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Post by Tim on Oct 13, 2020 11:44:10 GMT -5
Looks like she's enjoying herself.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 13, 2020 12:09:40 GMT -5
Looks like she's enjoying herself. It’s more like she’s learning how to let loose and enjoy herself, she’s very uptight. The next chapter will go more into her background, her upbringing with her mother wasn’t normal and neither is how she was conceived.
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Post by Tim on Oct 13, 2020 17:10:07 GMT -5
Sounds interesting.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 13, 2020 18:17:30 GMT -5
Chapter 13
Josh frowned when he recalled what Nika had told him last night. She had been so carefree and uninhibited while dancing to Northern Soul but had quickly withdrawn into her shell once they left. And her remark about not losing control made him wonder about what sort of upbringing she'd had with her mother, if perhaps her mother thought her daughter was a mistake.
The band was doing their soundcheck at Budokan and Joh went to get some tea. He didn't go looking for Nika since he knew she was in John's dressing room with her clarinet, just like she did when in Korea. "Josh, has Nika been acting oddly today?", asked John, his hazel eyes accusing.
"I didn't do anything, if that's what you think. I mentioned that she was so tightly wound up so soon after we'd gone dancing. She said her Mom had made a mistake after losing control", he replied.
John sighed and looked down into his cup of tea. "Her Mom was the most uptight girl I'd ever met, we met after the band did a show in a club to promote KROQ. She'd been drinking but in a very methodical way, like she was forcing herself to get drunk. I thought she was hot and I was a horny dumb kid, we back to a hotel room and fucked", he replied, his mouth twisting on the last word.
"Next day we were both hungover and she just left without saying a word and I never saw her again. I thought nothing of it since that happened so much back then, I was an immature little bastard who was thinking with my dick most of the time. Nika's grandparents told me later that Zoe desperately wanted a kid since she was past twenty five and thought she needed to have a kid to extend the family line, she'd read something about the band and thought I'd be a good match to father her kid. That's why she went to the club that night and made herself get drunk, she was a virgin with no interest in sex. That night I was thinking with my dick, I ended up fathering my daughter. From what her grandparents said, Zoe was always the most serious, tightly wound person and not an affectionate mother, but she did give Nika a brilliant education. I don't want my daughter to be so tightly wound up she does something foolish, I want her to have fun and date like a normal woman her age", said John.
"Wow, that's seriously fucked up, damn. So her Mom targeted you so she could get pregnant, to make some sort of genetic super baby. And she taught Nika Classical stuff but wasn't affectionate at all. I can't believe that, I hope her grandparents are better people than that", said Josh incredulously.
"You could say that. Her grandparents wanted her to go a public school and be a normal kid but since Zoe didn't live with them, they had no say in the matter. Nika was such a serious girl, she didn't play or watch cartoons or even listen to pop music, she was like a little adult. But between you and I and Clara, she's making baby steps. You did go out dancing, right?", asked John.
"Yeah, at a Northern Soul club owned by her cousin. Uh, if she got pregnant accidentally, are you going to get angry?", Josh asked nervously.
"No, but I'd rather you'd wait a while, I'm too young to be a grandpa. But yeah, it wouldn't be a disappointment, and I don't want you to think your kid is a mistake. Her grandparents were upset at first, I'm sure, but I never got the sense that they rejected Nika or Zoe at all. But I want my daughter to be happy and have fun, like a normal girl", said John.
Josh nodded as he went to make a cup of tea. He carefully brought the cups to John's dressing room where he heard her clarinet through the door. Josh carefully set down the cups of tea on a little table by the door and slowly opened it as he went inside. Nika had her back to the door and her long brown curls fell to the small of her back, swaying slightly as she played. From his vantage point, he could see her slim fingers on the clarinet deftly manipulating the keys as she played.
Nika finished playing and turned around, a sad smile on her face. "I know I'm tightly wound, guys don't like that. You're not the first", she said.
Josh went back out and got the tea, handing her a cup. "I don't like that you're tightly wound, but I'm not going to abandon you. I spoke to John, he told me about your mother", he said softly.
Nika nodded in thanks and sipped her tea. "Mom wasn't abusive, my therapist in high school insisted she was. Mom made sure I got an appropriate education, she didn't want me to be a stupid girl. I was homeschooled, the local public school were terrible", she said in a dull monotone.
