Chicago Blues (Open Thread)

[BigDawg69]

It was the summer of 1967 and it was hot! The city of Chicago was baking through one of the hottest summers on record, or at least it felt that way. Little Joe sat in the front seat of his mother’s car with the sweat dripping from his head. Part of him was relieved to be headed out of the city, but he wished he was headed toward the lake with the rest of the guys from the neighborhood. Instead his Mom had dragged him out to visit his grandparents. It’s not that Joe didn’t like his grandfather; it’s just that the man was old and never said much. And besides Mike’s mom was taking the rest of the guys in her station wagon down to the lake for the day!

Joe was the only child to an only parent. His father had been shot and killed in the line of duty in Korea just weeks after Joe was born. That was 15 years ago and Joe’s mom had done her best to raise her son. She insisted on taking Joe out to see his grandparents every weekend. It worked well at first, but Big Joe (Joe’s grandfather) had grown increasingly silent over the last few years. His age was beginning to catch up to him slowly, and a 15 year-old boy did not quite understand or have the patience for that.

Joe walked slowly, begrudgingly behind his mother up the steps to the old house. They ventured inside and made their way to the small kitchen of this quaint 1940’s cottage. It was predictably decorated in the Middle America style reminiscent of the late 40’s through the mid 50’s. Joe’s grandmother was busy in the kitchen putting together their dinner. The sweet smell of baked ham and cinnamon apples filled the warm air of the house.

Joe rounded the corner into the old kitchen to a big hug from his grandmother. She showered him with the weekly praise of how tall and big he’s getting, and how he’s turning into a fine man. Joe shrugged his shoulders and nodded at the old woman.

“Run outside and find your grandfather in the shed, Joe.” She said as she showed him toward the back door, “Make sure he’s not getting into any trouble back there.”

Joe slowly made his way to the out building behind the house. As he rounded the corner to the garage door he heard the faint shrill sound of blues music blaring from an old phonograph. Joe crept slowly inside the building. He couldn’t see his grandfather anywhere. He walked up to the phonograph and listened to the music for a bit. The saxophone wailed out a catchy tune. Joe couldn’t help but tap his feet as he began to flip through the old records sitting next to the machine.

“Do you know who that is boy?” A crackled old voice came from the darkness behind Joe and startled him. “That’s your old Grandpa playing that sax.”

Joe’s jaw dropped open as his grandfather moved into the light. The old man slumped about his shoulders but still stood just over six feet tall. He carried two beers in his hands.

“Shocked that this old man could juke it up? Well have a seat and I’ll tell you about a time before I was and old man, a time before I knew your Grandma even.” Big Joe limped past Little Joe and sat in an old rocker chair. “Take a seat boy. Open these beers for me, and one of ‘em is yours.” The old man winked at Little Joe. “You got to be sworn to secrecy though. If your mother finds out you been drinking beer the only thing worse would be for your Grandma to find out I HAVE beer!”

Little Joe took the beers from Big Joe and popped the lids off. He handed one back and kept the other for himself. He sat down slowly looking at the old man across from him. The old blues music filled the room as the afternoon sun streamed through cracks in the blacked out windows and seams in the old roof timbers. One shaft of light crossed just right across Big Joe’s face so that Little Joe could see his eyes twinkle as he took a long drink of the cold beer.

“That’s right boy. I bet you didn’t know I’ve been called Big Joe since before I even knew your Grandma existed. You see I was taller then everybody else in the band, and so one day Sammie the base player called me Big Joe, and it kind of stuck.”

“I didn’t know you were in a band” Little Joe questioned as he took a small sip of the beer.

“That’s right. Lead sax player in the Chicago Blues Boys Band. Of course that was many years ago.” Big Joe sat back in the old rocker which creaked under his weight. “Hmmm let’s see that would have been back in 1925 guess that’s over 40 years ago now.” Big Joe took another long drink from his beer. “Of course that was a different time. We were free then, or at least we acted that anyway. Pot, booze, fast women and good music, that’s what we lived for.” Big Joe looked at Little Joe for a moment. “Of course you’re probably not interested in such things now.”

“No, no, Grandpa. I want to hear about it.” Little Joe sat forward in his chair ready to soak up the old man’s every word.

“Well like I said it was a different time then. The war had been over for a few years, but was still fresh in everyone’s mind, especially those of us that had the horror of being there. That’s why I limp you know.” Little Joe shook his head. Big Joe started again. “Well I was shot climbing out of one of those damned trenches. Bastards got me right in the knee. Sent me home though, more than I can say for a lot of guys.” Big Joe took another drink from his beer, and Little Joe mirrored the old man. “I was limping around Chicago looking for work when an old war buddy of mine found me and offered me a gig in a gin joint.” Big Joe paused for a moment. “You know what a gin joint was?”

Little Joe shook his head, and Big Joe nodded slowly. “There was a prohibition against alcohol, but that didn’t stop most people. Hell even half the Irish flatfoots carried flasks around on their beat! Anyway these gin joints started springing up. They were underground clubs where folks could go and get a drink, gin usually thus the name. If you had the money you could get into some really nice clubs with decent gin that wouldn’t kill you. Anyway these clubs also became known for their music. A good house band would make a club.

That’s where Fat Bob comes in. Fat Bob was an artillery man in our unit in France. Fat Bob found me wandering around Chicago one day and asks me if I still play my sax that he’s putting together a new house band for a new club downtown. Having nothing better to do I followed him to the club. Now Little Joe you got to remember these places were strictly illegal. So Fat Bob took me through a section of downtown and down inside an old building I never knew existed, and I grew up on the streets of Chicago!

We came up to a giant iron door. A little slit slid open and a pair of very mean eyes looked down at us. I gulped. Fat Bob said some gibberish and the whole door creaked open slowly. I could not believe my eyes! Being a young man of 28 I had heard about these joint but could never afford to get into one. It was amazing. Plush velvet circular booths, white linen table cloths on the tables. Huge crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling over the dance floor.

On the stage, across the joint was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on.” Little Joe nodded and chuckled. Big Joe shot out, “No it wasn’t your Grandma! It was Crystal Delite, and boy did she ever live up to her name! She had gams that only the floor kept from going on forever.” Big Joe sat back in his chair and took another long sip from his beer. “So boy, do you want to hear more?”

Little Joe nodded furiously at Big Joe. “Yes sir!”

****************************************************
OOC: Jump in where Fat Bob and Big Joe just walk into the club for the first band rehearsal. I am Big Joe (clearly) and I will need:

Fat Bob: doesn't necessarily mean he's got to be fat, think of a funny way he got the nickname besides the obvious

The Doorman: big huge scary guy with a hear of gold maybe?)

