by Linda Bridey
Her brow furrowed. “I’m afraid I don’t understand that.”
“It means that you accept people for who they are without judgment. It’s the whole ‘judging a book by its cover’ thing. Sammi is tough as nails on the outside. I know that from personal experience, but if it wasn’t for her, my wife wouldn’t be here, so I’m grateful to her. Besides, she’s fun as hell. She, Jamie, and Lacey all came from some very bad circumstances, but they’re some of the best women I know. Actually there are a lot of good women here. Men, too. You can’t just look at some of these people and put them in any particular category. You have to meet them where they’re at and get to know them,” Joe said. “Does that help any?”
Rebecca mulled over his words and saw the wisdom in them. “Yes. I think it does.” She looked at him and smiled. “No wonder they elected you mayor.”
“Nah, that’s just because I’m rich and they had no one else good runnin’,” Joe said as he stood up.
“I somehow don’t think that’s true,” Rebecca said. “I think you’re much smarter than you let on.”
“Shh. Don’t be spreadin’ that around, Becky,” Joe said and laughed when he saw her frown at the use of a nickname. “You might as well get used to that, too, because unless you get real cranky with people about it, you’re gonna get a nickname.”
Rebecca arched an eyebrow at him. “Do you have one?”
“Yep. Joey. Or dumbass. It depends on who’s talkin’ to me at the moment,” he told her and gave her a huge smile. He patted her on the shoulder and said, “See ya’ll tonight.”
Rebecca stared openmouthed at Joe as he walked away.
As Jake had told her, that night was wild compared to the night before. She sat behind the bar with Jake a lot because it was so noisy. Jamie and Joe sang as they had the previous night, but Seth Samuels had come along to play with Luke and the two fiddle players helped get the crowd even more wound up than normal.
Jake served drinks, often tapping his feet while doing so. Every so often, he’d have Gus watch the bar and go out to dance. He always invited Rebecca to go with him, but she declined. She didn’t want to try to learn in front of all the other people who would laugh at her. Often times when Jake hit the dance floor, a cheer went up. The crowd liked seeing the bar owner strut his stuff.
As Rebecca watched him dance, she enjoyed the way his strong body moved and saw quite a few of the females in the bar did, too. He looked virile as he stomped, turned, and clapped and she wondered who’d taught him how to dance that way. During one such dance, Seth tapped Joe on the shoulder and shook his head at him. Joe shut his mouth and passed along the message to Jamie and so on until Seth and Luke were the only ones playing.
Jake laughed and recognized what they were up to. So did the crowd. Every once in a while, Seth and Luke challenged him to keep up with a crazy fiddle duel and not get tripped up.
Joe stopped everyone and hollered, “Whoa, whoa! Let the betting begin! Who will win tonight, folks? The bawdy bartender with legs of steel or the furiously fiddling fiddlers? Hurry up, ya’ll!”
There was a flurry of activity as money was given to Wendell who usually kept track of the bets.
“All right! Let’s get down to it!” Joe shouted and the fiddle players started playing.
At the appropriate place, Jake began dancing again and the crowd clapped along with the beat. The tempo increased until it seemed impossible for Jake to keep up, but keep up he did. Luke’s arm gave out before Jake’s legs and he stopped playing. Seth went on for only a little while before he had to stop, too.
Jake laughed and took a sweeping bow while the audience stomped and hooted. Then the bartender ran back behind the bar and began accepting congratulations from the patrons. A poker game turned violent and a lot of fighting was heard. Rebecca looked at Jake, but he kept serving booze as if there was nothing happening in the main barroom.
Then Sammi came through pushing a guy ahead of her whom she slammed into the closed door. “Oh, sorry about that! I didn’t see that the door was closed,” she told the man which made Jake laugh. She picked him up while Gus opened the door.
“Thank you, Gus,” Sammi said. “You’re a true gentleman.” She quickly dispatched the man outside and came back in. She no sooner entered the barroom when she shouted, “Who wants to be next?” Things quieted down a little after that.
