2020-05-21 - May Open Mic Night - Espresso Yourself

Lyric comes in with a guitar case in one hand and a cell phone in the other that she is smiling at while texting something. Whatever it is, it amuses her. Shortly after her phone dings, she laughs and texts back before sliding her phone in her pocket where it will remain the rest of the night. When she's around people and talking to them she doesn't do phones. It's rude! Walking over to a table she leans her guitar case against it then goes to order a half hot chocolate, half french vanilla cappuccino in a large to-go cup. Just cause good. And a cinnamon raisin bagel. She pays for it and as she waits, she glances around a little.

Like the last open mic night, August is seated at a table to one side, his tablet out in front of him with the keyboard attached. He's in pale, worn denim jeans, a black, waffle knit Henley, black suede boots, and a black suede jacket, and looking better than he has been. Except for his Glimmer, of course; that remains strangely dimmed and faded.

He's going through final edits for his next book, but leaves off that when he sees Lyric come in. "Hey," he says on a small smile. There's a half-finished cappuccino to one side.

There is a sign up sheet for performers at the counter, which also gets them their ticket for a free large coffee. Eleanor is puttering around behind the counter, helping with orders at the moment, and looking cheerful. She flashes August a smile across the way and waves to Lyric.

"Hi! It's good to see ya." Lyric greets August as cheerful as she almost always is. "Are you gonna sing too?" With her stuff paid for, she pencils her name down on the sheet and grins at Eleanor. "Thanks for havin' this. Music is my whole life." Collecting her order, she walks back over to the table where her guitar is and slides into a chair to nibble on her bagel, pinching off bites and munching on them.

"Hey Lyric." August coughs a laugh, shakes his head. "Ah, no, open mic isn't karaoke. I'm here to applaud and watch all of you fine performers for free." He has a sip of his coffee. "Picked out what you're playing?"

"I could play for ya if you wanted to sing. I already put my name down for me. I'm singin' Bruce Springsteen. My Hometown." It's as close as Lyric could get for the anniversary thing. "I know you liked the Stevie Ray Vaughn song last time you said. I like that one too."

"Thanks for entertaining my customers!" Eleanor replies to Lyric with a bright smile and the handing over of her order. She glances at the clock and wipes her hands on a towel. "Looks like it's just about showtime."

Ellie climbs up onto the little stage and takes one of the microphones. She's dressed in jeans and a pale blue peasant blouse with fashion boots, and her hair is in a loose braid over one shoulder. "Welcome, everyone, to Espresso Yourself's Open Mic Night. Anyone who signs up and performs will be entitled to one free large coffee! Please be kind to the performers, and to your amazing baristas for serving you tonight!" She gestures to Laine and Kerry, and the evening shift manager, Matias, behind the counter and gives them a round of applause.

"First up tonight, give a warm welcome for Lyric Bates! " she beckons her to the stage and hops down from it to sit beside August. "Another decent turnout," she notes to the handsome man.

Ohhh, it's her turn! Casting an apologetic look to August, Lyric gets to her feet, grabs her guitar and leaves her bagel and drink on the table with her guitar case beside it before walking towards the stage.

There had been talk of coffee and normal things, between Kailey and Lyric. And look at this? They're both at a coffee shop for a pretty normal thing. Kailey arrives none too soon, pushing the door open with a glance behind her. An eyeroll and she enters and heads for the counter, scanning the crowd. It isn't hard to spot Lyric as she is announced. Smiling warmly she waves before ordering herself a mocha with extra chocolate and hazelnut. And whipped cream.

Present inside, Scott has found himself a good place to sit so he can watch the happenings for now. He has a bag with him, looking like some kind of small keyboard or something inside. When Lyric heads up to the stage, he lets out a bit of a cheer.

Cris needed to get Dante out of the apartment and away from the worries of Sitka's upcoming official opening night at the Casino. Even his new kitten wasn't providing a sufficient enough distraction, so here they are. He stands out next to the sharply dressed man in his jeans and white tank with a flannel shirt wrapped around his waist, but he is sporting a fancy new pair of shoes thanks to the man. "I think there's an open table near the back." And so he leads Dante in that direction to sit before he'll go to the counter with their orders.

Dante rather reluctantly left the restaurant, recognizing the necessity of stepping back and taking a break lest errors start to happen. He's his usual overdressed self, tonight in a crisp soft blue three-piece with a black collared shirt. "You know, I don't think I've ever been to an open mic in my life," he says to Cris, before making his way towards said open table to claim it before someone else does.

Devlin moves a little gingerly as he comes through the door, perhaps a little sore for some reason. He looks around and nods to those he knows. Then heads to the counter to get a black coffee and a couple of Banana nut muffins. He settles at a chair to the back with his drink n goodies after letting the counter person he's in if they have a slot at the mic later.

"Welcome to small town America." Cris grins a bit toothily as he pulls out the chair for Dante, leaning over his ear as the writer sits, "I'll grab us some coffee. Want me to put your name on the list?" It sounds like a half dare, half offer. He doesn't really greet others he knows, at least not verbally, giving little upnods instead.

Lyric plans on doing a slower song and she sits herself up on a chair on the stage with her guitar, and rests it on her leg, hand holding the neck. A relaxed smile is given, a nod to Kailey and Devlin before she announces while starting to strum her guitar softly, "I'm gonna to do a Bruce Springsteen song. My Hometown. Gray Harbor's always been my hometown and even with whatever flaws it has, well I kinda fit with it. I got my own flaws too. Anyway, here it is." Her fingers move along the strings as she changes chords, doing more of a rolling strum.

Itzhak comes swaggering in, six-foot plus of lanky attitude with a cherry-red violin case slung over his shoulder. He takes off his mirrored aviators as he comes in. Accompanying him is one Captain de la Vega, who surely is not actually going to perform, right? "Oh, Lyric's going," Itzhak mutters sotto voce to Ruiz, and beelines right for August and Ellie's table so he can sit down and pay attention to his lead guitarist. He upnods along the way to Dante and Cris, and Scott too, flashing the keyboardist a smirk. Half the band turned out.

"What am I supposed to do? Sing acapella? I don't have a keyboard in my pocket," says Dante with a toothy grin to Cris. "And yes, coffee. Cheers." He glances around the room, spotting Itzhak and lifting a hand in greeting. He then settles himself into the chair and tries to sort out what kind of entertainment they might be in for judging by who showed up.

Eleanor gives Itzhak and his surly shadow a broad smile as they approach the table. "Glad you two could make it out. Really happy with the turnout again. I need to do these more often." She has a coffee of her own in front of her. She gives a cheer for Lyric and her kind words about Gray Harbor. Townies. What can you do?

Devlin smiles with Lyric's mentioning the whole Gray Harbor song tie in. He sips his coffee and begins to eat as he watches. Nothing like seeing people love a home town when you never really had one.

"I was eight years old and running with a dime in my hand.
Into the bus stop to pick up a paper for my old man.
I'd sit on his lap in that big old Buick and steer as we drove through town.
He'd tousle my hair and say son take a good look around.
This is your hometown."

"In '65 tension was running high at my high school.
There was a lot of fights between the black and white.
There was nothing you could do.
Two cars at a light on a Saturday night in the back seat there was a gun.
Words were passed in a shotgun blast.
Troubled times had come
To my hometown."

