Day and Night missing bits
Here is the next bit, sorry it has taken me so long:
Marissa quietly hummed as she wiped down the espresso machine. The weird chemistry that had been hanging over the house was gone. To make things even better, Jason wasn’t purposely making her nervous every time she turned around. The bell at the door rang, but she didn’t look up from her cleaning.
Someone cleared their throat at the counter.
Marissa looked up.
Jason was standing at the counter, “I would like a tea, if it is not too much trouble.”
Marissa wasn’t sure if it was just her, but it seemed as if the entire coffee shop had gone silent. Jason had never ordered anything before, had not really ever show any interest in anything but glaring at people.
“What kind?” The question was an automatic one.
That pulled Jason up short, then after a moment of thought he answered, “Green.”
Marissa nodded and moved mechanically to start steeping his tea.
Kira leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Did he just order something?” Marissa nodded. “And he was polite?” Marissa nodded again. “Is this some sign of the apocalypse?”
“I don’t know, have you seen the seven horsemen ride by?”
“Not yet, but I will keep my eyes open.”
Marissa took Jason’s tea to his usual spot, before she could retreat back to the safety of the counter, he stopped her with a light touch on the back of her hand. “What time do you get off?”
One of Kira’s automatic crass remarks to such a question came to mind, but Marissa suppressed the urge to say it. “I’m done here around 3. Why?”
“It is a surprise.”
Marissa walked back to the counter beyond confused, either she was hallucinating, or Jason had just winked at her.
When three o’clock rolled around Marissa wasn’t thinking of anything but getting off her feet. The usual lunch crowd had been double it’s normal size and had lasted nearly twice what is usually did.
So when she walked over to where she stored her bike, and found it empty, all she could do was stare. She knew it had been there half an hour ago when she had made a frenzied run to the market to get sprinkles. Really, who ordered coffee with whipped cream and sprinkles?
She looked up as a familiar black BMW pulled up next to her and the passenger door opened. “Do not worry about your bike. I already had Franny take it home for you.”
“Why?”
“So I do not have to get up before dawn to take you in to work tomorrow.” Jason paused, “Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to get in?”
Marissa hesitated half a second then slid in. She took note of his dark slacks and silver grey button down, “This isn’t the way to the house, where are you taking me?”
“A small club. I am in the mood for some decent live music.” Not too much longer they pulled in front of a non-descript building in Baton Rogue. It was one of an entire row of non-descript buildings on the block. The one thing that distinguished this one from the others was a line of people and a literal red velvet rope blocking them from the entrance.
“If you were planning on listening to anything other than the radio tonight, looks like you should have been in line yesterday.” Marissa eyed the line skeptically.
“The line does not worry me.” Jason pulled up to the curb on front of the door.
Someone hurried over to the driver door, protesting that Jason couldn’t park there. The moment Jason lowered his window the protest stopped and the door was opened for him, “My apologies Mr. Havenword, I did not recognize you. New car?”
“A few months old.” Jason said as he walked around the front to Marissa’s door and opened it. As he helped her out, Marissa could feel the eyes of everyone in line on her. It was then that she took note of the difference between how she was dressed and the way all the women in line were. Her faded jeans and purple tank top made her feel under-dressed.
As they approached the velvet rope Marissa whispered to Jason, “If there’s any kind of dress code, they aren’t going to let me in.”
Jason looked Marissa over, “I do not see anything wrong with what you have on.”
The man who opened Jason’s door went ahead of them and lifted the velvet rope himself, this time he addressed Marissa, “Welcome to Julian’s and if there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate in asking.”
The next obstacle was an overly burly bald black man standing in the doorway. The way he stood with his arms folded and a “Don’t mess with me” attitude convinced Marissa he was the bouncer. Jason nodded to the man, “Franklin.”
“Sir.”
“Hey sugar!” A woman from the crowd called out. “How ‘bout you take me in? I can give you the kind of fun that girl can’t.”
Jason felt Marissa stiffen on his arm. He gave the bouncer, Franklin, a significant glance and received a slight nod in response. As they passed through the doors, Marissa heard a deep voice behind them, “Tristin, that line just earned you a place in the back of the cue.”
Once inside it took a few moments for Marissa’s eyes to adjust to the dim light. When they finally did, what Marissa saw surprised her. Despite the building’s humble appearance on the outside the inside was understated luxury. The walls were a plum purple with a black ceiling, small LED lights strung around giving the appearance of starts in a night sky. The floor was lightly sloped down to a stage with booths and tables scattered around on what looked like level platforms.
