The usual crowd was at Leprechauns for Wednesday night karaoke. I went most Wednesdays hoping to have an opportunity to sing three or four songs over the course of the evening. I typically went to sing because it's something I love to do, while engaging in a little bit of bar banter about the songs I sang, about other singers, or just about life.
People were usually complimentary about my songs though I know I didn't nail every song I attempted. As the drinks continued to flow, the crowd began to "hear" the songs as background noise unless there was a clearly stellar performance. Yet occasionally I was fortunate in being singled out by one patron or another who made me aware that they enjoyed my singing.
One particular Wednesday, I finished up my third song, U2's "With or Without You", leaving the small stage to head back to the bar for a refill. I was passing by a high top table occupied by a woman, apparently alone, who tapped me on the arm. I turned to look at her, as she said, "That was really good."
I said, "Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed!"
She responded, "I'm a big U2 fan and your version was really faithful to the original. Do you know "Pride" or "Desire"?"
I chuckled and said, "I think there are quite a few people here tonight who know desire...".
She laughed and said, "I know your name's Trent from the KJ's introduction and I'm Sally. Would you like to join me?"
"It'd be my pleasure. Let me let 'em know at the bar to transfer my tab to this table"
On my way to and back from the bar I was chewing over this new situation. This wasn't some girl who was way too young for me or some woman who was out with her friends on a girls' night out. This was someone who possibly actually be interested in knowing more about me. Sally was around 5'8" with shoulder length hair and hazel eyes. Her body was shapely with a kind face, a sweet smile, and freckled skin. I'm no Greek god at 5'10" around 188 pounds, but these karaoke night beers were just about my only bad habit indulgence.
We chatted a little learning about each other. Sally was a guidance counselor in the local school system and I was working for as a mechanical systems drafting engineer. I learned we had a mutual love of Amos Lee and going to the beach, with Sally having been raised in a coastal town, though having relocated to the metro area for her job. Better money and benefits dictated the city life for both of us.
As we continued to chat I found that Sally had a wicked sense of humor, which contradicted her generally laid back, friendly demeanor. I guess that we were both sarcastically critical of some of the evening's karaoke performers. Nails on the chalkboard, slurred words, and tone deafness were the common comments we laughed about, though Sally was quick to acknowledge that it took some measure of courage to even attempt it.
I asked Sally, " Do you ever sing?". Of course I meant at karaoke. I didn't remember having seen her here before, so I wondered what drew her in.