With a wry smile Lyric lifts a hand and points her pick to Scott, her band buddy, roommate and fellow alumni from the same class. Another lifer like her! Then another nod to Itzhak representing before she goes back to playing and singing.

"Now Main Street's whitewashed windows and vacant stores.
Seems like there ain't nobody wants to come down here no more.
They're closing down the textile mill across the railroad tracks.
Foreman says these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back
To your hometown."

Once the song ends, she entirely skipped the end verse about getting married and all that mushy stuff, she stands from the chair and laces the pick in the strings before relinquishing the stage to the next person, heading back to her seat.

Prowling on in after the violinist is indeed a swarthy Mexican, worlds away this evening from the three-piece suit he wore to the casino opening the prior night. He's got that battered leather jacket on, a faded black tee shirt with como se llama? (and a picture of a llama) on it, tight black jeans tucked into expensive-looking heeled boots and, yes. A goddamned ball cap on his head, the brim of which he's futzing with as he ambles on in and follows Itzhak toward a table. After surreptitiously going to sign up for a spot on the performance list, that is. Whaaaaaat.

His gaze is drawn to Lyric as she starts singing, eyes going a little distant.

Kailey gets her drink and winds up getting a bagel and cream cheese for herself. She moves among the tables and grabs a place with two chairs. One for her and one for someone else? Spotting August she wiggles her fingers at him before her attention returns to Lyric. And when she finishes? She is applauding loudly.

"So then you're just happy to see me?" Cris quips to Dante before he heads to the counter, getting them both a cup of coffee and bringing it back at a slow pace so mugs don't splash hot joe onto his hands. He sets Dante's down and then slides into his own chair, producing a flask from his pocket and flashing it at the dapper man. "Want a little Irish in yours?" His attention shifts to the stage, giving a little whistle with Lyric finishes.

Scott offers a grin and a half-salute to Itzhak, before he turns to watch Lyric's performance again, unable to hold back a smile. As she finishes the song, he breaks out the applauds, along with a loud whistle.

Smiling warmly between sips and bites, Devlin clearly enjoys Lyric's singing and playing.

Eleanor hops to her feet as Lyric finishes, applauding for the young woman as she climbs back on the stage. "Next up, a perennial favorite, which I say because he's my botanist fiance's best friend, haha, get it? Perennial? Like the flowers?" Oh God, this is why she doesn't perform. "Itzhak Rosencrantz!" She claps for the violinist as she resumes her seat.

"Cheeky cheeky," says Dante. Then he nudges his mug over to Cris. "Go on then." It has been a hard week after all. Then he looks down at the other man's shoes. "Do you like them, or did you just wear them to please me?" His tone is light and teasing. "And I'm always happy to se you, darling."

Someone, somewhere gives a wolf whistle for the end of Lyric's performance and a bark of, Rosencrantz! when it's Itzhak's turn to go up. And by 'someone, somewhere', it's probably de la Vega.

Devlin applauds for Lyric when she is done. No wolf whistles, just a little enthused appreciation. As she goes to her seat, Devlin stands for a moment to catch her ear.

Lyric can't help but to grin at the shirt Ruiz wears. Her own says You Inspire My Inner Serial Killer. Once she clears the stage, she meanders back towards her table, stopping by to ruffle Scott's hair, touch Ruiz on the shoulder with a softly worded, "Cool shirt," then offer a wave to Kailey before winking towards Devlin. Everyone else gets a grin before she sits down and places her guitar gently back in the case so she can concentrate on Itzhak and his performance. But there's plenty of room at her table! Tugging off a bite of her bagel, she munches on it while he takes the stage.

Itzhak hasn't ordered anything to eat yet--he never does, before he performs. His attention is on Lyric, even while he unlatches his case and does the half-dozen little things needful to get ready to play. He tucks his bow under his arm to applaud her when she's done and whistle obnoxiously, grinning at her. When Eleanor calls him a perennial he makes a hilarious face at her and then looks accusingly at August. "Did you hear that? What, am I a clematis?" He only knows what a clematis is because of August.

He gets up, saunters to the stage, and blushes bright frikkin' red when de la Vega cheers him on. "Stop it!" he hisses at him, although he's kinda laughing too. "Ya jerk." Then he's got to test the tuning of his violin, which he does without hurry.

Devlin smiles to Lyric and offers as she goes to take her seat, "Loved it."

Cris pours a glug of whiskey into Dante's mug and then his own before tucking it away, his eyes shifting around the room before darting back to Dante. "Who's to say it's not a little bit of both?" His leg jutting out form under the table so he can admire the toe of his shoe before knocking it against the table leg. "I like them. I like you pleased. Oh, hey. Rosy's up."

Kailey keeps glancing at the door from her table. Looking maybe a little impatient. But she has a bagel to eat and a mountain of whipped cream to get through (a mocha is under there somewhere). "That was great," Kailey says, as Lyric passes, aborting another attempted sip of her mocha. Meaning she has a milky mustache. Though quickly licked away.

Dante leans in towards Cris and asks in a low tone, "What's your bet? Is he going to play something jazzy or something classical? Or Celtic? I'd guess maybe the last because of the crowd. Not sure this is a Bach-appreciating crowd." Then he pats Cris on the thigh. "If you want me to get up there at one of these things, best practice on your guitar so I'd have something to sing along to."

"Thanks," Lyric tells Kailey, laughing a little at the mustache. Her own drink was a combination of cappuccino and hot chocolate and a cinnamon raisin bagel. Hearing Devlin, she gives a thumbs up, "I'm glad you did." Another pinch off the bagel before popping it in her mouth.

Ruiz eases back in his seat, looking pleased in that subtle way of his when Itzhak makes his way up to perform. A wink for the man when he hisses at him, utterly unperturbed. Then his attention's diverted by a touch to his shoulder, and he gives Lyric a low chuckle for her commentary. "Bueno, gracias," he murmurs to her, dark eyes following her briefly, then trailing across Cris and Dante at a nearby table before returning to Rosencrantz up on 'stage'.

Maybe it is something classical or jazzy, because when Itzhak's satisfied with the sound of his violin (having spent a minute drawing his bow across each string and ever-so-slightly tweaking a peg or two), he leans into the mic and informs the crowd, "Youse guys are gonna get some fuckin' culture today." Oh my God, why does anybody let him talk. But then he goes on. "Gonna play the music of my people. Klezmer. This's an arrangement by the guy I was named after, Itzhak Perlman. ...I wasn't really named after him," he adds, cheerfully and immediately giving himself the lie, "I just tell everybody that."

He swings his violin to his neck with an elegant little motion of his wrist. Breathes in...breathes out, and launches into a sweet-yet-sharp, prancing, rollicking melody that has the very distinctive sound of Eastern Europe to it.

Eleanor listens to Itzhak's performance with enthusiasm. She loves that she's surrounded by smart, talented humans, in the middle of this crazy town. She claps along and taps a foot to the catchy melody, grinning like the dork she is.

Scott listens in quiet now, unable to hold back a bit of a smile as he listens. Such a nice melody to lean back and listen to.

