by Linda Bridey
“Wait, Joe. Your total comes to eighty-four dollars,” Joe said.
“Oh, yeah. Sorry.” Joe reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his wallet. He extracted a hundred dollar bill from it and handed it to Jake. “Keep the change, barkeep,” he said and left to find Lacey.
Jake smiled and put the money in the till. “He always overpays for everything.”
“Is he well off?” Rebecca asked.
“Oh, yeah. They own a horse ranch. They breed and sell horses all over the country. I’m not sure that they’ve ever sold any to anyone in Georgia. Dwyer horses are expensive, but they’re the best,” Jake said. “Hey, do you want something to drink? I’m so sorry for not asking before now. It just gets crazy, as you can see.”
“Perhaps a sarsaparilla,” Rebecca said.
Jake stepped closer and bent down. “Or, I have a nice red claret in the back, if you’d prefer,” he whispered in her ear.
His warm breath against her skin caused Rebecca’s heart to jump a beat or two. He straightened and Rebecca smiled. “That would be lovely.”
“Hey, Gus, can you handle things for a minute?” he called out.
“Sure thing!” Gus shouted back.
“Come with me,” Jake said.
Rebecca followed him into a large wood-paneled office. Jake shut the door behind them and locked it and Rebecca became a little concerned as to his motives. Jake rolled back a large braided rug to reveal a trap door. He opened it and said, “I’ll be right back.”
Rebecca watched him go down a ladder into the darkness. She edged closer and watched for him. In less than a minute he came back up carrying a wine bottle. He sat it on the desk, closed the trap door and rolled the rug back over it.
“That’s my private stash and I only share it with very special people,” Jake said as he uncorked the wine. He let it breathe while he took two wine glasses from the shelves. Expertly, he poured some in a glass and swirled it around a little before sniffing the bouquet.
“Ah,” he said in pleased voice. “Excellent.”
He poured some in the other glass and handed it to her. Rebecca sniffed and saw what he meant. It had a very fruity scent with a woody undercurrent. She took an experimental sip and the delicious flavor washed over her taste buds.
“Mmm,” she said in approval.
Jake had tasted his as well and nodded in agreement. “Yeah. Very nice. Here, have a seat.” He pulled a chair around for her.
Rebecca sat and watched Jake walk around the desk. She had to admit that she enjoyed the rear view of the saloon owner. He sat down and put his feet up on the desk. Then Jake put them back down when he remembered that it was bad manners. When he was in the office with Sammi, it didn’t matter. Most of the time they both sat there on either side of the desk with their feet up. He wasn’t with Sammi, though. He looked at the beautiful woman before him and saw that she was confused.
“Penny for your thoughts, Rebecca,” Jake said. “I know this is a lot to take in, but there’s no way to break you in slowly to it.”
Rebecca looked down at her feet for a moment and said, “I think I was picturing something different.”
Jake laughed. “Yeah, I can tell. Let me explain a few things that might help you understand. This is a smaller place and it’s mainly ranchers, farmers, and such. They all work like dogs and so when night time comes, especially on the weekend, they’re ready to cut loose. That’s where I come in. I give them a way to let off steam in a mainly safe place. That’s why I hired Sammi. My last bouncer went off to California and so I didn’t have one for a while. I had a guy hold me at gunpoint one night and Sammi saved me. So I hired her as my bouncer and I’ve never regretted it. She’s a good woman. Like I told you, I don’t open on Sundays because I don’t want to interfere with church and I don’t want to be responsible for people getting loaded that day. That might sound strange, but that’s the way I feel.”
Rebecca listened to the slightly husky timber of Jake’s voice and enjoyed it. “I think that’s noble in a way. Some of the saloons in Georgia are open every day.”
“Yeah, there’s a few in Miles City that are like that. Not me. I also don’t allow prostitutes to operate out of here and we don’t have dancing girls. We like to dance, but you saw the kind of dancin’ we do. Nothin’ really bad. Joe and Jamie love to sing and everyone else likes to listen. Jamie’s husband Luke was the one playin’ fiddle,” Jake said. “We get pretty rowdy and sometimes there’re fights over poker or whatnot, but for the most part, it’s all just good fun,” Jake said. “So there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Rebecca felt some relief. “I understand now.” She gave him a considering look. “You don’t seem like the kind of man who would let harm come to a woman.”
