! Keep in touch!"

Lydia waved goodbye, leaving Ray to Toni’s tender mercies. Following the enigmatic girl backstage, she met the rest of the Ragamuffins, which included a black haired girl with gray eyes named Trish, who was the lead, her boyfriend who played bass, and the drummer, a guy with sandy blonde hair who took one look at Ray and grinned. He spoke little.

"This is Ray," Toni introduced her.

"Far out," said Trish, who was smoking a Newport and sipping a glass of beer. "Welcome to the insanity…"

"Trish is home trained, and barely housebroken," said her boyfriend, who was a tall willowy guy with brown hair, not quite a full set of teeth, but handsome features. He had a bit of muscle on his features, and he moved up behind Trish, giving her a deep kiss for most of second. Trish put on her tinted glasses, and clipped a few feather alligator clips in her hair and started to play a rasping rip line.

"She’s a little rough,’ Toni whispered. "But she’s got raw talent…"

"I see," Ray mumbled. Toni plugged in her acoustic, and set the pickup for the Fender across the hole. Ray sat behind the practice piano, and Toni told her the chords for each song. There were about nine in the first set, and they were of varying subjects, including lovemaking and loss. Ray quickly picked up the blues style that characterized the Ragamuffins, and soon found how to add her own voice to the backup vocals. By the time a familiar face poked in, she had run through most of the songs once.

"Ray! Imagine seeing your face here!" Liz cried, ducking in.

"You two know each other?" Toni asked.

"We reached last night!" Liz laughed, going over and wrapping Ray in a big hug. "I knew that the crystals didn’t deceive me. You came…"

"She’s filling in for us. And you are…" Trish asked.

"Sunshine,’ Liz said.

"Great," Trish rolled her eyes.

"We opened for them before,’ Toni said. "Don’t’ you remember Trish?"

"You’re the phenomenon on the guitar," Liz turned to Trish, who was suddenly flattered.

"Um that’s what they say," Trish said.

"It is good women are moving to the strings and pushing the envelope," Liz said to her. "Peace and no broken strings… may you find the audience sufficiently warmed, and the recognition for when you follow us…"

"That’s different," Trish scratched her head.

"She takes some getting used to," Toni smiled. "But she’s cool."

"I came to see if the organ player was you," Liz smiled at Ray. "And to give you a message. Play well, and may there be mutual respect and harmony between our groups this night… there is no rivalry but a sisterhood of music…"

"Thanks," Toni laughed. "See you onstage!"

"Fare well sister of music," Liz smiled, and waved her feather. "And fare well, Ray…"

"What was THAT?" Trish raised her eyebrow when Liz ducked out.

"She’s harmless," Toni chuckled. "She thinks that every band that plays the same night should be in harmony or something."

"One of the few bitchless bands I’ve seen," Trish laughed. "Is she gonna ask us to plant Trees later?"

"Better then getting cussed out," Toni shrugged. "So are we ready?"

"YEAH!" Trish’s boyfriend shouted.

"Let’s rock and roll!" said the drummer, uttering the longest series of words since yeah and far out that Ray had heard. Grabbing their courage and their instruments, they mounted the stage for their set.

****