"So your mom homeschooled you, and she gave you a genius education. But she didn't sound like a fun person", he said.
"Fun is relative, Josh. While other kids ran around and screamed like banshees, I was learning to read the Iliad and Odyssey in Greek and the Aeneid in Latin. What is fun is being able to translate a chapter of Virgil into English from Latin, not being a shrieking monkey", said Nika.
"Did you ever go to the park? An amusement park? A birthday party?", he asked as she shook her head.
"So your mom was raising a prodigy. wow. So you never did any kid stuff, that's messed up", he said in dismay.
"I wasn't being abused, Mom never hit me and I always had nice clothes and plenty to eat. The Lacroix family is known for their scholarship, it's our family tradition", she replied.
"But being smart doesn't mean you never had any fun, Nika. You had a great time last night, and in Seoul with the karaoke", he protested.
"I was with people I trust. I don't lose control around people I don't trust", she replied softly.
"Do you trust me, Nika?", he asked.
"Yes, Josh. I don't believe in instincts, but I instinctively trust you. But it takes a lot for a dog to change its stripes", she replied.
"I'm a patient man, Nika Lacroix. And there's a hard shell I'd like to crack, I imagine there's a sweet, happy girl underneath", he said, giving her a hug and kissing the top of her head.
Under most circumstances, Nika would have been frightened enough to push him away but instead she felt comfortable enough around Josh that she relaxed in his embrace. He seemed to feel it as he chuckled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You trust me, Nika. I feel it", he murmured.
"I just do, I don't know why. I'm acting silly", she said, a hint of alarm in her voice.
"No, you're acting like someone who is coming out of their shell. I like it, and I like you very much", he teased.
Nika giggled, blue eyes full of amusement. "I hope you're not Zeus and I am Leda", she teased.
"No, I can't turn into a swan. And I'm not devious like that", he retorted with a grin.
Josh reluctantly let her go and sipped his tea. "I have to finish soundcheck or else your Dad is going to get upset", he said ruefully.
"Yeah, I know", she said with a sigh.
Josh opened the door and watched as she carefully put away the clarinet and locked the case. He gave her a smile and offered her his hand as they walked together towards the soundcheck. The simple gesture made butterflies flutter in her belly, his big calloused hand so different from her slim one with its long elegant fingers. "I was wondering where you lovebirds were", teased Anthony.
"John asked me to check on her, she was practicing clarinet in his dressing room", he explained.
"There's good acoustics in there", said Flea approvingly.
Nika stood near the stage and sipped her tea as she watched Josh with her father. The two of them stood together as John showed the younger man a few chords as Josh played back the music. She watched as his brown hair flopped around his face as he laughed at something John said, her heart doing a little flip-flop. Nika felt more of a flutter when Josh played a little tune on his guitar, watching his long fingers pluck out a few chords as John nodded in approval. She found that watching him in these little moments was just as nice as watching him play onstage. Nika made a mental note to see him live when they got back to the states with Dot Hacker.
Josh was feeling pretty good after soundcheck as he placed the guitar back on the rack. He looked up and smiled when he saw Nika as he waked over and kissed her cheek. "That's just a preview of tonight's show. I rather like having my own cheering section, I haven't had many pretty girls come to watch me play guitar", he teased.
"Well, there's a first time for everything", she said coyly.
Josh laughed as he pulled her close and softly kissed her. "That's true, we're both experiencing new things on this tour and I can't wait for the show", he said, a twinkle in his brown eyes.
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Post by Tim on Oct 13, 2020 18:26:13 GMT -5
Good background info on Nika.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 15, 2020 8:08:14 GMT -5
Chapter 14
Nika appeared to have a permanent grin on her face as the group prepared to board the plane to Perth. "Now you see why girls like musicians", teased Anthony.
"Yeah, we were all real Casanovas back in the day, but we got old. Leave the kids alone", laughed Flea.
John just laughed as he moved closer to the young couple. "The guys are just messing with you, it's amusing to them. I'm too old to be chasing after girls", he said ruefully.
"Dad, you're not that old. You're only 39", chided Nika.