Devlin smiles as he listens to Itzhak play, it has his foot tapping. He sips his coffee as he watches. And at times he claps to the melody.. hard not to.

Cris curls his fingers around Dante's as his thigh is patted, lifting the other man's hand to place a kiss on the pulse of his inner wrist. "I don't play, so that's a hell to the no." His eyes shift to the 'stage' as he tangles fingers with Dante beneath the table, listening to Itzhak fiddle away. "What do you figure this counts as?"

News spreads far and wide about yet another sing a long so Hera figures out that this time may be as good as any to take a break from work related things. The dog and cat left at home, she walks in and pauses to see who may be who. Naturally, Devlin is one of the first faces she recognizes and she briefly waves until she takes a moment to notice who is performing. A fiddle making its music easily gets a smile from her.

Ruiz's smile broadens as he listens to Itzhak play. His foot taps along with the music, possibly wholly unconsciously, and he sips at his coffee once it's delivered to his table. There's a brief lean toward August to murmur something low, though it doesn't reach beyond the two men.

This music is fast! Itzhak plays while keeping time with one boot tapping against the hardwood floor, smirking to himself like a maniac. As he goes, it gets faster, and faster, and faster until his playing is rocketing along and he's swaying and stamping and giving every evidence of having a fabulous time. Sometimes he veers off into something very bluegrassy-sounding, which fits weirdly well in the klezmer. Definitely not the crowd-pleasing kind of music that he's picked at other performances. This one is all for him.

When he charges to the finish he winds 'er up with a flourish of his bow and a gleeful whoop: "HELL yeah! That's some fuckin' music, baby!" He wipes his forehead with the back of his wrist and bows a soloist's bow. Then he's off to sling himself into the chair next to Ruiz, breathing hard and still smirking.

Eleanor reclaims the stage after applauding for Itzhak and takes up the microphone. "Next up we have Scott Hamilton. Wait, isn't that a figure skater? Like Olympic Gold medalist? Oh, nope, this one has hair. Come up Scott!" She hands off the mic and returns to her table to clap Itzhak on the shoulder. "That was fantastic!"

Kailey's head is bobbing to the tune. Those glances at the door keep happening. Chewing on her bagel, it's an everything and seeds are going everywhere with every bite, and sipping her mocha. The whipped cream has been defeated. When Itzhak finishes she applauds a little distractedly, for she is pulling her phone out at that moment.

"Jewish party music, I think," says Dante. He's clearly not bothered by the little PDA as his fingers flex in response. He takes a sip of his boozified coffee and coughs a little. Whuff. Strong. "Music I think, that it's weird everyone's in chairs for and not spinning round." He chuckles. When Itzhak's performance ends, he unfurls his hand from Cris' so he can applaud enthusiastically.

Lyric listens with all her attention to Itzhak as he plays, enjoying the music he shares. For the moment her bagel and drink are forgotten and most everyone around her as he plays. He sure can command an audience!

Kind of sensing that Hera is there, Devlin turns. "Hey there Hera. Hope you got to hear that.. wow.. the man can bring a violin to life.. If you need anything, tell them I got you covered Cousin."

As Dante relinquishes his hand to clap, Cristobal slouches back in his chair, slinging one arm over the back of it and stretching out his legs. His attention is a little too intense on Itzhak as the man finishes, his own clap coming at a delay, but it's there. Lazy where the music was frantically enthusiastic.

That same jerk in the audience lets out a bark of approval to go along with his applause. And when Itzhak drops into the chair next to him, de la Vega clamps a hand around the back of the fiddler's neck, and lays a quick peck on his cheek. Chaste, mostly. Though whatever he mutters to him probably isn't. The next guy being called up is watched sidelong as he pulls away, and goes for another slug of his coffee.

August has been quietly writing a lengthy, sternly worded comment to his editor, whom he loves but doesn't always agree with. He hears the joke about Itzhak being a perennial, and that gets his attention. He grins, asides to Itzhak, "Come on, obviously you're some kind of rose." He bobs his eyebrows, doesn't bother elaborating before Itzhak takes the stage. The song holds his attention, even gets him to close up his tablet and stow it. He takes the time to greet everyone he hasn't with glances and small waves, leans in to listen when Ruiz says something to him.

He gives Eleanor a kiss on the cheek. "Very decent," he agrees.

Hera claps a bit, assuming she isn't too late, to offer up praises for Itzhak's playing. "I might take you up on that." she grins toward Devlin and goes to order a long island iced tea. Maybe it's been one of those weeks or, maybe not? With another glance around she spots one of her most favorite people, Mr. Mountain of Muscle, sexy and he knows it, and a classic limper when it comes to certain feet! She waves at Everett and walks over toward him, "Have you been, looking for me?" Now those are loaded words when it comes to these two.

Darkening the door, Everett pauses there a moment, stubbing out the remains of his cigarette and exhaling upwards before leaving his remains outside and ducking under the doorjamb. A brief pause is given, then the gorilla walks to Kailey's table. One his way, as awkward as it might be, he purposefully walks behind Lyric's chair. With his eyes towards the stage, Everett bends down and scraps his rough cheek against Lyric's before retreating and leaving a kiss, a peck on the same cheek. Standing, the ape puts his right hand over her shoulder and makes two gimme gestures.

"I'm going to ask him if he'd like to play at Eighty-Eight. Perhaps, if I find the time to practice, with me in a duet evening," says Dante to Cris as he nods towards Itzhak. "The name is official, by the way. I've filed the paperwork and ordered signage."

Scott cheers for Itzhak's performance, offering a grin. There's a brief shake of his head as he hears his own name being called out, and moves to bring out that keyboard from the bag. Not one of the larger ones, just one easy to bring to something like this. "I'm afraid I'm not a good figure skater, no," he replies, rather lightly as he sets up the keyboard, taking a few moments to get ready.

Taking the microphone, he smiles as he looks out at the crowd. "Hey, while I haven't done much travel, I'll try singing about one of the places I have never been. Maybe because it feels like it's about how nice home can be, even if you've done a lot of travelling. And most of all, it's a nice song, and I must thank the Piano Man himself, mister Billy Joel for making the song."

There's a few brief moments of pause before he starts playing, the intro parts coming along with a bit of expression, before he begins singing, softly and thoughtfully.

"Some folks like to get away
Take a holiday from the neighborhood
Hop a flight to Miami Beach or to Hollywood
But I'm takin' a Greyhound on the Hudson River line
I'm in a New York state of mind
I've seen all the movie stars
In their fancy cars and their limousines
Been high in the Rockies under the evergreens
I know what I'm needin'
And I don't want to waste more time
I'm in a New York state of mind"

As he plays, he glances around at the people in the room,, with a smile.

Ruiz settles in to listen as Scott takes the stage. He might not recognise the song, but he's perfectly familiar with the city being mentioned, and nudges Itzhak with his elbow, giving the lanky man a bit of a sly grin as if to say listen up. It's entirely possible the cop's looking a little nervous, too. Is his hand shaking a touch when he reaches for his coffee? Nah, couldn't be.

