Bleeding Heart
Chapter 5 This is It

“I’m starving! Hi Biscuits?”

The sisters headed out to their staple coffee shop and Victoria was mulling over a few, last minute details for the club.

“You know, Cosi and Lenny have been in that home for three weeks now, so I decided to go and see Cosi unannounced yesterday and I almost made it all the way to his room, but old Mary Poplar came slapping her nurse’s shoes down the hall behind me like the blood hound she is. She pushed passed me and propped him up on an extra pillow and kept wiping his face and his neck and his arms. She started finger combing his hair like she cared or something, but I could see the look of confusion or maybe it was horror in his eyes, he kept edging deeper and deeper into the pillow. Finally, another nurse called to her and said she needed her assistance for an emergency. I pulled up a chair and sat next to him and he was whispering something. I can’t tell you how encouraged I was, it’s the first time he’s tried to speak so I leaned in closer. He put two fingers to his neck and said, ‘cojocaru.’ Then the old hag showed up again, her uniform covered in feces and urine, she stood there with outstretched, poop stained arms and told me I’d have to leave so I kissed Cosi and said I’d come back another time. What do you think he meant?”

“Who? Cosi?”

“Who else? Yes, Cosi.”

Daphne rifled through her purse, separating a letter from an envelope, shoving the envelope the bottom of her purse. “Look what came in the mail today, it’s an invitation to the Blanchet Manor’s first open house gala and mixer. It lists several businesses including Di Geronimo’s and, oh, look-a here! Lady in the Purple Martini!”

“Really? What’s the date?”

“It’s Thursday in two weeks.”

“Well, crap! I was hoping to open by then!”

“We can still open and do a grand opening after the mixer!”

“What?”

“Don’t you see? It’ll be perfect! We open, get Jade in there with her buds, the place already looks packed and trendy, we show up for the mixer with an already thriving business! Then, we do a grand opening and invite all of the people from the mixer!”

“How’s that such a great idea?”

“Don’t you see? All of the mucky mucks from the mixer will bring in their clientele and we’ve got it made!”

“Well, at any rate, we get to see the inside of the Blanchet Manor. Can’t wait to meet this mysterious, new owner.”

“I can’t wait! I’m looking forward to it!”

“We’d better go shopping then.”

“What for?”

“A new outfit. You are not going to wear raggedy jeans.”

Daphne looked down at her protruding knees. “I have dressier jeans, you know.”

They managed to get the bar open before the date of the mixer. The poster on the banner on the sidewalk in front of the door proudly hailed the talents of DJ Jade Blue, the musical stylings of Madam Curious and a surprise guest. Victoria wasn’t in on who the surprise guest was, that was left up to Daphne. Victoria was peeved that her sister was nowhere to be found.

The bar and most of the seats on the floor were filled with Jade’s friends. Jade was spinning Chillout, Disco House and Funky House music. Victoria spotted Pot Elf chatting with an attractive young woman. She scanned the bar but didn’t see her sister anywhere. “Of all the times to go smoke a joint.”

She watched the bar tender, Jake, pouring beers and mixing cocktails. Jake assured her that he didn’t tell Jade’s crew that the drinks would be on the house. She noticed the lights going dim and the chatter of the guests quieting down. The music also came down and went from a thumping beat to tinkling piano notes. A spotlight flicked on and shown in the center of the small stage. A figure was seated on a stool, a woman with reddish, gold hair piled high on her head, wearing a shimmering, fitted black cocktail dress and impossibly high heels and she sang:

Out on the wily, windy moors

We’d roll and fall in green.

The pitch was a bit high, but it was Daphne singing Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush. “No wonder she didn’t tell me about the surprise guest. Please don’t let this be a regular thing.”

Victoria clutched her necklace and her hand tightened each time she knew there would be some high notes coming up. At last, the song ended. Silence. Then, fingers snapping. Daphne was taking her bows and soaking up the attention.

“Thank you, thank you. You are all too kind. I want to welcome you all to Lady in the Purple Martini. I’m Daphne and my sister Victoria is out there, somewhere. Enjoy your evening and tip the wait staff generously. Stay tuned for the musical stylings of Madam Curious. Cheers everyone!” Her ankles wobbled as she made her way behind the curtain. Jade returned to the driving beats.

“I need a drink,” said Victoria, patting beads of sweat from her forehead as she made her way to the bar.

“A very dry martini, if you please.”

“Are you sure you don’t want a Sisters’ Collinson? I’m making it a signature drink.”

“Maybe later. The martini will work just fine.”

When Daphne reappeared, she was wearing her Doc Martens. “I don’t know how Madam Curious does it in those heels! A whiskey, straight up, if you please.”

“Are you sure you don’t want a Sisters’ Collinson? I’m making it a signature drink.”

“What’s in it?”

“Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda.”

“Isn’t that a Tom Collins?”

“Ah, yeah but I add two lemon wedges as garnish for the two sisters!”

“I see. We’ll work on those signature drinks a little later. Just the whiskey, for now. Make it Wild Turkey.”

“Comin’ right up!”

Daphne took a seat at the bar, carefully crossing her legs, “So, were you surprised?”

“Surprised isn’t exactly the word I was looking for but, yes.”

“I was thinking we could do a karaoke night and I would start us off, you know, get the throngs

warmed up. Good crowd! We can go to our first mixer looking like a success; cheers!” Glasses clinked.

“It’s only the first night and I’m a little nervous about that mixer at Blanchet.”

“What’s to be nervous about? Cela and Maddie will be there.”

