Random Stories and Stuff From Over the Years

Time To Swing the Blues

   The day was as same as ever. The tavern was dimly lit and filled with the smell of beer, cigarette smoke, and the desperation of the staff. Back on the lit stage was a singer trying to make minimum wage.

   Seems that was the best that he could get for what little he paid attention to in school. However he couldn’t sing the blues.

   I had all but forgotten his name but usually he was alright at singing. His voice wasn’t too horrible over all. Today however was different. His vocals seemed frayed as his notes were either flat or sharp.

   The depressing sounds of a saxophone and a trumpet in the back only down grading the mood further. I sighed once and downed the rest of the bourbon I was holding. Facing away from the stage I simply blew out an intoxicated breath and signaled the bartender for another round.

   “So what’s a beautiful woman like you doing here at the bar all alone?”A cocky voice asked. I looked up with my slightly unfocussed hazel eyes at his appearance.

   As usual a dark tux with a white shirt underneath and a choice bowtie. His hair was slicked back and his cobalt eyes were shining soberly. I hated him. I ‘tsk’ed at him and turned back to my new round of drinks, “What is a suave man like you doing trying to fool innocent if not slightly drunken woman?”I spat. He looked relatively shocked.

   Seems that he wasn’t used to his ‘dames’ having claws on them or brass knuckles in their purses.

   “Hey there now, my name’s Kris now why don’t I get Sal to get us a room in the back so we can…talk.”He persisted.

   Geez, doesn’t this man ever give up?

   “Sorry, but I have better things to do with my life then be in your company. Now if you will excuse me, I have a show to go perform.”I said.

   Getting up from the bar I told the bartender to put it on my tab and made my way toward the stage.

   Everyone in the room began to start whispering as I made my way toward the microphone. Oh how they got a shock when I bypassed that and went straight for the gleaming trumpet right behind the other two musicians.

   “Hey there Maul, nice to see ya.”The singer whispered. Still his name escaped me. I grunted to him and began to quickly fiddle with my keys to make sure that they wouldn’t stick.

   Once I was satisfied I quickly untied my beige duster and revealed a white sparkling sequined dress.

   A wondrous gasp of delight rang out into the room and I saw the singer take the stage. I smiled and then the music began. Yes what I loved to do was to swing the blues.

   No one believed that a woman could do that, but I think otherwise.

   I was proof of that.