Another Pair Of Eyes: Love is Not Blind

CHAPTER 29

October 2, 2019

Our Uber pulled onto the beginning of Beale Street and dropped us off. Hank got out first and walked around, opening the door for me. He was such a gentleman. Jess had been a blessed woman. Sadly, I  couldn't think of an instance where my door was ever opened for me?

Beale Street, America's most iconic street, was busy tonight. Jazz bands played outside of several restaurants. There was a big wheel rally going on down the middle of the street. It was quite the scene, seeing adults race each other on kid's toys around cones and avoiding pedestrians.

I was taking Hank to a barbecue joint due to his desire for some Memphis ribs. As we arrived, he commented about the famous sign; it was of a pig with sunglasses and big muscles lit up in bright neon lights. He insisted on taking a picture. The smallest things excited him. He had a natural curiosity about him that I had noticed from the first time I met him.

We walked in and put our name in for a table. There was a band playing rockabilly tunes from Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. After listening for a bit, a waitress in a hot pink uniform with black trim squeezed us through a crowd to a table in the back corner. Hank asked me which side I wanted to sit on, suggesting the side with a view of the band. He pulled the chair back for me as I sat with a good view. The bands were changing out; the rockabilly group calling it a night. The new band looked more contemporary.

"We don't have places like this in Franklin. I could get used to this atmosphere." Hank seemed to be caught up in the buzz that was Beale Street, his eyes registering everything around him. He seemed to have a child-like fascination with things. It was so cute.

"I don't come here much but I always enjoy the sights and sounds when I do. You didn't mention how your conference went?" Hank was loosening his tie. He had worn a suit for his speech. It was a little stuffy in here with so many people

"Oh, Em, it was so exciting to see the plans for the complex. I have been riding on a high ever since they told me about the project yesterday. It was a blessing to see their love for Haiti and their passion for this project. I cannot believe the way they are honoring Jess. It will be her lasting legacy." Hank lit up talking about the project. His passion was contagious. I wanted to go to Haiti and love on these people.

"That is great Hank. I am excited..." The screech of a microphone interrupted me.

"Welcome to our little party tonight! We want to start by taking requests. You pick the artist and we pick the song. We have our first one given to the hostess. Where is Hank?" Hank raised his hand with a small wave. "Hey, Hank, I see you are an eighties fan. Ok, you want a song from Foreigner? Well, I think I have the perfect one." The lead singer whispered to his band mates, and they prepared to play.

"Hank, Foreigner, is one of my absolute favorites!" Hank smiled.

"I know. You have good taste; one of my favorites too. I remembered you told me they were your favorite convert ever."

The band was ready, "Alright, Hank, we have a classic for you. This is a how a love song should have been written. This is to you and yours tonight." The keyboardist started playing a slow rift before the lead singer grabbed the microphone with two hands and went in for what looked like a kiss on the mic. He began to croon the words of one of Foreigners most famous songs.

The lead singer came over to our table and serenaded us. That made us both blush. I started thinking about the words and my cheeks colored even more. I wondered if Hank was registering their potential meaning. After the song ended, we laughed about the guy trying to get us to sing the chorus with him. The waitress came over and took our drink order.