Crystal Delite: Super gorgeous, super sexy siren.
DeliciousMaiden has come up with a wonderful idea for Crystal and will be playig this role

Feel free to introduce new characters, owner, bartenders, waitresses, band members, clientel etc.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Crystal Delite

“Crystal.. Crystaaal!… waar bent jij.?..kom.. het is nu tijd…! “

The voice scolded, asking her where she was and telling her it was time!

“Jaa..ik weet het…ik kom..”

Crystal’s voice was petulant, as she responded to the old woman’s instructions.
She took a final deep breath.
It wasn’t that the air was particularly fresh.
It wasn’t that she didn’t know that it was time already.
She just wanted to savour those last five minutes to get her head together before she went out there to perform.
She pulled her wrap closer around her curvaceous form and slipped reluctantly inside.

“ok..ok.. j’arrive…!”

She switched to her Native French… and then to her adopted English

“.. and I’ve told you.. use English or French….”

She grinned at the old woman before her, almost laughing at the disapproval she saw written there, and the words scolding her assuring that she was a vlaaming and should not deny her roots.. it was bad enough pretending she was French.. Their long familiarity allowed the woman to pass comment, but as ever, Crystal pleased herself.

“But I am French…je suis francophone, n’est pas..?

She commented, good naturedly now as she brushed her long blonde hair until it gleamed.

North Belgian was close enough. She had spoken both at home with her maman and papa.. and then… there had been fighting….and devastation… and she had escaped to better climes and better times…but that seemed so long ago.

She smiled fondly at the companion, the woman she affectionately, “Nonette”, who had become her employee when Crystal had started “making it big”, well bigger, started making more significant money.

It was an arrangement that suited them both.
Crystal was genuinely fond of the older woman and appreciative of the care she took of Crystal’s wardrobe and the petty domestic details that Crystal just could not be bothered with.
She could be called upon to play a convenient chaperone, if Crystal wished to discourage one of her many admirers.

At present they both boarded separately, but in the same house.
Their accommodation had always been temporary as Crystal wanted to remain without ties incase she had to uproot and head cross country at a moment’s notice in search of that elusive deal which would enable her to really make it big!

She slipped off the robe and poured herself into the slinky silver gown.
Heels and stockings completed the outfit.
She looked approvingly at herself in the mirror.

“Vite” Vite!”

Nonette urged uselessly.

She shouldn’t have bothered.
Crystal rushed for no one.
Her timing was perfect.
She knew that by the time she arrived at the stage entrance,
the audience would be begging for her.. “

She gave Nonette a quick kiss and breezed out of the door of the tiny dressing room.
Nonette sighed in awed frustration.

Crystal was spirited, independent.
She let no one hold her back or tell her what to do.
Her past tragedy had proved to be her strength.
She lived for the day, the hour, the moment,
She had little fear of confidence and only blind ambition for the future.

As a consequence she was wild and free.
She had only herself to please and lived life to the full.
Men and money were frittered carelessly through her hands.

The club calmed.
You could hear the anticipation.
This once more was her moment.

Amid rapturous applause, Crystal walked onto the stage.
The crowd reacted to her beauty,
her voluptuous, yet slender figure,
her smokey come-to-bed eyes that seemed to send signals to every man in the room,

Yet ... as she began to sing,
even the first line drew them into her spell as they listened enraptured by this jewel that lit up the off beat down town drinking joint.

OOC:

Pic is of Crystal!

 

[StarXChyld]

Piggy Murphy

The short little blonde sat idly on a bar stool, swinging her dark stockinged leg back and forth with obvious boredom. The smoke in the joint hurt her eyes and her girdle was killing her but she managed a cheery smile each time one of the bar patrons passed by.

Never know how much der going to leave ya, so youse do yer best to please em’ all. That was her motto.

Patricia Murphy, or "Piggy" to her better customers, had started as a cigarette girl and worked her way up to "working girl" status due to her strong work ethic and soft heart. She wasn’t the prettiest dame in the place but she was probably the sweetest. The men liked her because she’d listen to their tales of woe and laugh at all their jokes. And when Piggy laughed, you knew it. She would giggle and cackle until she was snorting straight out, like a pig rooting for turnips.

A customer came up on her blind side and pinched her ample tush, making her jump out of her seat. Wagging a pudgy finger in his direction, she teasingly called after him, "Just ya wait, Mr. Roman Fingers. I’ll git ya yet!"

She glanced at the clock behind the bar and her heart fluttered. It was almost 10 and soon Fat Bob would be strollin’ through the door. Piggy may have shared her affections with many a man but only one held her heart and that was Fat Bob. That man made her crazy with passion. Pulling out a compact, she powdered her nose and pinched each of her cherub cheeks, making them glow with color. Grabbing her boa, she headed towards the front door and struck a pose against the wall where she was sure Fat Bob would spot her.

 

[poohlive]

Fat Bob couldn't help but let a huge grin come over his face. He didn't have to glance over at his old friend to know exactly what he was looking at, hell, everyone else was.
"Be careful," he said, patting Big Joe on the back, "She's as deadly as she is pretty. Just be careful around her, no one's been able to keep her for more than a week. She's like a free spirit."
He moved aside for his growing stance, standing for a moment, and listening to the little bird sing. Sheer perfection.
At one point in life, he had actually been fat. A huge slab of a boy, all growing up. Fat Tony was clearly the obvious name for him, and it stuck. The war had been troubling times, and those layers of fat that had been so graciously given to him by his mother and a few of the local merchants, had slowly turned to muscles.
When he had finally come back from the war, he was litterally a shell of himself. The name still stuck however, not that he mattered.
He wouldn't have wanted to give it up in any case.
A jewel caught his eye. Why, if that wasn't Piggy herself. And looking like she had just fallen from heaven. He hadn't expected to see her tonight.
He moved over, hugging her gently. His body feeling hers against him for just a moment, as he kissed her cheek.
"I didn't think you'd be hear, this is a surprise."
He nodded back to Joe, "Go mingle for a bit. When Crystal is done with her number, we can get things set up for the band."
He looked back at the flower next to him.
"Could I buy you a drink?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Crystal Delite

Crystal stood beneath the lights.
In the smokey atmosphere of the club, he dress caught in flashes as she moved slowly and senuously, swaying to the magical spell she wove.

She didn't try to hard.
She didn't have to.
Her voice had been classically trained and could ease with seemingly effortless skill up and down the scale.
She was officially mezzo-soprano and was most comfortable with the middle to low range.
Her talent was caressing those lower notes and delivering them with the sexy huskiness of an orgasm.