Every seat appeared to be occupied by people that could be nothing if not the top of the A list. There was someone on the stage sensing a soul-filled blues number Marissa vaguely recognized.
The maitre d’ stopped them a few feet inside the Door, “Mr. Havenward, it is wonderful to see you sir. Will Miss Franny be joining you?”
“No, Charles, just us tonight. Is my table available?” Jason was only partially paying attention. He appeared to be contemplating the singer.
“Yes sir.” The maitre d’ lead the way to a discreet table near the middle but slightly to one side.
“This singer is new, I do not recognize him.”
Charles smiled, “Yes he is, been performing with us two weeks now.”
“He has promise. One of your finds?”
“Yes sir, my nephew in-fact.”
“Ahh I see the resemblance now.”
Charles smiled as he set down the menu. The next instant Jason pulled the chair out for Marissa and Charles was gone. Jason took the seat next to her.
“Why are we here?” Her question was low enough so Jason was the only one to hear her.
“I told you, I was in the mood for music, and this place is the best place for music.”
“And where exactly is ‘this place’?”
“Julian’s or sometimes it is referred to as Jewels.”
Marissa felt her jaw drop, “You wouldn’t mean Jazzy Jewels, would you? It’s the number one place for Jazz and Blues on the east coast.” Marissa looked around the club with new eyes. Now that she knew what to look for she started to recognize some of the faces.
Jason nodded, “Jazzy Jewels, huh? I prefer Julian’s, but I guess they are allowed to call it what ever they want.”
“How did you get us in here? It takes months to get a reservation.”
“I do not need a reservation, I am on the permanent guest list.” Marissa just shook her head. There was so much he took for granted. She was sure Jason would be able to get in to any club he wanted to, just by showing up. On a whim, he wanted to listen to good music, so going to the number one jazz club was naturally his preference, the fact that normal people would have to plan and wait months to get into that club, wouldn’t even occur to him.
Once Marissa adjusted to the idea where they were and who they were surrounded by, she could listen to the music and even enjoy it. The singer was more than just “not bad” as Jason had deemed him; he was amazing. Marissa didn’t usually pay much attention to music but in her opening this man should have a recording contract.
Between sets Marissa leaned over to ask a question she’d been wanting to ask for the past fifteen minutes, but hadn’t because she didn’t want to miss any of the music. “Which way to the restrooms?”
“The door to the right of the stage.”
The bathroom was as tasteful as the rest of the club. There were a few scattered vanities with mirrors and stools, very old school, another room through an arch housed the sinks, then through another door were the actual toilets. The whole set-up reminded Marissa of the old turn of the centaury Ladies’ Powder Rooms, odd to find in a modern jazz club.
“I had the exact same reaction the first time I saw it.” Marissa had been so amazed by the room, she hadn’t noticed she wasn’t alone. The speaker was seated to her right at one of the vanities. She was a girl in her early 20s with a sweet cherub face and black hair in a bob with one shocking white streak died in. On second look, that white streak wasn’t died, it was real Marissa felt a stab of pity for someone so young to e going grey. Then the woman smiled and shattered that allusion. This was no young 20 something going prematurely grey, but a full woman much older that herself. The way her skin crinkled around her eyes when she smiled gave her away.
“This certainly does live up to the name of restroom, though I feel as if I should call it the Lady’s Louge.” Marissa looked around again, it looked as if they were alone.
“You’re the girl that came in with Jason Havenward, correct.” The woman’s blue eyes sparkled.
“Yes, I’m Marissa.” Marissa held out her hand.
“Julianna,” she shook Marissa’s hand cordially. “Caused quite a stir having Jason arrive with someone other than Franny.”
“Oh? What, does it not happen often?”
“Try never. In the past five years Jason has either come with Franny or come alone. You’re the first lucky lady, and I should know, I’ve been here almost every day since we opened five years ago.”
Marissa cocked her head to the side, looking at the woman anew. Her face was vaguely familiar.
Julianna must have seen the glimmer of recognition in Marissa’s face because she smiled. Marissa was instantly suspicious, “And how does the creator of some of the most famous clubs come to know Jason Havenward? He isn’t on any of the media A lists, that I know of.”
