The Blues Had A Baby

CW: Contains nudity and mild sexual content

THE BLUES HAD A BABY by gil harris

Lunch at the Mountainside Brew Pub was going to be the highlight of Gus’s day. Not much else going on. His usual stool at the end of the bar was unoccupied. The spot was somewhat isolated, stuck in a corner. Gus could see everything going on from his vantage there.

“Hi Gus” Anna the bartender greeted. Gus set the book he was reading on the bar. “Hi backatcha” Gus replied.

“The usual?” Anna asked. She already had the mug under the Smokehouse Porter tap.

“Great” Gus acknowledged. “And how about an order of empanadas.”

“Got it” Anna was entering the order into the screen. The door from the vestibule opened. Gus looked up to see if it might be someone he knew. No such luck. A casually dressed lady, jeans and sweat shirt, came in. She set her purse on the bar a couple of stools from Gus’s spot. Gus noticed that she seemed middle aged, medium length brown hair, trim figure, and a smile that said she was having a pretty good day. Anna greeted her, took a drink order, and left a menu.

“She’s pretty” Gus observed to himself. Her middle agedness was close to Gus’s.

“Around forty” Gus guessed. He will turn forty-two this summer. Anna dropped off the empanadas. Gus took a sip of the porter. He opened his book. Pretty lady glanced his way.

“It’s nice to see someone with an actual book” she said. She took a paperback book from her purse. She held it up when Gus looked up.

“Yeah” Gus agreed. “I like the feel of paper and ink instead of a screen with buttons.”

“Me too” she said. “Are you reading anything interesting?”

“Got this book about the blues. Historical thing about the early days in the Delta. Really interesting, if you like the blues.” Gus told her.

“Oh, I do” she advised. “Don’t hear much of it these days.”

“There’s a band playing at the Roadhouse tomorrow night. I’m planning on being there. The guitar player is a friend of mine. Plays some quality blues.”

“The Roadhouse. That’s in the village center, isn’t it?”

“That’s the place” Gus answered. “You must not be from around here, then.”

“No, I came up from Providence for a week in my friend’s timeshare. Got here today and found this place for lunch.”

“Sounds nice. Is your book a good one?”

“Don’t know yet. Just starting to read it. My friend Janet told me about it. I think it’s a mystery.”

“Hope you enjoy it. Have you been to the valley before?”

“First time. We’re going hiking and checking out a couple of waterfalls when Janet gets here on Sunday. I came up for a couple of days on my own until then.”

“Since you’re on your own, would you like to hit that gig tomorrow with me?”

“Yes, that sounds nice. Does the pub have a dance floor.?”

“They have a pretty good one. They move a few tables near the stage back to make some room. Hardwood floor. So, you like the blues and you dance. I’m Gus, by the way. Sounds like a fun Saturday night.”

“Yes it does. I’m Melinda.”

“Nice to meet you, Melinda”

“Nice to meet you, too, Gus.”

They chatted while lunch was finished. They talked about blues artists. Melinda was familiar with some of the current artists, while Gus was versed in the classic performers as well.

“I have a CD with Muddy Water’s first recording, when the Smithsonian sent some guys with recorders down to the Delta. They were looking for Robert Johnson but ended up finding Muddy Waters.”

“I’ve heard of him. I should check out some of his stuff.”

“The old saying is true. The blues had a baby and they named it Rock and Roll.” Gus mentioned.

“I heard that before.” Melinda said. “Stuff I hear today has no soul compared to what was around when I was younger.”

“I agree” Gus said. “I play more of my own albums and tapes rather than listening to the radio.”

“I should do that.” Melinda mentioned.

“You could go YouTube and enter Muddy Waters in the search box.”

“Thanks. I think I’ll do that. Is there a song I should look for?”

Gus thought for a few seconds. “Got My Mojo Working would be a good one. There’s so many. His live version of Kansas City with Pinetop Perkins is pretty cool, too.”