Her eyes, another asset did not focus ahead. She locked her gaze onto the patrons who stood or sat to hear her sing.
Her eyes seemed to be able to encompass all, yet anyone who knew her knew that her scanning device was in operation.
Who would she select for special attention?
She could spot the moneyed, the handsome, the men who meant trouble at 50 paces and usually played up to all three types.
The highlife, the adoration of a handsome man and the excitement of forbidden fruit combined to make the heady cocktail that was Crystal's life.

Her hair shone as she brought the mellow tones to a close.
Her voice undulating more slowly as she squeezed the last notes out of the number she had presented to her public.
In the age when it was the height of fashion to crop hair into a boyish bob, Crystal retained her overtly feminine locks.
She took great pride in her hair.
Her natural blonde curtain had become as much of a trade mark as the rest of her.

She presented men with an irresistable combination.
She looked the traditional type of girl that men associated with the beginning of the decade; even her dresses were cut longer than the shortness of fashion dictated, yet her whole demeanour, screamed vamp, an icon of the freerthinking age, which was now in full swing.

The applause exploded about her.
She kept her expression cool and smiled softly, accepting the adulation as if it were merely her due.

"Thank you ladies and gentleman.."

She purred. The accent was faint, adding to her enigmatic quality.
Crystal Delite explained her roots, her life, her motives to no man ... or woman.

She sashayed through the crowd then, ignoring the fact that Nonette would be waiting behind in the dressing room.
She needed a drink, and drink she was going to get one
....right now.

 

[StarXChyld]

Piggy fluttered her long lashes up at Fat Bob. The mere sound of his voice was enough to make her swoon. Pushing a stray curl of baby-fine hair from her big blue eyes, she slipped her arm in the crook of Bob's and followed him proudly across the floor to the bar. This was her man and she wanted everyone to know it.

She pouted slightly as she watched Fat Bob's eyes gaze over at Crystal. She knew her Bobby had had a brief affair with the woman and she was still very insecure about it. Ever since Piggy had come after him with a gun and he'd laughed at her, taunting her to shoot him dead, she knew she couldn't stop him from his dalliances. She loved him too much. She had to use her charms to hold him, not threats.

He kissed the top of her head and gave her a good squeeze before lifting her up onto the bar stool next to him. "Whatcha' drinkin', gorgeous?"

Waving to the bartender, she replied in her high squeaky voice, "Gimme a shot of whiskey. I gotta pull a double tonite!"

 

[Lady_Kit]

Sammie

http://www.pandorasbox.com/louisebrooks/pix/portraits/beggars/beggars06.jpg

Sammie sat with head bent, carefully inspecting the glowing maple of her upright bass. She had performed all the tasks necessary to keep her instrument to peak condition, but she was constantly vigilant for damage of any kind. The care was more labor of love than simple maintenance. Nothing in her life gave her more joy than the smooth wood of the neck, the cool touch of the ebony fingerboard. The music had been her salvation, now it was her anchor. Her calloused fingertips brushed across the strings calling out just a whisper of the voice that would be heard tonight at the club. This would be her first professional gig as part of a group, and she was nervous.

She couldn’t afford for anything to go wrong. It had taken so long to get here and it was so difficult to find someone who would take her seriously as a musician. All most could see was an attractive woman; hazel eyes, light brown hair, and a trim figure. It was a good thing she couldn’t sing or some promoter would have put her into something slinky and stuck her center stage. It wasn’t until she adopted her new wardrobe that her music had been listened to, and to think all she had to do was bob her hair and wear trousers. Her new appearance was much more practical; besides, she felt it helped her avoid the kind of attention a single woman got in the speakeasies and gin joints. Even places with “class” were dangerous, as she knew from personal experience. Now, in her masculine dress, she was an “artiste” to the promoters, and something else to the rest of the predators.

Looking at the pocket watch on the dresser, she notes that its time to leave, and begins the slow akward trip to the curb to wait for her ride. Transportation was only special treatment she had asked for with this job, and it had naught to do with her gender, but with her instrument. Her bass was just past six feet tall and getting it to the club would be a long and tedious process, so the owner sent a car for her each evening, and the same car would deposit her back here at the end of the night. The streets were no place to be unescorted, and since it was unlikely that an escort would be available, she had been concerned. She had never wanted to trade on her gender in any way, but if it meant a safe ride home in the dark Chicago night, she might have put on lace and stockings again. Thankfully, her new employer valued her instrument more than he probably would her virtue. Well, at least she still had her instrument.

Her arrival at the club was quick and efficient. She had strained to see just how the automobile was driven. It didn’t seem terribly complicated. Just like the bass, it was merely a series of actions to achieve the desired response. Perhaps she’d have a chance to try before they finished this job. She’d given the driver a pleasant smile as she’d climbed out of the vehicle, maybe he offer.

The door to the club was opened after the duly offered and acknowledged secret knock. Sammie believed that there were few who didn’t know the knock, but figured the bouncer knew who was ok and who was not. Apparently, she was ok, since the door opened quickly and without question. She hoped that Joe and Fat Bob were here on time for once. It was just one of the bad habits she to which she was trying to adjust. Of course, they had to adjust to the fact that Sammie was a woman, not the man they had expected. Rehearsals had been interesting, sometimes loud, and more often lately, very creative. They had found their rhythm; tonight they’d try it on the audience.

 

[poohlive]

Fat Bob grabbed the chair next to Piggy, sitting down and asking for his usual. The bar tender gave them both a shot of whiskey, and then just left the bottle. It would be mostly gone before the night was over.
Not that Fat Bob was that much of a drinker, he could hold his own, but because he was generous. Anyone who was anyone he would offer a drink. By the time the night was over, he had made a bunch of new friends, and possibly some more contacts.
"Pulling a double tonight?" his hand went over hers, as he looked at her, "I thought we could go upstairs tonight. They just finished the flat, and I wanted to play you a few records."
He had just bought this incredible new phonograph, that had such crystal clear sound, one could swear that the musicians were right there in the room, lulling one to sleep, or to dance. It was intoxicating, what a time to be alive.
"Well, don't work too hard," he took her hand in his, and kissed it gently. Such a gentle soul. She reminded him greatly of him a few years ago. He could have sworn if he were a woman, he would be something very similiar to Piggy. Maybe that was why he was so drawn to her.
Checking his pocket watch, he glanced back at the front door. There were supposed to be a couple more musician coming today. Apart from Big Joe, there were supposed to be a couple more people joining.
Well, they had a good half hour anyway, but if he didn't see some instruments coming through the door soon, he'd have to start making a few phone calls. Amazing little device that telephone.
He drowned his whiskey, and poured himself another.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Crystal Delite

Crystal made her way slowly through the tables.
She needed a drink, but, more to the point she needed to be seen.
Her progress was slow.
She swung her hips deliberately as she passed tables, aware of, but studiously ignoring the admiring and even lustful glances.

