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Tweak says, "Gold Team Rules!"

Barnum Wiley Dagfinn (barnum) wrote in oldwest_rpg,
@ 2008-05-13 22:54:00

Entry tags:

barnum dagfinn, stella cooper

If you've the time then I've the time.
Who: Barnum and Stella
Where: The Heel Kicker
When: May 14th, near noon
Status: Complete
Summary: Barnum makes time to speak to Stella...

It was hot out.

Barnum stood on the covered porch of his Saloon, the Heel Kicker. He contemplated sitting down for a spell but he was too busy and had too many things to do to give that thought much room. Instead, he relished the quiet moment and decided instead to get a few deep breaths of fresh air. But, he didn't see the fresh deposit of horse dung that littered the street. Ripe.

People were moving in to New Shelby in droves lately. Carriage after carriage and horse after horse clopped and squeaked through town, depositing their own sort of waste. Whether or not the new townies were dung piles was not yet determined.

Eh...Buh. He shouldn't complain. Business was good. And as more people came it meant more money in his pocket and a chance to really make things happen for his Sister and he. It was more work than he liked to let on.

He looked down at the pile of horse plop and the green iridescent flies that buzzed around having a pigs picnic. "Note to self....see if they have fly strips at the general store. . He looked up and a man he recognized as a patron gave him a lazy wave as he walked by and Barnum returned the gesture with his own friendly wave and a polite nod of his head. He’s hung over. Good customer....

What was he doing? Ah yes! The help wanted sign in his hand. Darlene had painted it for him. It was a little too fancy for what he had originally envisioned , complete with a daisy sprig in the corner, but he didn’t have the heart to say anything about it. He’d put it up in the window and later he’d switch it out if it wasn’t yielding the right sorts. What were the right sorts? Barnum had a feeling the daisy embellished sign wouldn’t bring in the sort of daisies he’d need to run this establishment but he’d give it a shot. If there was one thing about Darlene, she hadn’t let him down yet. What he needed was a bartender. And some muscle to get in between him and the riffraff that made its way in night after night. He had too much on his mind and in his mind to deal with violence.

He strolled over to the window and placed the sign pretty at it pleased right in the middle of the left hand window. Then he had to mentally go over his check list. There was always so much to do... Why was he drawing a blank. No. Wait! Stella. That’s right. He’d been meaning to speak with her. He reached down for his watch and pulled it out from his pocket. It was almost noon. He figured she should be up, probably having something to eat just about this time. He’d make time for her now. He swung the watch on it’s chain with a dexterous flair, caught it in his hand and stuffed back where it sat snug.

He walked back in his Saloon, nodded at Herny ,”How’s things?”

Herny answered with a “Fine. Just fine.” And Barnum asked, “Give me two cups of coffee Herny.” He needed to scratch his head for a moment deciding if tea wouldn’t be more to her liking. Eh. It was expensive. He didn’t mean to be a cheap skate but if he wasn’t certain then the coffee would do til he was. Herny said, “Sure.” and while he was getting the two cups ready Barnum looked across at his Saloon and admired how much of it had come together and how it had already worn enough to seem like it had always been here. New Shelby. ...Go Figure

“Here you go Boss.” Herny slid the two cups across the grand oak bar. There was some steam wafting off but it didn’t seem too hot when he grabbed both the clay mugs by the handle. When he had them in his hands he wondered if a hot drink wasn’t the best idea on a day like today. Too late now. “Thank you.” Barnum said and off he went to find Stella, trying not to spill a drop on his way up to her room.

Pausing outside her room, he stood for a moment trying to decipher if she was up. When he heard the floor boards creak he gave a light knock with his elbow, “Stella? It’s Barnum. I’ve got some time now if you do.”

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stellacooper
2008-05-14 03:51 am UTC (link)

Stella wasn't much of a morning person, if she was being completely honest with herself. She generally forced herself out of bed at a somewhat decent hour of a morning, out of sheer determination not to appear lazy, but it was often nearing noon before she was fit company for anyone but herself. She had to admit, she had a bit of a temper even on her best days, and early in the morning, she was rarely at her best.

