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The Tessarae Inn |
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Consequences in Blue Notes
CHAPTER 10 Blair convinced herself not to expect too much her first night singing at the Ryder. She had decided on three songs all by Bonnie Raitt. And true to his reputation, Green “Greenie” Philmont knew them all and David Dukes knew one of them. She talked to both of them briefly and they decided on the order of the songs. At exactly nine o’clock, Wes turned off the jukebox and walked on the stage. “Okay, everybody, I got a real treat for you tonight. Caitlin has agreed to sing a few songs for us.” A loud whoop went up from the crowd. “On one condition,” continued Wes, “that we don’t ask her to sing ‘Since I Fell For You.’” This time there were loud groans and a few boos. “Be on your best damn behavior and maybe, she’ll come back next week.” Everyone laughed then clapped loudly and called out her name, “Caitlin. Cat. Caitlin. Cat…”and stomped their feet. Blair felt nervous but buoyant as she walked out on the stage. The lights were lowered and a soft spotlight lit the stage. “Thank you. The only promise I’m making tonight is that I’ll do my best.” She had decided to start off with an upbeat song about looking for love. She nodded at Davis Dukes and then looked at Sheri and placed two fingers on her lips. This song was for her. The band began to play and she launched into “Steal Your Heart Away:” “Take me to your dreaming place and open up my eyes. Let me see what it takes to be your lover in disguise. Show me how to do those things to make you want to stay. I’ll go crazy if I don’t find the words to say to steal your heart away.” She was surprised at how easily Davis and his band wrapped the music around her voice. By the time she got to the second verse people were up dancing, singing along and swaying in there chairs. When the song wound down, the crowd begged her to sing it again. She glanced over at Sheri who nodded but she didn’t dare look at Wes. She sang it again. And even more people danced and sang along. When she finished there was thunderous applause. She thanked Davis and Greenie then pulled up the stool and sat down. The crowd grew quiet. “I think a lot of people have been in this situation. You know things are over and you prepare yourself to ride out the storm.” She nodded at Greenie who began to play the opening notes of “Storm Warning.” Blair raised the microphone close to her mouth, closed her eyes, and began to sing: “Storm warning. Feels like a heavy rain. Winds on the coast tonight. We may get tossed tonight. Storm warning. He’s made it pretty plain. He’s fallen for another. Found a new lover. And he won’t be back again. Can’t stop the river when it’s burst its banks. I’ve seen the look in his eyes. He’s in love and hypnotized. Time of mourning. Already been a flood of my tears. Such a sense of loss tonight. Nothing to do but ride it out.” When she opened her eyes they were all looking at her with astonishment, some with tears in their eyes. This time she understood and waited. Finally, the clapping started and she nodded to them in thanks. It was five minutes before she could start her final song. Eventually, though, the roar of the crowd softened into an expectant buzz. “This final song is about how even when it’s over memories still haunt you.” She nodded at Greenie and she started her final song, “All At Once:” She watched the crowd this time and saw the emotions play out on their faces. She didn’t start crying until she got to the middle verse: “They say women are the stronger ones. Somehow we always make it through. That’s ain’t what I’m feeling right now. I don’t even think it’s true. To me there’s a lot more broken than anyone can see. Why the angels turn their backs on some is a mystery to me. All at once I hear your voice and time just slips away. Nothing they can say can hold me here. Take me where I only feel the wind across my face. Let me know there’s some place left for me. Waiting there for me.”
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