Julianna saw the change in Marissa, “You won’t find their names in any magazines or on the telly, but people who know anything in my business know at least of the Havenward family. Jason especially has his fingers in the finances of a few clubs, including this one.” Her tone was mild, but everything else about her said she did not like explaining herself to anyone. She finished touching up her makeup and left.
When Marissa returned to the table, should found Julianna in her seat. The dark haired woman appeared to be having a heated (but quiet) argument with Jason. The argument appeared to be largely one sided, where Julianna looked to be stating her case effectively, Jason in turn seemed to only give short answers. The shorter his answers, the longer and more insistent Julianna’s became.
Jason looked up as Marissa approached. He held up his hand to silence Julianna. “I said no, end of discussion.”
Marissa watched as Julianna literally set her jaw, then look up at her. If looks could kill, Marissa would have just been given a one-way ticket to the morgue.
“What was that about?” Marissa resumed her seat after Jason had dismissed Julianna with a look.
“Business, Julie was trying to convince me that the club needed a dress code.”
“Why would she come to you about policy in her own club?”
“It is not her club.” Marissa arched an eyebrow encouraging him to explain. “The club carries her name yes, and the day to day operations is up to her, but when it comes to major policy changes like this, she is required to get the consent of her financier.”
“And that’s you.” Marissa filled in.
“Well, yes. Her clubs are good investments and I enjoy good music. Being a major investor insures that I have to say in the talent that is showcased here.”
Marissa thought about what Jason had told her, “That explains why the attendant changed his tone as soon as he saw you.”
“Attendant?” Jason looked at her. “Oh, him, that man is not an attendant, he is the manager.”
They stayed and listened for a few more sets, then Jason suggested they leave. “You have to open in the morning, right?”
“Yep, just like usual.”
“Then we should be leaving.”
It was if someone had been listening for just that. The manager was at Jason’s side in an instant. “Leaving early? Is the music not to your liking tonight?”
“The music was just fine. My guest has to work in the morning. Maybe next time we will be able to stay for the entire evening.” Jason led Marissa out and to his car, leaving some of the staff staring after them.
The manager turned to Julianna, “Any idea who the woman is?”
“I have not idea who that girl was, but I have every intention of finding out.”
“Green does not become you.”
“Oh, shut up and get back to work.” She turned on her heel and stormed away, leaving the manager where he was with a small smile on his lips.
*****
Marissa quietly hummed as she wiped down the espresso machine. The weird chemistry that had been hanging over the house was gone. To make things even better, Jason wasn’t purposely making her nervous every time she turned around. The bell at the door rang, but she didn’t look up from her cleaning.
Someone cleared their throat at the counter.
Marissa looked up.
Jason was standing at the counter, “I would like a tea, if it is not too much trouble.”
Marissa wasn’t sure if it was just her, but it seemed as if the entire coffee shop had gone silent. Jason had never ordered anything before, had not really ever show any interest in anything but glaring at people.
“What kind?” The question was an automatic one.
That pulled Jason up short, then after a moment of thought he answered, “Green.”
Marissa nodded and moved mechanically to start steeping his tea.
Kira leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Did he just order something?” Marissa nodded. “And he was polite?” Marissa nodded again. “Is this some sign of the apocalypse?”
“I don’t know, have you seen the seven horsemen ride by?”
“Not yet, but I will keep my eyes open.”
Marissa took Jason’s tea to his usual spot, before she could retreat back to the safety of the counter, he stopped her with a light touch on the back of her hand. “What time do you get off?”
One of Kira’s automatic crass remarks to such a question came to mind, but Marissa suppressed the urge to say it. “I’m done here around 3. Why?”
“It is a surprise.”
Marissa walked back to the counter beyond confused, either she was hallucinating, or Jason had just winked at her.
When three o’clock rolled around Marissa wasn’t thinking of anything but getting off her feet. The usual lunch crowd had been double it’s normal size and had lasted nearly twice what is usually did.
So when she walked over to where she stored her bike, and found it empty, all she could do was stare. She knew it had been there half an hour ago when she had made a frenzied run to the market to get sprinkles. Really, who ordered coffee with whipped cream and sprinkles?
She looked up as a familiar black BMW pulled up next to her and the passenger door opened. “Do not worry about your bike. I already had Franny take it home for you.”
“Why?”
“So I do not have to get up before dawn to take you in to work tomorrow.” Jason paused, “Are you going to stand there all day or are you going to get in?”
Marissa hesitated half a second then slid in. She took note of his dark slacks and silver grey button down, “This isn’t the way to the house, where are you taking me?”