Jake looked at Rebecca and said, “See why I hired her?” and winked.
Rebecca suddenly saw the humor in the situation and began laughing, which pleased Jake. He didn’t want her to be afraid. Jake ran back to his office and returned with a wine glass which he handed to her. “Drink up, sweetheart. You’ll be on soon.”
Rebecca looked at the white wine in the glass and sniffed it. It was a wonderfully dry bouquet and she marveled again that Jake knew fine liquor. Then she cocked her head as she watched him and thought who better than a master bartender to know such things. She took a sip and knew that the wine had to be very expensive.
Jake looked at her and she nodded her appreciation. His grin caused her stomach to flutter. She drank more of the wine and then sat the glass down. Jake spoke into Gus’ ear and the older man disappeared. When he came back, he motioned for Rebecca to follow him.
“Go get ‘em,” Jake said with a smile to Rebecca.
She smiled and went with Gus.
Joe banged on the piano and the room grew quiet. “Folks, we have someone in our midst who will add a touch of class to our humble lives. She comes to us all the way from Georgia. This Southern Belle will delight your hearing and thrill your soul with her musical ability. I now present to you the ravishing Rebecca Walker!”
Rebecca smiled at Joe’s introduction as she walked to the piano. He gave her a nod and a smile and went to sit down. After seating herself on the piano bench, Rebecca closed her eyes and centered her mind on the melody flowing through it. Jake came out from behind the bar to watch her play.
He quietly pulled up a chair so he didn’t disturb her and sat back in it as her fingers began to move over the keys. The music began to crescendo and soar and Jake closed his eyes and let the notes roll through him. He had no idea what the songs were and he was betting that not many people in the audience did, either. What he did know was that they evoked strong emotions within him.
Jake opened his eyes as the first song ended and he was mesmerized by the euphoric expression on Rebecca’s lovely face as she began playing another song. Much as the crowd did whenever Jamie sang solos, they stayed quiet and didn’t interrupt. Every time Rebecca played she was drawn into a place where all else ceased to exist but she and the music. There was no pain, no shame, and no turmoil.
He hated to, but when her second song was over, Jake had to go back to serve drinks again. However, the bar was quiet enough that he could hear her other songs. When she stopped playing and sat quietly, the bar was hushed for several moments before whistling and claps broke out. Rebecca sat as the applause washed over her and smiled because she could tell that they truly appreciated her performance.
What Joe had said to her about getting to know these people came to her then. That these people living in a remote part of the country where lives could be very hard and dangerous at times could be touched by the kind of music she played drove his point home to her better than any words ever could.
She rose and turned and gave them a deep curtsy. Then Rebecca was once again plied with drink offers and surrounded by men. Suddenly the wall of well-wishers parted as Luke and Seth pushed their way through to her and made the rest back off.
“Give ‘er some room, you idiots,” Seth shouted at them. “How do you expect her to breathe?”
Rebecca smiled up at Seth. He said, “Sorry about that, Miss Walker. The guys don’t mean any harm. They just get a little excited.”
“I understand. It’s all right,” Rebecca said.
“Lordy, listen to that accent,” Seth said. “You know, you could probably get any guy to do anything you wanted to just by
askin’.”
She laughed and said, “Well, I don’t know about that.”
Luke said, “We do.”
Seth laughed. “That’s about as much as you’ll get out of him when he’s around women he doesn’t know.”
“Shut up,” Luke said and shoved Seth roughly.
Seth just laughed. “See. Two word sentences.”
Rebecca took pity on Luke. “Don’t listen to him, Luke. We women like the strong, silent type.”
Luke grinned and said, “That’s what my wife tells me.”
“Your wife is a smart woman,” Rebecca said.
Seth said, “I was wondering if you’d play with Luke and me sometime. I know you don’t need it, but I’ve got some sheet music I’ve been wanting to try out that’s along the lines of what you play. We could practice some Sunday night if that would be good for you.”
Rebecca was flattered to be asked. “I would enjoy that very much.”