She was up and dressed well before the knock her door, at least, and finally starting to perk up for the day ahead. She had just started to contemplate what she should do for lunch when Barnum arrived, and she hurried across the small room to tug open the door for him, one hand absently checking that her hair was still safely pinned back.

"Mr. Dagfinn," Stella said, greeting him with a smile. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure her room was in some semblance of order, even as she stepped back and swung the door wide to let him in. "I've plenty of time just now, come right on in. My apologies for the mess -- I really am going to get around to doing a good tidying up one of these days," she said ruefully.

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barnum
2008-05-14 02:04 pm UTC (link)

He stuck out an arm, handing her a cup of the coffee he'd brought up then looked behind him like someone else might be there with them. He turned back at her with a teasing smirk. "I thought you were talking to my father." He said softly. "He's Mister Dagfinn." When his hand had been freed of holding the coffee mug he placed a hand to his heart and corrected, "Like I keep telling you Stella. I would like you to call me Barnum. If that is too familiar for you then you can call me Handsome or Talented." It was a subtle joke. He tended to be a little more reserved off the stage. Maybe he was saving all his zing for when he was in the act of entertaining.

He entered the room now. He assumed that he would be invited in. His eyes scanned the room when she mentioned tidying up. But, there wasn't anything that he would consider messy. There was some clutter but she wasn't dirty. In fact her room smelled pleasant...pretty even. "Well. How you like to live isn't my business. Make your bed...don't make your bed. I'm not your parent." His eyes caught a glimpse of a hanging corset and lacy ruffly pantaloons. He didn't pretend to be offended. He didn't avert his eyes like it was something scandalous or dirty. He didn't really care.

He sipped his coffee. Herny had brewed it strong. He could feel the coffee grounds dot his tongue and he did his best to swallow them down so he wouldn't have bits stuck in between his teeth, "Darlene needs some input from you. She's going to place an order for fabric and she'd like to know what color you'd prefer. If you could meet with her she'd really like that."

Even while he was talking it was obvious his mind was going over many different things at once. Off subject and back to one previous he asked,
."Do you mind that I call you Stella? I could call you Miss Cooper I suppose but Stella is such a lovely name. Anything with two L's rolls off the tongue in such a melodic way. Don't you think?" He removed a pair of shoes from the cushioned chair and placed them on the floor, he then took a seat and again, sipped his coffee.

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stellacooper
2008-05-14 02:52 pm UTC (link)

"I don't mind at all," Stella answered with a grin, clearing off the chair in front of her tiny vanity for herself. "I'm rather fond of the name my mother gave me, after all, it would be a shame not to use it," she laughed. With a tilt of her head, she lifted the clay mug in silent thanks, and sipped at her own coffee. Tea was probably more ladylike, but then again, Stella had never been terribly concerned with such things, and the strength of the coffee helped clear the last of the haze from her morning mood. "I shall remember to use your given name one of these days," she said ruefully. "I've had far too many employers who were much more strict about such things," she added, pulling a slightly comical grimace.

Stella finally got herself settled to her satisfaction, and wrapped her fingers around her cup appreciatively. It felt a bit odd to have anyone in her room, much less someone of the male persuasion, but that was only because she had visitors so rarely. Barnum was both employer and landlord, after all, and the entire building was his to roam, and she'd never have considered not inviting him in. The fact that she left the door partially open was as much for his sake as hers; he'd a reputation as a reputable businessman to uphold, and she'd not do anything to jeopardize that.

"I'll see if I can speak with Miss Dagfinn -- Darlene -- sometime this afternoon," she agreed easily. "I have a weakness for dark colors, it seems; pastels make me look peaky, or that my head's been set afire." One hand strayed to her hair again, tucking a loose curl behind her ear impatiently. "It would likely make costuming much easier for her if I were fair or dark and not stuck in between," she finished wryly.

