The idea of an open mic night had been one of Bastian’s. Though he wasn’t exactly big on the crowds he knew the bar needed a bit of a pick me up. It needed a heavier flow, it needed the cash. All around it needed a bit more to it. The old man had been all for the idea and was quick to start telling patrons and working to get it all in order. For Bastian it was a nice distraction, to immerse himself in that familiar work and pretend nothing had changed. That was far from the case really…but sometimes all he had was that ability to pretend. Some days it was just too damned needed to deny.
More then one he’d been asked by regulars if he’d be taking the stage of sorts tonight. Bastian could only smile and shake his head. Tonight was for the customers, not for an old man and his guitar. They seemed to take that as answer enough but of course tried to get him to promise to play another time. Somehow Bastian always managed to dodge out of those promises. Truth was he hadn’t played in over eight years now…he wasn’t even sure he had that left in him anymore.
Part of him wasn’t willing to find out.
Tonight the bar was filled with patrons. The air was buzzing. The drinks flowing. Bastian came in the moment the sun went down and already the place had been more…lively then it normally was. The old man was grinning ear to ear…nothing at all seemed capable of spoiling that smile. Bastian didn’t want anything to. So he didn’t open his mouth to tell the old man what he needed to tell him. He hadn’t told any of them yet. The family was busy…everyone trying so hard to adjust. Fuck if he knew how to bring in another…change. Another confusing shocking thing to drop on all of them. It was too much, but he couldn’t just not tell them. It wasn’t right.
It was on his mind even as he worked through the night. Background as the music played on and new acts brought themselves upfront and center. A few comedians got the place laughing; a juggler got a few ohs and ahs. It was a strange bunch that showed up but no one was complaining. Everyone was there for a good time and that’s what they got. New customers and old customers alike.
It was a good night. A different night. And it took a bit of convincing to get the old man to go on home and turn in early. Much as he liked to protest even he knew he needed the rest. But he did linger to watch one last act and have a drink with a few friends. Letting Bastian and Maggie take over the place. Bastian was glad to have her there…but at the same time there was always that ingrained…paranoia in having her here at the bar. That worry of history repeating itself. He hated that it plagued him so. That he couldn’t just…really forget for awhile. But some things you just don’t forget. No matter how you try.
The music finally drew to a close and another half hour later everyone was finally starting to wander there way out of the bar with a bit of pushing from Bastian. It was already a bit past closing, time for everyone to head on home. The sooner they did the sooner he got to. At the door Bastian fastened the few locks before glancing back at Maggie, smiling softly at the sight of her. “Yeah, it was. Place needed it.” Not just the music, just the ease of the night. “Was…refreshing. Old man sure loved it.”