A Woman in Search Of...

“I have too much school work tonight so I’ll have to skip Hoffman’s.”

Wendy walked straight to the piano bar where there were several vacant bar stools. She liked the fact that Brad now included her in hellos and waves goodbye. Once in a while he’d lean toward her, if she was seated, and make a random comment about nothing in particular. Brad smiled at her as she sat and he continued to sing, “Kentucky Rain,” an Elvis song. Brad’s voice gave a somber feel as he sang about a girl who left home and her boyfriend didn’t know why, so he’s walking in the Kentucky rain as he searches for her. The theme said so much about meaningful relationships.

When Brad finished his set, Wendy went to talk to Mike.

“Hey kiddo, how ya doin’ tonight?”

“A little better, thanks for asking.”

“That’s good. I’m sure, with time, you’ll move on from that fucker and find someone better. Hang on a minute,” and Mike went to make a drink for a customer. “You look bitchin’,” he said as he returned.

“Thanks, Mike.” Brad started his next set. “Talking to you helped, thanks for caring.” She returned to her seat.

Hoffman’s brought Wendy the comfort she needed. She talked to women who came there. Some exchanged brief conversations with her, mainly about Hoffman’s or Brad. They were part of Brad’s groupies, but she didn’t mind. Most of the time their smiles relaxed her. They shared different stories about men and their other interests.

At Brad’s next break Wendy turned to Laura, the woman to her right.

“How are you doing Laura?”

“I’m having a ball. This place always cheers me up.”

“Are you down?”

“Just a little, nothing major. You’re here quite a bit. Are you seeing Brad?”

“No, I just enjoy the music and the fun atmosphere. Why did you ask?

“I’m not sure, really none of my business. I’d love to be with him.”

“Well, it may happen, only time will tell.”

“I know. It’s just he’s so bitchin’.”

Wendy knew what Laura felt, but Wendy could never share those feelings with her, or anyone there. She finished her second screwdriver and tapped on the bar as Brad sang. He grinned at Wendy as he belted out John Denver’s, “Rocky Mountain High.” She picked up the maraca and softly began to play along. He followed “Rocky Mountain High” with “Cherish,” a soft song made famous by The Association. She put the maraca down and listened. The song told about how much a woman cared about someone but hid her true feelings.

After the end of the set, Wendy said good-bye to Laura and waved good-bye to Brad as she got up and started toward the door. She glanced back toward Mike who waved.

As Wendy lay in bed her thoughts went to Scott. He obviously came by to tell her about the job change and his not having to travel so much. Her anger and disdain made it difficult for her to feel anything for him. She couldn’t get her feelings for Brad out of her mind and now maybe Mike might enter her life. The images of these men consumed her. More than anything Wendy wanted to feel cared about and appreciated.