2020-05-05 - Cinco de Mayo Karaoke

Easton puts on a big front about hating certain types of events, but then he's in a mullet wig running bar-lympics or dressed like a cowboy. The reality is that he puts on a good grouchy front but when it comes down to it, getting business trumps any premature old man tendencies he might have. And thus when he gets a call that Mariah needs to cancel karaoke and would he please consider hosting, he grumbles about it but hauls himself over to the Pourhouse and picks up the equipment and dutifully posts the details on Friendzone, including a plea for anyone to come host this, they'll drink for free!

Now behind the bar with a pint of beer in his hand Easton shakes his head and says, "I swear, anyone tries to do Don't Stop Believin' and I'm pulling the damn plug and choking them with the microphone cord." So he's in a good mood!

Vic is behind the bar, tending, or you know, giving people beer or whiskey regardless of what they've ordered, because she is the worst bartender ever. People rarely complain though. Either she gives them a scary look, or they're too busy checking out her stellar rack to bitch too much. She's in her usual smurfs t-shirt, worn for the purpose of annoying the shit out of Easton, with jeans and tac boots, and her hair pulled back into a ponytail.

She eyerolls at her boss. "Can we just strangle them all with microphone cords before they get up to sing? It would be much more efficient, Three Apples." She wipes her hands on a bar towel and scowls at patrons. She makes Easton look positively cheery.

Lyric is at the bar. Change of location didn't matter much to her so she'd come at the first inkling of karaoke with some sort of song planned, Cinco de Mayo or not! "I want just a beer this time," she places an order. "Lowenbrau if ya got it. Dos Equis if you don't got the other." Once her order is placed, she writes her name down in like, third place for a song, opting to not go first.

All casual denim with a gauzy top, Harper meanders in at some point and lays her jean jacket over the seat of a barstool before climbing up to perch atop it and ordering -- well, it's Vic -- whatever the woman wants to serve her. Whiskey it is. She pays (and tips!), thanks the surly woman, and leans back against the bar to survey who has showed up and how the pre-karaoke setting is warming up. "You gonna sing, Easy?" she calls over in Easton's direction. "Because that'd make drinking whiskey so much more fun."

Vic doesn't even look in the cooler as she pulls a bottled beer out of it and sets it on a coaster in front of Lyric. At least she uses coasters! It is neither Lowenbrau or Dos Equis, but a Corona. The whiskey order is at least fulfilled, because Harper thankfully didn't request any SPECIFIC brand. She shoves the payment at Easton and the tip into a front pocket of her jeans. She grunts something in return to the librarian.

Easton eyes Vic and takes in a deep breath as if trying not to get annoyed. Ignoring every fiber of his being that wants to bellow in her face, tearing a strip up oneside and then down the other he manages to push that back down. For now. He takes a big sip of his beer and says, "No Chung Chung, we are not pre-emptively murdering them. As a favor to Mariah." As if that were the reason to not murder the patrons. Granted he is the one who started the talk of this so he can't be too pissed. It should be noted that 'Chung Chung' is the perfectly mocked sound effect from the opening of Law & Order.

Turning to Harper he manages a genuine smile and says, "I'd give you a private show anytime you want Ms. Harper." Nope, not her last name, not really, but he tops that off with a wink.

Lyric pays for her drink then meanders around after scribbling her name off the singing list. She'll just listen for now!

Nicole and Joey walk in together. No one holds the door for the other, they don't need that kind of song and dance. Nicole is running her fingers through her hair, trying to fluff it up after the ride on Joey's bike. She's wearing her black leather jacket, an off the shoulder purple light-weight sweater, dark washed jeans that fit like a pair of gloves, and black combat boots. "I thought it was always at the Pourhouse," she is saying to Joey. "I didn't know it was canceled... but here we are. You gonna sing?" She smiles up at Joey. "I wanna see you sing."

It's not somewhere Erin comes too often lately, but she's here tonight mostly to listen to the music. At the bar she has a seat and contemplates the drink selections. The Addington slides a twenty on the bar, "A mimosa," she orders and looks over the sign-ups for the singing. While she looks, she doesn't bother putting her name down or anything. She's dressed in her usual fashionable attire, something that had to be purchased from some specialty store in Beverly Hills most likely. She's got expensive tastes.

August arrives in post-work clothes, freshly showered and sporting a scratch along one cheek that goes up into his hairline. The trees continue to be feisty, much to his chagrin. He's in a dark red tee, pale denim jeans, black suede jacket, and brown leather boots; a casual, bar-going look for the night. He heads over to the bar, eyes Vic. No chance he's getting a black and tan out of her, so he angles towards one of the other bartenders instead.

"It's Miss Harper. And you forgot the 'Esquire'," the librarian replies to Easton with a playful smile. "As for private shows, you're now inexorably committed." She toasts Easton with her whiskey before taking another drink. "Hi, Lyric," she greets pleasantly. "What are you singing tonight? Tell me it's Neil Diamond. No karaoke is complete without the man."

Vic eyes Easton right back, and the corners of her mouth curve ever so slowly into an even more annoying, challenging, grin. She serves a couple more orders which are no doubt incorrect. Like she's daring him to SEND HER HOME from this shift that is about to be awash with the drunken warbling of patrons doing karaoke.

Joey catches the door and wades in; jeans, leather jacket, and inert abject aggression. The gravely drawl seems as confused as anyone by the request and the boxer murmurs, "You want me to sing? Why these people owe you money and not pay up or somethin? Usually I just make their nose bleed, not their ears." This is Joey for eh, maybe. He points her that-a-way towards the bar. He goes up to Vic and just stares until something happens.

Itzhak shows up, although he's kind of confused. Karaoke is properly done at the Pourhouse. With Hank. Itzhak doesn't do change easily, and he's kvetching at full speed about something or other completely unrelated to karaoke to the two men he comes in with. Cavanaugh and de la Vega get treated to his complaining! "And then he said to me--" whatever he's bitching and moaning about, he shuts up abruptly or he doesn't exactly shut up so much as turn on a conversational dime, hearing Harper invoke the sacred name of Neil Diamond. "Price!" he calls to her. "You're gonna sing, right?" RIGHT! Then, as he swans his way in and up to the bar, he eyes Vic. "I know you?" Change, man. It's tough on a Yid.

