still didn't know what to say to Brian and considered leaving. She couldn't leave. She needed her job. And besides what is the worst Brian could say. "You shouldn't be doing this". What can he do? She was an adult now and if he gave her that 'what would you mother say' rap she would tell him to shove it up his ass.
She shakily walked out of the stall and grabbed another drink that was lying around. She needed to be careful. She was pretty drunk now and if her boss caught her, she would have to kiss her job good-bye. She made her way to her vanity area and fixed the mascara that was streaking down her cheeks. She put on another outfit that covered a little more than the g-string and bra she originally chose. She expected for Brian to call her any second and her head was swimming. She placed her head in her hands again and tried to collect her thoughts. She almost felt stable when Candy called, "Hey Patrice, your requested in VIP." Patrice looked at her and nodded. "Don't look so glum girlfriend...it's the Backstreet Boys, if only I should be so lucky." Candy said smiling her cheerful smile that she wore most of the time. "I am on my way" Patrice mumbled putting back on her shoes.
She walked up the narrow staircase to the VIP area and stopped herself from running away several times. She could hear soft chatter coming from the small cozy room. As her footsteps got louder the chatter became more hushed until it stopped all together.
Patrice swallowed the lump that formed in her throat as she came face to face with five confused guys, one face more confused than the others. "Um, Hello Brian" Patrice managed to say trying to break the uncomfortable silence that blanketed that room. "Patrice" Brian breathed; it came out sounding more like a question than a greeting. "Can I sit down?" Patrice asked suddenly feeling very dizzy. "Oh God, I'm sorry 'Tricie" Brian said scooting over to make room for her on the couch. Patrice had to bite back more tears when she heard Brian call her by her nickname.
"What are you doing here?" Brian asked her. "I am making my living, like anyone else does." Patrice answered crossing her legs self-consciously. "What happened to being a doctor...and saving the world...you were going to...remember you said you would find a way to fix my heart". Brian's voice cracked when he said the last words. Patrice bit back more tears as some spilled over. "You said we would never be apart...remember." Patrice squeaked out wiping her eyes that stung with the mascara and foundation.
Brian got up and began to pace. He stopped in front of the window that over-looked the rest of the club. "Do you have a car?" Brian asked. "Uh, yes I do" Patrice answered thrown off by the question. "Can we go for a ride? So we can talk." Brian suggested and looked at Patrice with his beautiful blue orbs staring into her soul. Patrice racked her brain trying to find a way to get out of explaining herself. "I can't leave work...I need to pay my bills" Patrice answered, satisfied with her answer. "I will take care of it...and beg your boss if I have to." Brian said, desperation creeping into his voice. Patrice glared at him her green eyes staring into his blue and tried to think of another excuse. "Please...'Tricie." Brian begged. Patrice felt her defenses go and found herself saying, "Fine".
Patrice made arrangements with her boss and took the rest of her shift off. She met Brian at the back door of the club and they walked to her car in silence. After they were seated in the car, Patrice asked, "Where do you want to go?". Brian sighed softly and scratched at his head. "Do you live close?" he asked. "About 15 minutes" Patrice said dreading taking him to her terrible neighborhood. "Lets go to your place then" Brian said. Patrice started the car and drove out of the parking lot. She had a hard time driving and when she got to her broken down apartment she almost in tears again.
She opened the door to her apartment and was met by a cold blast of air. She ran to the heater and turned it on before showing Brian to the living room. She went into her freezing bedroom and changed into a pair of sweat pants and tee shirt. She made her way back into the kitchen ignoring the un-sure expression on Brian's face. "Coffee" Patrice called from the kitchen. "Sure" Brian answered relaxing into the limp pillows on the couch.
Patrice made her way into the living room and sat opposite Brian on the love seat. She handed him his mug and relaxed into her worn sofa. They sat and drank their coffee silently until Patrice couldn't stand it anymore. "So, what did you want to talk about Brian?" Patrice asked looking at him. "I want to talk about...I want to talk about you 'Tricie" Brian answered looking directly back at her...