Jake looked her directly in the eyes. “I’m not. I wouldn’t bring any woman into my life if I felt I couldn’t keep her safe.”
There was something in his gaze that kept her from dropping hers. Someone knocked on the door and Jake rolled his eyes. “Duty calls,” Jake said and finished his wine. “Mmm. Good stuff.”
Rebecca laughed and finished her own while Jake opened the door. Gus stood on the other side of it. “People are getting ready to leave and want to pay their tab.”
“Ok, I’ll be right there,” Jake said. “Sorry, Rebecca.”
Rebecca shook her head. “It’s all right, Jake,” she said as she followed him back out front. She watched in amazement as he gave everyone their totals and collected the money. Rebecca couldn’t figure out how he could remember all of the drinks he’d served and who had drunk them.
One man tried to sneak past the bar but Jake sicced Sammi on him and she brought him over to the bar and roughly pushed him against it. “Here he is, boss.”
“Ok, Oscar. You need to pay up or you’re not comin’ in here anymore. You’ve stiffed me for the last time,” Jake said.
“I just don’t have it,” Oscar said.
Jake looked at Sammi and said, “Ok, deputy, haul his ass to jail and he can stay there for a week or so.”
Sammi made as if to slap cuffs on Oscar but the man said, “Ok, ok! Call her off and I’ll pay my tab.”
Jake nodded to Sammi and she released him but hovered close by in case he tried anything funny. Oscar took out his wallet and paid what Jake asked for.
“Don’t come back Oscar unless you’re gonna pay upfront. No more tabs for you,” Jake said.
Oscar glared at Jake and then left. Jake put the money in the register as Rebecca asked, “Do you have many people try that?”
Jake nodded towards Sammi. “Nope. Not since Sammi’s been around. They know that if they don’t pay up, she’ll track them down the next day when she’s doing her shift as deputy.”
Sammi grinned. “That’s right.”
Rebecca smiled at her. “I have to confess that I’ve never seen a woman like you.”
“Most people haven’t,” Sammi said. “It’s ok. I like being different and my husband doesn’t mind a bit.” Her wink was suggestive.
Rebecca laughed and colored a little.
“Knock it off, Sammi. You’re embarrassing her,” Jake said, but he smiled as well.
Sammi shrugged and went off to make sure everyone was behaving.
Jake looked at his watch. It was around eleven. It was still early for him, but Rebecca wasn’t used to keeping those kinds of hours. “Do you want me to have someone take you to the hotel? It’s getting pretty late.”
Rebecca said, “No, thank you. I’m not tired since I slept so long this afternoon.”
“Ok, but if you change your mind, just let me know,” Jake said.
It might have been the wine, but Rebecca was beginning to enjoy herself. “Will there be any more music?” she asked.
“Not likely. Sorry,” Jake said and then got mobbed by a big group wanting refills. Rebecca slipped away from the bar and went into the barroom. She was eyed by men, but didn’t feel threatened. Rebecca was used to men looking at her. The piano dre
w her and she sat down on the bench and ran her hands lightly over the keys while she decided what song to play.
The first strains of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata began and those that were closest to the piano began quieting the people around them. The word spread through the barroom that the piano was being played and soon the piano was the only sound heard. Jake came around the corner as he heard the beautiful music and was surprised to see Rebecca seated at the instrument.
He made his way through the barroom and sat on a chair up close to the piano. From where he sat, Jake could see the profile of Rebecca’s face. Her eyes were closed as her fingers moved gracefully over the keys and her body swayed in time with the music. The piece she played was haunting and it evoked memories of Jake’s mother for some reason.
Tears came unexpectedly to his eyes as the notes hit a chord within his soul. He closed his eyes and they leaked out the corners of his eyes. Jake didn’t care. Images of his mother flickered through is mind and he smiled even in his sadness. As the music faded away, whistling and clapping rocked the bar and when Jake opened his eyes, he wasn’t the only one with tears in his eyes.