Walking to the bar with Joey, she smiles at Vic and says, "Corona please," then turns to Joey. Nicole hmms and takes a brief look around. "Nah, no one owes me money, so no punching necessary, but... I know there's a secret singer within you." Maybe not a great singer, but still. "I have heard you in the shower, remember?" After a pause, she looks back towards the door opening, murmuring, "maybe I will even...." Then... "Itzhak! Hey man!"

Wait what? Vic can actually give someone a correct order? Maybe it's telepathy or something, because Joey Kelly doesn't order a damned thing, but he still gets a Guinness put in front of him, on a coaster, with a napkin even! Someone mark it on a calendar somewhere, because surely this is a sign of the apocalypse. She also fishes out some of her tips and hands it over to Easton to cover Kelly's drink. The Corona is also served to Nicole, but he can pay for that himself.

Then her (Not-)BFF (Ruiz) walks in with her favorite author within 25 miles (Joe) and the Magnificent Schnozz. Who talks to her. She squints flinty blue eyes at Itzhak. "If you knew me, you'd remember, sweetcheeks." She arches a brow at De la Vega like 'does this belong to you?'

Harper's brown-eyed gaze snaps across the room to Itzhak moments after he calls out her name. "I'm just the fan club, Rosy. You're the entertainment. Go ahead. Entertain me, already." Itzhak, too, receives a lift of her glass of whiskey in toast to his general presence as she watches him approach the bar. "And you brought your friends." This less boisterously, and with a friendly grin. "How's the project?"

So, the Three Gay Caballeros are there in force. Joe, it's readily clear, isn't just three sheets to the wind already. He's beyond that, and not all of it booze. Hell, maybe not even most of it. He's got that look in his eyes, glassy as a set of kids' marbles, and he's holding himself the way someone carries a cup that's trembling brimful. He's also got a whole array of bruises fading on the left side of his face - brow, cheek, jaw. Someone lost a fight for real.

But he's trying for good cheer, listening amiably to Itz bitching, brows up inquiringly. Odds are excellent he's only actually parsing about one word in three.

Easton grabs August's order, glancing over at Vic with an eyeroll that is only contained by him closing his eyes and clenching his jaw. He shakes his head and says, "Roen, do me a favor? Pull the fire alarm, or just light the bar on fire when I give you the signal?" Seems he's in a less cheerful 'hosting' mode than usual, but that might have to do with the lack of preparation for this 'mission'.

"Kelly!" Easton catches sight of Joey and calls out to him, loudly as he is want. "I need you to kick my ex's ass.." He says it with a grin, obviously enjoying being oblique about that request. "I mean, technically she wants to learn some self defense, but I figure a couple tough Joey lessons to start should set the tone." He over-hears Nicole's order and doesn't feel the need to rescue her from the pain that is Vic's bartending.

"Alright listen. If someone doesn't get up there and sing soon, I'm cancelling this shit. Now who the fuck is first?" He definitely is not up to hosting tonight, but he's muddling through, angrily, and loudly.

August receives his black and tan, properly poured, tips Easton generously. Is he side-eyeing Vic in the process? Maybe. It might be a look of 'see if you pour the right drink you get more money'. Or it might be him trying to decide if he recognizes her from somewhere. Who can say, with people who have the Art? To some extent they all seem familiar.

"Set the bar on fire," August repeats, just so Easton can be clear on which of those two things will be happening. "Got it."

He leans on the bar, gives Harper a Look around a drink from his fancy beer. "Now Miss Price how can you show up to karaoke and not sing." An up-nod and a grin for Joe, Ruiz, and Itzhak.

Joey takes a twenty, folds it in half longways and holds it fairly flat but between three fingers and slides it flat across the bar. to Vic. He greets Itzhak in his usual breviloquent manner. "Roz." Looking back to Vic he sums up, "I do." Oh it's one of those things. He upnods to Cavanaugh and side shifts his look to Ruiz, silent, maybe getting a bead on his arch-frenemy. "De la Vega."

It's Easton that pulls his attention up from neutral. "Sup, bruh?" And the request to do assault? Ah, no. A slow nod follows, "You need me to gear her up to help you understand poor life choices or somethin? Yeah. This I can do." Leaning over though he presses a kiss to Nicole's temple and drinks his damn beer. "Eh, since you asked, I'll figure it out. Sure. Why the fuck not. I've done weirder wearing less."

Harper leans backward into the bar to peer around a person or two at August. "Tell me, Mr. Roen. Are you singing?" The exchange between Joey and Vic might just tug at her attention.

Ruiz prowls on in a little behind Joe and Itzhak. On his phone, predictably; ballcap tugged low over his eyes, a black hoodie with the sleeves pushed up to the elbows of his densely-inked arms, and tight black jeans shoved haphazardly into heeled boots. That still don't bring him on par with either of his companions, height-wise. "Jodidos gringos perezosos," he's muttering to himself as he finishes sending the text, having missed the entirety of Itzhak's bitch session. "What're we drinking?" he enquires as the phone's shoved into his pocket, and August's upnod returned with a wink.

August rests a hand on his chest. "I always sing, Miss Price. I seem to recall last time it was a question of either Total Eclipse of the Heart or I Can't Make You Love Me." He looks sidelong at Easton, grinning. Which of those will drive him crazier--the mournful country ballad or the 80s pop tune?

Erin glances up from her place at the bar, someone had made her drink and placed it in front of her. It's paid for and she goes back to people watching, though the songs seem to be scarce tonight. Still, she doesn't give up hope! Not until her drink is gone at least. August gets a smile, relief in her expression to see him up and about, while not interrupting his current conversation.

Harper's laughter is ready. "Tell me you did 'Total Eclipse' and I'll call you August," she promises. Another look is cast toward the trio of men, with her attention settling on Joseph. Her smile fades slightly and she tips her head.