To say Lyric is surprised by the gesture would be an understatement. Recovering easily as soon as the gestures are made, she grins and lifts a finger, her index finger, and waggles it side to side in a gesture of Nope! "After your song. There's terms an' all that." Her soft laughter belies the seriousness of her words though. About that time, Scott takes the stage and she gestures to the bar for Everett. "Gotta get your name down!"

Lyric's glimmer detects the new person and she gives him an odd look, but she doesn't linger on him, just looks at Everett a moment while still enjoying Scott's song.

Kailey gives Everett a smile and just happens to be looking at the door when it opens. And...someone enters. Immediately her brow pulls down into a puzzled stare. It lasts a few seconds till she realizes and looks around the cafe. Is she the only one who sees this guy? For the moment? She actually is almost ignoring the giant as he stops to harass Lyric and who knows who else on the way to the table.

Cris' attention lulls back to Dante, his grin filled with genuine amusement. "Is that so? Glad you finally found a name you liked." Is he looking a little bit smug? Maaaaaybe. That grin disappears behind the lip of the mug of doctored coffee, drinking heavily and pulling a face as he takes a hiss of air in that has more to do with the newcomer than the whiskey. Immediately, the man's on edge.

Hearing one of his favorite Joel tunes, Devlin smiles and settles in sort of. When the new person shows.. Devlin almost does a double take. He takes a breath and then looks back to the performer.

"You see him too?" murmurs Dante as he leans in towards Cristobal, but looks across to the newcomer. "Odd." It's certainly more than that, but something about the odd tension of the situation angles him towards understatement. And a big drink of his whiskey coffee.

Eleanor mouths along with the words as Scott sings, because who doesn't know Billy Joel?

Itzhak shoots Ruiz a hell of a look when the captain says something into his ear, smirk playing around his mouth. He bumps him with a shoulder and sets to putting his violin away. And snorts at August. "Please, too easy." He seems to be in a great mood as he latches his case and stretches out to listen to Scott. He lights the hell up when he recognizes the song, nods eagerly in response to Ruiz's elbow. Itzhak isn't enough of an asshole to upstage someone (at least, not his own keyboardist at an open mic), so when he sings along it's very quiet, under his breath. "I'm in a New York, state a mind..."

Then someone new comes in, someone who under most circumstances Itzhak would be delighted to see. Someone who clearly knows his business, and he'd look forward to hearing him. But Itzhak's shuddering in his chair, when the flashy man comes in.

As he continues playing, Scott's gaze goes to the door, but he manages not to stumble in his playing. After a few moments longer, he launches into the last part of the song.

"It was so easy living day by day
Out of touch with the rhythm and blues
But now I need a little give and take
The New York Times, the Daily News
Who, oh, oh whoa who

It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
I don't care if it's Chinatown or on Riverside
I don't have any reasons
I left them all behind
I'm in a New York state of mind

Yeah, I'm just taking a Greyhound on the Hudson River line
'Cause I'm in a, I'm in a New York state of mind..."

Slowly and softly, he continues on the last instrumental part of the song, drawing it out a few moments, before he finishes. A few moments after the music is over, he smiles, bowing a bit to the room. "Thank you, everyone..." Moving to take his keyboards with him and get of the stage, glancing to that newcomer as he walks back to put the keyboard back in its bag.

Eleanor applauds loudly for Scott and his choice of song, and then she takes the mic again. "Thank you, Scott! Great song choice! Even if we're on the other coast! Ok, next up we have..." She looks down at her list, squinting. "Is this a typo?" she looks to Matias and he shrugs. "Um. Javier De la Vega! Come on up to the stage!" She hands the mic off to the police captain and skitters back to her seat, surprised and eager to see what he's going to do.

Devlin applauds for Scott, grinning like a kid in a candy store.

Ruiz, unlikeliest of unlikely performers, pushes out of his chair and makes his way up to the little podium at a slow, slouch-shouldered prowl. In his scruffy beard and worn clothing, and that goddamned ballcap whose brim he perpetually keeps pulled low over his eyes, he certainly doesn't look like someone who's got much worth contributing to a thing like this. But then he gets up there, clears his throat, tugs off the hat and scruffs his fingers through his hair, and announces that, "I'll, uh-" And clears his throat again. God, he's nervous. Really fucking nervous. "I'm going to read some poetry."

Well then.

"It's called, ven conmigo, dije, y nadie sabía, número siete." The Spanish tumbles out warm and rough and sweet, obviously his first language for how he eases into it like a comfortable pair of shoes. He adds, with a quick, dimpled grin, "I'll read it in English, don't worry." His tongue flickers across his lips, and then he adjusts the microphone slightly and taps it once or twice to make sure it's working (it is).

Mr. You-Don't-Need-A-Sherpa-To-Climb-This-Montain regards Hera with surprise, then nods with understanding returning the wave with the hand no asking for something from Lyric, "Oh, right. Yeaahhh. I wanted to rent out--" he pauses, and gives a sideways glance towards Kailey's table before leaning in-and-down towards Hera. Hush-hush. "-- your gallery for a y-irthday arty-tay."
His actual Latin is no better.

A brief glance away, and Everett's green eyes focus down on Lyric. A soft gasp of frustration follows, his brooding expression returning. The paw making gimme gestures turns around and squeezes Lyric's shoulder before he pulls it back. Apparently to sign up. Holding a finger in the air to Hera to excuse himself for a second, and returning when he does just that, Kailey is given a meaningful look before he follows her gaze. And shrugs.

August tracks the man as he comes in, eyes narrowed. He signs to Itzhak, tense and wary but not ready to try and do anything. 'G-h-o-s-t.'

And since there might not be anything to do about the ghost, he settles back to watch Ruiz. He snorts when Ruiz assures everyone he'll recite it in English, clearly preferring to hear the Spanish version. He waits, intent, nudges Itzhak in the shoulder in a 'look at your man' sort of way.

Hera is one of the people who does notice the strange man holding a guitar. While the combination of silvery rings and tattoos are something she would never wear, the artistic side of her admires the adornment. But Everett's request gets her attention, "Ah, yeah I mean, I doubt that's a problem. Just, let me know when and all." Then her drink is given to her and she grins as she begins to partake of it. Hopefully there's more tea than island. If not, hopefully there's an uber.

Itzhak whistles sharp and loud for Scott, nevetheless, weird vibe guitarist notwithstanding. "Scotya, great job!" he calls to him. He reads August's hands, pulls a face. Then he arrows a look at the new guy, suspicious. "You behave yaself," he mutters. He doesn't want to have to throw down when his cranky Mexican is going to read poetry. To that end, he leans forward, eyes on Ruiz, utterly fascinated. If Ruiz should glance at him, he flashes him a smile, gives him a 'go on! go on!' nod. You can do it, Javier!

Kailey finds herself staring at the specter in the cafe. More attention on him then anyone who is performing. Mocha and bagel forgotten for the moment. Then she reaches for her bag, under the table, and pulls out a sketch book with pen stun in the spiral binding. Flipping it open she begins to draw.

Lyric applauds Scott for his singing, playing and song choice. Once he leaves the stage, she listens to Eleanor.

Pin Drop.

The announcement made, Lyric looks towards the Captain with a crooked smile that hides the surprise on her features. It's a brief look before she turns her gaze back to Everett in time to see him heading to the sheet to sign up. Biting her lip, she gets to her feet and follows him.

