Man this place is way too crowded Ashley thought as she returned to her table. She was very tired but her sister insisted they come out for a beer and seeing as Kyla owned the bar, this is where they ended up. At least some of these people chose good music she smiled while an attractive girl rocked out to Crazy Bitch by Buck Cherry. Looking around Ashley felt very proud of her little sister. The bar looked amazing and was obviously a popular night spot.
Ashley was surprised when her baby sister said her husband and her were going to open a gay bar here in the Chicago area. First of all there were plenty of gay bars in Chicago so she was afraid their new bar would be a flop, too much supply for the demand. And secondly Kyla and her husband were very straight, and odd thing for gay bar owners she thought. The only ones she knew of were a little old lady in San Francisco who grew and evolved with the area around her establishment and a few fag hags. Ashley figured there were many more she didn't know about but normally in business you try to go with what you know. But Kyla said they were opening it in honor of her, Ashley, and Jeff's brother Joel which warmed her heart. Her and Joel were lucky to have such loving and accepting family. Kyla went on to explain they were hoping their bar would draw the whole LGBT community and be a cheaper laid back alternative to the clubs in Boys Town. They made sure to employ male and female employee's so everyone felt comfortable. Kyla said their regulars ran the spectrum; gay, straight, lesbian, transgender and everything in between. After four years Kyla and Jeff's bar called Someplace Else was doing very well.
Tonight was a huge night for the bar no doubt because of The One auditions for the next two days. Karaoke was one way to practice, at least for the over twenty-one crowd here. All the people made Ashley feel even more tired than she thought she could be and not be in bed. At first she didn't realize her sister was trying to get her attention.
"Earth to Ashley. You okay sis?"
"What, yeah. Just really tired. I really should get out of here soon or I may fall asleep right here."
"Okay sis I get the point. I just want you to hear one singer. I'll go talk to Joel and see if I can get him to get her up again really quick. Her first song didn't really show off what she can do."
"She already sang?" Ashley said feeling annoyed.
"Yeah, she did Crazy Bitch. Her name is Spencer and she's one of my employee's. She sometimes bartends and also performs on the weekend when we do live music. She's an amazing person."
"Jeez Ky do you want me to hear her sing or are you trying to set me up?"
"A little of this, a little of that. Who knows. She's a great kid, I'll be right back."
Before Ashley could say another word Kyla was gone.
Instead of going up to the request window and trying to get Joel's attention Kyla went backstage. Good thing she quickly decided because he was no where in sight. Instead of waiting Kyla sat down at the computer and rearranged the order so that Spencer was up after one more song. As she turned to get up she was staring right at Joel's rainbow belt buckle.
"Hey boss lady what you up to?"
"Joel, you scared me. I was just changing the order."
"Music not to your liking? I can't control what these fools choose to try to sing."
"No, I know that Sweetie. It's just that my sister's here and I want her to hear Spencer really sing before she leaves. I figure I can only stall her for about ten more minutes. She just flew in this afternoon and she's fading fast."
"Ah would this be the same lesbian/record exec sister you've been talking about?"
"That would be the one." Kyla said with a semi-evil looking smile.
"Well Sis, are you hoping she'll take a professional interest in our dear Spencer? Or are you hoping for something of a more personal nature between them?" Joel said, raising an eye brow at Kyla.
"Why does everyone keep asking me that? First Jeff then Tina then my sister and now you. I just want Ashley to hear Spencer sing, the rest is out of my hands."
"Say no more. But let me change up which song she does. I think this one will make more of an impact on your sister."
"This next song is a special request from the owner of this fine establishment my beautiful sister-in-law Kyla, let's give her a hand for being so fabulous." The bar erupts with noise then Joel continued, "Could Spencer please come up to the stage?"
"Aiden," Spencer whined, "I thought you said he was gonna space my songs out. I just sang like twenty minutes ago."
"Hey whatever boss land says goes. Now get your cute butt up there and sing for the woman who signs your paychecks."
"Well what can I do, say no? Not a smart move I know." So Spencer went up, talked to Joel for a minute then took the stage.
"Kyla just how old is this kid? She doesn't even look old enough to be in here." Ashley commented as she watched Spencer take the stage. What she didn't say to her sister was that she found Spencer extremely attractive. She had an athletic build with should length streaked blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Way too young for her but nice eye candy and by how the crowd reacted, Ashley figured she wasn't the only one who felt that way about Spencer's looks. If she sang as well as Kyla implied, Ashley thought this girl definitely had big market potential.
"Actually," Kyla said while noticing her sister checking out Spencer, "She is twenty-nine years old, a year older than you big sis. And don't forget I mentioned she's an employee so I know that for a fact."
Ashley heard what Kyla said but didn't answer. She was surprised to see Spencer pick up a guitar on a karaoke night but from the first notes, she was hooked. This girl, rather woman, was amazing. Everything from her looks to her voice had bewitched Ashley. All the people in the bar disappeared except for Spencer, the only sounds were her guitar and her voice. She didn't realize the song had ended right away. The entire crowd seemed to be in the same trance. The silence was broken by Kyla and others probably used to hearing Spencer screaming and clapping. As the rest of the crowd joined in the sound was deafening. Everyone realized they witnessed an amazing artiest, it was an inspired moment.
When the crowd finally settled a few minutes later Kyla asked, "So what did you think sis?"
""Wow. That was…" Ashley couldn't find the words to describe anything. She was pretty sure if Kyla asked her to describe the beer in front of her she'd still be baffled.
"I thought you might like her."
"She write that song herself or is it someone else's?" Ashley said finally finding her voice.
"Song is by a group called Saving Jane."
"Song was amazing. Spencer's talented, you're right. Is the original as good?"
"Yeah," Kelly smiled knowing it was rare that she knew of music her sister didn't. "I've got CD's at home, come by and give a listen. Spencer loves covering any songs from them. You should check her out Saturday night."
"Uh sure. Look I gotta go. I've had a long day and have another couple long days ahead. I hate to bail but I need sleep."
"Ok Sis. Thanks for coming out as long as you did. Hey what is this new job bringing you home yet causing such long hours, I completely forgot to ask."
"I'll tell you later." And Ashley was gone.
Kyla did have a smirk on her face as her sister made a beeline for Spencer. They chatted for a couple minutes then Ashley handed over a business card. Whether this was person or professional contact it didn't matter to her. Kyla knew Ashley enjoyed Spencer's performance and if that saved Spencer from having to go through the process of being on The One or at least gave her another option Kyla was happy. If Ashley was taking a personal interest that would also make Kyla extremely happy. Spencer and Ashley were both amazing women who both deserved a break.
The only question was what kind of break. They were both intelligent and driven women. Ashley's record company could use a new artist with huge potential but her love life could use a woman with a brain and compassion, not just good looks. Spencer could be either of those things for Ashley. And Spencer desperately wanted to make an album and prove herself on a large scale. She also needed a strong woman in her life for bother her and her son. It was up to them to decide which road they would take.