"Thanks," Nicole says to Vic when she receives her Corona, watching as Joey slides the twenty over. "Do you?" she asks then glances back to Vic. "Well, I'm Nicole. Local hairdresser." She would normally reach across the bar to shake hands, or wave or something, but Vic doesn't seem the type to enjoy that sort of thing, so she lives it at that. When Joey agrees to sing, she says towards Easton, "see! You're gonna have a Joey Kelly singing. Worth it just for that, isn't it?" She gives Ruiz a small salute in greeting and waves towards August as well, smiling at Harper.

Itzhak gets tense at the way Vic eyeballs him. It's not a good sign, the way he eyes her in return, like he's sizing up an opponent. No jokes about his bad facial recognition or a glance at anyone else he knows or ...anything, except this look. Even the fact that Ruiz and Joe have obviously not been listening to him can distract him. At least until Easton bellows for someone to go first. "OKAY, keep ya panties on Marshall, I'll go first!"

Even the way Joe moves is off. To Ruiz, who's known him for ages, it's reminiscent of how he was in his twenties. Which should be good, but he doesn't achieve that these days without some pretty heavy dosage going on. He finds a table by the bar, settles. "Cider," he tells Ruiz, lazily. Lazy gringo, indeed. Even odds he'd drape himself across the table like a cat, the way he's going.

Easton upnods at Itzhak and Ruiz and then sees Joseph and he stops pouring the drink he's making and sets the bottle down. He opens his hands and lifts his eyebrows in a universal, 'the fuck?' gesture. Yes, even his gestures cuss. But then he's catching wind of August's song choice and he can't help shoot him some side eyes.

He finally manages to get back to customers, delivering a drink and checking in on Erin, seeing a mimosa in her hand he says, "Well good, at least someone got the right drink. How you doin' Erin? I meant to call after that jacked up hotel."

And then Nicole is offering up Joey as a sacrifice, err singer. He gives her a thumbs up and says, "I can only hope he's terrible at it. He inflicts enough pain on me in the gym."

"Obviously I'm commando Rosencratz." Easton makes a show of adjusting himself, because he's classy at the comment to Itzhak about his lack of panties.

Vic has a flat expression as she stuffs the twenty from Joey into her pocket. Pays to be good to the boss. Nicole gets a slight nod. "Yeah, we're neighbors I think," she notes. She doesn't shift her gaze from Itzhak's though, that challenge behind her eyes, and that same predatory sense he might get from one of his pals he came in with. That leashed anger under the surface is there too. But it's only visible in the way she holds herself.

When Easton mentions going commando, she pipes up, "Me too." Just to piss him off.

"No fucking cares Chung Chung." Easton easily replies, quickly.

Vic snarks back, "Hey, you started it."

To be fair, de la Vega's sporting himself a bit of a bruised jaw to go with Joe's.. well, colourful tapestry. Which isn't to say he's the other guy, but he probably is.

"Buenas tardes," is murmured to one or two people he recognises in the sea of faces; Nicole, Harper. Joey gets a thump on the back and a mutter in his ear, and then he's leaning toward the bar to place a drink order. And comes face-to-face with Vic. Her look seems to have been missed entirely. Instead, after a beat of simply watching her, "You think you can manage a cider and a glass of tequila for me?" Tequila of course, is pronounced with the Spanish inflection, and he starts digging in his jeans pocket for cash.

Easton doesn't even get a shrug, from Joe. There's just the tilt of his head and the flash of his brows, in lieu. It is what it is, and he's too short of fucks to pretend he's his usual gregarious self. He's turned his attention to the stage, such as it is, blinking over at the fiddler like he's having trouble focussing, even with those ridiculous browline glasses on.

Erin looks more amused than anything over the banter between everyone. Hearing Easton though, she smiles her reassurance. "I'm doing pretty good, thanks. No worries about the call, everything is good. I hope you and Bennie are both doing well?" Again, her lips twitch at the commando comment. Or more at the adjustment he does of himself.

When Ruiz orders, Erin directs Vic, "Put it on my tab. I think I owe him a tequila or something." Not really, but she offers anyway.

Harper drags her attention from Joseph and the table he's due to get familiar with anytime now to Easton and Vic's missing underwear contest. This swings her around toward the bar where she sets down her drink on a coaster and flickers a sidelong glance at Ruiz as he chances a risky order. There's a suggestion of a smile from her in response to his glance. "Captain." Erin's input is considered as well, with a suggestion of recognition from the librarian.

Vic smirks at Ruiz. "I suppose I owe you that much, Javi, for the other night." She gets the drinks together for him and quips, " Debería tener tu efectivo después de esta noche". A cider and a glass of Patron are set in front of the Police Captain. She looks past him at Joe's state of being and frowns. Ok, frowns more. "He still all fucked up? Better not let him OD before he finishes the fucking sequel to Martian Dawn, De la Vega." She arches a brow at Ruiz at Erin's offer to see if he's ok with that.

"No, not that time," August admits to Harper. "I did After Midnight. Everyone else was doing more rock songs, I didn't want to spoil the mood too much. But I could absolutely do Total Eclipse this time." How will that sound sung by a baritone? Only one way to find out, really. He catches Easton giving him that look, smiles winningly and has a drink.

His smile fades as he watches Joe sit at the table. Well, sprawl in the chair, really. He flicks a look to Itzhak and then Ruiz, but the topic has shifted to who's wearing underwear and who's not. So instead he moves over to the table Joe's at and arches an eyebrow at him. "You okay?" It's the 'you okay' of 'it's fine if you're not but want to say you are' variety.

If the music hadn't been set up yet, there'd be no question which car was coming in to park outside, the dull growl of a fat pipe exhaust rattling through the entrance. The door would open soon after, admitting one round Latino man, dressed in a button up and some jeans. Leaving the absolutely sacrilegious sombrero and poncho at the Cabaret, Rekani had thought to head to the one bar that might be a little quieter, because, surprise, Puerto Ricans didn't celebrate Cinco de Mayo. And then he's walking through the door and seeing a sound system and a screen, and he is rightly confused.