Only the chosen few were acknowledged as she paused at selected tables, allowing herself to be complimented, drawn into make some comment about the conversation, before, with seeming regret, being sucked back into the throng of humanity around her.

She'd seen the men come in during her act.
Seen Fat Bob leave his friend at the doorway and was gratified that the strangers eyes had been on her throughout her number.
She paused at the table where Fat Bob sat with Piggy beside him.
She would not ask about the stranger.
That was not her style.
Crystal pursued no man, she just waited to reel him in.
With a smile a reassuring glance at Piggy she ran her hand casually through Fat Bob's hair.

"Heh.. mon brave.. not often you set yourself up this early?"

She purred using her old endearment.

"You got an urge to get going quickly or something.. "

Her eyes flicked suggestively to Piggy as she teased and threw him her saucy smile, the one that he remembered held all manner of innendo,

"or.. just looking to get off early...?"

Even before they could speak she was away, pressing her body against those waiting to give their orders now there was a pause between acts, the crowd parted allowing her to get to the drink that was already sat on the bar for her; the huskiness of her laughter as she glanced back at the pair at the table hung in the air, as tangible as the smoke clouds that rose from so many cigarrettes.

She took a sip of the fiery liquid and slipped onto a stool.
Knowing she could see and be seen from this vantage point.

 

[BigDawg69]

I stood in awe of the vocal vixen as she performed her wonderfully melodic accapella number. Upon completion she gracefully slipped through the audience, her eyes her legs, her mouth everything about her oozed sexuality and sensuality. I hadn't even noticed Fat Bob had stepped away until I watched as Crystal wlaked up to his table where he was sitting with his girl.

My admiration of Crystal was broken by a sharp bump from behind. I spun on my heels to be confronted with a large stand-up base. I took a step back to keep from being run over by it.

"Hi ya Sammie." I spoke softly to our bass player turning back around to the club.

"Hi ya Big Joe." Sammie said stepping up to stand next to me. "So this is the club?"

"Yeah. Swanky huh?"

"Yeah."

Through our practises in the bosses warehouse on the otherside of town I had come to know Sammie as a woman of phenomenal talent and very few words. She was enigmatic with her masculine dress and uncommon beauty.

"She wants you." Sammie spoke while nudging me in the shoulder.

"Who?"

"That singer. She wants you." Sammie had a hint of something in her voice that sounded almost like defeat, "If she doesn't yet, when she hears you play she will."

I turned to Sammie and flicked at the old cap she always wore. "Trying to tell me something?"

She returned my playful gesture with a sarcastic grin, "In your dreams." She lifted the bass and walked off toward the stage.

I chuckled to myself and followed Sammie along. We still needed a couple more members to show up, but I wasn't to worried. With my sax, Sammie's base and Fat Bob on the piano we had enough to perform for the evening. A couple of the guys had seemed hesitant about coming out tonight.

I paused along the way and took up a sexy waitress's offer for a shot. The brown liquor burned hot on it's way down and filled me with warmth as it settled in. I took a second glass and downed it as I made my way backstage.

 

[StarXChyld]

Her cheeks were flushed and the halo of tiny spiral curls around her head shone in the flickering lights of the club. She was relishing Fat Bob's attention and regretting having agreed to fill in for one of the other girls that night. Oh how she would have loved to go back to Bobby's place and listen to music like the nice girls she was sure he dated on the side. She could only imagine what that life must be like. Getting up before noon, dressing in nice clothes, going to a job that rendered a legit paycheck, coming home and getting dolled up for a real gentleman caller that would buy candy and flowers and hold her hand.

Her stubby fingers closed possesively around Bobby's long thin digits as Crystal made her approach.

"Heh.. mon brave.. not often you set yourself up this early?"

Crystal purred using her old endearment.

"You got an urge to get going quickly or something.. "

Crystal's eyes flicked suggestively to Piggy as she teased and threw Fat Bob her saucy smile, the one that made Piggy's blood boil.

"or.. just looking to get off early...?"

Crystal pivoted on her heel and sauntered off before Piggy could squirm her way off her bar stool and wrap her fingers around the little trollop's neck. Fat Bob grabbed her by her waist, scooping her off the floor, kicking and cursing.

He spoke in a soothing tone, nibbling her earlobe as he went, "Now, Piggy. . .you don't want to be goin' and doin' that, now do ya? Your fiesty little temper's landed you more times in the street than a flea-infested dog. Let the girl go. It's all part of her act."

A small crowd had gathered around to drink Fat Bob's whiskey and see if Piggy would start a cat fight. Piggy protested faintly but stopped kicking and Bob set her on her feet again.

A hand shot out of the crowd and grabbed Piggy around the wrist, pulling her towards the stairs behind the red curtain. The other men cheered as Piggy's first customer of the night threw his arm around her shoulders, "Come on, Piggy. Let's go see if we can't work off some of that heat, honey."

Waddling across the floor in her high heels, she managed one glance back at Bobby before the red curtain swept him from view. A tiny sob caught in her throat as she watched the patrons close in around him and his bottle of whiskey.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Crystal Delite

Crystal noticed the stranger retreating backstage and wondered if he were one of the musicians in Fat Bob's band.
She'd heard they were good and wondered just how
this new guy fitted into the set up.

She'd noticed the girl too.
Her eyes had narrowed as she'd seen the beauty, well concealed, but there none-the-less.
She couldn't understand how women could do that to themselves.
Surely it was possible to make something of yourself without resorting to such a drastic show of masculinity?

Of course, she'd made sure they didn't know that she was watching them. Surrounded now by various suitors all craving for her attention, Crystal picked on one poor sap and seated him before her. As she listened in supposed rapt attention to his flowery compliments to her looks, her singing, she'd accepted a drink from him, but her eyes drifted regularly over his shoulder and focused on the new object of her attention as he stood at the door.

As he'd disappeared backstage, her admirer was summarily dismissed. He'd served his use and, she reasoned, should be grateful for the few minutes of precious time that she'd deigned to give him. Standing and claiming that she had to discuss a forthcoming number, she left him dangling, not totally wiped out, but just put on a backburner, leaving him hopeful, just incase she had need of him later.

She'd seen Piggy retreating with her ... client ... and noted a disturbance at the table where Fat Bob was seated.
She sighed in exasperation.
Piggy had confronted her once and accused Crystal of being cold, of never having been in love. Crystal remembered telling Piggy that quite the reverse was true, that she fell in love all the time.
This comment had strangely incensed Piggy all the more!

Crystal just didn't let anyone get to her... she was always moving forward, she made sure she ditched the lover well before he tired of her: Leave them all wanting more was the rule of the game.
By moving onto the next conquest, she knew she'd never be let down.
She was not a girl to make a scene.
She vowed she'd never run after a man.
Past was past, the future was what you made it.