“A small club. I am in the mood for some decent live music.” Not too much longer they pulled in front of a non-descript building in Baton Rogue. It was one of an entire row of non-descript buildings on the block. The one thing that distinguished this one from the others was a line of people and a literal red velvet rope blocking them from the entrance.
“If you were planning on listening to anything other than the radio tonight, looks like you should have been in line yesterday.” Marissa eyed the line skeptically.
“The line does not worry me.” Jason pulled up to the curb on front of the door.
Someone hurried over to the driver door, protesting that Jason couldn’t park there. The moment Jason lowered his window the protest stopped and the door was opened for him, “My apologies Mr. Havenword, I did not recognize you. New car?”
“A few months old.” Jason said as he walked around the front to Marissa’s door and opened it. As he helped her out, Marissa could feel the eyes of everyone in line on her. It was then that she took note of the difference between how she was dressed and the way all the women in line were. Her faded jeans and purple tank top made her feel under-dressed.
As they approached the velvet rope Marissa whispered to Jason, “If there’s any kind of dress code, they aren’t going to let me in.”
Jason looked Marissa over, “I do not see anything wrong with what you have on.”
The man who opened Jason’s door went ahead of them and lifted the velvet rope himself, this time he addressed Marissa, “Welcome to Julian’s and if there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate in asking.”
The next obstacle was an overly burly bald black man standing in the doorway. The way he stood with his arms folded and a “Don’t mess with me” attitude convinced Marissa he was the bouncer. Jason nodded to the man, “Franklin.”
“Sir.”
“Hey sugar!” A woman from the crowd called out. “How ‘bout you take me in? I can give you the kind of fun that girl can’t.”
Jason felt Marissa stiffen on his arm. He gave the bouncer, Franklin, a significant glance and received a slight nod in response. As they passed through the doors, Marissa heard a deep voice behind them, “Tristin, that line just earned you a place in the back of the cue.”
Once inside it took a few moments for Marissa’s eyes to adjust to the dim light. When they finally did, what Marissa saw surprised her. Despite the building’s humble appearance on the outside the inside was understated luxury. The walls were a plum purple with a black ceiling, small LED lights strung around giving the appearance of starts in a night sky. The floor was lightly sloped down to a stage with booths and tables scattered around on what looked like level platforms.
Every seat appeared to be occupied by people that could be nothing if not the top of the A list. There was someone on the stage sensing a soul-filled blues number Marissa vaguely recognized.
The maitre d’ stopped them a few feet inside the Door, “Mr. Havenward, it is wonderful to see you sir. Will Miss Franny be joining you?”
“No, Charles, just us tonight. Is my table available?” Jason was only partially paying attention. He appeared to be contemplating the singer.
“Yes sir.” The maitre d’ lead the way to a discreet table near the middle but slightly to one side.
“This singer is new, I do not recognize him.”
Charles smiled, “Yes he is, been performing with us two weeks now.”
“He has promise. One of your finds?”
“Yes sir, my nephew in-fact.”
“Ahh I see the resemblance now.”
Charles smiled as he set down the menu. The next instant Jason pulled the chair out for Marissa and Charles was gone. Jason took the seat next to her.
“Why are we here?” Her question was low enough so Jason was the only one to hear her.
“I told you, I was in the mood for music, and this place is the best place for music.”
“And where exactly is ‘this place’?”
“Julian’s or sometimes it is referred to as Jewels.”
Marissa felt her jaw drop, “You wouldn’t mean Jazzy Jewels, would you? It’s the number one place for Jazz and Blues on the east coast.” Marissa looked around the club with new eyes. Now that she knew what to look for she started to recognize some of the faces.
Jason nodded, “Jazzy Jewels, huh? I prefer Julian’s, but I guess they are allowed to call it what ever they want.”
“How did you get us in here? It takes months to get a reservation.”
“I do not need a reservation, I am on the permanent guest list.” Marissa just shook her head. There was so much he took for granted. She was sure Jason would be able to get in to any club he wanted to, just by showing up. On a whim, he wanted to listen to good music, so going to the number one jazz club was naturally his preference, the fact that normal people would have to plan and wait months to get into that club, wouldn’t even occur to him.
Once Marissa adjusted to the idea where they were and who they were surrounded by, she could listen to the music and even enjoy it. The singer was more than just “not bad” as Jason had deemed him; he was amazing. Marissa didn’t usually pay much attention to music but in her opening this man should have a recording contract.