He pauses at the entrance for a long moment before throwing up his hands and heading for the bar, just in time to hear tequila pronounced the right way. At least that gives him a grin.

"Cerveza por favor, bonita." Already folding out some cash. At least if the spanish-speaking bartender was paying attention.

Joey eyes Nicole as she assures Easton, "I consider him a pal. Let's not threaten the man in his own bar. Yeah. Fuck it. I'll do a thing. If people aren't drinking it'll make them start. Good for business. Sign me up." He eyes Nicole with that are you happy now, woman? look(tm). The thump on his back doesn't' get any alarm as one arm's not being pulled behind it. Ruiz gets a small nod and one eyebrow arches a bit listening. His head dips in a nod of agreement, "Yeah, totally. Where you asshoels parking?" He looks to where Cavanaugh landed and points nearby to Nicole. "I fucking love small towns." He doesn't even get between the verbal sniping between Vic and Ruiz, he just enjoys the world being 'normal'.

Looking up from his open wallet, and the crumpled bill he's about to peel out of it, Ruiz slides a look to the tall brunette who's graced him with her presence. A smile forms, halfway between wolfish and bashful, in that realm the man often inhabits. "Ms. Addington," he greets her in a low murmur. A tetch of awkwardness, like one might expect of people who've slept together a time or two. Or eight or nine. Or- "Okay." He counts out a ten for Joe's order, flicks it onto the bar, and turns his gaze back to Vic. "No me debes nada." The wallet's shoved back into his pocket, a flash of his gun as he stuffs it into place. "Espero que te sientas mejor, yeah?"

To August, Harper turns her attention and calls, "I'll be your Bright Eyes any night, August. You just sing the words." She swings her attention toward Itzhak at the microphone and calls out, "Albinoni!" Just that one shot of whiskey is plenty for the librarian.

Did Rekani just call Vic, pretty? Easton is probably already bracing for the worst when the world's crappiest bartender leans both hands on the countertop and just gives him a LOOK. Then walks away without serving him. Easton can handle that shit. She eyes Ruiz, taking the money from him and putting the tequila on Erin's tab as she snipes back at the cop, "Joder, no lo hago. Tendrás tu dinero, hijo de puta." She gives him his change. "Go drink your Patron."

Joe lifts a palm as if to wave away August's inquiries. Not grumpy, though, not sullen. "I'm a'right," he says, gently. He's settled for propping his head up, resting the unwounded part of his jaw on his hand. "Jus' kinna tired." Still blinking like a sleepy feline.

"Neighbors! Oh.. you must be Vic. Nice to meet you." Nicole chuckles as she turns to Joey. The satisfied smile on her face shows she is indeed happy. Wherever Joey is going to sit, she goes with, sipping her Corona, lifting it to Joey in agreement. Small towns are great.

Easton looks around at the customers at the bar wanting very badly to go talk with Joseph, considering it sounded very much like he wouldn't be seeing him anytime soon here. But unfortunately that would leave people at the mercy of Vic and that means people not getting the right drink, and that's just wrong. It hurts Easton to his core, his very, very drunk core. He takes another sip of his beer and replies to Erin, "Bennie and I are great. We actually just got a place together. How are you doin?"

He slides down the bar and grabs a beer for Rekani and says, "Ignore her. She's on a work release program. And left her cheerful helpful attitude in hell where she came from."

August mmmmhmmmms down at Joe. "Alright. Just remember, offer to heal all that up stands." A brief lift of his eyebrows, then he shifts back to the bar. "Don't think I won't sing Garfunkle, Miss Price. I will, even if Easton bans me for life." He flashes his teeth, glances over and sees Joey and Nicole. "Heya Nicole. Kelly." He has a bit of his black and tan and settles in to watch Itzhak perform. He's still weighing what to sing--Tyler? Raitt? ...Garfunkle?

Itzhak peels away from the bar to stalk over to the 'stage'. Joey gets paused by and a long ridiculous complicated handshake swapped with. Nicole and Erin are greeted but he doesn't inflict any cheek smoochings on them, at least?

He futzes with the karaoke equipment for a minute, making sure it's set up right. This is exactly the kind of thing someone might find insulting, like, what, Easton can't figure it out? But Itzhak never means bad by it, he's just double checking as a favor to Easton (who, even Itzhak can tell, is not having a good night).

Then he queues up the song he wants, which starts on a sizzlin' Southern fried guitar lick. Just the sound of it puts him in a better mood, making his fingers snap and his hips rock, and when he hits the first lyrics it's the Black Crowes.

"Baby, here I am
I'm the man on the scene
I can give you what you want
But you gotta come home with me
I have got some good old lovin'
And I got some more in store
When I get through throwin' it on
You gotta come back for more!"

"Boys come along a dime by the dozen
That ain't nothing but ten cent lovin'
Pretty little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause mama I'm sure hard to handle now, yessir'am..."

Oh, man, it turns out the guy can sing, all rock'n'roll and unerringly on key.

Sliding a card over, Erin covers his and hers, the awkwardness is noted but not returned and the briefest touch of a curve at her lips for him as she attempts to ignore the discussion in Spanish that she fully understands. He goes back to talking to the bartender and she goes back to her mimosa, glancing towards the somewhat familiar Harper again, not quite able to place her exactly.

With a warmer smile to Easton, Erin looks pleased at the idea. "That's wonderful, I'm really happy for you both. Jack and I are living together now." He may know Jack from a few years before them in school, owns an auto shop in town. Finally, the karaoke begins and she turns on her barstool slightly to face where Itzhak is taking his turn.

"Feliz cinco de mayo, tu perra imposible," de la Vega returns cheerfully, crinkling a smile at Vic that's all sharper-than-typical canines and dark, glittering eyes. He salutes her with his glass, then fetches the other two drinks and pushes off the bar. To Erin, "It's nice to see you again." And then, although he seems for a moment like he might stay and chat, he opts instead to leave her be. Off he prowls for the table Joe's plunked himself down at, and slides the man's drink in front of him. Then squeezes his shoulder and murmurs something in his ear before going to deliver Joey's stout.

