Smoky Blue Literary and Arts Magazine # 14

Winter Blues Finish up my set in the Old Kettle, Bobby come over to where I'm settin in back a the room, set another beer and a shot a Crown longside what I already got lined up.

Don't drink any fore a show, get me all edgy and tight, but I do enjoy a little somethin after I'm done, fore I head upstairs. "What is this now?" ask Bobby. Tween sets Bobby like to put on a little jazz, on account a he a jazz nut plus he own the place. Ain't goin play no rock and roll nor blues even it a blues night in the Old Kettle Bar 'N' Grill, got the sign blinkin and winkin out the window, snow all comin down round about.

Bobby got Miles playin, waitin on the next outfit, fellow purveyors a twelve bar drinkin accompaniment, set up. Turn and point to a gal settin her own self at a biddy table front a the stage. Give me a wave and a big smile and, bein the friendly, and not to mention lonesome sort a person I am, wave her over. Ain't like had much in the way a companionship in recent times, bein on the road and such, bein a what to call divorcee. Huh? You know it? I'm just sayin.

"Hi there! Sorry, I don't mean to intrude."

"That's just fine honey, you ain't intrudin none." Pretty gal what I'm sayin. Got she a bulkyass purple and red ski-sweater, blue jeans tuck in her boots. Sneakin up on chunky little bit, which I ain't unfamiliar my own self. But my goodness, such a smile!

And shiny eyes make my heart go pitty pat.

"I saw what you were drinking and I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your show."

Reach out and touch her arm. "Well thank you sweetie. That's very nice a you."

Nod at the drinks. "And for this too. Much appreciated!"

Flap her hands a little, like she flustered some, start to stand. "I'll leave you to it. I just wanted to say thanks again. I really enjoyed it."

"Well now hold up there girl. You don't want to join me?" Bobby standin by, like he managin the situation, lean in and pull a chair out.

"Really? you sure?"