Jessica

Okay, we have fooled around long enough. We have got to think about dressing for the evening. Jessica is in no hurry whatsoever. She does her hair. She does her makeup. Everything but put clothes on. I'm not complaining mind you. There isn't one square inch of her that isn't great to view. I press my clothes, shave, and all that. Try to make myself look as good as possible. Ten minutes before we leave, Jessica dresses.

Tonight, was a sapphire blue spaghetti strap dress. The front plunges and it barely covers her ass. She looks hot. Do I have to tell you what color my shirt is? Jessica planning. We warmed up with Gus and Nick. Then to the green room. The four of us spend some time discussing music selection for the future. The Guaraldi pieces will be very popular we think. The guys know many of these songs already. There will have to be some changes made, however. Many of the songs have wind instruments. Jessica and I will have to do four hand piano instead. It's that or learn to play something new.

It is time to play. Tonight's songbook comes from a few very talented artists. Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Melody Gardot, and a few songs by Sade. All of which fit Jessica's range very well. The patrons are most receptive to these selections. The dance floor is never empty, the bar does a booming business, and the wait help is constantly on the move. Jessica and I are supplied with espresso. The tip jar is emptied several times. This is nice, but I can't begin to explain how we are enjoying this. It is the look on people's faces. They are having a great time with friends or significant others. We play well into Sunday morning. We finish the night, split the take, and go home. A great night.

The roads are just about deserted as Jessica, and I travel.

She speaks.

"Roger, give me your hand."

I do as she asks.

Then she adds.

"I'm not wearing panties. Want to see?"

Jessica moves my hand under her short dress. She was telling the truth. So, I use my fingers on her all the way home. Which is what I think she wanted anyway. The way she went naked until the last minute earlier already had me interested. Now this?? Let's just say she had a couple orgasms on the way home. At home, she wants to shower. We do and then she wants to go to bed. Jessica has kept me in an aroused state for some length of time.

Now that we are in bed, she speaks.

"Your turn. How would you like it? Sucked or fucked?"

I asked her to sit on top of me. In my current condition, it doesn't take me long. Then Jessica just stays on top of me, like a blanket and falls asleep. I sleep as well.

Sunday morning, we sleep in once more. I am glad about this as I am very, very tired. Jessica remained plastered to me all night. I managed to slide from under her. The espresso machine is calling me.

She doesn't miss a beat.

"Roger bring me espresso please."

Her eyes were still closed. A few minutes after, we have coffee. We stay in bed. Sunday will be a shorter night than last night. I kind of look forward to coming home and resting. There is some piano practice by us both. Then we dress in a very relaxed style. Jessica in jeans, a tank, and heels. Me in slacks and pullover shirt. Gus and Nick are meeting at the hotel. Set lists are passed out and practice ensues. We are ready. A good night for us again. Nick and Gus take off once we are done. Jessica and I remain, but not for long.

I still haven't heard from the suits about vacation. I hope they don't make this difficult. Jessica is always on my arm. I love her there. It's time to go home. Mercifully, Jessica behaves during the drive. I wondered what she would do. We get ready for bed. Jessica makes no overtures about sex. But you know what? I want her.

So, I speak.

"Jessica, would you like it if we made slow and gentle love? I promise you many kisses and lots of hugs."

For an answer, she wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me to her. I can't have enough of her.

The first thing Monday morning is espresso for us both. The second is a phone call to the suits about vacation. I think they are trying to avoid me and the subject as we are making them a lot of money right now. I will be persistent, however. As I do this, Jessica is getting laundry around. I finally can speak to someone. They want me to come in early today to discuss it. We do some house cleaning the rest of the morning as well as practice sessions.

I am thinking that not only do I want a vacation, but I also don't want to work seven days a week anymore. There are lots of musicians that would love to take any day I don't play. I don't need the money that badly and now, I want time with Jessica. You know, a nice date night with dinner, a movie or dancing or going to another club. An evening without worrying about playing or set lists. Time for just the two of us. They have a great Orchestra here. I would love to go to a concert and hear classical music. See other people perform. Maybe a museum or a bookstore or record shopping. Things Jessica and I can do together outside of work. Or perhaps wander in a park or the zoo. Because of her, I want more of life than just work. I want to share life with Jessica. Is it that I have missed out on these things and want them now? I think yes.