The entire display just gives Rekani the best little giggle fit. If this lady thought she was intimidating, she didn't know what he was raised with. He has the widest, entertained smile on his face, rubbing his palms together.

When Easton finally serves him and he slides his money across with tip, he remarks, "Oh, naw dawg, I like her, she reminds me of my mom. For a minute there, I thought I was gonna see a shoe fly." He lets out another high-pitched, infectious cackle before clearing the way for someone else, going to find a table to plunk down at.

Easton's commentary to Erin about Bennie draws Harper's piqued attention, but then August is calling back to her, so she turns her capricious smile back toward him. "I'm on the edge of my seat, August. You show the Man!" Apparently Easton is the Man tonight. Joseph's demeanor earns him glances every now and again. However, Itzhak peals out the music for the night with flair and energy that has Harper hooting at his performance.

A nod for August, but that's all. Then Ruiz appears and sets his drink down before him, and he's murmuring his thanks, inclining his head to the cop for the moment. The cider gets eyed like he's not sure if he wants to kill it as fast as possible, or not drink it at all.....Itz's singing, at least, is a welcome distraction, though. The song selection gets the musician that lopsided grin.

Vic replies to Ruiz's felicitations turned insult with a simple middle finger and a smirk. Clearly, they are the best of friends. Clearly. Then she calls after him, " Feliz dia de Taco y Margarita!" She eyes Itzhak as he sings and well, at least he doesn't suck, but that is clearly not going to be how most of the patrons yowl into the microphone tonight. "I'm going to get more glasses from the back." No she's not. She's going to do some blow and huddle somewhere she can't hear the singing as much. She shoots Joey and Nicole a little salute, and prowls her way into the back 'employees only' area.

Complicated handshake is a go, Roz. Joey takes the net table The beer (herein known as drink #1 of...yes) and drops his feral ass into the chair unceremoniously across from Nicole who is, no doubt, too damn nice for the likes of his crabby company. He calls over his shoulder, "Erin, buy your damn drink and park your ass." which is employer for: You work too damn hard putting up with me, start drinking, woman. Arching an eyebrow to Rosenkrantz he murmurs, "Fuck yeah Black Crows. Auggie, how the fuck you doin? Any more trees try to eat you?"

Quirking an eyebrow when Rekani seems utterly charmed by Vic's behaviour Easton just shakes his head, "You need better taste bro." It's around then that Easton finally realizes they've met. "Hey!" Waaay too loud Marshall. He shoves out a hand, "Easton. We blew shit up together in the ... junkyard... war... thing." Yup, smooth. But he's at least he's now looking genuinely friendly.

He glances over his shoulder as Itzhak starts in. He grins, completely un-bothered by fiddling with the equipment and genuinely enjoying the song choice. Hearing Vic's comment he nods and says, "Great idea." It's clear he believes her not at all, but really isn't bothered by the fact that she's about to disappear.

Finally back to Erin he grins, "Thanks, I really appreciate that." But then she mentions Jack and tries to cover his own confusion, "I.. don't think we've met, but that's great. I'm glad." And he is.

Itzhak doesn't actually seem to make it to karaoke that often, but when he does, he sings his cranky Jewish heart out with all the ridiculous Otis Redding-style ornamentation he can muster. When he wraps 'er up he's grinning and his body language is loose and happy. Aw yiss, that good Southern rock. "A'ight Roen, your turn!" he announces into the mic, then hangs it up and saunters over to Ruiz's table. On the way back Nicole gets the cheek smooch he spared her the first time.

"Es bueno verte de nuevo tambi�n, Javier." Erin returns to Ruiz, tilting her glass to him before he walks over towards the table. Overhearing Joey, she offers a smile and holds her mimosa up. It's still got plenty of contents left, but she's started on it at least. "Parking it, boss," she grins, calling him the name by habit. Hearing the response from Easton, she offers her own. "Thanks, Easton," Realizing he may not know Jack, Erin doesn't offer more on it though, opting instead, to smile at Itzhak in approval for both his choice of song and the talent in singing it.

August taps the scratch on his face, explains to Joey, "Unfortunately yes. They're really sassy this year, I'm trying not to trim 'em back too far in recompense." Really, he's just making sure he does the lion's share of the work so none of his non-Glimmering employees gets hurt or worse.

He claps for Itzhak, pushes his beer towards Nicole. "I'd be grateful if you could keep an eye on that for me." And then he's heading up to take his turn. Once he's got the mic in hand, he points at Easton, says, "Marshall, this one's for you."

The opening strains of the song are probably familiar to more than just the over 35 crowd; this is a song that winds up played at every 80s themed event and in any movie attempting to cash in on the music nostalgia of the era.

"Every now and then I get a little bit lonely
and you're never coming 'round
(Turn around...) Every now and then I get a little bit tired
of listening to the sound of my tears
(Turn around...) Every now and then I get a little bit nervous
that the best of all the years have gone by
(Turn around...) Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
and then I see the look in your eyes
(Turn around, bright eyes...) Every now and then I fall apart,
(Turn around, bright eyes...) every now and then I fall apart..."

Joey's second beer is delivered before he's even polished off his first; and by the police captain, no less. "Feliz puto cinco de mayo, Kelly," is its gruff accompaniment. Nicole gets a wink, and then he's departing to claim a seat beside Joe, eyes on the stage as Itzhak finishes up his song. God, that man can perform, and he puts his hands together loudly as the lanky fellow saunters back over.

Rekani moves back just long enough to thumb hand-clasp Easton. Yaknow, if he was cool. If he wasn't, this was just going to be an awkward handshake where no one seems to grip right. "Rek. Yeah, man. Trial by fire. Your town is weird. I'm used to it now, tho."

He gives Easton a brief, half-salute, since they were defo brothers in arms now and goes to find a seat for real this time.