“Great. How about next Sunday night? I know you just got to town so we won’t impose on you right away,” Seth said.
Suddenly Seth lurched backwards, but he was able to keep upright. “Damn you, Owl!” The Lakota brave enjoyed playing pranks on Seth and had tried to kick Seth’s left leg out from under him.
Laughter sounded behind the big, blond man and Owl came around him to wave at Rebecca. “I enjoyed your music very much,” he said.
“Thank you,” Rebecca said. “Are you going to walk us home again tonight?”
“Not tonight. I think Jake is going to do that,” Owl said. “But I will other nights.”
“Good. I want to hear some stories about you growing up with Marcus,” she said. Hannah had told her what a close relationship Marcus had with all of his brothers, both white and Lakota and she was curious.
Owl smiled. “I have a lot of them.”
Luke rolled his eyes. “Yeah, we know. We’ve heard them all several times.”
“Whoa!” Seth said. “More than two words. I’m impressed.”
Rebecca laughed a little as Luke frowned at his cousin.
Seth said, “C’mon, you two. Let’s let Rebecca take a breather. We’ve bugged her enough. Have a good night, Rebecca.”
“All of you do the same,” she said as the three men moved towards the door.
When she went back behind the bar, Jake smiled at her. “You’re a big hit. I knew my instincts about you playing were right.”
“I’m having fun,” Rebecca said and meant it.
“Good. If you like your work, it’s not really work,” Jake said. “Oh, before I forget. Come with me a minute.”
Rebecca followed him to the office where he handed her an envelope. She opened it and was surprised at the amount of money in it. “This is more than we agreed upon.”
“It’s an advance to cover next week. I don’t know your finances, but I can imagine it wasn’t cheap getting’ here. I figured you could use the cash,” Jake said. He put a hand on her shoulder. “You need to understand that just because you work for me doesn’t mean that it has anything to do with our relationship. I can keep that separate. You’re not beholden to me or anything like that. Ok?”
She smiled at him. “Yes. I can keep them separate, too.”
“Good,” Jake said.
The sound of smashing glass made them jump. Jake said, “Stay here,” and ran out front.
Two guys had started fighting near the bar. Sammi had her hands full in the barroom so she couldn’t go deal with them just yet. One of them had thrown the other over the bar and he’d hit some of the bottles of whiskey on the back wall. The one who’d thrown the other had followed him behind the bar intent on inflicting more damage on him.
Then the man heard a gun cock behind him and the barrel of a pistol pressed against the back of his head.
“I’d move real slow towards the door if I were you, Zeke,” Jake said as he held the gun on the man. “It’s time for you to leave and not come back.”
Zeke put his hands up and began sidestepping out from behind the bar. Jake followed until Zeke was out of the bar. Jake turned around to the crowd. He was livid. “Out! Everybody out! Bar’s closed for the night!”
Groans of protest met his announcement.
“I don’t give a crap! If you can’t behave any better than that, then get out! Now! Sammi, move ‘em out!” Jake shouted and went back behind the bar to check on the man lying on the floor.
He lay on a mess of glass and Jake could see blood. He needed to get the man up so he could see how badly he was hurt. Jake rolled him over and was relieved to see that the wounds on the man’s arms and hands weren’t deep. After Jake poured some water on the man’s face, he woke up. Jake helped the guy rise and gave him a rag to put on the deepest cut.
“Now get out of here and don’t come back,” Jake said. He looked down at all the glass on the floor and back up at the wall. Men started lining up at the bar to pay their tabs. Jake took their money with a solemn expression on his face. His customers were quiet because they didn’t want to tick Jake off any more than he already was. They all knew how protective Jake was of his establishment and his stock and were always sorry when something like this happened.
Once everyone had paid and Sammi locked the door, Jake started sweeping up the mess.
“Damn it! That’s nine bottles of booze ruined! Just wait until I see Zeke. He’s gonna fork the money over for it or I’ll sic Mitch on him,” he said to Rebecca who had come out of the office once things had quieted down.