Between sets Marissa leaned over to ask a question she’d been wanting to ask for the past fifteen minutes, but hadn’t because she didn’t want to miss any of the music. “Which way to the restrooms?”
“The door to the right of the stage.”
The bathroom was as tasteful as the rest of the club. There were a few scattered vanities with mirrors and stools, very old school, another room through an arch housed the sinks, then through another door were the actual toilets. The whole set-up reminded Marissa of the old turn of the centaury Ladies’ Powder Rooms, odd to find in a modern jazz club.
“I had the exact same reaction the first time I saw it.” Marissa had been so amazed by the room, she hadn’t noticed she wasn’t alone. The speaker was seated to her right at one of the vanities. She was a girl in her early 20s with a sweet cherub face and black hair in a bob with one shocking white streak died in. On second look, that white streak wasn’t died, it was real Marissa felt a stab of pity for someone so young to e going grey. Then the woman smiled and shattered that allusion. This was no young 20 something going prematurely grey, but a full woman much older that herself. The way her skin crinkled around her eyes when she smiled gave her away.
“This certainly does live up to the name of restroom, though I feel as if I should call it the Lady’s Louge.” Marissa looked around again, it looked as if they were alone.
“You’re the girl that came in with Jason Havenward, correct.” The woman’s blue eyes sparkled.
“Yes, I’m Marissa.” Marissa held out her hand.
“Julianna,” she shook Marissa’s hand cordially. “Caused quite a stir having Jason arrive with someone other than Franny.”
“Oh? What, does it not happen often?”
“Try never. In the past five years Jason has either come with Franny or come alone. You’re the first lucky lady, and I should know, I’ve been here almost every day since we opened five years ago.”
Marissa cocked her head to the side, looking at the woman anew. Her face was vaguely familiar.
Julianna must have seen the glimmer of recognition in Marissa’s face because she smiled. Marissa was instantly suspicious, “And how does the creator of some of the most famous clubs come to know Jason Havenward? He isn’t on any of the media A lists, that I know of.”
Julianna saw the change in Marissa, “You won’t find their names in any magazines or on the telly, but people who know anything in my business know at least of the Havenward family. Jason especially has his fingers in the finances of a few clubs, including this one.” Her tone was mild, but everything else about her said she did not like explaining herself to anyone. She finished touching up her makeup and left.
When Marissa returned to the table, should found Julianna in her seat. The dark haired woman appeared to be having a heated (but quiet) argument with Jason. The argument appeared to be largely one sided, where Julianna looked to be stating her case effectively, Jason in turn seemed to only give short answers. The shorter his answers, the longer and more insistent Julianna’s became.
Jason looked up as Marissa approached. He held up his hand to silence Julianna. “I said no, end of discussion.”
Marissa watched as Julianna literally set her jaw, then look up at her. If looks could kill, Marissa would have just been given a one-way ticket to the morgue.
“What was that about?” Marissa resumed her seat after Jason had dismissed Julianna with a look.
“Business, Julie was trying to convince me that the club needed a dress code.”
“Why would she come to you about policy in her own club?”
“It is not her club.” Marissa arched an eyebrow encouraging him to explain. “The club carries her name yes, and the day to day operations is up to her, but when it comes to major policy changes like this, she is required to get the consent of her financier.”
“And that’s you.” Marissa filled in.
“Well, yes. Her clubs are good investments and I enjoy good music. Being a major investor insures that I have to say in the talent that is showcased here.”
Marissa thought about what Jason had told her, “That explains why the attendant changed his tone as soon as he saw you.”
“Attendant?” Jason looked at her. “Oh, him, that man is not an attendant, he is the manager.”
They stayed and listened for a few more sets, then Jason suggested they leave. “You have to open in the morning, right?”
“Yep, just like usual.”
“Then we should be leaving.”
It was if someone had been listening for just that. The manager was at Jason’s side in an instant. “Leaving early? Is the music not to your liking tonight?”
“The music was just fine. My guest has to work in the morning. Maybe next time we will be able to stay for the entire evening.” Jason led Marissa out and to his car, leaving some of the staff staring after them.
The manager turned to Julianna, “Any idea who the woman is?”
“I have not idea who that girl was, but I have every intention of finding out.”
“Green does not become you.”
“Oh, shut up and get back to work.” She turned on her heel and stormed away, leaving the manager where he was with a small smile on his lips.
*****