Another ghost, yeah.. chalk it up to Gray Harbor. Devlin does keep an eye on it, for now.. he watches Ruiz.

"When all my troubles seemed so far away," replies Everett, to Hera. In case she doesn't understand, he holds up his hands defensively, "Don't worry about it. I found other arrangements. But I'll be right back." When he finishes signing up, Everett turns around, finding Lyric heading his way. It's amazing what you can see from up here. And all the channels. Picking up the sheet, he presents it to Lyric with a self-satisfied smirk, tapping a meaty forefinger next to his name. "See?"

A brief glance toward the ghostly apparition that's chosen to join them tonight. A beat, and then away again, and Ruiz begins. He can't sing worth shit, but what he can do is hold sway with spoken word; his voice has a warmth, a roughness, an earthiness to it that lends a gravitas to the poetry.

"Come with me, I said, and no one knew where, or how my pain throbbed, no carnations or barcaroles for me, only a wound that love had opened." His dark gaze ticks from one face to the next, unafraid to make eye contact, even with people he doesn't know.

"I said it again: Come with me, as if I were dying, and no one saw the moon that bled in my mouth or the blood that rose into the silence. Oh Love, now we can forget the star that has such thorns. That is why when I heard your voice repeat, come with me, it was as if you had let loose the grief, the love, the fury of a cork-trapped wine." The words are tumbled slowly over his tongue. Lingered over, savoured like wine, not rushed.

"The geysers flooding from deep in its vault: in my mouth I felt the taste of fire again, of blood and carnations, of rock and scald." He lets the last stanza and its imagery linger a moment, then sniffs once, catches up his ball cap, and departs the podium with a murmured gracias.

Cristobal's eyes shift from Dante to the new arrival and then to the stage as Ruiz says he's going to read poetry. He's uncomfortable, that much is clear in the way he shifts forward, wrapping his hand around the mug as if it might suddenly become a weapon. "Yeah. I see him." Cris mutters down at the table, eyes flicking up again, watchful, wary. "I think I need a smoke." He says, as Ruiz finishes with no applause given from the younger latino.

Eleanor seems very moved, even a little choked up, by Ruiz' poetry reading, and she's dabbing her eyes with a napkin as she resumes the stage. "Thank you, Captain De la Vega, that was truly powerful and...unexpected! Next up we have Devlin McCloud, another of our fair city's first responders! Give him some love!" she hands off the mic and resumes her seat.

Watching Ruiz, she gives the respect of her attention as he recites. It was great and she applauds him once he departs the podium. Only then does she turn to the giant. "Are you going to play too? Or acapella it?" Lyric questions Everett once she sees his name written down on the list. Her lips quirk into a half smile as she dips a hand into her back pocket and holds her hand out, closed into a fist, fully expecting him to hold out his hand too. "For you." A soft laugh accompanies it as she waits, fully full on ignoring the ghost for the moment except from her peripheral.

Dante looks from the stage, to the ghostly figure, to Cris. "Do you want to go?" he asks, in a low murmur. He doesn't understand the reaction from his companion, but then again he doesn't know very much about the other side of his life.

Itzhak's attention is on Ruiz and only Ruiz, while the police captain recites poetry. The Four Horsemen could appear, the apocalypse begin, and he would not budge from this spot. His entire body is focused towards him, and he shivers, goosebumps rising, at the sound of that warm rough voice wending its way through the words. When Ruiz is done, Itzhak swallows, absolutely not getting watery at the eyes how dare you, and gets up to wrap him in a hug.

Devlin applauds as Ruiz leaves the podium and walks up. At the podium, Devlin smiles to the crowd, "During my second and third tours, another medic and I took up the guitar. We did things like this for fun. Sadly, I don't have my guitar any more, Taliban put an RPG into the truck it was on. Have not gotten around to replacing it or for that matter, keep in practice. So forgive my having to use this.." He passes a dvd to the person running sound, "Track 17, please."

Cristobal reaches across with his off hand, stroking a thumb on Dante's cheek. "I'd feel better if you were a million miles away from all this, but I'll take skipping out. Unless you want to stay. Which," Cris clearly waffles, "Look, I just need a second, if you want to sit and enjoy your coffee and the next brave soul."

Scott appluds as Ruiz finishes. "Very, very good," he offers. There's also a grin offered to Itzhak, before he looks over at the ghost for a few moemnts, then back to Devlin as he hears the man speaking. Wincing as he hears the story about the RPG and the guitar.

Ruiz's dark, intent gaze sweeps across the apparition with the Tennessee drawl putting his hands together all casual-like for his performance. Continues to watch him as Itzhak sweeps in for that hug, and the cop throws an arm around his taller companion, gives him a firm slap on the back. This fucking town. "Going to get my free drink," he murmurs. "You want me to bring you back something?" He tries to keep his voice low so as not to interrupt the new guy going up to the podium. Someone he doesn't recognise, but has the look of fellow ex-military about him. He squints a little.

August mmmms as he listens to the poem. Once Ruiz is back from the stage, he asides to him, "In Spanish next time. We can look it up if we need a translation," under his breath.

Eleanor is running sound, so she's the one who pops the DVD into the little stereo system, skips to the track, and hits play.

"I'm not fussed," says Dante as he looks to the stage, then back to Cris. "And honestly, this quickly cooling whiskey coffee's got me wanting a proper drink." He leans over to peck his lips gently. "C'mon. We can walk back and you can smoke on the way."

Looking from the sheet to the stage, Everett thumps the page once more at Lyric before putting it back down and applauds quickly for those leaving and entering the stage. His attention turns to the specter before Lyric as his mouth opens with amusement. "I. Think singing it would do it a certain level of injustice. Unless," a smile creeps to his lips. Clearly he's thinking something, "unless you want to join me. Does that still count? Will I still get back my property, you adorable kidnapper?" He then looks down at her hand, and cants his head, "You sure? I could just scratch my name off afterwards." But out his hand goes, waiting for her to open her palm.

"I wanna hear it in Spanish too," Itzhak murmurs to Ruiz, agreeing with August, and kisses him on the cheek, in a very manly and hetero fashion, followed by a whisper to him. Then he lets him go, beaming at him, and settles back in for the rest of the show. Ghost guitarist? Whatever, he got what he wanted. He glances at Cris and Dante to see how they're doing, finds them looking ready to bail.

As the DVD starts, a pair of guitars can be heard strumming the opening cords to a well known McCartney piece that is accompanied by faint sounds of the outdoors and some faint banter one might expect at a forward outpost. The opening chords to Yesterday begin and then Devlin starts to sing in a warm baritone:

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly

Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

It's the smile that alerts her to the incoming statement and following question and for all of three seconds, Lyric pretends to consider it. "Oh no it's all you, Everett. I don't wanna go up twice tonight." While she holds out her hand and waits for him, she laughs, "Adorable kidnapper? I think those words never been used together in ever," though he does hold out his hand so she relaxes hers only partially then closes her fist around it tight again. "You wouldn't do that. You want to go up there." Suddenly she does open her hand and allows a Zippo lighter to drop into his huge hand. Oh but it's not the same one! With a look of triumph, she turns and strolls all nonchalantly back to her table, trying not to laugh as she takes her seat and focus on the stage and the medic. Aww, she liked this song! She watches as he sings, clearly enjoying the performance.

