He looked serious. And I had no idea what it could be about.
“Of course, Jerry. No problem.”
He nodded, then went to the karaoke screen.
“OK, get up there, I’m pulling up your song, kid.”
I joined the gang, and we gathered on stage. They were acting shy, no one stepping up to the microphone. But we needed to get ready.
“OK, guys, let’s go, the words start quick with this one,” I told them. Plus, the first line is so recognizable.
Jerry started the countdown.
3…2…1…
The opening lines of “Bohemian Rhapsody” flashed on the screen, and we sang along.
The crowd went crazy and was singing along within seconds. The entire place was alive, almost explosive, with the level of energy this song created. The girls were inspired by the crowd,dancing with each other as they fought for the mic. Once Mitch realized no one could hear us, he even got into it.
As long as that song was, and it was a long one, our time on stage flew. We were all sweating once the song ended, tired from our antics. The crowd was still rowdy as we walked back to our table. It was always a crowd-pleaser.
I hated that our night was coming to an end. Since it was a weeknight, everyone had that look of wanting to head out. Once we got back to the table, no one even sat down. It was for the best. I might be able to get out of here without seeingheragain.
“Should I call Ben?” I asked Maryellen. I pulled out my phone, ready to text him to bring the car around.
“Sure,” she said.
“Hey,” Evie called out to Maryellen from across the table, “I won’t be heading back in the car with you.”
Both our heads swiveled toward Evie and saw her standing next to Mitch, his arm draped around her neck.
“It’s not what you think,” Evie said. “He offered to take me home, to give us a chance to talk more, that’s all.”
Maryellen and I didn’t know how to respond. So, we didn’t. The girls hugged goodbye, and I offered a wave to them both as they left the bar.
“Did we just play matchmaker?” she asked.
“I don’t know, but you’re known to do it, aren’t you? You must have the magic touch. Looks like I’ll be the one making sure you get home tonight.” I wasn’t upset about that one bit. I helped her with her coat, and we started for the door. “Mare, head to the car, I almost forgot that Jerry wanted to see me before we left. I’ll be right out.”
Weaving my way through the sea of people was like an Olympic sport. The crowd was shoulder to shoulder, and I bouncedbetween them like a pinball. As I approached Jerry, I found him talking with one of the bartenders.
“Chase, you leaving?” he asked.
“Yeah, work tomorrow, you know how it is. What did you need to talk about?” It was loud where we were, a new group had started on stage.
“Come with me to the kitchen,” he said.
The swinging doors into the kitchen almost hit our backsides as we went through them. The space was hot and busy. Servers and chefs called out to one another as they ran around the place. It wasn’t much quieter back here.
“So, listen,” Jerry said. “Did you know we have live music nights here, too?”
“Yeah, of course, I’ve been to a few. You guys get some great talent in here.” There were some nights I would pop in alone and sit at the bar simply to enjoy the music. They did live music a couple nights during the week and Saturdays.
“Do you play any instruments?” he asked.
My heart started racing. Where was he going with this?
“Yeah, I play the guitar.”