"In years, yeah, I'm young. But I've done all sorts of bad stuff when I was a young guy, in my first time with the band. I was young and stupid, but everything was a learning experience", said John thoughtfully.
"Yeah, but maybe one day you'll find someone. I hope you're not going to be single forever", said Josh, raising an eyebrow.
"I made a vow of celibacy after getting sober, I treated women like dirt when I was a young dickhead. Maybe I'll find someone, maybe I won't. But I'll be celibate until I find someone", said John with a shrug.
The group boarded the plane and soon they were airborne and heading southwest towards Perth. "It's summer in the Southern Hemisphere, I can't wait to visit the beach. Australia has the best surfing", said Anthony.
"Yeah, but I'm covering up. I don't want to people to freak out when they see my arms", said John with a frown.
"Dad, you can swim in the pool", said Nika.
"Yeah, but I don't want people to see my arms, period. They make me look like a burn victim. You guys go to the beach, I'll do some yoga and relax", said John.
"This'll be a first, I've never been to a beach outside California. I'll have to wear extra-strength sunblock with my pasty self", Josh chuckled.
"It'll be interesting, all the years I've lived in southern California, I can count the number of times I've been to the beach on one hand", said Nika.
"Same here, but I want to see a beach in Australia", said Josh. He wondered what sort of bathing suit she had brought, having an image of her in a classy old-school bikini or one-piece. His mouth suddenly went dry at the idea of Nika in a bikini as he fidgeted in his seat and tried to control the flush which threatened to spread on his face.
Josh shook his head and tried to think of something boring, hoping to calm the sudden uncomfortable feeling in his baggy sweatpants. He took a deep breath and saw that Nika had already fallen asleep, her head resting on his shoulder. Her dark brown curls brushed against his cheek and the slight touch made him smile as he gently tucked a loose curl behind her ear.
Under most circumstances, he would have fallen asleep on such a long flight but with Nika resting against him, he found that impossible. Josh felt alert and aware but not a jittery, cranky way. Instead it was a pleasant, dreamy feeling as though he was looking down on the city from the windows of his art room at home, watching the sun go down and the lights illuminate Los Angeles below. He glanced out the window and saw the expanse of the ocean below, dotted with islands which registered to him as little limps of brown barely outlined against the dark blue water. He lifted his gaze and could see the thin line where the horizon met the sea, inky black sky meeting the dark blue water. "Good night, Night Owl", he whispered, putting his arms around her and kissing her cheek.
"Wake up, Nika. We're here", Josh whispered in her ear.
Nika slowly opened her eyes and blinked at the early morning sunlight coming through the plane windows. "Oh, we've landed?", she murmured.
Josh nodded, momentarily stunned by her big blue eyes were now shining like polished sapphires in her pale face. "Oh, I have to move", she said apologetically.
"I don't mind, you can use my shoulder as a pillow. I've never had that happen before, at least with a pretty woman", he teased.
Nika just laughed as she scooted aside to let him out. "About time you love birds got up", teased Anthony.
Josh put an arm around her waist protectively as the older singer playfully put his hands up in mock-surrender. "We'd never leave without you guys, John would kick our asses", he joked.
Josh took her hand and led her aboard the bus to the hotel. The sun was just beginning to rise in Perth as its rays shone on the glass and steel of the airport buildings and on the skyscrapers in the distance. "This is one of the best things about Australia, the best beaches on Earth and they're not as crowded as the ones in Sydney", said Flea happily as the bus pulled into a hotel on the beach.
"Yeah, it's got it's own private beach. We stay here every time we play in Perth", said Anthony.
Josh nodded as he helped Nika off the bus and took her hand. The hotel was right on the beach as a breeze blew in from the Indian Ocean, gentle waves lapping at the shore. Only a handful of guests were out right now, a few surfers paddling out to catch bigger waves. "I haven't gone swimming in a long while, the beaches in LA are too crowded and dirty", said Nika.
"The beaches were nicer in the 80's, it was more families with kids and not as much attitude. Now there's too many jerks", said Flea.
Josh still felt energized when he got into his room. From the window he could see the beach as he quickly unpacked his black swim trunks and put them on. Josh frowned when he saw his reflection in the mirror. His face was ruddy but his arms and torso were very white and his arms looked like skinny twigs. A sprinkling of dark hair on his belly and long thin legs as he realized he resembled his German and Irish ancestors more than any native Angelino.