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barnum
2008-05-14 03:55 pm UTC (link)

"I am your boss now. I'd think you'd rather comply with my wishes." He rested the cup on his knee then- his hand was cupped over it. He could feel the condensation form beads from the steam along his palm. Of course he was joking but he was so dry it was sometime difficult to tell whether or not he was serious. Perhaps Stella knew by now. Still, he added, "I appreciate the formality but...It's crusty. We need progress!" And he was still young. Mister was reserved for when he hit his grey hair moment and for his cat.

Colors. Now. Barnum was color blind. You'd never think to know but it was hard for him to discern red from green and green from red. When she started talking about flames on her head and pastels he squinted slightly to look her over, trying to figure out exactly what sort of magic she was talking about. Unfortunately, and although he could tell there was something not quite brown or black or blonde he couldn't quite tell what she meant. "Darlene's the whiz with colors. I wouldn't be much help I have to confess." He looked down to his pin striped pants and his flouncy shirt and gestured with a graceful swipe of his full ensemble," She is the one responsible for my noble and princely garments." He cocked a crooked grin and then decided the coffee just wasn't doing. He needed to reach a little to place it on a nearby table. Then he leaned back and stroked his mustache for a second. "I thought we should think of some more ideas to make the show more a show. You're a wonderful dancer I have to say. But we could do with a little more panache. Do you agree? "

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stellacooper
2008-05-15 01:46 am UTC (link)

Stella was still trying to pin down Barnum's wry sense of humor, although his further commentary clarified that he was joking, and prompted a smile from her. She didn't consider herself an overly formal individual, by any means; she'd just gotten used to a certain level of formality with her past employers, and old habits were hard to break. The more relaxed atmosphere of The Heel Kicker was a definite improvement from other places she'd worked, at least.

"She does an excellent job," Stella smiled, quirking one eyebrow at Barnum's attire. "And I do agree -- the more style and flair we bring to the performances, the bigger the audience." She tilted her head at him consideringly and crossed her feet at the ankles. "Were you thinking just in terms of the costume adjustments, or more variety in the performances?" she asked curiously.

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barnum
2008-05-15 01:56 pm UTC (link)

“Costumes go a long way but we need something dangerous….sexy.” He was tapping his chin with his finger and brainstorming. It may have been quite clear that he was just as obsessed as the prospectors in the area but his payment was applause! success and adoration….bags full of money couldn’t compare. Music was his life, entertaining was his air to breathe but why not expand upon what he already knew? Why not do something no one had ever seen before in New Shelby? “We could probably go on with what we’re doing- Piano and pretty dancers flirting with the audience. Every Saloon has some sort of variation on that one trick pony. I won’t try to fool you into thinking it doesn’t pay me a pretty penny. “He looked her over, head to ankles but not in a lascivious way. He was taking cues off of her, forming ideas and trying to meld together his vision with those that had their own creative force at work.

In that way they were a real company. Barnum never thought for a moment singularly. He knew that it would take many hands and those with as itchy palms as he had to make his dreams a reality.

“What about knife throwing…..?” He cocked an eyebrow. His eyes went starry with the scope of such a thing in HIS Saloon. “I saw it once in a circus….It was amazing!! Very exciting….edge of your seat stuff.” His hand rested near his chin and he nipped at his knuckle, pinning the skin between his teeth as he watched and assessed her reaction.

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stellacooper
2008-05-15 05:08 pm UTC (link)

Stella's eyes lit with interest at that suggestion; it hadn't occurred to her to think more in terms of non-dancing acts, since that was her usual area of expertise. Then again, if the two could be combined somehow, it could make for a very interesting performance. "Do you have anyone in particular in mind for that sort of thing?" she asked, intrigued. She set aside her own coffee mug and curled her fingers around one knee thoughtfully, plucking idly at her skirt. "I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with that kind of entertainment, but it sounds fascinating -- add in an element of danger and intrigue to keep people guessing?"