Sammi brought over a bunch of shot glasses and beer mugs and sat them on the bar. “That’s a damn shame, boss. I’m sorry about that. I’d have dealt with them, but I was a little busy at the time.”
“It’s not your fault, Sammi. It was just one of the more wild nights that we get now and then. That’s the first time I had anyone throw anyone back here, though. It better be the last. I guess I’ll have to make an announcement about it,” Jake said.
Rebecca asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Sammi said, “Sure. Help me bring all the glasses and stuff out here.”
She followed Sammi to the barroom and began collecting the mugs and such.
“I liked your playing,” Sammi said. “The stuff you play is real pretty.”
“Thank you. I enjoy it. Why did you decide to become a bouncer and a deputy?”
Sammi laughed. “Lots of reasons. I like weapons and I had to make myself strong to survive. I had some really bad stuff happen to me when I was younger and I decided I wasn’t going to be a victim ever again. So I learned how to use guns and knives. There were people who taught me how to fight, too. I just kept practicing and got really good at it all. I like it. Mitch says I’m an aggressive person by nature and he’s right. I like knowing I’m helping keep the bar as safe as possible.”
Rebecca said, “I’m sorry that you had a hard upbringing.”
Sammi shrugged. “It’s all water under the bridge now.” She gave Rebecca a smile and said, “I was really lucky to find a man like Mitch who appreciates a woman like me. He likes watching me work. Gets him all wound up.”
Sammi’s meaning sunk in and Rebecca laughed even while she blushed.
Sammi laughed. “Sorry about that. I sometimes don’t know when to keep my mouth shut.”
“No, I don’t mind. It’s just that women of my former station are watched very closely and are expected to be married before assuming wifely duties,” Rebecca said. “So I’m afraid that I’m inexperienced in such matters.”
“Oh Lord. I love the way you said all that with your accent. You should try swearing sometime. It won’t sound like swearing, I bet,” Sammi said.
Rebecca giggled but didn’t say anything. They finished putting the glasses on the counter and Jake said, “Rebecca, are you ready to go home?”
“Do you need any more help?” she asked.
He shook his head. “This is the part where I get fussy as Sammi said, so I’ll finish when I come back.”
“Very well. Yes, I’m ready,” Rebecca said. She wondered what it was he was so fussy about and decided to find out on another night.
Jake helped her put on her cloak and then donned his coat. The three of them went out the back door. Jake locked it and they started on their way.
Chapter Eight
Sammi bid them goodbye and headed in a different direction. She thought they could use some time alone when it was quieter. Besides, she wanted to get home and do some “homework” with her husband.
Rebecca shivered in the cold air. The bar had been so warm and the temperature outside was a big contrast. Jake saw and drew her against his side as they walked.
“I think you’re gonna have to get some warmer clothing. You look beautiful, but those kinds of dresses aren’t really good at keeping you warm,” he said. “I don’t want you getting frost bite.”
“I think you’re right,” Rebecca said. “It was a very interesting night.”
Jake laughed. He liked the way she felt against him. “They’re all interesting. It got a little out of hand tonight, though. It’s usually not quite that bad.”
“Why do you like it so much?” she asked.
Jake thought about her question for the moment. “I guess I like seeing people have a good time. It’s always fun, as you can see, even when things get wild. I think it has more to do with Pa, though. I was about eight when he started the Watering Hole. There wasn’t as much to the town back then so it was the only saloon in the area. Now there’s a couple in Wolfe Point and a bunch in Miles City. They’re still too far away for most of these folks to travel to on a regular basis, though.”
“Why did your father start it?” Rebecca asked.
“Ma was originally from Dawson, but she ran away to New York to find fame and fortune. That didn’t happen, of course. Pa worked in a saloon and Ma started dancing there because she needed to money. Well, they met and that was it. They were married in three months. Pa convinced Ma that they should move back here and start up their own saloon. It didn’t happen for a while because I came along and they had to save up some money to buy the land for the place,” Jake said.
