Faster Pussycat was a Lesbian theme pop-up bar in the South of Market area of San Francisco. Located on Howard Street, "The Cat" as it was sometimes referred to by its regulars was open one night a week in a club space that was primarily used under a different name. The club got its name (I believe) from an old cult B movie from 1965 of the same name. Frankly, the movie wasn't that great, IMO.
Every now and then I come up with an inspired idea. Sometimes they even work out. I decided to have some business cards printed up with my name (Nom de plume really) on them that read:
Jay Sonnet
Muff Diving Expert
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back
On demand service 24/7
[my cell phone number]
So I dress in a fairly casual/professional manner, suitable for a SOMA night club, and walk into the place one night about 9:15 pm. Doors open at 8 pm, close about 1 am. I take in the scene in a quick look around. Club is pretty nondescript, a lot of black and bad lighting, Nearly 100% female clientele, girl band on stage playing some god-awful thrasher music. I strolled up to the bar, sat on a stool and ordered a French 75. For those who are not up on cocktails, a French 75 is two parts champagne, one part gin, a and ½ part each of simple syrup and lemon juice, served with a twist of lemon peel in a champagne glass. Totally delicious and refreshing with a kick like the famous French artillery piece from World War One from which it got its name.
The bartenders name is Kelly. She was tall, nearly six feet, slim in a not quite boyish sort of way, very pretty face and blond hair cut into a tapered bowl style. Tee shirt and chinos. Nice smile. She checked me out with a look that said, what the fuck are you doing in here?
OK. I'm nearly 60, 6-3, steel gray hair. I do not exactly fit the profile of the typical clientele.
She says sure, makes the drink and charges me $11. I pay then take a sip, smile and allow how it's good.
"You do realize that this is a Lesbian club, right?"
"Yep. Did some research. Decided I'd like to check it out."
"Most of the girls here are between 18 and 35. You look twice that."
"Got it. I do because I am."
"I kind of doubt anyone here is looking to get picked up by and old man."
"That kind of hurts my feelings, you know. I don't feel like an old man. I understand that the sexual orientation of most of these ladies puts me at a considerable disadvantage. However, I'm not looking for a date."
"Well, you seem to have a sense of humor. I'm Kelly."
"Pleased to meet you Kelly. My name is Jay."
She went off to take the orders of a few other customers, most of which were giving me a wide berth. I resisted the impulse to check how my pits smelled...probably the male pheromones, I thought, are acting like insect repellent.
A few minutes later she came back, looked me straight in the eye and asked, "So why ARE you here, Jay."
"Actually Kelly, I was hoping to find some new clients."
"Oh, so you're a salesman?"
"Not exactly," I said, giving her my most winning smile.
"OK, so what's the product."
Actually, I provide a service. Here's my card."
She took it and looked at it for a moment before her eyes got big and her jaw fell open."
"You gotta be shittin' me," she said, bursting into laughter. That got a few looks from some of the girls nearby. "That's one of the most outrageous things I've ever seen. Besides that, the expert part sounds like bullshit."
"Isn't all sales a form of BS?" I asked, smiling at her.
Before she could cut me down to size I followed up with, "Actually, it's not bullshit. I'm quite good at this."
"Hmmph! Typical. Every guy seems to thinks he's God's gift to women in the sack."
"Sure. I get that. But I don't think that way. What I provide is a custom, tailored experience adjusted in real time to meet the needs and instructions of the client. I deliver this service in a laid back but totally professional style. It's neither macho, nor clinical. As I said, each client has different needs. I pay close attention and cater to them.
"And how much do you charge?"
"$1.00"
"Shiiiit! That's not much of a business model."
"I'm a non-profit entity."
"Why the fuck should I give a rat's patoot about this insanity?"
"No reason. I'm not going to give you the hard sell. I just wanted to let you know of my availability and let you take this wherever you like."
Kelly looked at me intensely, like she was actually seeing me for the first time. I was encouraged by this.
"You know, I am intrigued. Tell you what, your next drink is on me, what was that, oh yeah a French 75. I go on break in 15 minutes. I'm gonna give you an audition."
"Wonderful, " I grinned.