Been daydreaming about a Mollis crooner who encounters some self-assured Virago troublemaker...
The lights are low, save for the spotlight aimed down on my stage. And it is my stage, small and humble as it is in this rinky dink dive bar. Every night I purr the same old hits to all the aimless souls that find their way in here. Women off work mostly; dockhands, factory workers, maybe the occasional office suit. Most come for the drink of course, but a few come specifically to hear me perform. Or at least stare, anyway~ I can’t entirely blame them, I make quite a sight in glittery sequins and red silk…
At any rate, the place’s owner clearly thinks I draw in enough folks to keep me on as entertainment for the patrons. And most nights, while I enjoy it well enough, it’s really just the same old routine. Sing some songs, sway my hips, wink a couple times, and then return to my tiny studio apartment above the bar. But this night is different…
Half way through another song about some poor soul down on their luck, I spot them. Leaned back on the bar, drink in hand, and a glint in their eye so sharp you could see it a mile off. They’re handsome, I can’t deny, but I know a troublemaker when I see one. They’re too far off to make out any words but it’s clear they’re smooth talking the bartender. Probably trying to finagle a couple more drinks onto an already stretched tab…
Regardless, it seems I was staring a few seconds too long, because suddenly their eyes meet mine and they flash me a lopsided smile that only confirms my suspicions. I can feel my cheeks start to flush so I focus back on the song, putting a little more emphasis into it than usual to try and distract myself. Even still I can feel those eyes on me the entire time.
Or at least, so I thought. When I look back to where they were sitting after the last song ends, there’s only an empty seat and an equally empty drink glass. I can’t help but feel the slightest bit disappointed. Shaking my head I gather my things and step outside. It’s for the best I tell myself; the last thing I need right now is some silver-tongued firecracker to lead me on with a string of empty promises… Again…
It’s only a couple of feet to the stairwell leading up to my apartment, but I always linger for a bit . Even down on this dingy street I can see the city above, glittering amber windows and dazzling neon lights shine starkly against the deep blue night sky. Despite living here for years I’ve never really gotten to see much of it; too busy making ends meet. There are plenty worse jobs than being a singer, but that doesn’t mean life’s been anything close to a cakewalk either…
Suddenly I feel the presence of someone next to me.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I can guess by the smooth voice who’s speaking before I even turn to look. Sure enough, there they are, just as composed as before; sharp eyes, jacket draped over their shoulder like they don’t have a care in the world.
“It is yeah, all the lights..” I say, more self-consciously than I’m used to. Usually I’m the one making hearts flutter, at least on stage. If they notice it, it doesn’t show.
“Oh definitely,” they say, “the lights are gorgeous. But I was thinking about the possibilities. There’s so much to do in the city, so much to see; you could live a hundred lives here and never be bored.”
“I hadn’t really thought about it like that,” I admitted. “I’ve never had much time to explore… or money…”
They laugh. Not derisively, but in a well meaning sort of way, like they’d just heard a joke they’re eager to share.
“Oh you don’t need money to see the city! I mean sure, the fat cats upstairs want you to think you do, but it’s not actually true. With a little know-how you can go just about anywhere if you really want.”
“And you know how?” I ask before even realizing how earnestly I want to know.
“Sure do!” They smile, proud but not arrogant. “Wanna come see a few sights with me?”
I feel my heart flutter again, but before I can say anything, the door to the bar slams open. A voice booms from inside, I think it’s the Manager. She sounds mad as all hell.
“There you are, you deadbeat! You still have THREE TABS TO PAY!”
Suddenly they’re at attention, their alertness suggesting they probably knew this was coming. The Manager starts making her way towards us, accompanied by a couple meter-wide bouncers.
“Maybe a different day?” I ask, smiling, “looks like you’ve gotta run.”
They flash me a crooked grin in return.
“Looks like it… Hey these gals won’t cause you any trouble, will they?”
“They wouldn’t harm a hair on my head.” I say truthfully.
“Well,” they reply, donning their jacket with a quick flourish, “at least those mooks have got some manners!” They turn to shoot the manager a wink and a cheeky two finger salute before taking off and disappearing into the crowd. The bouncers awkwardly try to follow but I have no doubt they won’t catch up.
Clearly whoever this stranger is, they are trouble. But somehow, this time I don’t mind that.
This time I can’t wait to see them again.