Cris gives a little flick around of his gaze again and then a bob of his head. "Yeah, alright." He agrees, chucking a few dollars on the table, tipping out of habit. And he looks all too happy to be evacuating that seat, his hand going to Dante's elbow not to help him stand or to guide him, but just a show of sudden possession.

"Mm," is Javier's terrifically perspicacious response to August's murmur. He might still be coming down from that little performance, though, and it isn't strictly speaking a no. "Okay," he adds for Itzhak's benefit, another glance Devlin's way as the man gets into his tune. And he lingers a time, watching, before drifting off to fetch himself that drink. To go. Because he's going to need a smoke break sooner rather than later.

Devlin continues to sing and perhaps for some it is easy to feel the memories that the man has with this track of music,

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday

Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Mm mm mm mm mm mm mm

His voice and the guitars trail off.

August tilts his head, listening to the background sounds on the DVD instinctively. He shifts a little in his seat, not uncomfortable so much as reminded of a distant memory. He smiles, though, at the song, and Devlin's singing. He glances at Cris and Dante, seeing them go, back to the ghost, who's bobbing his head in time to the song.

Dante doesn't seem to mind the arm loop. He gives Cris' arm a gentle squeeze, then as they're headed for the door, he lifts a hand towards Itzhak and mouths, 'Wonderful,' then angles with the bouncer towards the exit. Perhaps one of these days, he'll lug a keyboard down and serenade the coffee shop. But then, he's got a fancy piano bar and a grand piano for that now.

Scott makes sure his keyboard is put carefully away, before he makes his way over to get himself something to drink. He smiles as he listens to Devlin's singing, unable to hold back a smile as he listens. Such a wonderful song and performance, even more because of the story the man told earlier.

Kailey is absorbed in her sketch book. Occasional glances up at directed mostly at the ghost. Or her mocha, from which she takes a sip now.

Before Devlin leaves the podium, "On guitar was Specialist Kevin Micheals and myself.. a long time ago in Iraq." And then he returns to his table.

As Devlin's song begins to play, the words he said to Hera seem especially portent. It's enough to cause Everett to double-take, and give Devlin a confused, albeit amused look until Lyric's speaking to him and his attention turns back. Something she says makes his amusement widen to a smirk. He opens his mouth to say something, then flashes a look to a drawing individual, and leans forward and down to whisper his reply. He looks smug when he gets his zippo back. So much so that he doesn't check to see if it's the right one when he slips it into his pants pocket swiftly. Probably so he can give the retreating Lyric a swat to her behind as she presents such a target and then it's back to Kailey to step in behind her and look at her drawing.

August watches Devlin take his seat, his expression thoughtful. He notices Ruiz getting his drink to go,

Eleanor claps with the rest of the patrons, eyes the signup sheet. "Next up we have...Harry."

Better late than never, but this is definitely late. For there's the sailor, bright-eyed, windblown, and cheerful. The way that almost always means he's been out at sea on that little boat of his. There's even that betraying roll to Joe's stride, as he holds open the door for some departing, and then heads in.

Itzhak applauds Devlin, having listened with a musician's ear. He kind of vaguely remembers seeing this guy once or twice before, maybe, but not that he could sing. Lifting a hand in return to Dante, he quirks his eyebrows at him in thanks, and then glances at Cris in a definite 'take care of him' kinda way. Then 'Harry' is up, and Itzhak is caught by this music instantly. Caught...and uneasy. He shifts, glances at August, looks for Ruiz.

Devlin settles back in his seat and sips at his coffee. His attention on the stage but something in his eyes hint a part of him is half way around the world from here.. in another time.

Ruiz applauds along with the others and retrieves his drink (free, bitches) before snapping on a to-go lid. He's looking kind of antsy, and ready to get going. Already patting himself down for his cigarettes while he prowls back toward the table where Itzhak's seated. "You want to-" get out of here is what he was going to say, but pauses at the tune, and the musician singing it. Frowns slightly, a deep groove appearing between his brows.

Kailey glances up only when that familiar tall shadow falls and blocks part of her light. It happens to be a picture of the specter she is drawing. The very man who is crooning on the stage now. She has, in fact, slowed her sketching to listen. There is no smile on her face. She is looking very serious actually. So Everett gets a glance and a nod, then she is back to eyeballing the ghost.

He's seen memento mori all over the world. But he didn't expect this. Joe's not frightened or upset....just puzzled, as he listens to the ghost. It's diverted him enough that he's not gotten into line for a drink, nor has he gone over to those he knows here. The sailor's just sidestepped a bit, to be out of the way of the door, and listens gravely, brow furrowed.

Scott has gotten himself some of that coffee, moving back towards his keyboard again now. Glancing up to the stage to listen to Harry, he blinks a few times as he hears that song. "What is the..." he begins muttering, meant for himself. Keeping his attention on the stage now.

Rather than clapping, when Devlin reclaims his seat, Everett gives Devlin a stoic stare until his gaze is returned. And when it is, a thumbs up. The gorilla returns his focus then to Kailey's drawing, and the Phantom of the Cafe, those big hands of his laying on Kailey's shoulders to idly knead, her nod returned. He lets a few more seconds pass, enough for Kailey's attention to return to the foreground before he leans over to murmur, "This time it's a ghost. Last time it was spectral music from a goth. I know which I would prefer."

Lyric jumps at the swat, another surprise gesture from him and she glances back with a crinkled nose as she sticks her tongue out at him. Once Devlin finishes, she applauds him before she collects her bagel and drink and walks over to Scott, leaving her guitar there for now, it was safe enough. "Isn't that weird? Doesn't he look weird to you?" And the words!

August watches the performance, ill at east in the same way Itzhak is. Well, this ghost hasn't tried to kill anyone (that they know of?) and no one's attempted to shoot at him. So...there's that.

Eleanor clears her throat nervously. "Thank you Harry," she says. "Next up is Everett." She gestures at the stage and gives Everett an awkward 'oh God please get up there right now' too-big smile.

Kailey shudders and puts the pen into the spiral again, closing the book. Her arms wrap around herself and she turns to look at Everett and says something quietly. The space between her brown puckering at another frown there.

This is probably a good time for Ruiz to make his exit. So he does, with a rap of knuckles to Itzhak's shoulder and two fingers pantomimed in a smoking gesture, to let him know where he'll be. Joe's spotted on his way to the door, and his arm caught briefly for a low murmur pitched close to his ear. And then out he goes, not too close on 'Harry's heels.

Once the song ends, Devlin seems find his way back from the old memories playing in the back of his head. He looks over at the ghost leaving and then returns his attention to the stage. Another sip of his coffee is taken. He does smirk for a moment as he sees Ruiz pause to not trail the ghost to quickly.

Lyric shivers with a sense of foreboding that may or may not be warranted. It was incredibly alarming and she watches, never allowing her gaze to leave him as he leaves the stage, packs up his guitar then walks out the door. Only when he's gone does she breathe a sigh of relief, rubbing her hands over the goosebumps on her arms that have sprung up.