I inform Jessica we must leave early for a meeting about vacation. She seems pleased. We have time for folding and putting away laundry. We also clean the house. Already we have fallen into habits and jobs. I sweep, she dusts. The kitchen gets cleaned, and the trash is gathered and taken out. Not very glamorous or sexy stuff, is it? But they are things that need to be done. The house looks pretty good when we finish. I like the touches Jessica has made to our home. It's softer now, more comfortable, and certainly much cleaner.

We prepare for the meeting. We both dress professionally. Jessica has a very nice looking mauve colored dress and heels. A very business looking outfit. Her hair is pulled back and in a bun. I have my suit and tie. We are ready. A change of clothes is packed for us both for this evenings playing.

The drive has us discuss what may or may not happen. Jessica wants to know what I will do if they won't let me off. What will I do if they let me off and not her? She hasn't been there for very long. I also think we should have at least two days off every week and a weekend every month. I have laid out my reasons for you and I tell them to Jessica. She is touched that I find her so important in my life now that I am greedy about my time with her outside of work. I mean the time we spend at home is good. But I want to do other things with her as I said.

We arrived early, which I like. You know I don't care for being late. The suits make us wait. It's a ploy to try and upset us, I'm sure. Not going to work. I've played this game before. Finally, the meeting begins.

There are three of them and they are all sitting on one side of a table. No one smiles. They don't ask us to sit. They don't offer us anything to drink. They just sit there. Okay, if that's the way they want to do this.

One of them speaks.

"Okay Roger, what's this all about?"

I must explain to them that in the seven years I have worked for them, I haven't taken any time off. It's been seven days a week. I need and want time off. I also tell them about altering the work schedule. They are not happy, but I must remain firm. They ask why Jessica is here.

I say simply.

"She will be coming with me."

They give me things like.

"Now is not a good time for you or Jessica to leave. Business is up and we need you in your position. Can't you put off your vacation until the fall? Jessica hasn't been working here that long. She hasn't earned time off yet."

They all sit there with pleased smiles.

So, this is the way it is going to be? Fine, I can do this.

I speak.

"Let me begin. Gus, Nick, and I have done very well for you. You don't pay those gentlemen enough to hardly make it worth the time and effort. If it weren't for the tips, they wouldn't make it at all. They spend time away from their families. Yes, they enjoy what they do. But you should make it easier for them. We have made a lot of money for you. The addition of Jessica, which you asked for, has made you even more in the past few weeks. We have seen the increase in patrons and the greater flow of business. We know you are making money hand over fist, and it is because of us, the band. I have asked very little of you over the last seven years. What I ask now is not out of line nor excessive. We need and deserve good pay and time off.

One of the suits interrupts.

"Hey, we don't have to have you guys. We can find others to do what you do, and they won't give us crap."

I remain calm and speak.

"Fine then. Jessica, Nick, Gus, and I will go elsewhere. A place where our combined talents are better appreciated."

Jessica and I stand to leave.

One of the others speaks.

"Now hold on. Let's not get hasty or upset. We can work something out. Roger, Jessica, please sit. Let's talk."

We sit.

He continues.

"Roger, what is it you want?"

I would like a raise for Nick and Gus. I would like two days a week off for Jessica and I and one weekend off a month. Right now, I want two weeks of vacation for us both at the same time."

Another suit asks.

"What about the days you aren't here? Who's going to play? We can't have the lounge empty because no one is playing."

I am flat with my response.

"You gentlemen manage this place. You can manage to find someone to substitute for us."

Silence reigns in the room. They look at each other.

One of the suits speaks.

"Roger, would you and Jessica step out for a moment? We need to talk please."

Jessica is somewhat concerned and tells me so.

She speaks.

"What if they let us go? What will we do? Roger this a good job and I don't want to lose it."

I placed my hands on her shoulders and answered.

"Don't worry Jessica. They have it very good now that we have people coming into their business. They aren't going to want to lose this. I have enough money that you and I can be comfortable for some time if they won't work with us. I will take care of you. I promise."

