Sweet Home Chicago

Getting onto the cars once more, Elwood led the way to yet another gig which was about 15 minutes away from The House of Blues. Upon their arrival they were greeted by the sounds of a rowdy bar patrons. Once inside the actual establishment the sound was almost deafening. Danielle looked around in disgust at all the drunkards and the smell. Oh gosh she couldn't even describe the smell. The smell of sweat and grease from the blue collar workers mixed with the stink of stale whiskey and Budweiser combined made such a nauseous stench that made her almost pass out. The band, obviously trying to breath as infrequently as possible, began to attempt to set up on the stage that was enclosed by chicken wire. It occurred to Danielle that this was a honky-tonk where country music was heard not the blues. Pointing this out to Jake she was brushed off.

"Eh, their all drunk. They won't care," was the response she got. Sighing she tapped the microphone and the result was what she had intended. The high pitch squealing noise got the audience's attention along with a few choice words to which she responded to with an eye brow raising and a "Deal with it. Your gonna have a bad headache tomorrow anyway to why not start earlier, huh?"

Shaking their heads at Danielle's comment the band began to play "Gimme Some Lovin' ". The response to that was what Danielle had expected, more choice words and beer bottles being thrown at the band. Thank God for chicken wire, she thought. Smirking she mouthed 'I told you so' at Jake before she picked up the closest microphone and spoke into it.

"Sorry for that, that was just our warm-up. Now for the real thing," looking at Duck and Steve she mouthed something to them as they began to play followed by the rest of the band.

"Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I''m begging of you please don''t take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don''t take him just because you can
Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

He talks about you in his sleep
There''s nothing I can do to keep
From crying when he calls your name, Jolene

And I can easily understand
How you could easily take my man
But you don''t know what he means to me, Jolene

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I''m begging of you please don''t take my man
Jolene, jolene, jolene, jolene
Please don''t take him just because you can
You could have your choice of men
But I could never love again
He''s the only one for me, Jolene

I had to have this talk with you
My happiness depends on you
And whatever you decide to do, Jolene

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I''m begging of you please don''t take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don''t take him even though you can
Jolene, Jolene

After that the band had the bar's complete attention. The band sang a few more songs then they finished up the gig. While the other guys packed up the equipment, Danielle went out to the Bluesmobile and buckled up as the boys got the money.

When they walked out she was sitting there arms crossed bottom lip slightly stuck out.

Getting in, shutting their doors and buckling up the boys noticed Danielle's mood. Elwood started the car and they drove for about thirty minutes before Jake broke the silence.

"Dani, what's wrong?"

Taking off her glasses she gave Jake a death stare. A few minutes later she spoke up.

"That gig was horrible. How could you two ever want to work in a place like that? How much money did we even make?" she barked cause all five men in the vehicle to jump slightly.

"Uh $150 sweet heart," Elwood replied his voice shaking slightly wincing slightly as he tryed not to invoke her wrath more further.

"A hundred and fifty is all we got from that white trash honkey tonk? That's horrible. Wasn't worth it was it!"

Jake, who had been shocked at Danielle's outburst, regained his voice and tried not to start raising it.

"No, your right it wasn't worth it. We won't work at another one like it again. We promise," he said trying to calm her down.

"Good. Know how much money we have now?" she asked calming down slightly.

Jake shook his head. Taking a deep breath Danielle sighed.

"We did have 400 dollars. That was to pay for any food, hotel rooms or what ever. Well, since yall had to drink beer, everyone 'cept Elwood, we are now down to 200. Plus 75 dollars in tips. Since ourjob is aChiwanous gig in Pols city let's try to not spend a lot of money. K?"

All the men nodded.

"I mean I know you have to start small and play gigs like that but not like that. That gig was quite offensive," she commented.

Everyone in the Bluesmobile nodded and agreement and Jake replied to her comment.

"Sure thing. No more sleazy jobs like that again. Our next job is in a few days so let's rest awhile, 'kay?"