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barnum
2008-05-16 02:51 am UTC (link)

Barnum leaned back in his chair-way back. He lifted his arm and threw it up over the back so he was nearly reclining. The twinkle in his eye would throw an elf off. "Any ONE in mind? Why... I was thinking you'd do just fine..." He pursed his lips a pucker. " I pictured you with a feathered cap. I wanted you to be the one on the center...eh..twirly, spinny, thing-a-majing." His finger twirled and spinned in the air helping her visualize. "I'd throw the knives..maybe we could do a blindfold gun thing...hmmm." His stumbling's were a good indication that he wasn't that familiar with that sort of entertainment either. But his sister was, "Darlene knows all about these sorts of....eh...parlor tricks. Your safety would come first. Certainly" He nodded his head, sure that his idea was a good idea.

"Yes. Keeping people guessing will have them coming back to see what we're up to next. Unlike that..." he searched for a delicate way to put things. Defeated he settled for, "That Whoopee temple we've got across the way is taking away some of my business. Painted ladies with their Venus thigh traps only have one thing to give. We've got several..." he winked at her, went from a reclining position to a forward lean toward her lickity split and added, "and their girls aren't as pretty as the ones we got right here." He'd laid his palm flat and was pointing at the center of it for emphasis.

Then he sat back again. Each of his hands rested on either knee. "Why...you have a better idea?"

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stellacooper
2008-05-16 03:19 am UTC (link)

"Me?" Stella echoed blankly, paling at the thought. "But -- I'm a dancer, I'm not trained for that kind of performance. I wouldn't have the faintest idea how to go about it." Her brow knitted worriedly. "You'd need someone fearless, who wouldn't show even a spark of worry in the face of that sort of danger, and I'm terribly afraid I'm not that good an actress," she said ruefully. "I'd expect it takes years to build that sort of trust, between the knife-thrower and his assistant, and I'd probably flinch or jerk without thinking, and that could ruin the performance, and be dangerous, besides."

Stella narrowed her eyes in thought. "What if you got the crowd involved? Pull someone out of your audience? Some brave, moderately sober soul who isn't afraid to stare death in the face, and prove his mettle onstage?" She pursed her lips in consideration. "You could still have a -- a lovely assistant, I suppose, to address that angle and remind people of what we have to offer," she said, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth at Barnum's vehemence against the women of Reed's House. "But it might increase the sense of danger if it's someone the audience knows well and relates to."

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barnum
2008-05-17 11:29 pm UTC (link)

He took her incredulity well. Blank faced and not the least bit put off by her reluctance he nodded. He did like a challenge, "You'd have to be fearless to be out here in California, Stella. But, I can see your concern and your worry." Again he rubbed his chin and pulled at the black wizards beard that he'd sprouted.

He hated to rule anything out. Improvisation was key to success. Sometimes you had to play it risky.

"Getting the crowd involved in simple illusions and sing-a-longs is something...but throwing the knife at an audience member would be far riskier than having someone I respect on the wheel. A bunch of drunkards? Ha!" he had to shirk that idea instantly. All he'd need was some asshole thinking he knew something he didn't to go and get hurt. He'd be ruined. This was not a possibility he'd consider.

"I wouldn't rule you out as an assistant." He looked up at the ceiling, projecting his past memories of her up on stage. She was graceful, he'd giver her that. She had a pretty smile. He nodded then, agreeing with himself and then he said outward what his thoughts were, "Perhaps I am too hasty. You know I am not experienced in such an art and until I know more then maybe we can box that one away as a good idea. You simply don't trust me enough yet. I get it." He wished there was something he could throw his feet up on. Her room was comfortable. On second thought, he shouldn't get too comfortable in here.

"Well...so this dancing you do. If you wouldn't be my knife dodger then what sort of ideas can you now throw out there that involve dance shennanigans. If you don't mind sharing with the man you hardly trust, I know there must be Something...some grand idea you've been bursting with. I want to make you money Stella. Your happiness is something I take seriously" Because if she was making money then he would be too.

