I've always loved all kinds of musicians, but for some reason, I've always been partial to drummers. I love their strong arms, strong hands, their single-mindedness, and level of endurance. Tonight I'm surprising a friend who is part of a quartet, playing in a small club, off the strip in Las Vegas.
We are both from around here so our paths cross once in awhile. He and I have a little bit of history...nothing too serious, lots of playing around, lots of feel-good fun. He's always been kind to me and we've always been friends.
I heard through other acquaintances that he was having a rough time of it...experiencing the aftermath of a heartbreak, so tonight, I'm a woman on a mission to try and cheer him up.
These days, you have to walk through a wall of smokers before hitting the front door to this club. I used to work here so I know the ins and outs of this place. It's not as smoky inside as it used to be, though. I hear "Something to Talk About" by Bonnie Raitt and I know I'm in the right place. I strain to see the band through the crowd. I try to squeeze through crowd to get closer to the band, fighting off an occasional ass-grab as I go.
I waited for the song to end and yelled out his name. He looked up, our eyes met and he proceeded with a collection of hand signals which I interpreted as "Let's talk at the break."
While I waited for his break, I asked one of my fellow server friends from the past if the boss was in tonight. She said no and told me his office was unlocked. I went to the back and opened the door. I gave it a once over, straightened it up a little, cleared off the Naugahyde sofa, then stepped out and got us a couple of drinks - wine for me, a refreshing beer for him.
I heard the familiar announcement, " Thanks, everybody. We'll be back in 15."