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"This is Little Osaka." Joel points to the North/South street to our right. "It's mostly these three blocks." He motions to the storefront at the opposite side of the shopping center.
Only it's not a store.
It's a karaoke place.
He pulls out his phone to show off a text message.
Mal: A hundred bucks says I can out moan you.
"I was challenged." He slides his phone back into his pocket. "I figured you'd enjoy seeing my victory."
"What if you lose?"
"Angel, I'm going to pretend you didn't say that." He slides his arm around my waist and pulls me closer. "You get to hear me moaning either way."
"What are you singing for the moan-off?"
He smiles. "I can't divulge my secrets."
"Will you do a breathy singing off?"
"If you can name a band besides us that has a breathy karaoke track. Going up against Mal on a Dangerous Noise song is suicide."
"Where's your confidence?" I tease.
"There's confidence then there's a death wish. Two different things." He leads me into the karaoke joint.
The guy behind the counter looks too young to drive. He lights up when he spots Joel. It isn't the he's famous look. It's more my favorite customer is back.
"They're in room four." He points to the hallway on the right. "He's practicing."
Oh, that's what that sound is. It's hard to pick out the moaning vocals when they're competing with songs from three other rooms, but I'm pretty sure I can hear Mal moaning along to… something.
Joel smiles as he hands off his credit card. "You rooting for me?"
"Of course." The guy smiles back.
"You tell Mal the same thing?"
"Of course."
"You're going to make a great politician one day." Joel squeezes my hand and leads me down the hall.
This place already feels like it's out of a dream. The hall is bathed in blue light. The rooms are adorned with star-shaped windows.
On our right, a cuddled up couple is belting out love songs. On our left, a group of suits are joining forces to sing 80s songs.
I'm not sure a wiggle dress, flats, brown smoky eye, red lips, and hair that can only be described as a just-fucked mess are the right karaoke look. Right now, I don't care.
I feel like I belong here.
Even as we step into room four, an enormous suite with benches on three walls.
Mal is just finishing a song. He hands the mic to Piper.
She's still cute as a button. Her blond hair is in loose waves, her makeup is all sparkles, her fit-and-flare dress, Mary Jane heels outfit is stylish in an innocent college girl kind of way.
Not that I can talk.