"Hey," Scott offers to Lyric, before he grimaces a little. "Very weird. What do you think the song was about? Some kind of... omen, or something?" There's a grimace, before he lets out a breath as well. "Who was he?"

Whatever Javier muttered to him makes Joe grin, broadly. And then he retorts, already turning away from the line, "You know I gave up smokin'. Been keepin' to that, too," Apparently he's abandoned any thought of a drink for now, in favor of following cop and fiddler out. Not like he doesn't have coffee at home.

When his name is called, Everett glances back down and nods to Kailey, "More on that later. I'll be right back." Pulling his hands from Kailey's shoulders, the ape waits until the stage is clear before he makes an attempt to claim it for himself.

"I'm not exactly sure how you follow something like that," Everett glances towards the door while fishing into his leather jacket left breast pocket. From which he extracts a small, ratty notebook with a hair tie wrapped around it, likely to keep the pages together. Pulling the tie off, he starts flipping through pages, licking a finger, and continuing, "But someone's got to do it, right?"

His flipping comes to a stop, there's a brief nod, Everett sways on his boots, clears his throat and projects while he reads.

><i>Her love

>say goodbye
a child,
so it will be
blood stained, torn
Her love
to forever kill

>Her love

>Say goodnight
why do all good things disappear?
I weep for your smile
Her love
I cry for time
your voice tortures the soul

>Now, I am only your memories.
Her love</i>

His poem short, his green eyes give a table of two a quick look. Then the thug shrugs to everybody while the elastic band is returned around the notepad. And he climbs off the stage.

There is thumbs up given to Everett by Devlin. No applause there.. He sips on his coffee and finishes off his muffins.

Kailey gives a little shiver as the door closes behind 'Harry' and she gives Everett a weak smile as he walks away. She listens to the poem and the smile has faded. Something somber has replaced it and the frown. Eyes dropping, for a second, to her mocha mug as she slowly spins it on the table. When Everett finishes she doesn't really applaud. Instead she watches him return to the table and just reaches out to take his hand and give it a squeeze.

Lyric listens to the poem while her eyes rest on the bound notepad in his hand that he reads from. The words wash over her and she continues to listen until he finishes. Only then does she give Everett a smile of approval for the poem. After a fashion she responds to Scott too. "It seemed like a warning or somethin'. I don't know who or what he was."

August raises a hand to those departing, leans back to listen to Everett's poem. He smiles a little, sympathizing with the notion of 'how exactly do you follow up after a ghost'.

Eleanor claps for Everett. "That's it for our signups, folks. Performers, don't forget to get your free drinks. Thanks for coming by, and remember to sign up for next time." She then goes behind the counter to help the baristas with the flood of to-go orders as various patrons depart.

Still looking a bit troubled with that last one, Scott smiles as he listens to Everett's poem. "Very nice," he says, applauding a little once it seems nobody is doing it. The man deserves the applause as well, right? He then nods a little as he hears Lyric's words. "It did. I half expected something bad to happen right after he left, or something."

Returning to Kailey, it's finally now that Everett sits down, tucking his notepad away once pages have been secured, once more under lock and key of the hair tie. Leaning forward in the chair he sat in next to Kailey, Everett reaches for her under the table, "Anyways, yeah, there are a few of them around. I saw my girlfriend," he nods his head towards the stage, "for a few months I was seeing her when I first got here. But there's one by the turn-thingie. What's it." He rolls his right fore finger in the air, "not ferris wheel. The other thing."

Devlin takes a moment to get up and get a refill on the way past, he pauses near Everett. "Nice reading. And thanks.. for helping me earlier." He then returns to his table.

Kailey glances up at Devlin and suddenly smiles. Just a little. "Oh! You're okay. Good. Good," She says upon recognition. Her attention returns to Everett and her nose wrinkles slightly. "I remember you telling me," She says in a softer voice, smile fading. She finishes off her mocha with a last slurp before taking his hand under the table. A gentle squeeze even as she looks a little clueless to what he is referring too. "Uhhh...I dunno. What spinny thing?"

"Me too," Lyric says after taking a bite of her bagel. "I guess we can go to the library and.." walking over, she gets the list, asking Eleanor, "Can I have this list?" The mans name is on it. "We can research his name." This is offered to Scott, and now Devlin since she's near him. "There's a computer at the library," she explains why there.

Following after Lyric, Scott nods a little bit. "Research. Now you're talking the fun words," he replies, a bit lightly.

At first Devlin is a little confused, "Oh.. that library.. ok." He hmms a bit, "That will take some work.. somehow not sure he is a big name that will be easy to find." He hmms a little again as he finishes off his coffee. "Girlfriend ghost.. that had to be rough."

Eleanor waves Lyric at the signup sheet. "Feel free!" she says between taking orders.

August asides, "Sounds like he's from Tennessee," to Lyric. "So many add that to your search."

"Hey, dude. Anytime," Devlin is given. Everett returns his attention to Kailey and nods his head, "Right. Uh, you know. Those things that go around. Kids go on them for rides. It's in the park, and she haunts it. Sometimes she's nice, sometimes she's not. CAROUSEL! That's it!" He snaps his fingers, and points. "Man, that would have bugged me all day, carousel. Hey, I get a free drink for that," he jerks a thumb at the stage. "You want to take it home? Or want to see if Bean wants it?" He pokes his stomach, looking up at Devlin again, and back at Kailey, "You know, 'cuz of the filthy C-word." Back to Devlin, he shrugs his shoulder, "It wasn't fun, no. But she wasn't harmful. All she wanted was for me to stop being to lonely. She was the one that--" Everett stops right there, "Uhh. Nevermind."

Park frantically rushes in. "Am I too late?" she squeaks, hitting a patron on the back of the head with her instrument case. Not to worry, he was eating soft, though it is now all over his face. "Sorry!" she smiles hopefully to the man before heading towards the bar. "Can I sing or is it too late? I mean, it's not too late for me. I can still sing. Sorry I'm late. It was a tough time at the Platinum club. I kept trying to get away but there was this one guy who kept requesting 'Big Bottom Girls'. I'd play it and then he'd scream at me again. Then I'd play it. And then he'd scream at me. I finally figured out he was asking for fat bottomed girls, not the song. So, obviously, I wasn't what he wanted to see. Not that I dance or anything. I just DJ." She's probably blathering at the wrong person but hopefully someone in authority will hear. "Can I sing?"

There is an understanding nod from Devlin, "We all have our pains.. it makes us whom we are man." He looks towards Park, "Me, Don't see why not.." He points to Eleanor, "However, she is the one in charge of this. You'll need to ask her."

Kailey glances at the counter and then back. Slowly she gets to her feet and grabs her bag. Slipping sketchbook back inside she says, "Let's get it to go," She says, having paused for a moment. Filthy C-word? Carousel? Then it hits her. Carbs. As she takes a step to the counter she pause and frowns. "Wait, didn't you tell me about this already? Or is this someone else?" She just looks confused.