“More, more, more!” The familiar chant that always greeted Joe and Jamie now rang out for Rebecca.
Rebecca smiled and began playing again. It had been a long time since she’d performed for anyone and the appreciation she heard in the applause and chanting was uplifting to her. Jake had to go back to the bar, but he listened intently in between customers. No one had ever played classical music in the bar before and Jake was amused and surprised that the rowdy crowd was enjoying it so much.
After several songs, Rebecca was finished playing. As she stood, the crowd cheered loud and long and she curtsied and then went back to the bar.
“That was beautiful,” Jake said. “You’re hired.”
Rebecca smiled. “It was fun. I haven’t played for ages and it felt wonderful.”
“I’m glad. I’m serious. If you want a job playing a few times a week, it’s yours,” Jake said.
Rebecca wasn’t sure what to think about that. She did need work at least until she and Jake would be married and she loved playing piano. Also, it was certainly more preferable work than working in a kitchen or some other menial job. The admiration of the barroom patrons was satisfying and made her feel good about herself again.
“Yes. I would like that very much,” she said.
“Good. I’ll work out a salary and let you know tomorrow. Will you play again tomorrow night?” Jake asked hopefully.
Her bright smile warmed Jake’s heart. The way her green eyes shone with pleasure and her lush mouth curved suddenly made Jake want to kiss her.
“Yes! I’d be happy to,” she said.
The next thing she knew, men were crowding around her offering to buy her drinks. This kind of adoration was a heady experience for Rebecca and helped improve her self-esteem. It had been low ever since her family’s fall from grace.
Jake laughed at her surprised expression and told the guys to behave. He didn’t want her to get overwhelmed. Jake needn’t have worried because Rebecca was skilled at dealing with this kind of situation. Rebecca basked in their praise and admiration and tried to speak to each one. She was friendly and courteous as she modestly thanked them.
The night started winding down and people came to pay their tabs. Not only could he remember how much everyone owed, what they drank, and if they’d already paid, but also how much money had come in overall. He was pleased with the large sum. It had been a good Friday night. At one o’clock, Sammi chased everyone out the door and locked it.
“They’re right. That was really pretty, Rebecca,” Sammi said. “I haven’t heard classical music in a long time.”
Rebecca smiled. “Thank you. It was so good to play again and Jake is hiring me to play.”
“That’s great. Do you wanna walk with me? I can make sure you get to the hotel safe and all,” Sammi offered. “Jake’s gonna be cleaning up for a while. I’d help him, but he’s too fussy about stuff and just redoes it ‘because he doesn’t like how I do it.”
Rebecca was tired and going to the hotel sounded good. “Yes. I would appreciate that.”
“Ok. I’ll wait out back for you,” Sammi said with a wink. “Hey, boss! I’m goin’!”
Jake came out of the office and handed Sammi some money. “Here you go.”
Sammi took the money but looked confused. “Why are you paying me today? You normally do it Saturdays.”
Jake laughed. “Yeah, I know, but I was thinking about it now and figured I’d pay you before I forgot to.”
Sammi stuffed the money in her pocket and said to Rebecca, “Becky, Jake is the nicest, greatest guy you could meet, but he’s as forgetful as it gets unless it’s about serving drinks and keeping tabs straight. I think he uses up his memory doing that so he doesn’t have any memory left for anything else.”
“Sammi, hush up if you want to keep your job,” Jake warned good-naturedly.
She just smiled. “I’m gonna wait out back for her and get her to the hotel.”
“Ok, thanks,” Jake said.
When Sammi had gone, Rebecca said, “She’s a very unusual woman, but very nice.” She wasn’t sure how she felt about Sammi using an informal form of her name.
“She’s got a heart of gold,” Jake said as he watched her come around behind the bar. “Did you have a good time tonight?”
Rebecca nodded. “You were right about me being from high society. I am not used to this kind of atmosphere, but I must say that I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Though they are a rather rough crowd, I can see that they are good people.”
