Bar Times In Harlem

Woman Vs. Words Day 4

Smiling man in a hat

The blare of trumpets filled the room as Percy settled in his chair. His cousin, Aaron, who had all the musical talent, played onstage for the crowd full of people. Percy had a charming smile and a knack for talking women from their drawers, but couldn’t play or sing for shit. Which was why he waited in the wings watching Aaron live his dreams. 

The bar, The High Life, was known for two things, good music and a lively crowd. Black people from all over Manhattan made the trek up to the small spot in Harlem every weekend, so they wouldn’t miss out. The women loved to dance and the men loved to oblige them, pulling the pretty ladies as close as they could.

As much as he wanted a drink, Percy was comfortable sitting in the wings. Looking out into the mass of patrons, there wasn’t any space to stand, for all the jitterbugging and toe tapping happening. He relaxed in the wood chair, enjoying the music, when a bit of harsh movement caught his eye.

A young woman, standing right in front of the stage, yanked her arm out of the grasp of an angry man hovering over her. He leered and she rolled her eyes. Percy jumped from the seat, knocking it over in the process. On lightning quick soles, he rushed out onto the stage, but took the side steps down, while the music continued its jaunty beat. The musicians only had a short time onstage, and needed to make the most of their spotlight before another group took over.

Percy rushed over to the woman’s side, taking in her soft brown curls and even softer brown skin. 

“Hey now, don’t be pulling on my girl like that,” he scowled at the man. The man turned his nose up as Miss Honey Brown Skin stepped closer to him, like they knew each other.

“This yo girl?” the man asked. He licked his lips without taking his eye from her.

The woman looked up at him, her eyes wide with question. It was obvious she was being harassed, but did she trust Percy enough to save her?

“Yeah, she’s mine. I was backstage helping which is why I wasn’t here with her,” Percy answered.

“Keep her close next time. I like pretty little kittens like her.” The man sauntered off through the dancing throng, disappearing.

“Are you alright?” Percy took in the slim woman, noting her favorable figure and the way she’d dressed up for the evening.

She nodded and twisted her hands together. “I’m fine, thank you. And thanks for coming up here. I was only trying to watch my cousin and he wouldn’t leave me alone.” Her cool-toned voice called over the snap of music. She pointed to a gyrating woman, on the edge of the moving couples.

The band stopped, giving Percy the opportunity to speak without yelling.

“Looks like we’re both watching our family. I’m Percy.” He pointed to Aaron onstage. “I’m watching my cousin also.”  

“Marian.”

“Do you want me to stay here with you?” he asked.

“Would you mind terribly? I don’t want to be accosted again.”

The music started up again, this time a slow, romantic beat. The saxophone whined, begging couples to partner up. 

Percy glanced at Marian, who cut her eyes between her cousin, him and the stage.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked. Marian shook her head and her eyes widened. 

“No, thank you. I’m not a very good dancer.”

  Percy nodded. “Would you like a drink?”

“I don’t drink either.”

So there they would stand until Marian’s cousin was free. It didn’t bother him. He was going to wait for Aaron anyhow. If Marian didn’t want to dance or drink, he’d talk to her. Moving in closer, Percy bothered Marian until Aaron’s set was over. He asked her favorite color and where she lived. They talked about the films they’d seen and what he did for a living. Aaron and the band packed up their things, and Marian’s cousin neared, obviously finished with her date. Every question he asked, she answered, giving a tinkling laugh or scrunch of her nose.

“Marian, it’s been a pleasure. I hope to see you again.” Percy tipped his hat to her and walked away to find Aaron. She was pretty, but a square. Percy liked bold women. Women who liked to smoke and fuck. Poor Marian was quiet as a church mouse.

“Is that it?” Marian called to him.

“Should there be more?” Percy turned back around.

“I was hoping you would ask me out for dinner.” Marian grinned at him and set a hand on her hip. 

Percy pulled his hat from his head and gave his signature smile. “Would you like to go out for dinner, Marian?”

“I would love to.”

---

This short story was created as part of my 100 day Woman Vs. Words Challenge. Check out my Youtube here to learn more.