"That's what I'm talking about. Nowhere to go but down, people," Harper announces to the lively crowd after Itzhak finishes. But noooo. August so goes there. Harper lifts her fingers to her lips to whistle with enthusiasm.

Joe's just grinning as August takes his turn, though he's looking to the other two as they return to the table. Definitely dimmer than usual, in both the mundane and psychic senses.....and he's apparently going to be nursing that one cider until the very bitter end. One of those nights, apparently.

Nicole sits in her seat, letting the social (crabby) butterfly Joey talk to all the people he knows. Most she only vaguely knows. Her attention has turned to the stage and Itzhak as he checks all the equipment. "Oh, I am looking forward to this." She knows Spanish pretty well, but isn't paying enough attention to it for the most part. At Vic's salute, she smiles and gives one in return. I mean, she's with Joey... crankiness doesn't deter her from much. But Itzhak's singing grabs her attention and she cheers him on, saying aside to Joey, "I love this song..." She stands up to applaud him when he is finished and smiles when he smooches her cheek on the way back. She puts her hand to her cheek after and says, "I'll never wash my cheek again, Z."

"Fuck plants," she says in addition to what August says. "I'm gonna need some new ones." She nods to him and protectively places her hand around the glass, giving him a wink. When he begins singing, Nicole sings lowly in time to the words, "bright eyes" She'd make a great back up singer. Maybe.

Clapping and even whistling for Itzhak, Easton stops what he's doing long enough to to applaud. Harper's declaration is echoed with a "Damn straight." Because it's a small town and he's pretty damn sure they don't have anyone else with stage experience. Well... singing on stage. Everyone's seen Joey Kelly strip. When August dedicates the song to him he puts a hand on his chest as if touched and then calls out, in a heartfelt, meainingful tone, "Take it off!"

"Weird ain't the half of it. You ever need a crash course in fucked up, it's just one of the many services the bar offers." He grins at Rekani, not seemingly bothered by the clumsy handshake, and definitely not convinced that he's used to it already. It probably just means he's gotten a taste. It gets worse.

Easton is definitely more amused than annoyed by August's song choice though. He checks the list and nods at Joey, "You're next Kelly."

Joey looks up to Ruiz and offers him a handshake. "Y tu, man." Hey, there a professional rivalry there? At times, but they are fucking professionals and he did throw himself on a fucking alien grenade so Ruiz wouldn't die. there's respect there. Vic, glanced on radar, gets a salute of his beer in a slight lift. He's still stuck on August greeting them and murmurs to Nicole, "Good thing Sparrow didn't hear that or she'd be planning a damn reception."

Looking to Easton he nods and then glances to Nicole, "Just remember, you started this." And with that he wades over like a 5 4/5ths stack of trouble in boots.

Itzhak blushes tomato-frikkin'-red as he's applauded. He laughs out loud when Nicole tells him she'll never wash her cheek again. He slings his tall skinny frame into a chair next to Ruiz, stretches an arm along the back of the man's chair like he thinks he's going to seduce him in the back of the movie theater. And he totally sings along with August, too. "Every now and then I fall apart!"

Nicole looks at Joey wide eyed. "What?" Blink. "Oh!..... ohhhh...." She looks at Joey, perhaps not knowing what to say to that, but then he is getting up there to sing. "I sure did! Sing it, Joey!"

August's song choice makes the cop visibly cringe. "Seriously?" he questions once the guy's headed back over to reclaim his seat, inked fingers draped absently over the top of his glass of tequila. "You're not even fucking drunk yet, and that's the song you picked?" Then Joey's going up, and he lets out a little whoop of encouragement before leaning over to maul Itzhak with a kiss. Yes, a brazen one in full view of everyone. At least he keeps his tongue in his mouth. "Tenías calor allá arriba, bebé," he murmurs, nudging the tall fiddler with his knee before going for a slug of his tequila. Every so often a flickered, concerned glance for Joe. And then a low-voiced murmur once he has the man's attention.

Of course, August's voice is far deeper than Bonnie Tyler's, but he makes due. Really, he's not too bad, even with having to adjust the scale a bit here and there. The music has to fill in the other singing part, but that's the usual for this song. And hey, everyone from Nicole to Itzhak is helping out, so it really turns into a thing.

Once upon a time I was falling in love
but now I'm only falling apart
Nothing I can say
a total eclipse of the heart.

He takes a bow once he's done, grinning foolishly. Oh yes that was his song, Ruiz. Imagine what he picks if he's drunk. "You know I only strip for money and charity, Marshall," he says into the mic, then hands it off to Joey and returns to the bar.

Joey takes teh mic from August with a pat to the guy's shoulder. "Badass, man." The gruff boxer peers at the crowd, though he looks to Easton in what might be inferred apology. "I'm a dedicate this to... well... you'll know who you are." and he does not say beyond that. What follows Black Crows and Bonnie Tyler... is not in the same vein. and the heavy baseline and the riff that follows of Kid Rock start in immediately as he growls "My name is KEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELL-AY!" Becuase fuck Kid Rock, this is the Pac North West, yo.

"Bawitdaba da bang da bang diggy diggy diggy
Shake the boogie said up jump the boogie

And this is for the questions that don't have an answer
The midnight glances
And the topless dancers
The can of freaks
Cars packed with speakers
The g's with the forty's
And the chicks with beepers!

All you bastards at the I.R.S.
For the crooked cops and the cluttered desks
For the shots of jack and the caps of meth
Half pints of love and a fifth of stress
All the hookers that are tricking out in hollywood
And for my hoods of the world misunderstood
I said it's all good and it's all in fun
Now get in the pit and try to **love some-one!**

The riff goes on pulling everyone that knows the chant in the damn bar to join in with all the Bawitdaba's.

For the time bombs clicking and the heads they hang
All the gangs gettin' money and the heads they bang - bang
Wild mustangs
The porno flicks
All my homies in the county in cell block six
The grits when there ain't enough eggs to cook
And to d.b. cooper and the money he took
You can look for answers but that ain't fun
Now get in the pit and try to love someone!