She smiles at me. We are asked to come back into the meeting.

A suit speaks.

"Roger, Jessica, we will agree to the time off you have asked for. Two days a week and one weekend a month. We will also let you have two weeks' vacation. But about the substitutes when you are gone. We don't have those kinds of contacts. We think you do. Would you be interested in managing the entertainment part of the lounge? You could pick and choose who you want."

I think for a moment and speak.

"Management means time. If you want me to take care of this, you are going to have to pay me for it. I want an increase in pay, or if you like, a percentage of the evening take from the lounge. This way, it will be in my interests for it to succeed. Also, I want Jessica and I to be included in the health care program you have. This above what you pay us."

There is some fidgeting on their part.

Another suit speaks.

"What if we don't agree to your terms?"

I say simply.

"Then find someone else."

They look at each other and then at us.

A suit speaks.

"Okay Roger. We will have the paperwork drawn up with all the details. You can look it over when it is ready. Welcome to the team."

We stand and shake hands.

I speak.

"I will have subs lined up for the time we are gone. You will not be disappointed."

Jessica and I leave. We maintain a very calm demeanor in the hallway. Once in the elevator, Jessica jumps in my arms and squeals with delight.

She speaks.

"Roger that was great. You really are going to take care of me. I've never had medical coverage before."

I hold her hand tightly and speak.

"You better start shopping for bathing suits. You are going to need them on our vacation."

Jessica is all a flustered now and speaks.

"Where are we going? Have you found a place?"

I answer.

"Yes Jessica. Away from everything and everybody. Just as you want."

She sequels with pleasure.

"I haven't been on vacation forever. Where are we going?"

I speak.

"West coast, beach, a small house, no one around for miles. Just you and me and sand and water."

Jessica giggles.

Downstairs we go to the green room to change for the evening. I am feeling much better about things now. I've taken care of Jessica and I have made things better for us. The time off will be much appreciated by us. Tomorrow, I will make calls and line up replacements.

I had in mind who I wanted long before today. The best part, Gus and Nick have worked with them before. Most of us know each other anyway. The transition will be seamless. But for now, the focus is tonight. Jessica and I go out and warm up some. Then we just started playing and singing. We are very lighthearted. Then it is time to go home. It isn't too late.

At home I bring up on the computer where we are going. It has lots of pictures. The house itself isn't fancy. It's just adequate. What will be doing in it? Sleeping and eating maybe? It doesn't have to be a resort. It's the beach and water I'm interested in. There is a small town some miles away if we need supplies. But the two of us will be quite alone. Jessica is more excited about it than before. Time for bed, that is if we can sleep. We have much to look forward to.

Tuesday, we don't have much to do until work. I practice piano. Jessica practices piano. I practice clarinet. We had breakfast and espresso. We wander the house and the backyard in the warm morning sunlight. Everyone in the neighborhood has a privacy fence. I've never done much with my yard. I pay to have someone keep it mowed. I have a couple of lawn chairs. They are old and I seldom use them. Today, Jessica and I sat and enjoyed the outdoors.

You can hear the traffic and neighborhood noises. An occasional siren. It's city noise. No gunshots at least. The only reason I get up is to make more espresso for us. In the short time I have known Jessica, she has become an espresso addict. Just like me. I like the way the sun reflects on Jessica's hair. It brings out some different shades. I think I could sit and watch her like this for some time. I suggest we dress and go out for lunch. I feel like Greek food today. Jessica is okay with this. OPA!!!!

Lunch is Gyros, stuffed grape leaves, and Greek salad. We even have some Retsina. It is ice cold too and tastes wonderful on a warm day. Jessica has on a pink sundress today. I wonder if she has anything underneath. I didn't see her dress. Do you see how she has me thinking? I feel like a dirty old man. But I know she does it just for me.

It is a leisurely time with lunch. Greek food and wine always make me want to relax. I don't know why. It just seems right. We take all the time we want here. You know of course work will be upon us soon. This means lunch must end and we must go home and change. The repertoire Tuesday night tends to lean toward the Latin side of jazz. There is some Stan Getz, (without the sax) Guaraldi and Gilberto. Jessica's voice lends itself well. She is such a versatile artist. Nothing like a little Samba for your Tuesday.