There was a knock on the door and Josh opened it, his mouth suddenly going dry and his powers of speech deserting him when he saw Nika in a black bikini. The bikini was in an older style with a halter top and shorts that covered up more than a modern style, yet clung to her slim figure and set off her fair skin and dark hair. "Are you all right?", she asked with concern.
Josh snapped out of his reverie and his cheeks turned pink. "Uh sorry, I had a brain fart", he mumbled.
"I was going to ask if you want to go swimming. The waves aren't very big", she said.
"Sure, but I can barely swim. I hardly go to the beach, which is weird for an Angelino", he chuckled.
"That makes two of us, it's because this is Australia and there's only a few people there", she replied.
Josh took her hand and led her downstairs where he got some towels and sunblock from the front desk. The sun was bright and a cool, steady breeze blew in from the Indian Ocean as they walked towards the strip of private beach. Josh put down the blankets and quickly put on sunblock as she did hers. "Uh Nika, can you do my back?", he asked.
Josh stood still while she rubbed suntan lotion on his back but his mouth was dry and his heart raced at the touch of her slim hands on her skin. He was glad the baggy shorts hid the evidence of his arousal as he willed his heartbeat to go back to normal and the butterflies to stop dancing in his stomach. "Now you may do my back", she declared.
Josh took a deep breath and rubbed suntan lotion on her back as she swept away her hair. The nape of her neck and shoulders were milky white but slightly warm to the touch as he carefully rubbed the lotion onto her skin. From this vantage point, he could see the curve of her breast and his mouth suddenly became drier. Josh took a deep breath and concentrated on applying the sunblock to her back, hoping the water from the ocean would cool him down.
"Thanks, I could never reach back there", she said.
Josh could only nod as he didn't trust himself to speak. Rubbing the lotion on her back and her doing the same for him aroused him powerfully as he wondered how long he could prevent himself from kissing the wind out of her. With a rueful smile, he realized it had been over a year since he'd slept with a woman, and that time he was drunk.
Nika walked towards the waves and squealed as the water splashed her. The water was warm as bathwater as she ventured in some more, her bikini getting wet. She could feel his presence as Josh joined her in the water, his arms going around her waist from behind. "I'll take care of you, Nika" he whispered in her ear.
Nika relaxed in his embrace as he nuzzled her throat. The touch of his lips on the sensitive skin of her throat made a weird sensation go down to the pit of her stomach, a sensation that was both hot and cold. "This isn't the place, but I just needed to hold you. Let's swim", he said.
She was vaguely disappointed when Josh let her go and she followed him deeper into the water. Nika had liked the sensation of Josh holding her and wondered what he meant, since they were in sight of the hotel. The sun was shining brightly now as it reflected on the water, her sunglasses blocking out the worst of the glare. The black bikini clung to her body and accentuated her round bottom and perky little breasts as Josh tried to focus on other things, such as what free agents the Dodgers were planning to sign and if he could get tickets to their home opener.
Nika was in a very good mood as they left the water, gooseflesh forming on her arms from the contrast between the water and the sea breeze. She caught a glimpse of Josh drying himself with the towel and a blush creeped up her neck when she caught a glimpse of his bare chest. His lean torso was pale with barely any definition or hint of six-pack abs, a trail of dark hair on his lower belly. "I know, I'm not ripped like the other guys. I've always been skinny", he joked.
"Six pack abs are overrated, I like skinny guys", she laughed.
Josh just laughed as he gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head. "That's a first, your Dad and uncles are onstage shirtless and I'm all covered up. It makes for a great contrast", he joked.
Josh handed her a towel and tried to fight off his disappointment when she used it to cover up her bikini. "I get cold easily", she explained.
"Same here, that's a weird thing since I'm a native Angelino. I wonder how my family wound up in LA", he mused aloud.
Josh took her hand and led back to the hotel and up to her room. "I'll see you later, I need to chill before the jet lag gets me", he said awkwardly.
"Same here, Josh", she replied. Nika felt bolder all of a sudden and leaned over to kiss his lips. Josh growled low in his throat and returned the kiss, his big hand resting on her hip as he deepened the kiss.