Fat Bob was her past, her distant past at that, but why make enemies of past lovers..?
If Piggy did not like her talking to her "Bobby", well that was just tough. Crystal craved noone's good opinion.

But Fat Bob was not the object of her interest this evening.

Crystal picked up her freshly filled glass and made her way to the pianist seated at the side of the smokefilled room.
She knew that esconced at the side of the stage, she could watch the forthcoming act up close without the distractions of being seated near the bar.

Passing Fat Bob, she laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Good luck tonight, mon brave... I'll be watchin... !"

She kissed a forefinger and placed it lingeringly on his lips.
Her smile and tease were automatic.
They were what made her "Crystal".
With a melting glance, she turned once more and crossed the room, her move undulating, but refusing to be distracted now, heading for a dim corner where she could watch and remain, relatively unobserved.

 

[poohlive]

No matter how many times she did, it still got to him every time. Crystal was the kind of girl that never made you forget, not for a moment. She wanted to take charge, of everything. He couldn't help but look into those deep sparkling eyes every chance he got.
That still didn't mean anything, as of now, she was merely eye candy to him. Something of a valuable little porcelain doll, that is kept on a high shelf, and looked at constantly. A decoration, nothing more.
He could tell from the look of her, she was off to bigger and better things. Like a shark swimming for her next prey, she sauntered across the room, gracefully taking in the atmosphere.
He touched his lips, where her finger was but a moment ago.
"How about a drink?"
Fat Bob came out of his thoughts for a moment, and poured one of the business men a hefty shot of whiskey. He glanced back for only a moment, at the curtain where Piggy had left not a few minutes ago.
The poor thing, she didn't deserve that. She should've at least been asked to leave first. He'd have to ask a few of his buddies to help find the man his manners, but for now it meant money in Piggy's pocket.
He had wanted to go save her, protect her, wrap his arms around her and tell her she never had to work a day in her life again, but he couldn't do that. She needed the money, and he had a set in less than ten minutes.
One more look at the door, to see if there might be another might be another musician walking in. From how late it was now, he'd better be running in through that door.
Well, a few more drinks with some of the clients, get them good and drunk, and remember the name Fat Bob, and then they'd start playing. Really shake up this speak easy.
He'd show them all how it's done.

 

[BigDawg69]

Big Joe

I moved slowly back to the dressing rooms, passing the room reserved for Crystal. The strong smell of flowers wafted through the small hallway from within the room. I could hear a slight grunt of disgust from Sammie as we passed by.

“Ten minutes before we go on, you want some inspiration?” Sammie muttered as we set our instruments down in the small dank dressing room.

I turned as she flipped a match to full blaze. The glowing flame almost matched the brightness of the single dim light bulb dangling from a cord over the center of the room. She had a freshly rolled cigarette that she lit and took a very deep breath. Now I had grown up on a farm and spent my youth packing tobacco in my jaw, but learned to smoke in the trenches. Everyone did. As soon as she let out I could tell this was no ordinary tobacco.

“Here, take a deep tug and hold it for as long as you can.” She held the cigarette to me and winked an evil grin.

I slowly took the small cigarette and put it to my lips. It had a strange but good taste. I began to inhale the smoke filled my lungs and almost made me choke, but I held on. With a long exhale I could begin to feel my head lighten a bit.

Sammie began asking me about the choices I make when I played. I could tell she desperately wanted to be free with her playing. She was talented there is no doubt about that. She was not at all satisfied with my response that I just relax and let the sax play itself.

She continued to berate me, accusing me of practicing for my solo’s at home. Before we knew it the cigarette was done and we were laughing hysterically. That’s when we heard Fat Bob’s booming voice down the corridor. It was time to go on.

Sammie and I stammered about getting our stuff to go on stage. As she reached for her bass and I my sax we collided shoulders. She looked up at me her soft face mere inches from my own. I could almost feel her breath on my cheek. We paused there for a moment looking at each other.

“Hurry UP!” Bob’s voice broke the moment.

We both instantly began to laugh and shuffled out to the stage. None of the other band members had showed, so Crystal’s pianist agreed to play with us. Bob knew him and knew that he was better anyway. Bob settled in behind the small drum set and Sammie took up her spot next to the piano. I strapped on my sax and looked around at the club.

Hundreds of small eyes peered back at me. Time slowed to a crawl. I could feel my heart jump into my throat as I lifted the sax to my mouth. With four clicks of Bob’s sticks the note streamed from my sax. We started with a catchy tune and it was only a few measures of music before the dance floor filled with patrons.

As the set progressed I relaxed into my playing. We were jamming. The music flowed effortlessly and each song ended with a chorus of cheers and applause. About thirty minutes into our set I caught the crystalline eyes of Crystal. She sat quietly behind the pianist watching intently. I had to take a double glance to convince myself that it was me she was looking at.

“One more then we’ll break! I need a drink!” Bob said over the roaring crowd screaming for more.

I nodded my head and started a long slow note. My sax singly sung out through the club, slowing everything down. The hopping crowd dispersed into couples shuffling slowly in each other’s arms. The constant murmur of conversations seemed even to lower. Quietly the band joined in.

I saw from the corner of my eye as I got into a good groove Crystal rise slowly and walk over to me. Without a word she stood next to me and opened her mouth. With the clarity of the finest bells her voice joined in with my notes. She sung no words, just notes perfect notes. We strayed from the tune and began to play off of each other. Her voice matched with my sax in perfect harmony.

As the song came to a close her eyes melted through my soul. Her voice floated above the world carried on the notes of my saxophone. With a romantic roll of the keys from the piano my sax dropped from my lips in awe of what had just happened. Crystal smiled a huge bright smile and kissed me lightly on the forehead. Over the extreme roar of the crowd I could barely hear her say to me.

“My turn now baby. But we should do this again.”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Crystal Delite

I took the time to discuss my next number as we chatted quietly in the shadows at the side of the stage. Then my pianist was called away,

"...you don't mind do you Crystal, they need someone on the ivories..."

"Sure... no problem..."

I commented casually, more than happy to oblige and eager to see what this recently-got-together band would sound like.
I was beginning to think that though he looked good, his peformance would be lacking, though that hadn't been what I expected at all. I'd hung around so long 'cos this place had a rep. for staging talent, rather than raw wanna-bes."

I slunk into the shadows as the group staggered onto the stage. MMmmmmm sax.... I noted... my favourite instrument... such soul-stopping sounds .... I leaned forward slightly watching as the beat introduced the number and the music began.

