The young musicians travelled on a budget. That was of necessity; transporting and accommodating an orchestra is expensive and so is the hire of suita...le venues, while the young people themselves haven't yet got names that attract large, high-paying audiences. Discerning music lovers will pay to hear them, happily, because they know they can expect a high standard of musicianship and, sometimes, a sublime experience. All of which is to say, they stayed in budget hotels, usually on special. His nose followed the graceful arch of the foot, then lingered over the round, pinkish heel. He could see the delicate ankle and the padded edge of the monstrous cast engulfing the calf, knee and upper part of the leg. Now, for him, the comatose girl was reduced to an adorable foot that existed by itself, apart from the living body. Not that her body could be called “living” anymore. His mouth closed over the big toe and started sucking it, kissing it, his tongue shimmying like mad, his. "Lovely," Melanie said. "Talk to you soon, have a good night, lady."Somehow Jon found himself back at his table with Margo and Bridget. Hewas still trying to process what had happened, but his mind was muddledfrom all the booze."There she is," Margo said. "You off flirting with Nate?" What?" Jon asked, his focus back to reality."Our waiter swung by a bit ago and left a napkin with his number on itfor you. Looks like he has a thing for redheads." Don't look so shocked," Bridget said with a laugh. One of the other girls' is sick and they've got a gig going and need me." Oh I'm sorry dear!" I said. "I was looking forward to another night at home with you. Are you going to be able to work with your back so sore from the tattoo?" I hope so. I know the place we'll be working at and it's one of those shady stores in the northeast. I should be finished by ten though." The northeast part of town was notorious for it's reputation of gangs, blacks, and d**gs."You don't go out there by yourself do.