Josh reluctantly broke the kiss and Nika was startled by the taut line of his jaw and how the golden highlights in his brown eyes glowed with desire. "Be careful, Nika. You're playing with fire and we're both going to get burned", he groaned as he opened the door to his room.
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Post by Tim on Oct 15, 2020 11:18:03 GMT -5
Nice to see Nika happier.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 16, 2020 7:20:44 GMT -5
Chapter 15
"Nika, you truly have no idea, do you? Josh was horny and he was warning you", said Clara as Nika giggled nervously and turned bright red.
"That's such a crude way of putting it", said Nika in distaste.
"But it's the truth, you don't seem to realize you're turning him on. Do you like tormenting him?", asked Clara.
"No, but I don't want to hurt him. So should we just, uh, you know?", she stammered.
"Good lord, we're the same age and you're acting like a ten-year old. I'm not saying you ought to go and jump his bones, that wouldn't be like you at all. But you ought to realize you're tormenting him, guys don't like that. Read this, it'll give you some ideas", said Clara, handing her the latest issue of Cosmopolitan.
Nika looked at the magazine dubiously. "I know it's not something on Ancient Greece, but unless you want Josh to be that guy prayed for his stone girlfriend to come alive, then you ought to read the articles", said Clara.
"That's the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea, he prayed for Venus to make his statue of Galatea human", she explained.
"Okay, I got the jist of it right. Just read it and tell me if it worked, I'll know you don't have to tell me", said Clara with a laugh.
Nika watched as Clara left the room and reached for her cup of tea, looking dubiously at the glossy cover of the magazine. She opened it up and quickly flipped through the makeup and clothing ads towards the articles and began to read. Her mouth went dry and her eyes widened in surprise at the articles, wondering how anyone could admit to a magazine what they did in bed. A strange sensation of warmth grew in her lower belly and her cheeks turned pink at the images conjured up in the article. She wondered if Josh had ever done any of these things. A sudden surge of jealousy went through her and dissipated just as fast, much to her mortification. Nika reminded herself that Josh had certainly had girlfriends and that she had met two of them when she was a child, but he seemed to have been single the last few years.
Nika made herself read the articles as the blush on her cheeks grew hotter. She wondered if the rest of the world was having more sex than her uncles in their younger days, if the articles were anything to go by. She did have to laugh at the idea of her Dad doing any of these things when he was a younger man, since he had been as wild as her uncles.
Nika set the magazine down and lay back on the bed, the odd fluttery sensation in the pit of her stomach settling down. She wondered if Clara was trying to play some twisted matchmaker, her red-haired friend always prodding her since they were children...
Flashback
"Clara is a really sweet kid, we're sort of like honorary uncles. I dedicated my first solo album to her and I remember babysitting her when she was really little", said John as he led her towards the cab outside.
"You really ought to learn how to drive, you live way up here", said Nika.
"Cars are bad for the environment, and I don't really go anywhere when I'm home", he replied.
"I suppose, since you tour a lot. Do I go with you?", she asked.
"I don't know, maybe. Clara goes to school and stays with her mom since her parents are divorced. I could hire a tutor, I'd have to speak with our management. Or do you want to stay with your grandparents?", he asked.
Nika looked thoughtful as they got into the cab, her little brow furrowed and her blue eyes curious. "I would like to see Pepere and Grandmere, but not to go to school. Mom homeschooled me because she said the school was terrible", she replied.
"Okay, I'll have to ask the guys about any good schools", he said.
"I don't need to go to school, I can read lots of books. All my books have been delivered", said Nika.
"But you ought to be around children your age, do kid stuff", said John.
"I don't like kids, the girls on my block called me a nerd and beat me up", said Nika matter-of-factly.
"That's awful!", he exclaimed.
"Mom said they were jealous because they're dumb, they're going to be housewives", she replied triumphantly.
"Nika, don't talk like that. It isn't nice", he chided.
"But what if they are stupid?". she asked.
"Most people aren't stupid, not everyone is a genius. That's like me being upset with people who can't play music", he replied.
"But you practice a lot, if people practiced a lot, they'd be smart too", she said.