I adored this type of music. Opera, the classics were a beautiful form, but so schooled, so hemmed in and full of rules... it was the spontaneity and the "anything goes nature "of this music that had seduced me away from my "art"...

Usually, when such a good band played, I closed my eyes and let the spell weave it's magic round me and carry me away, but this time my eyes were fixed on that stranger.
Man could he play that baby!... the mellow notes glided up and down the scale, carressing the modulation of each note.
I found myself swaying in time to the hopping notes and felt the throb and swing of the dancers around me, like me they were finding it impossible to stay still!

Fat Bob called,

“One more then we’ll break!"

I saw him nod and then draw a singular sexy note out of his sax, which halted the dancers and drew everyone's eyes.
The mood changed.
The sound was mesmerising.
Bodys pressed against each other.
The atmosphere was heady and sensual.
I could not resist being drawn to the beauty of that music.

The band were playing softly beneath those mellow tones.
Without realising what I was doing I stood and walked towards him, as if drawn, drawn to those sounds, wonderously hypnotic.
I realised I'd been humming along with those sweet notes, but as I stood beside him, I let the notes I'd been keeping to myself sing out.
He caught my eye and together we caressed the scale with voice and instrument in perfect union.
Very rarely did I not play to the audience, but now I was lost.
The beauty and skill of our music drew us together with an unspeakable intimacy.
Our sounds danced and played with each other.
Challlenging each other, exploring, echoing the other, uniting momentarily then moving onwards.
Clear mellow sounds filled the smokey air and as the last note hung suspended over the enraptured crowd our eyes locked in a mesmeric glance.

The piano keys concluded the tune and he stood, sax hanging discarded before him, both of us immobile and overawed.
The tension eased and I felt euphoric.
I leaned over and kissed him softly on the forehead.
Only then as the crowd roared did I realise I too was on stage and what we'd shared had been intimate, but not private.

That must have been one of the first times I'd made a move on a guy that I didn't know.
So unlike me.
I recovered quickly and made my tone decidedly casual, but flirty;

“My turn now baby. But we should do this again.”

For once the huskiness in my voice was due to raw emotion, but fortunately he wasn't to know that.

I gave him a searing look and moved to my pianist quickly indicating my next number: a slow soul-wrenching ballad of lost love...mm.. perfect..
I waited for the introduction so that I could move to the mike and express all the longing and need I would never bring myself to speak, as ever living my emotions through the words and sound of song...

 

[StarXChyld]

Lying flat on her back, legs over the bare shoulders of the stranger between her legs, Piggy strained her ears to acutely pick up the sounds from the bar below her. She smiled up at the dingy ceiling and brushed away a stray tear as she heard the band start up. Her Bobby had done a good job. The boss was going to be pleased with this new band Bobby had pieced together. Maybe he’d make enough money this time to ask her to. . .

She refused to allow herself to finish the thought, instead glancing down at the ardent gentleman furiously devouring her sex. Patting the top of his greasy hair, she absently purred her encouragement to him. "Oh yeah, sweetie. Just like that, honey. Oh yeah, mommy likes that."

The rhythm of the band was making the floorboards shake and Piggy desperately wished she could be one of those high-society dames down there listening and watching her Bobby play. What she wouldn’t give to waltz across the floor as Bobby played those drums.

The ministrations between her curvaceous thighs paused and she glanced down, meeting the expectant eyes of her "suitor". She sighed softly and nodded. The man eagerly scrambled to his feet and tugged at his shorts, pulling them down quickly to reveal a stout little sausage all ready to have a go at her. He stuffed it quickly into her slick pussy and began thrusting, Piggy couldn’t help but feel like a telegraph machine as he banged against her mound in a frenzied rush to orgasm. He finished in 3 minutes flat, falling on top of Piggy’s heaving breasts.

As she cooed and crowed at the back of his head, Piggy could hear the music change. She closed her eyes and let the soothing strains of the sax steal her away from her lot in life, if only for a moment.

By the time the band had finished, Piggy was back downstairs, all gussied up and waiting for Fat Bob to take his break with her. She did a little shimmy and felt the two bits between her breasts jingle, putting her in a festive mood once again. She might not like the job but the money was good!

 

[Lady_Kit]

Sammie

As the last note faded, Sammie knew that they had gone beyond any ones expectations. Her hands still tingled from the thrumming of the bass strings. The instrument fit against her so well that she felt as much of the music as she heard, and tonight it had felt wonderful. The approval of the crowd washed over her as they began to applaud. A rare smile lit her face, and she turned to Joe, ready to offer congratulations on his final solo. It was only as she saw the beautiful blonde singer standing on the stage that Sammie realized that it was not a solo, but a duet. The smile died.

Trouble

she muttered.

That one is nothing but trouble.

"Yes, mam she is, she'll break his heart if he lets her. Thats what she does, you know. Breaks em, fore she gets hurt herself. You should watch out for him."

Sammie turned to the piano player; saw him watching Crystal; he looked like he spoke from experience.

His name is “Big Joe,” not “Young Joe.” He’ll see to himself.

She knew as she watched him that Joe would take care of himself. He didn’t need her to watch his back, and she didn’t need to become dependent on someone who might leave one night.

The high that had started with the marijuana and peaked with the music they had made left her in a rush. The queasy feeling in her stomach was hunger she decided; not jealousy induced by the sight of Crystal and Joe whispering to each other as the stage cleared.

This was only the first set of the night and she knew they’d play until the manager said to stop. It was likely that Crystal would join them again before the night was through. Sammie moved off stage quickly, and headed for the bar, a couple of drinks with Fat Bob and she’d feel worlds better. Hell, she’d even buy the bottle.

An arm on her shoulder stops her in her tracks and she turns to see the smiling face of Big Joe.

“Wasn’t that great?! Have you ever heard music like that before?”

Sure Joe, it was great. Even without the other guys. That last…

“I know, she was wonderful wasn’t she. God, so beautiful, all sweet and innocent, that long flowing hair….and her hands so soft and feminine.”

Big Joe stood gazing at the stage as the singer started a slow and sultry ballad of love and heartbreak. Sammie was certain that Big Joe only heard the part about love; which left her only the heartbreak.

Continuing to the bar, she gathered a bottle and three glasses before heading for table near the corner. Seeing Piggy, she called out and held up the whiskey as she passed.

Piggy, would you and Fat Bob care to join me for a drink? I’m buying.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Crystal Delite

The song was familiar, but the emotion was raw now.
I sang out the words, but felt my soul being squeezed out of every note.

The room was hushed, even the rush for the bar was subdued as I enacted the passion of this tragic romance.
My voice hung on every note, the ivories slid smoothly, I slowed the pace, my voice husky and mellow.. the accompaniment merely a tingling between notes my voice took the melody, all but singing without instrumental backing.
In my mind, I could still hear the sax playing along with me, I did not realise how dramatic the sound was in that noisy club, how I was leaving the piano behind...

