The pair head upstairs for a better look.

A devilish look came into Emma’s eyes. She nodded her head towards the sign guarding the staircase to the balcony. “Let’s go up there and get a better view of the stage.”

Steve followed her eyes. “Oh, I don’t know…I think it’d take a couple more drinks for me to go up there and be all alone with you.”

Emma smiled and kicked him lightly, “what’s the matter, do I scare you?”

Steve smiled back, “maybe just a little. I get the feeling that you are used to getting your way.”

Emma finished her drink and said, “you know, you’re right. I am used to getting my way and I say we go up there now.” She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him towards the staircase.

Steve couldn’t help laughing, “alright, but if anyone asks, this was all your idea.” As they got to the bottom of the stairs he looked around and said, “We’re going to need a distraction.”

At that moment a shrill blast of feedback came over the band’s speakers. The entire crowd winced and looked up at the stage. Emma pushed Steve, “now!” The two quickly stepped over the chain and hurried up the stone staircase. They got up to the top and saw a few tables and booths covered with large white sheets. Emma looked around and said, “I think I can guess why they don’t want anyone up here.” The balcony had no retaining wall or even a guardrail. It was just a tile floor and then a ten foot drop.

“Wow, that can’t be safe,” Steve said as he cautiously moved close to the edge.

Emma gave him a quick slap on his rear. Even though he was at least three feet from the edge he yelped and quickly scampered back. Emma laughed, “are you afraid of heights?”

“Hell no, I go both cliff and skydiving all the time! I just wasn’t prepared to be goosed.”

“So you’re afraid of geese then?” Emma said looking at him out of the tops of her eyes.

“They are nasty, mean-spirited birds. They’ve been known to chase people”

“A big strong guy like you afraid of little goose?” Emma asked as she stepped up close to him.

“I never said I was scared of them, I said they were mean and I wasn’t prepared to find one inside a club.”

“What did you expect to find inside here then?”

“Just a song, a dance, maybe some fun. I did find one thing I wasn’t expecting to though.”

“What’s that?”

“A beautiful woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.”

Emma put her hand on her hips and stuck her chin out. “Some people call that a ‘bitch’.”