John realized she needed to learn social skills as the cab dropped them off outside Flea's house. "Glad you guys could make it, Clara is really curious about you, Nika", said Flea as him and John hugged.
Nika felt her hands shake and her mouth go dry at the idea of meeting another girl. She hoped that Clara wouldn't bully her like the girls on their block in Palm Springs, and that she was smart. John gave her a reassuring smile as he led her inside the house. From the foyer they could hear a TV as it was tuned to My Little Pony as Flea gave them a helpless shrug and led them inside the living room.
A little girl about her age wearing pink shorts and a sparkly purple t-shirt watched the show as her red hair in pigtails bounced. "Hey Dad, Uncle John. Is that your daughter?", she asked.
"Hi, Clara. This is my daughter Nika. Nika, this is Clara", said John.
Nika's heart beat rapidly and she felt short of breath as she tried not to run away. Clara gave her a funny look and a light of understanding flashed in her eyes. "Oh, you're shy. I suppose it's because you didn't know you had a dad before", she said kindly.
"I'm sorry, I'm not good with meeting people", she mumbled.
"Dad told me about your mom, that's awful. Let me show you my room", said Clara.
Nika felt much better as she followed Clara upstairs. So far Clara had seemed nice and pleasant, as her heartbeat returned to normal. "This is my room when I stay with Dad, i stay here when he's home from touring. Mom lives just down the street", she said, opening the door.
The first thing Nika noticed in Clara's room was the pinkness, and the stuffed animals. The walls were painted the vivid pink of cherry blossoms, the daybed in the corner propped up on white metallic legs and topped with numerous stuffed animals. A white dresser and a white lampstand provided contrast, while the large windows looked out onto the hillside where they could see shrubby trees and chaparral. "You like it, pink is my favorite color. My room at Mom's house is like this", said Clara.
"My room at my old house was blue and white, Mom didn't like pink", said Nika.
"Why not, it's pretty", asked Clara.
"I guess she just didn't like it", replied Nika with a shrug.
"Maybe you can go on tour with the band, Mom lets me go on tour with them in the summer", said Clara.
The idea of touring with a rock band both frightened and intrigued her. "Where have you gone?", she asked.
"All over Europe, American. Last tour we went all over America and Canada", said Clara.
"Was it scary?", she asked.
"No, it was cool. We went all over America and saw all sorts of places, and I got to see Dad and my uncles play every night", replied Clara.
"I guess that sounds fun, I could bring some of my books", said Nika.
"I like drawing better", said Clara.
"I like you, you aren't mean like the girls in Palm Springs", Nika blurted out.
"Dad would kick my butt if I was a bully. I guess you had a different sort of family, just like me. And it'll be cool to have another girl to hang out with", said Clara, giving her a hug.
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Post by Tim on Oct 16, 2020 11:35:31 GMT -5
Nice to have the flashback on how Nika and Clara first met.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 16, 2020 11:42:24 GMT -5
Nice to have the flashback on how Nika and Clara first met. Thanks, I wanted to show how she was when she first came to live with John. I got the idea from the movie Gifted, it’s about a little girl who’s a math prodigy and how her grandmother and uncle are fighting over custody. The grandma herself is a genius and wants her to be homeschooled under a strict curriculum but her uncle wants her to go to public school and be normal, the mother is dead and the biological father ran off.
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Post by Tim on Oct 16, 2020 17:27:47 GMT -5
You did a nice job adapting the idea.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 16, 2020 17:42:33 GMT -5
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Post by Tim on Oct 16, 2020 23:26:03 GMT -5
Thanks for the link.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 18, 2020 11:05:01 GMT -5
Chapter 16
"We're going to a real nightclub, where they play modern music. And you look amazing", said Clara.
"I've never worn anything so short, what's Dad going to say?", Nika fretted.
"You're an adult going to a nightclub, I've seen girls wear even sexier outfits. Besides, don't you want to impress Josh?", teased Clara.
Nika blushed. Her and Clara had gone shopping that afternoon as the red-haired girl insisted they go shopping for dresses. Nika did have to admit that the glittery dark purple tube dress looked good on her, the color flattering her fair skin and dark hair as it clung to her figure. The neckline showed off some cleavage and a purple star pendant hung around her slim neck, matching her purple high-heeled sandals.