I saw him then. His eyes on mine.
I knew you had to play for the audience and should only single one person out for .. special attention ... if it was to your advantage, business wise.
I knew all about stage presence and playing a crowd, but, despite what I knew, emotion overtook common sense.

My eyes smouldered as they met his.
Playing to a gallery was one thing.
Playing to a fellow musician was pointless, yet... it was impossible to drag my gaze from him.

I kept my eyes on his, losing myself in their depths as the longing and loss poured out of me.
My head thrown back was my only movement on that stage.
I sang as one transfixed, my voice and eyes saying it all..

As I held the final note, the piano finished with a flourish, drawing the number to a close.
I stood as the crowd roared appreciation, yet still I stood motionless, my eyes on his...
Tearing my gaze away I smiled with what seemed like modesty to the audience, but took a shuddering breath to steady myself.
I moved slowly to the side and shared a few soft words with my pianist.

"Let me know next time you want to "stroll" through a ballad like that ha hun?.."

He whispered teasingly,

"Man, you sure took that one to the audience Crystal..."

I smiled and wrapped a friendly arm around his neck.

"Hey, you know me sugar, if it feels right I do it... "

We exchanged a smile,

"And boy.. did that sure feel good.."

I commented huskily, closing my eyes to relive the feeling of being lost in the music, in his eyes...

With a reluctant sigh, I slowly opened my eyes.
I did a double take.
I found myself staring into that same handsome face, the face I'd been singing to.
His eyes still locked intently on mine.
He'd obviously come over as soon as I'd left the stage.

I slowly uncoiled my arm, not even noticing as the pianist melted away.
Still we stood, not speaking.

"Hiya baby..."

I uttered huskily... my mind momentarily free of smart comments...

 

[StarXChyld]

Piggy watched in fascination as Crystal’s voice started melting even the coldest and toughest hearts in the joint. Begrudging, Piggy had to hand it to her, Crystal was the best singer she had ever heard. She couldn’t help noticing the effect Crystal was having on the new guy, Joe. He stood in the middle of the club mesmerized by the vixen on the stage. Piggy shook her head sadly, another heart going to it’s demise, never to be the same after Crystal had her way with it. She glanced over at Fat Bob and pouted. Bobby looked almost as starstruck as Joe.

Suddenly Sammie’s voice came to the rescue over the siren’s call. Piggy squinted through the darkened room and found Sammie at a table in the corner, waving them over. Piggy tugged on Fat Bob’s sleeve, "Hey, Sammie’s over dere. You haven’t introduced me to her yet. Let’s go!"

She waited as Fat Bob struggled to unlock his eyes from the singer on the stage. He looked down at Piggy and smiled meekly, "She’s good. Real good, don’t cha’ think?"

Piggy rolled her eyes and nodded, irritated. "Yeah. Yeah. She’s real swell. Come on Bobby, let’s go sit with Sammie before my next customer comes in."

 

[poohlive]

"Sammie," he rushed over to her with open arms, holding her closely and giving her a small peck on the cheek.
"You were wonderful. I had to admit, I was a little doubtful, but you can play with me anytime hun. Anytime."
He graciously took the drink, letting the alcohol fire up his belly. They would have a nice long break, let the rush crowd come in, before they'd go on again.
"Piggy, this is my new bass player Sammie. And, this wonderful specimen before you is my..." he paused, giving off a slight smile, "My escort, Piggy. Be careful, she so much as sees you flirting with me, and you're in trouble."
His laughter echoed in the crowded stupor of the club. He always loved his laugh, a large booming thing, that let everyone know he was having a good time.

 

[Lady_Kit]

She glowed from the praise offered by Fat Bob. Her return compliment was loud and sincere, and she it up as the first toast from the new bottle on the table.

To Fat Bob! The best damn jazz man in Chicago!

The first shot of whiskey burned its way down her throat, and made her eyes water when it hit bottom; the warmth that spread through her body immediately after made the second shot go down smooth and easy. Crystal finished her set to roar of applause. Sammie looked up, hoping to see Joe signaling from the edge of the stage. Joe was there all right, but he was only sending signals to the beautiful blonde standing near the piano.

Looks like we’re taking a long break. She says sarcastically as she picks up her glass and motions to the stage. Whiskey sloshes out in an arc, spraying the table and, to Sammies dismay, the exposed crescents of Piggys pale breasts.

Piggy jumps up, knocking over her chair; causing commotion behind her. To Sammies horror the noise draws the eyes of the couple on stage. The raised voices block out the words, but Sammie can see that the situation here with Fat Bob prompts a comment from Crystal to which Joe offers a laughing reply.

Sammie ducks her head and leans back in the chair. Draining her glass, she waits for the warmth, but feels nothing. Maybe nothing was a good wasn't such a bad thing though.

 

[StarXChyld]

The slosh of whiskey across her ample bosom caught Piggy by surprise and she jumped up from the table, sending her chair toppling to the floor. Her famous Irish temper started to rise until she harshly glared down at the unfortunate Sammie. You could almost hear the bones in the tiny woman's body rattling with fear. Piggy took mercy on her and sat back down as Fat Bob righted her chair for her. Grabbing Sammie's delicate hand with her pudgy fingers, Piggy squeezed gently, reassuringly.

"Eh, don't cha worry a thing about dat, Missy. I've been covered in worst!" Piggy released Sammie's hand to slap the side of her own thigh, letting out a howl of laughter that quickly turned into short grunts and snorts as she laughed at her own humor.

Fat Bob leaned back in his chair, shaking his head in amazement. He nudged Sammie and thrust his thumb up at the stage. "If we don't git back up there soon, Crystal will have stolen him away from us!"

He stood and walked around the table to kiss the crown of Piggy's head tenderly before heading back to reclaim the stage. She dabbed demurely at her chest with the red feathers of her boa and gave him a wink. "Go git em', Sugar!"

 

[BigDawg69]

Crystal's eyes melted through my soul as she spoke to me. I could feel a great lump clogging my throat as I tried to speak to her. This was most unlike me actually. I had just come over to comment on her singing and her performance during ou band's last song, but now I felt a cold sweat breaking out. Quick to regain my composure, I swallowed heavily and looked to the floor.

Your voice is amazing. I spoke softly and then summoned the courage to look up at her. Our eyes met and the club seemed to fade away. Do you sing jazz often?

No baby, that was my first time. She cooed to me raising a delicate hand to my shoulder.

Oh well you are quite good. A natural really I smiled up at her and my eyes followed her long lean arm down to my shoulder.

