In the Meantime (exerpt)

Krystal sank down deeper into the hot, sudsy water. She leaned her head back and took a sip of wine from the glass that rested on the bathtub ledge. This was the first chance she's had to relax in weeks. She wanted to enjoy the moment, but at the same time, could feel that familiar restlessness creep over her. She closed her eyes and breathed in the perfumed, steamy air, loving the feeling of the water on her skin. She took another sip of wine and focused on the candle that was sitting by the sink. Its flamed danced seductively. Somewhere in the background she could hear Samantha singing along to an old 80's tune that was playing on the radio.

It would be one year this weekend since she and Sam first came to Vegas. They had become friends in high school, due to a shared interest in music, and it wasn't long before they were putting on shows together with all of the local bands. After college, Vegas seemed like a logical choice - the girls were determined to become famous and both had stars in their eyes. Right off the bat, they got hired as singing waitresses at the Hollywood Diner. Not exactly dream jobs, but eventually it lead to bigger and better things. Now the two of them were part of a huge tribute show at the Hardrock Hotel - it had been running for 8 months now. Five shows a week - two on Sundays and Thursday was their night off. The job paid well enough for them to keep a modest, 2-bedroom apartment over looking The Strip, and kept their days free for other odd jobs, training at the gym, and rehearsals.

Hey, it was a living.

Vegas. You either hated it, or loved it. Fortunately, both girls preferred the latter. It was a city that was always growing and changing. People coming and going. Nothing ever stayed the same for long. That was the attraction. Plus, the lifestyle kept them really busy, which is why Krystal was having such a hard time getting out of the tub.

A sharp knock at the door brought her out of the trance.

"Come in.' She sighed.

Samantha peeked her head around the door, a huge grin on her face, "How much longer?" she asked.

Krystal crinkled her brow, "5 more minutes?" she questioned.

At that point, Sam burst in and perched herself on the edge of the tub, cigarette in hand. She picked up the wine glass and drained it, "It's getting late Cinderella - get out of the tub."

"Fine." Krys gave in and Sam jumped to her feet and left, tossing her friend a towel on the way out. Krystal stood, wrapped herself in the fluffy towel, and followed after.

"What are you going to wear?" She found Sam pawing through her closet.

"Well, " she turned, a mischievous look in her eye, "I'm going for 'Sexy Vixen' tonight, so you may want to consider that while you decide your ensemble - plus, if we don't show a little skin, we won't get in."

Krystal grinned, "We always get in." she mused, "We know the bouncers."