The guitar riff worth head banging to or starting a fight about builds and subsides. Thankfully the brawler doesn't have to carry a tune to pull that song off, just an attitude, and that he's got in spades and... appreciation for all the various characters that you can probably find in his gym or behind it nay damn day of the fucking week.

Oh, he knows who he is, all right. Joey starts in on that tune, and de la Vega just starts chortling; warm, raspy laughter that shakes his shoulders and sketches deep crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. If Joey happens to look over? He blows him a fucking kiss.

A nod for Ruiz's question, after Joe's politely looked away at that kiss. Habit too long engrained to break, granting privacy even when it's not sought or desired. The music that Kelly's picked has his brow furrowing a little. He hasn't picked up that cider - it's like he's forgotten it's there.

Erin listens to the music and the songs, putting her drink down to applaud the singers. August surprises her, she'd not known he could sing. SHe doesn't take a turn herself but she does seem to be enjoying herself. Finally though, she speaks to Harper. "You look somewhat familiar. Have you lived in Gray Harbor all your life?"

Easton throws up some rock horns in appreciation of Joey's song choice, thoroughly enjoying it, oblivious to anything implied by it. He just appreciates that it's loud and fast and just the right touch of ridiculous, as all Karaoke should be. He glances over at Joseph who looks like hell and his brow furrows farther, unsure of what the hell is going on, besides a few details he's aware of. He almost leaves the bar to go say something but then he's getting flagged down and he's not even sure what the hell he'd say anyway.

He pours someone a shot of whiskey and sets himself up one because the night is young and he's now alone behind the bar so why the hell not. He can't quite keep himself from glancing at Harper when he downs it, though he tries.

"Come on Addington. You going up there?" He calls out to Erin, "Pretty sure I remember you doing a terrible Brittany impression that I'd love to hear again." He then glances to Harper, "Or are you up for this Harper Lee Harper, Harper at law." Yes, her full and proper title is employed in the pursuit of getting her up there.

If anybody thought Itzhak could not possibly turn redder, Ruiz proves them wrong when he lays that one on him. Fwoomp is the sound effect his blush would make, like a stove burner turning on. He's left dazed and grinning stupidly when Joey starts his song. Which makes him laugh, too, and he whistles obnoxiously for him.

When Joey starts singing, Nicole puts both hands up to cover her mouth, looking absolutely thrilled at the performance he is giving. "Oh! Shit!" She suddenly murmurs, patting her jacket pockets until she finds her phone and pulls it out to start taking a video. Better late than never! Holding the phone with one hand, her other hand lifts up in the air, bouncing in time to the music as her head bops to it as well. She does sing along to the chorus, turning her head slightly away from her phone to not fully drown out the boxer's vocals on the capture. When he finishes, she cheers loudly, whistling her appreciation as she stops the recording.

All messages aside, Joey's performance is as much an entertaining spectacle as the audience response. Harper cheers when he's finished and lifts her glass for a drink, swinging around mid-whiskey to smile at Erin. "Honestly, I was wondering the same thing. I want to say dinner party. But ... well, usually my memory is better." She offers her hand, "I'm Harper."

Addington? Harper starts laughing. "Are you Erin?" She places her palm on Erin's expensively clad knee and taps. "Finally, we meet. I mean, I saw you around in high school, but ..." Social circles being what they are.

Joey leaves that song out there for all sorts of people. It might just be a goddamn love letter to the dregs of Elm St. This is him being fucking supportive. But hey, it's mainstream, and he can rock the fuck out to it. Fuck yeah. He hands the mic off and says "C'mon Harper Lewis Can't Lose." He gives his former schoolmate a sharp wolf whistle. Looking back to teh Captain he winks and wades back to his table, his beer, and his more credible half. "Baby you sending that to Sparrow? Tell 'er I said hi. Roz. We gotta talk shop. My bike misses you."

Harper twists back to address Easton, "Your sweet-talking isn't going to work on me, Easy." Whether or not he charms with her full name. Really, it's more a matter of how many drinks are in the librarian. That or a full out challenge.

"Dinner party. Maybe." It had been awhile back. Erin returns the shake, her own is firm, her hands soft. "Erin," she nods, assuring she had the correct Addington. "It's nice to meet you." Taking her hand back, she holds her drink again and smiles, "I was probably kind of an ass in high school. I apologize for that." She looks up at the comment from Easton and laughs. "I'm not a singer.." but she wavers a little, like she just may!

Intended for him or not, Ruiz is clearly going to damn well take it like it is. He salutes Joey with his glass, downs the last of the tequila in one quick swallow, and starts pushing out of his chair. "Come on." That's to Joe. "Join me for a smoke." It's not really a question. Itzhak gets a rough curl of inked fingers around the back of his neck, and, "Be back in a few, yeah?"

August can appreciate Kid Rock enough to throw up the horns along with Easton. He laughs to see Itzhak blush for getting kissed, even more so that Joey tosses Ruiz one on the side. Ah, it's a good night at the bar. He's going to need to talk Eleanor into hiring another manager so she can have more evenings off.

He watches Ruiz and Joe, eyes narrowed a moment, turns his attention back to his beer. He arches an eyebrow at Itzhak. "So. What's this project Price was asking you about?"

He quit. He's even abided by it, for the last few days. But Joe doesn't demur at that order, for it is an order, and gets up from the table to follow. He just heads for the deck, mutely, without patting himself down for cigarettes or lighter. Decades of habit....suppressed, more than broken.

Nodding to Joey, Nicole smiles and starts focusing on her phone to send the video and message to Sparrow.

Harper leans into the bar and Erin a bit, resting on one elbow. "You see, that's what I think. But what dinner party would we both have attended?" Either that's crazy insulting, or Harper is simply certain that they don't walk in the same circles. Harper finishes off her whiskey as if more of the drink will help her memory. "Whatever it is, I can't shake this impression that you're a badass." She removes her hand from Erin's person and belatedly toasts her empty glass to the woman. "Long live badassery."