Everett watches Park rush in, club one man and all before her verbal assault. He smirks softly and her last question is answered quietly, and aimed at Kailey. "Can you?" He then leans back to check out Kailey while she gets up and more so for the voyage to the counter. So when he's asked a question, his gaze lifts, "Hm? Oh. Um. No, hopefully it was me," Everett pushes his own chair back and stands, joining Kailey after objectifying her so. "I'd hate to think of all that happened to multiple people." Everett raises his fist to Devlin for a fist bump while stopping next to Kailey and when he gets it, if he gets it, slips the same hand into her back pocket. Her back pocket. He leans back and looks. Oh that's right, she's wearing yoga pants. Hip. His hand rests on her hip.

Once given the go ahead, Lyric keeps the paper and tucks it inside the guitar case. "I'm goin' to the library tomorrow." Just letting that be known. "An' I'll see what I can find out." A nod to August, "I'll add that in the searchin." As soon as Park rushes in she grins, "I hope you can sing, you always sing cool crazy things."

A fist bump is returned by Devlin. "Be nice to her.." he half teases Everett. He then begins to finish off his coffee but still has his attention on the stage to see if Park will be taking it. He looks over to Lyric and smiles a bit. "Good luck there on the search."

Park cheers at being allowed to sing! "Oh, and it was 'Fat Bottomed Girls' he kept wanting. Gosh, there's no such song as 'Big Bottom Girls'. Is there? Maybe there should be...gosh...I could write one." That's for another time though as she bounces up onto the stage, waving at anyone she may know. "Of course I can sing" she replies to Everett with a pout - completely missing the jibe. Her instrument case contains a keytar that she slips on and plugs in before stepping up to the mic.

"Hi, everyone. Sorry I missed your songs but I'm sure they were awesome sauce. A friend at mine yelled at me the other day 'I bet you haven't heard a word I said, have you?'. Which I thought was an odd way to start a conversation. I'd like to sing you a romantic summer song." The synth playing begins, complete with drum track emanating from the speakers.

Nothing, heats up my Jacuzzi like when this used thong
I found, bedazzled with gems, brushes ever so gently against some boobs!
I guess it's hard to believe that one man,
Could have a pony-tail that's sensitive and,
Distracts an aggressive hawk that's cornered you.

I know my haikus are freakin intense,
But even the words I made up to sound French,
Don't express my feelings for your toilet parts.
I would show up for our pottery class,
Dressed like a pirate with John Waters mustache,
On a unicorn that poops your name in stars.

School sucks but gym is a romantic time
Loitering on cliffs, thinkin about stuff like,
Screwing you on the beach at night.

Park bounces around as she joyfully sings third grade poetry. At least it is mercifully short and after a keyboard solo she finishes with a bow. "I just did the first thing that came to mind" she apologizes with a warm smile.

Kailey blinks at Everett and just looks even more confused. "What? Stop trying to confuse me. Did you tell me about this one already?" They get to the counter and she absently orders a hot cocoa.

A snort and look of faux-dismay, "I'm nice to all the women," Everett replies to Devlin, his eyes going wide. He's momentarily distracted by Park being well. Park, and smiles just a little. Unicorns and poops. Lyric's given a glance while he points towards the stage with the arm not around Kailey, "You decided to live with that." He returns his focus to Kailey, though shaking his head gently, and leans down to Kailey. "Yes. I'm pretty sure I told you. If not you then. Maybe one of your other yous."

"Thanks," Lyric beams at Devlin for the luck. "You can help if you wanna." Just throwing that out there. She has a seat again after throwing the rest of her bagel away so she can focus on Park. The song is as off the wall as she had hoped and she giggles in response, nodding to Everett at his aside. "Uh huh, she's fun to hang around with."

Devlin applauds the young lady. He then finishes off his coffee as he gets up, "Lets see what tomorrow brings.. not that good with research. But never know what another pair of eye can do. Catch you tomorrow. Bonzo needs his rest. Night all."

"Pretty sure you told me too. Okay," Kailey says and gives Everett a sad smile. Turning she goes on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek. Then back to accept the hot cocoa as Park finishes her song. So instead of clapping she gives a whistle of approval. "All right...shall we head home?" She asks the giant.

Park packs up quickly before bouncing off the stage and heading straight for Lyric. "Hey! How did your song go?" she asks before a hug and a kiss in greeting to each cheek. "I was trying to put more thought into what song to play but, gosh, it was such a hectic night at the Cabaret." A wave to the ice cream giant and his companion. "Hey, Kailey. So good to see you again! You should do a logo for the band."

"I suppose this place has had enough of me," replies Everett to Kailey while he stops hanging on her, pulling back from hugging her. He nods his head towards the platinum blonde, "Unless you wanna sign up to go ghost hunting. Sounds like fun, right?" he asks, dead-pan. Giving Lyric another look, Everett shakes his head and then smiles looking from Park back to Kailey. "Yeah, you totally should. Something with unicorns with mustaches loitering on cliffs, in bedazzled thongs." He pauses a second, "You know."

Kailey turns around in surprise and then smiles at Park. "Hey, haven't seen you for awhile. Sorry...you...it was a weird night and put me in a funny headscape," She says, waving her free hand airily before it lands to rest on her belly. "I could totally do a logo if ya like. What kind of thing did you have in mind?" She glances at Everett as he releases her, pouting just a bit. So instead she leans back against him. "I'll pass on the ghost hunting for now, babe."

"Whatever you want to do!" Park replies brightly. "You're the artist. You know who's in the band, right? Itzhak is in it too now. I dunno, maybe do symbols for each of us that can be combined into a band image?" A smiling shrug. "I trust you! Unicorns are good but maybe not poops." Her eyes widen with surprise. "Ghosts? Oh dear. Way too many ghosts in this town."

"More for me," is his reply, Everett turning his attention to Lyric and upnodding, "If you need help, let me know. Only we need two more and some proton packs." Once Kailey leans on him, he looks down at her, catching the remainder of her conversation to Park while he puts his arm around the very pregnant woman. "Ok. Maybe not pooping unicorns," Everett conceals his smirk only barely, "Maybe bald eagles on motorcycles shooting at pigs?" he asks Kailey. This is why he's not an artist.

Kailey purses her lips thoughtfully and then nods slowly at Park's words. "Yeah...yeah, I'll see what I can do with that," She says as her smile doesn't fade this time. Not much anyway. "My first ghost...and at least it wasn't...bad. Just fucking creepy." Without thinking she takes a sip of the hot cocoa. Well...it's hers now? A giggle comes from her at Everett's next suggestion. "Let's go with a nope. There. Maybe I'll get all your guyses astrological signs and do something fun. I'll text ya, yeah?"

"Let's go home," Everett murmurs down to Kailey, while wrapping both arms around Kailey and giving her a tender hug. When he releases her, he murmurs, "Their band name is Augmented Reality. You can see they're totally for-real-serious," he adds, glancing to Lyric and then Park, in turn, with a smug smile. "C'mon," he adds, then points at Lyric, before making the call-me hand gesture and brings it to Kailey's ear. She's closer.

Kailey raises a hand to wave at those remaining in the cafe. "Sounds good," She tells him. Turning she goes on tiptoe to give him a quick kiss. Then she takes his hand and moves to the door. "I should probably listen to some music before I art," She can be heard to say as they head out.

"... have you ever heard baby shark?" begins Everett's reply before the door closes.