“Oh, I know. Just got a funny feeling when we were there at the cemetery; that odor, the one I’ve smelled before.”

Daphne threw up her hands and said, “Well, cheer up!” She also knocked Victoria’s drink out of her hand leaving her dripping with a dry martini. Victoria jumped up from her stool and threw her sister a look of shock and disdain.

“Oh, crap, Vic, I’m sorry.”

“Never mind, I’ll go get myself cleaned up.”

She excused herself and headed to the restroom. As she came out, she was still dabbing her skirt with a paper towel when it slipped from her hand. As she bent down to pick it up, she saw a pair of shiny, black men’s boots; a pair of Chelsea by Prada to be exact. She slowly moved her glance upward and noticed a tall man in tailored black pants and black zip jacket with a dark maroon shirt.

She started to stand when she got to his face; he resembles a young Alec Baldwin, she reckoned. And then she fell backward. She was desperately trying to save herself, flailing her arms and shuffling her feet. The handsome stranger moved quickly and caught her in his arms. Victoria was motionless, gazing into those crystal, blue eyes; melting.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Ohhhh… I’m… just… fine,” her voice wavering as she spoke.

His voice was like a silky, fine brandy. She wanted to drink it. “Are you sure?” he asked.

Victoria started to blush like a 14-year-old school girl. “I can manage.” As he released her, she walked backward, slowly, holding onto the wall as she made her way back to the bar.

He was smiling, and she was looking over her shoulder, smiling back at him the whole way and almost knocked over a stool.

“What’s wrong with you?” Daphne asked.

“Nothing,” Victoria said. She was almost inaudible.

“Calvin, what did you put in her drink? I’ve never seen her like this.”

“I made it like I always do. And, it’s Jake.”

“Victoria, look at me.”

Victoria’s eyes were glassy. “I’m fine, Daphne. I just had a little accident and a very, very nice man helped me up.”

“Helped you up? Did you fall?”

“Oh no, he helped me, he helped me to not fall.”

“Sit down, Victoria. You look like you’re about to fall again. Calvin, get her some water, please.”

“Uh, it’s Jake.”

As she helped Victoria onto the stool, she saw a man coming towards the bar. Rather handsome, she thought he looked like Carey Grant and he was looking straight at her and smiling.

He put his hand on Victoria’s shoulder. “I’m glad you’re alright. I was a little worried back there.”

Victoria threw back her head and gazed at him unabashedly.

“My sister seems to be a little shaken up. I’m Daphne and this is my sister Victoria.”

“How do you do. My name is Ben.”

He took her hand and kissed it. Then he took Victoria’s hand and kissed it. Jake gave the sisters a look as if he needed to vomit.

“Ms. Collinson.” Jake tried to Daphne’s attention.

No response from Daphne.

“Ms. Collinson,” he said a little louder.

“Yes, Calvin?”

“It’s Jake. I need to relieve myself. I’ll have the bar back watch the bar for a couple of minutes.”

“Sure, Calvin.”

Jake could have dropped dead, no one moved.

Finally, Victoria spoke, “Oh, uh, Ben; would you like a drink?”

“Yes, please. I’ll have a Cognac Park.”

Daphne jumped up and made her way behind the bar and fumbled nervously. “Cognac Park? That’s high-end stuff,” she muttered and made a half assed effort to search the bar.

She was about to make her apologies when Ben motioned to a bottle on the shelf behind her. Cognac Park. “What the fuck?” she mumbled under her breath. She took the bottle down and got a glass to pour it in. The bar back attempted to assist her, but she moved around him as if he wasn’t there.

“I’ll buy the bottle, mulțumesc.”

He saw Daphne’s look of confusion. “Thank you.”

He laid a $100 bill on the counter.

“I’m not sure I have change to break this, Ben.”

“None expected. Your kind service and the pleasure of your company would not allow me to take it. Two more glasses for my fine hostesses, if you please, Edmond.” The bar back didn’t seem surprised that Ben called him by name.

The opening chords of Something by the Beatles began to play. “I believe I have this dance, Victoria.”

He took her hand and led her to the dance floor. Victoria couldn’t feel her feet as they glided onto the floor. Each movement was as light and easy as his charms.

When song finished, and they returned to the bar, Jake was again behind the bar. “Please, let’s toast to new friendships. Jake, please pour for us. Pour yourself one, too.”

Jake’s look of revulsion turned to pure elation. “Cool! You’re the boss!”

They clinked their glasses in a toast. Victoria thought to herself, this is what you taste like, Ben, as she sipped her Cognac.

Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry & the Pacemakers started to play. “Daphne, shall we dance?”

Soon, Ben had them both up, dancing. Jake even joined them a few times, asking Edmond to watch the bar. They danced to all their favorite songs, songs from their childhood. It was strange how they seemed to come up, one after the other. Victoria forgot all about the spilled drink and the karaoke night for the time being.

It had been a good night and the sisters considered it a success. While they were closing out the registers, Victoria’s olfactory senses became heightened to a familiar scent. It was a musky, sweet smell, like nearly rotted melon. She looked around and the odor didn’t appear to bother anyone else. She noticed Edmond frantically wiping an area on the counter and went to see what the damages were.

“What’s wrong? What is it?”

“I don’t know what this is, but I can’t clean it. I didn’t want to try anything stronger that might ruin the finish.”

Victoria went over to examine the counter and saw a faint, greenish glow in the spot that Ben had occupied. There, quite clearly, was a palm print and the now increasingly familiar odor.