Itzhak Bisexual Fingerguns at Joey, and he's not even (that) drunk. "Hell yeah, lemme at that bike!" Ruiz gets up, telling him he'll be back, and Itzhak realizes that he's taking Joe out of the commotion. A flash of guilt crosses his mobile face, but he just says to him, "Yeah," all faking casual like. He looks at August, a little blankly, then at Harper, then really obviously rewinds and runs audio input through processing again. "...Workshop!" he blurts, finally figuring it out.

Intended or not, Erin doesn't take it as an insult, choosing not to. "I seem to remember a widow and blood and.." she shakes her head, shaking it off, sort of remembering parts of the Dream. "I think maybe not a badass, but thank you for saying so." A light smile before she finishes off her drink and impulsively gets to her feet to go sing a song. It was Cinco de Mayo, she'd so something appropriate. And much slower.

There's no need for Joe to pat himself down for his nonexistent smokes; de la Vega's got it covered, as a carton of kreteks is dug out of the back pocket of those very fitted jeans. One's tapped out for the taller blond, and another fitted between his own lips as they mosey for the outside deck.

As soon as the music starts, Erin starts singing. She's certainly not a professional, but she at least puts some effort into it.

"He looked down into her brown eyes
And said 'Say a prayer for me'
She threw her arms around him
Whispered, 'God will keep us free'
They could hear the riders comin'
He said, 'This is my last fight
If they take me back to Texas
They won't take me back alive'

There were seven Spanish angels
At the altar of the sun
They were prayin' for the lovers
In the valley of the gun
When the battle stopped and the smoke cleared
There was thunder from the throne
And seven Spanish angels
Took another angel home

She reached down and picked the gun up
That lay smokin' in his hand
She said, 'Father, please forgive me
I can't make it without my man'
And she knew the gun was empty
And she knew she couldn't win
But her final prayer was answered
When the rifles fired again."

Once the slower song ends, she gives a lopsided smile, not minding making a fool of herself now and then, then she returns to the bar and orders another drink.

Joseph actually waves it away, murmuring his thanks. Looking out at the lights of the dock, at the boats moored, then glancing along the curve of the harbor out towards the open ocean. "I think I'mma sleep on the Surprise, tonight," he says, quietly. As if the water might help.

Harper's memory is not so good as Erin's, but the suggestions do intrigue her and perhaps tug at her subconcious. "Lots of blood, I think." She watches the woman get up and grins, "Knock 'em dead, Erin." She pulls her phone from a pocket of her denim jacket and checks through a few messages, pausing to clap for the song when it's over, a glance flickered to August and Itzhak as well. Did she hear her name? Certainly not.

"Oh, right." August flicks a glance at the departing Ruiz and Joe, back to Itzhak. "You remind me, we need to get to work on fixing up your shop, now that my greenhouse is back to rights. Maybe we can use your new workshop to prep for that."

But before they can get into it, Erin's taking her turn, and August leans back to listen, nursing his black and tan. He sings along, voice low; this is one he knows. (But of course he would, Ray Charles sang it first.)

Something's offered to Joe as he steps out with the cop, too quiet to be overheard. Then they're around the corner and out of sight.

Joey is an asshole, but not a complete asshole. When his star employee (take note Duarte!) gives this a go he gives two sharp whistles without having to stick his fingers in his mouth. One arm rests around the back of Nicole's chair easy the other on his beer and his nose remains out of trouble ( You are welcome Easton and Ruiz.) Tonight? Tonight is chalked up as a pretty damn good night and no one got stupid. Excellent.

Itzhak falls quiet to listen intently to Erin. "Ooh, I dunno this one," he mutters to himself, with ill-concealed excitement. A song he doesn't know!! Well, Google will fix that for him. It's good, too, and he claps for her, but from the look on his face he's already transposing it for violin. He looks back at August, eyebrows up. "Well, it ain't built yet. Man, I got a lotta work to do." Which he says with a certain relish. Work! YES!

Nicole spends the rest of the evening out sitting with Joey and the others, sipping a beer or two, cheering on anyone who sings, and chatting amicably with everyone. At some point, she smiles to Harper and says, "one day, I'll run into you more often so we can talk or something." All in all, it indeed was a pretty damn good night. She would drink to that.

Harper tugs on her denim jacket and slides her phone back into a pocket, before heading over to August and Itzhak. "You both were spectacular, gentlemen. So very entertaining." She pauses and looks after where the two departed men went for their smoke, "Give Joe my best, will you? He doesn't look at all well."

Wearing the expression which Itzhak calls That Face, August says to him, "How dare you not know a song by Ray Charles." Well, and Willie Nelson, but Ray Charles is the important one here.

He claps and even whistles for Erin. He asides to Itzhak, "Well I guess you just have to stop sitting around and get to it," as if he's some kind of rich layabout.

He dips his head to Harper. "Thank you, Miss Price. Next time it'll be Bonnie Raitt. I'll get to Art Garfunkle eventually." He follows her look, nods. "Will do."

Erin changes her mind on the second drink since she's driving, but she remains at the bar, just lingering there a little bit to see if anyone else would be singing. "It was nice meeting you, Harper." Joey's cheers have her laughing and offering him a smile in response. "Thanks boss, see you later." A wave to August, more than the earlier look she had given him as she had reassured herself he was feeling better. "Thank you," she calls over. When no one else seems inclined to sing, she gets to her feet as well, leaving a tip for the barkeep and taking her card back. "It's good to see you out and about again, August. You're looking much better." Quite an understatement. She doesn't linger or interrupt further. "Good evening, gentlemen." Bidding them both farewell before she also takes off towards the door.

"Guess I gotta," Itzhak says to August, a glint in his eye like August is going to pay for that sooner or later. He gets up, to thwap him on the burly shoulder. "Gonna see what's keepin' de la Vega." Also he probably needs a smoke of his own. Harper gets a glance, which is kinda concerned on Joe's behalf, much as he's covering it up. He hoists his eyebrows at her in agreement, and heads for the deck.

Harper touches a friendly hand to Augusts shoulder, then pointedly says, "Good night, August." She turns and heads for the exit.