We discussed shopping for our vacation on the way home. I don't really have "vacation wear" Jessica says she will help me shop for "beachwear". Shorts and swimming trunks for me and maybe a few shirts. Jessica's shopping will be a bit more involved. She has mentioned sundresses and swimsuits.

I must ask her.

"One piece or bikini?"

I receive a sly look.

Jessica speaks.

"Well, what would you like Roger?"

I pretend to think for some time before blurting out "bikini!!"

We have a good laugh together. The plan is to get up tomorrow and begin looking. I think we will have a lot of fun together doing this. But for tonight, we prepare for bed and sleep. Jessica insists we sleep naked. She says it's better for us. I don't know if it is or not. I do know I enjoy it with her.

We are up and moving Wednesday. Breakfast and espresso and as soon as the stores are open, we are shopping. I'm easy. Jessica says all I need is a few pairs of khaki shorts, some sleeveless or tank shirts, and some sandals. Maybe a hat.

Jessica is going to take longer. I really don't care how I look if I am going to be comfortable. Apparently, swimsuit shopping is different for women. There is much trying on things and looking in the mirror at multiple angles. I have noticed the colors are very important as well as the degree of coverage a suit provides.

Other important considerations, where the suit is worn and who will be around dictate how much is to be shown. I never would have imagined that all the girls I have observed over the years took all this into thought. I guess it just goes to show what I know.

Jessica is nice enough to model all her choices for me. Some have lots of coverage. Others are very skimpy, and they are my favorite. You know, the ones she kind of falls out of if she moves right. Then there are the sundresses and other things in case we decide to go out. Not only did we shop on Wednesday, but Thursday and Friday as well. Mostly for Jessica. I loved every second of it. Sharing this with her.

Shopping Friday was not long. We had to prepare for the weekend. Gus and Nick would have to be informed of our plans and the news they were getting a raise. I have yet to contact anyone to replace us while gone. I will start that Monday.

The set lists for Friday are eclectic. There is smooth jazz, cool jazz, Latin jazz, Jessica's vocals, my vocals, and selections from a host of Female performers. It was well received. The suits were on hand to observe all this. The plan for Saturday was similar. We have a set of Jessica singing from Diana Krall's pieces. Yeah, they went over very well. Some Norah Jones pieces, and Sade are added. Then there were some things by Pink Martini, Madeleine Peyroux, and Julie London.

Friday was busy, but Saturday made Friday look deserted. And the suits were there again to observe. I didn't think we were going to get out of the lounge until sunrise Sunday morning. It was exhausting. But we left with lots of tips. Hopefully Sunday will be gentler. Jessica and I slept much of Sunday. We woke only to get up and be ready to play Sunday night. As we had hoped, Sunday night was much lower key and didn't go all night. We were home before midnight and in bed soon after. It was a welcome night of sleep.

Monday morning, I had the superb pleasure of waking with a naked Jessica sleeping by me. I have made up my mind. I want this for always. Until the espresso machine calls. It's not so bad. Jessica wanted espresso as well. We went together. I have much to accomplish this morning. I know a pianist or two that should cover for me and a couple of singers as well. They will be able to provide similar stylings for the lounge. I leave messages. They'll call me back.

Monday morning Jessica and I were in the backyard again with coffee. Warm Sun and relaxing after the weekend. I have tentative travel arrangements made. We will fly out, land, rent a car and drive the rest of the way. I have arranged for the groceries to be delivered before our arrival. Town will be close enough if we need anything. Once I hear from the replacements, I will confirm everything. Then all we must do is work, wait, and pack.

Late Monday, I heard from the Lady I hoped would take the piano job. I have given her the dates and she can do it. The singer called later and was up for the job. I will need to get them together with Nick and Gus. They are all professionals and can handle it. With luck, we will fly out in a week. St. Louis to San Diego, and then the drive into Baja California. Jessica and I are to the point of counting down not only days, but hours as well.