“I’m glad you noticed. I was worried about how you would take all of this. This is still a pretty unsettled territory and we don’t always hold much with the way things are done in the east, I guess. We’re more relaxed about stuff. It’ll grow on you,” Jake said. He hoped that Rebecca could be open-minded about Dawson and its residents.
Rebecca said, “Since my family lost their fortune, I’ve met many people of all kinds that I would never have met otherwise. I’ve had to change the way I think about many things.
“I can understand that,” Jake said. “Sometimes we gotta adapt to a new situation.
Rebecca put a hand on Jake’s arm and said, “It helps if you meet good people along the way.”
Jake smiled at her. “I agree.”
“Well, I shouldn’t keep Sammi waiting. I will see you tomorrow,” Rebecca said.
Jake’s eyes locked with hers. He stepped closer to her and leaned down so he could kiss her cheek. “Have a good night,” he said.
Rebecca smiled. His kiss had felt very nice. “Goodnight, Jake.” She gave him one last look as she walked down the hallway and exited through the back door.
Chapter Six
Sammi was waiting for her but she wasn’t alone. A couple of nights a week Owl still walked her home. Since the threat of retribution from Jessie the former mayor was gone, there was no real need to watch out for Sammi’s safety. It was just a chance for them to visit a little.
Rebecca was surprised to see the Lakota brave again, especially because he and Sammi we’re engaged in some rough housing when she came out the door. At first she thought that the Lakota man was attacking the bouncer, but Sammi’s hearty laughter rang out and she understood that they were playing around.
Sammi and Owl saw Rebecca and stopped their antics. Sammi came over to Rebecca, but Owl grabbed her roughly and kissed her cheek hard, a habit that bugged Sammi. She shoved him off her and said, “Knock it off! Poor Becky here will think we’re a bunch of idiots.”
Owl said, “In your case, she’s right,” and then jumped clear of Sammi before she could hit him.
Rebecca chuckled. She was starting to catch on to some of the banter after hearing much of it that night. “Are you two always like this?”
Sammi grinned. “Yep. Like brother and sister. It’s been like that since we met last year,” she said as they sta
rted out for the hotel.
“I don’t mean to be nosey, but I can’t help being curious. I’ve never been around, um, well...” Rebecca didn’t know how to finish her statement without being offensive.
Owl said, “Crazy people like us?”
Rebecca blushed and said, “Unusual people, perhaps, but I’m not sure I’d say crazy.”
“Oh, you can say it. We all know Sammi’s crazy,” Owl said.
“You know, I liked it better when you could hardly speak English,” Sammi said with a scowl. To Rebecca she said, “He used to sound like ‘Me Owl. This nice night’. Stuff like that.”
Her sarcastic remark earned her a shove from Owl. She came back at him and Owl put a hand on her head. She couldn’t reach him with her arms because his were longer than hers. Instead, she used her leg and kicked him in the rear.
“Ow!” he said and dropped his hand. They both laughed as Rebecca looked on apprehensively.
Rebecca said to Owl, “Your English is very good. Where did you learn it?”
Owl said, “That’s a long story. My half-brother, Marcus, started teaching me. Then his sister-in-laws kept it going while I stayed with them last winter. I was injured and couldn’t go south for the winter with my family. I didn’t have much else to do, so I worked on it. Then I met my wife and I really worked hard at it. There were things I wanted to be able to say to her, but couldn’t because I didn’t know the right English words to say and she didn’t understand Lakota.”
“That’s very commendable,” Rebecca said. “I’m sorry to hear that you were hurt.”
“Thank you,” Owl said. He saw the look of guilt that passed over Sammi’s face and frowned. He put an arm around the bouncer and said, “Hey, we’ve talked about this over and over. Stop that.”
Sammi leaned her head on Owl’s shoulder. “I know, but I just can’t shake it. I’m trying. Hopefully I’ll be able to someday.”
Owl shook her a little. “You’d better.”
Rebecca wondered what they were talking about, but didn’t want to ask.
