How Not To Be A Groupie

Chapter Eleven: Cliff Williams

"Is four in the mornin' long?" Bon asked. Cliff sighed. "Come on, this place is fun! Hannah here's already tryin' to sober up, she's had so much fun." He poked my glass of water. He started to take a drink from his own glass when he realized it was empty. He stood up. "I need another one."

As Bon walked away Cliff and I finished our meal. I opened my notebook back up and wrote about the atmosphere of the bar. Truly something to behold. A great place to hang out with friends. Even a cheerful place to get drunk. Bon stumbled back to the pool table with his new drink and started playing a round by himself. Malcolm and Phil weren't by the darts anymore and I couldn't find them anywhere. 

"Are we done for the day?" Cliff asked. I looked through my notes. I still had some more questions to ask but it wouldn't hurt to call it quits for the night. After all, I still had two others of the band to interview. 

"Yeah, I think we're done."

"Need a lift anywhere?" he asked. "I wanna stay here to take Bon back but I can call someone for ya'."

Whatever money I had in my pockets wasn't enough for a cab. I had to conserve every cent. Staying here all night didn't sound like a lick of fun but perhaps all three of us could hitch a ride back. It wasn't every day you got to party with your favorite band, right? "I'm okay for now," I said trying to hold back a yawn. 

"If you're sure," Cliff said. 

The night started to drag after that. A few people came up to Cliff recognizing him and wanting to talk over a drink or ask for an autograph. A few of them introduced themselves to me while others just spoke to Cliff. I didn't care either way. The only thing I cared about was getting to the bathroom. I had three glasses of water now and I was struggling.

I weaved my way through the crowds of people clutching my notebook to my chest. I had a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that the bathrooms here weren't the safest place to be this time of night. But I had to brave it out. 

No wonder women always went in packs. The only way to keep yourself safe. 

I made it there okay, finding the cleanest stall to use. There was no obscene writing on the door this time and for that I was a little disappointed. Nobody having sex either, thank fuck. After washing my hands and grabbing my things I got out of there quickly, back to the large groups of people. Strength in numbers.

All the tables looked the same. All the people started to look the same. Cliff blended right in. Bon wasn't by the pool tables anymore and I still caught no sight of Malcolm or Phil. I took deep, calming breaths as I made my way through the crowd. 

They couldn't have left without me...they most certainly could have.

I finally found our table but Cliff was gone. His glass was still there along with our garbage and I knew he wouldn't have just left it all there. What if he didn't notice me leaving and got up to look for me? Oh man, this was a cartoon!

I collected our trash and put it all in the center of the table. Being alone in a bar, especially if you're me, is entirely nerve wracking. The people here seemed decent, like they'd never in a million years try to ensnare a young woman in their malicious intent. But you can never be too careful. 

A very heavy and very full glass of amber liquid was placed in front of me. Another one was placed next to me. Ice was swimming in both. Bon took his place next to me and nodded at the glass. 

"Some guy at the bar was askin' about ya'," he said. "I was talkin' to him about our band an' he's got a band over in Perth..." He hiccuped. "I said you were with us an' he bought you a drink." He flicked the glass with his finger and the ice floated around while the alcohol rippled. "Whiskey on the rocks, jus' how you like 'em." Bon smiled, his eyes a little glassy. But only just a little. "That's what I told him, anyway."