"You look great, Josh is going to love that outfit. Purple always looked good on you, since you have the Snow White coloring", said Clara. She herself wore an emerald green tube dress in a similar style with her red hair pulled back into a French twist, a chunky green necklace around her throat.
"Just let me know if you're going to hook up with any Australian boys", teased Nika.
Nika took one last look in the mirror and grabbed her matching clutch purse as she followed Clara out of the room. At first, she was unsure about wearing such a short dress and heels, so different from her usual style. But when she saw Josh's eyes light up and the surprised and appreciative look on his face, she immediately felt confident and stood straight and tall. "Wow, you look amazing, Nika", he said. Nika felt a blush on her cheeks as his brown eyes raked over her body appreciatively, a slow smile forming on his lips. He wore fitted black trousers that clung to his slim hips and a white buttoned-down shirt with black wingtips on his feet, his brown hair neatly parted to one side as the subtle scent of aftershave lingered on his skin.
"Thank you, this is the first time I've ever been clubbing, I mean, at a place that has modern music", she stammered.
"I don't go to clubs that often, unless it's to check out a DJ or with John to hear some new EDM. But I'm going to dance with the prettiest girl in Australia", he teased.
John nearly did a double-take when he saw his daughter, never seeing her all glammed up like this. "You look great, Nika. I never thought I'd see you all glammed up", he said in surprise.
"There's a first time for everything, Dad", she replied.
"Yeah, Uncle John. Maybe you'll find yourself a girlfriend", said Clara.
"Nah, I'm celibate", he said.
"Dad, one day you'll meet someone awesome", said Nika, hugging her father.
"Maybe, maybe not. Just have a good time, I haven't gone to a club for dancing in years", said John.
"Australian clubs outside of Sydney aren't full of jerks, LA clubs are the worse with people", said Clara as they waited outside a club.
"When I go to a club with John, it's to hear the DJ. There's odd clubs like that out in the valley", said Josh.
"It seems as though you have gone with Dad more times that I have", Nika mused aloud.
"You were still a kid, we couldn't take you out to a dance club in the valley", said Josh.
"Am I still a kid, Josh?", she teased.
Josh just laughed as he put an arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. "Absolutely not, Nika. You're all grown up", he murmured.
The trio entered the club and once past the foyer, the main room of the club opened up to reveal a massive room bathed in purple lights and dry ice. Tiny tables lined the perimeter of the dance floor except for one side with a bar while a balcony overhead had private tables and booths for the VIP's. A DJ in a booth spun vintage jungle music from the 90's while the dancers gyrated under the purple lights.
Nika looked around curiously. "I'm going to dance, you two have fun", said Clara.
"I'll get us some drinks, it'll loosen us up", said Josh.
He led her towards the bar and ordered their drinks, a whisky sour for him and a lemon drop martini for her. "I'm not sure what you'd like, but girls generally like lemon drops", he said.
"I barely drink since Dad can't have any", she said.
Nika nodded in thanks as the bartender set down their drinks and Josh set up a tab. She took a sip and watched the people dance, seeing that in spite of the music it wasn't much different from the Northern Soul dancing. "This is your first grown-up club, right? Just relax and enjoy yourself", he said.
Nika felt more relaxed after finishing her drink. Josh had finished his own drink and took her hand as he led out onto the dance floor. At first she just shuffled along since she was unfamiliar with the beat, then gradually became more confident after a few songs. Josh gave her an encouraging smile as he danced, smiling in delight as she danced more confidently. Soon her dancing looked a lot more confident as she moved more and more gracefully, her cheeks flushed and her blue eyes sparkling.
It was past eleven when they had to leave as Josh went to the bar to settle their tab. Nika felt her phone vibrate and saw a message from Clara saying she was leaving with a guy. "Should I text her back?", she asked.
"Just say we're leaving and to text her dad", he said as she replied back.
There was a cab waiting outside for them as Josh opened the door and helped her in. Nika was still feeling pretty good after dancing and a few drinks as Josh held her close in the backseat. His arms went around her waist and his lips grazed her cheek, the fringe of his hair just a whisper against her skin. “Just wait", he whispered in her ear.
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Post by Tim on Oct 18, 2020 11:16:59 GMT -5
Looks like Nika is having a good time.
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