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stellacooper
2008-05-18 03:28 am UTC (link)

"Weeeell..." Stella dragged the word out hesitantly, and bit her lip as she considered. "I don't know that I'd call it a grand idea or anything, but -- well, it seems to me one of the major stumbling blocks you run up against here is the limitation of your clientele," she told him matter-of-factly. "Women aren't encouraged in the saloon, at least not as a general rule, nor are the very old or the very young." She tapped one finger on her chin thoughtfully. "I just ran into a young woman yesterday, with a small son, who's just hopping with curiosity about this place. That isn't to say you should be changing your policies to accommodate anyone," Stella added hastily. "Nor that you should open your doors to all and sundry -- you'd never want to upset the customers you do have, and I expect that'd be more trouble than it's worth, any way."

Stella crossed and uncrossed her ankles again, still frowning slightly as she worked through a glimmer of an idea. "What about a sort of sponsored festival, though? Maybe one day in the summer where you organize an event for the whole town -- open air, outside, so you wouldn't have to worry about who to let into the saloon." She gestured extravagantly. "Set up a stage in the town square for the dancers and performers, and maybe a dance floor for pairs dances." Her eyes lit up at that; the one thing she missed most in her profession was dancing with a partner. "It wouldn't have to be too expensive -- you've already got the talent in house, and could recruit some muscle from your regular customers, and you could still charge for food and drink. You could debut new dances, new acts, test them on a larger crowd, and create interest in the saloon, I'd wager. And if the women of the town felt they knew what you were all about, why, they might be a bit more inclined to let their husbands come on down for a round of drinks and a few card games some nights."

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barnum
2008-05-19 03:40 pm UTC (link)

"Hmm mmm." Barnum was listening. "right...women." Now, it was experience knowing that having woman in your saloon besides the ones working for you was a spot of trouble waiting to happen. Men didn't want their wives out drinking and fraternizing. The Saloon was a manly place for manly pastimes. Instantly he was on guard about what she was getting on about, his arms crossed over his chest and he took on a posture of indifference. When she mentioned it being more trouble than it was worth he gave an emphatic nod of the head and thought, You have no idea how much. But, it seemed that wasn't her idea and when he finally realized this he leaned his weight forward, elbows resting on knees.

Barnum let her get through all she had to say and then smiled, "Hmmmm. That could work. Get the people on my side. I see what you are saying." He sat up though when she finished saying the meaty bit of her idea and he scratched his chin again. Then he went quiet although the sparkle in his eyes danced like sea foam. "Your idea is a good one." He had noticed her expression about pair dancing and he stored this in the back of his mind. It was no use saying or committing to anything he wasn't set on. "This will take some planning. I will need to talk to Darlene about this." Of course he has the final say! But he trusted his sister and wanted to include her in his decision making process. "but, I like your style kid." He winked again and finally stood up. "Alright. I have a few things to think on, and paper work and bluh bluh boring." He took his coffee cup and then asked, "Are you done with your coffee? I could take it down with me."

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stellacooper
2008-05-19 06:30 pm UTC (link)

"I'd be willing to help out with preparations, if you decide it's something worth doing," Stella offered. She gave her mug a swirl, eyeing the dregs of coffee grounds in the very bottom of the cup before handing it back to him with a smile. "Do let me know if there's anything else you need," she said earnestly, standing up from her chair and smoothing her skirts carefully. "And I thank you for the coffee -- Barnum," she added, her eyes dancing as she remembered to use his given name this time.

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barnum
2008-05-19 06:46 pm UTC (link)

"Oh...I will come asking Stella Cooper if it;s an enterprise I think I should take on. You're a smart girl and I'm smart enough to not over look that about you." he took her cup in his other hand. When she said his name he gave her a sly grin, "Yep. You got it. Brains and Beauty!" he then moved to her door, nudged it open with his foot and nodded to her- very gentlemanly! He would have tipped his hat if he had one on." Good afternoon to you Stella. I'll see you tonight. Bring me any music you'd like to dance to an hour or so before you go on." He winked a final time and moved on out to attend to his business.

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