I looked around the club nervously, suddenly feeling as though I were on stage. Then I realized I was on stage. I looked back at Crystal.

I think you have real talent. If you were interested perhaps we could play together more? Crystal opened her mouth in a glowing smile as I spoke.

I don't know how to sing that way. That free. She said.

Oh well it's easy really. You just feel the music and let it flow right out. Play . . .er sing what's in your soul, what's in your heart. I winked at her and smiled. A little booze helps too. She giggled almost affectedly at my lame joke, but I soaked it up.

Oh shet ep you! Fat Bob boisterously proclaimed as he passed by.

I turned and caught Sammie's eye. She quickly turned away, but not before I could clearly detect a hint of disapproval. Her look struck me.

I turned back to Crystal. Well if the mood strikes you again, feel free to join us.

She smiled and nodded before demurly walking away toward the dressing room. As she turned the corner hse looked at me and winked.

She's not going to sing with us again is she? Blurted Sammie.

Fat Bob erupted in laughter as the pianist strolled back to his bench with a low ball in his hand. Jealousy is not your color Sammie! roared Bob.

I shot Bob a look as I grabbed the sax, Sammie hid slightly behind her bass and glared first at Bob then at me.

Let's pick it up! Bob yelled out jovially and tapped out the rhythm to our fist song.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Sammie

She's not going to sing with us again is she?

Sammie couldn’t believe what she had just said! Sweet Jesus! How could that have come out of her mouth? Fat Bobs laughter echoes over her head as wraps her hand around the neck of her bass. She sends him a fierce look and manages not to reply to his implication that she is jealous.

Jealous!! Her, Jealous! Hah…that was a laugh. Just because it annoyed her that Big Joe was thinking with Little Joes head, Bob thought she was jealous. She glared at Joe as he lifted his gleaming sax. Oh, he was so smooth, giving her that “what did I do look.” Well two could play that game. She’d just play it cool…she’d show them.

Bob’s yell drew her out of her musing and she fell into the music. Her hands moved with a sureness that spoke of years of practice and devotion to her instrument. While she played her thoughts flowed with the thrumming of the bass and she wove them around one another like bright ribbons. Her body cradled the big bass, as she would a lovers’ body. The movement of her fingers became sensuous on the heavy strings, imagining warm skin, a mans body next to hers. Sammie closed her eyes and for the first time, really let it flow.

Without a miss the band wound the tunes around the audience. The dancers moved to the strong beats, keeping the floor crowed and the waitresses hustling to replace empty glasses with full ones. Just when the floor started to clear as dancers withdrew to catch a drink and their breath Bob would change the tempo and Joes sax would draw the couples to the floor. In the half darkened space bodies pressed together and more than one feminine sigh could be heard as the forms moved to the soulful rhythms.

The roar of the audience signaled the end of their set, and Sammie slowly opened her eyes. Over to fast, she thought, that couldn’t have been a full set. A quick look confirmed that Fat Bob and Big Joe were leaving the stage. She hustled to put the bass on the stand and follow them down the steps.

Hey guys, lets get something to eat. I’m starving!

She grabbed each by an arm and drug them toward a nearby table. Whatever it took she was going to make sure that no one thought she was jealous of Crystal. She’d just act as if she couldn’t care less. Shoot, Crystal probably wouldn’t even come up in the conversation. She held that hopeful thought in mind as she sat down. Opening her mouth to chart the conversation in a direction away from Crystal….

“So what do you think Sammie?” Big Joe asks with an innocent smile before she can speak.

“Do you think we should ask Crystal to permanently join the band?”

Sammies eyes became slits, and she felt her mouth get tight as he asked the question. Her head was going to explode! She was sure of it. The look on her face must have been priceless, or, at the very least, extremely funny. Fat Bob certainly thought so as his laughter washed over her once again.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Crystal Delite

I stood at watched him as he moved to stand close to me.
My eyes were on his as he hesitated, still looking away.
I smiled as he complimented me on my voice.
The smile caught as he raised his eyes to mine.
Damn he was a handsome guy!
He had the kind of eyes that made you forget everything else.

"Do you sing jazz often? "

I put a hand casually upon his shoulder as I replied telling him it was my first time, a hint of inevitable suggestion in my voice.

Oh well you are quite good. A natural really ...

His voice was soft, hesitant.
Not the adulation I was used to, but somehow his understated compliment meant more, seemed more sincere.
As his eyes travelled along to where my hand rested on his shoulder I brushed my fingers over his sleeve and drew my hadn away.
As I withdrew my touch, I realised the spell had been broken and watched him look round nervously.

I followed his eyes.
I could see where they were.
Together as usual.
Sat in a group, congratulating each other, drinking, celebrating.
I bit my lip and vowed that I would not feel excluded.
I knew what they thought: The women!
I knew about Piggy well enough and had caught the daggered look thrown me now by the masculinely dressed bass player.
Their hostility annoyed me, no it amused me... I decided.
I let a smile play on my lips, a smug expression masking any hurt I would not allow myself to feel.

"I think you have real talent. If you were interested perhaps we could play together more?"

The dazzling smile I pinned to my face was false.
I could just imagine how that suggestion would go down.
I made a lame exuse.

"I don't know how to sing that way. That free."

I lied and watched as he attempted to direct me how to sing jazz.
As if I needed direction.

"...sing what's in your soul, what's in your heart..."

If he didn't know that was what made me so good, then...
I forced a laugh and was almost relieved when Fat Bob interrupted.

"Well if the mood strikes you again, feel free to join us. "

Was his parting comment.
I hid a smile of derision.
The guy was sweet, naive, sincere enough, but maybe too much so for this kind of business.
I nodded non-commitally and turned away to the refuge of my dressing room.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw the daggered look that "girl" was giving me.
I winked provocatively at him and slid back stage.

"bitch.."

I cursed under my breath.
I could have him and I could have Piggy's Bob if I wanted.
...But I didn't go around stealing their men, there was no fun in that ... so why the hell couldn't they just...

I burst into the dressing room, letting off a torrent of expletives in fluent French and to Nonette's disgust, most vernacular Flemish, I dropped down on my chaise longue and snapped at her to fetch me a drink before the next set, thinking that maybe it was time to move on again. This place was just becoming too damn insular.

Returning quickly, I smiled apologetically at her as I took the large tumbler from her hands. Taking large gulp, I sighed in irritation and watched her role her eyes,

"..pas encore... non... not again..."

I waved her away without asking if she had seen the idea of yet another move cross-state germinating, or if she suspected I was "amoreuse" as she romantically put it.
I took another generous mouthful.
I was never in love... not like that... and never would be!
I thought of the two women in the other room and smiled, feeling superior and assured.
No man would ever make me so insecure!