There was small talk while the beer and lunch were consumed. Melinda told of her life in Providence. She moved there five years ago to take a job with a dentist office where she’s a dental assistant. Her apartment is near downtown with restaurants and shops nearby. She’d like to do something else but hasn’t been aggressively looking for anything yet This vacation should help recharge her batteries and she’ll keep on with the status quo for now.

Gus told how he had moved up to the Valley here when he stumbled onto a job at one of the resorts in the area. He had been on vacation up here and met a developer looking for someone to run the accounting and budgeting for the two resorts he manages. Gus had since arranged his life to need to work three days a week to keep up with the resort’s work load and to uncomplicate his daily routine. One of those resort work days involves working remotely from his home office. His other time is spent in his garden growing organic vegetables and taking care of the chickens in his barn. Before leaving, they agreed to meet at seven tomorrow at the Roadhouse. They’d eat in the restaurant on the ground floor, then go upstairs to the pub with the stage and dance floor.

“What’s good here?” Melinda asked after the hostess had seated them.

“Pretty much everything I’ve tried here” Gus replied. “I’m in the mood for a burger, myself.”

“Sounds good to me” Melinda agreed.

When the burgers and beer were finished, they went upstairs and sat at a high-top by the window overlooking Main Street and the train depot across the street.

“Hi Gus” the bartender said as they walked into the room with the stage full of amps, mics, drums, and guitar stands.

“Hey, Cowboy” Gus replied.

“Porter, as usual, I assume” Cowboy mentioned. Gus explained to Melinda that this cowboy behind the bar is actually from Ireland, not Texas.

“You know me well” Gus said. He turned his face toward Melinda

“What would you like?” he asked.

“Porter sounds fine. I’ll take one of those too.”

The band came in and moved toward the stage.

“Hey, Gus” the short guy with a big cowboy hat carrying a guitar case said.

“Hi John” Gus shot back. “Can you play Got My Mojo Working?”

“For you, no problem” John said.

“You never know by looking at him” Gus told Melinda. He’s a little guy but has a voice big as a skyscraper.” Gus and John knew each other from the local music scene. Gus sat in once in a while for a vocal or two.

“Can’t wait to hear it” Melinda said.

“We’re gonna start with an old Muddy Waters number.” John announced.

As Got My Mojo Workin’ began, Gus stood up, held his hand out to Melinda, and led her to the dance floor. Gus led her into an underarm turn, then back. They danced for the next three songs, Gus leading Melinda in all the swing dance moves he knew. They went back to the table.

“You didn’t tell me you’re such a good dancer” Melinda said.

“It helps when I get to dance with such a pretty lady” Gus replied.

They danced and talked and talked and danced until nearly closing time.

“We’re gonna close it out with Diving Duck Blues” John announced. “Hey Gus, you wanna join us for this one?”

Gus stood up and walked to the stage. He stood in front of the microphone. Melinda’s face showed she had not seen this coming. John played a few bars of intro. Gus sang “You know the sun’s gonna shine in my back door someday (repeat). You know the wind’s gonna come and blow my blues away.” He alternated vocals and lead licks between verses with John laying down some wild strumming and picking on his parts. Gus went into the last verse

“If the river was whiskey and I was a diving duck (repeat), I would dive to the bottom and baby I’d never come up.” Melinda clapped the loudest when the song was done.

“You dance, you sing, you read real books. What else do you have in your bag of tricks? Janet’s gonna be jealous when I tell her about this” Melinda mentioned. “She’s into this music and she loves to dance.”

“Hope I get to meet her while you’re up here.” Gus mentioned.

“Why don’t you go waterfall hunting with us?”

“Sound like a good thing” Gus said. “Do you know where the waterfalls around here are?”

“Janet might. If not, maybe you can help.”

“There’s a relatively easy one up the highway from Jackson. Another on the way up Mount Chocorua that’s more challenging. Others too.”

Phone numbers were exchanged. While the band was packing up, Gus walked Melinda to her car. He went back inside and helped the band cart the equipment to their van in the alley behind the restaurant.

“Nice lady with you tonight” John mentioned. “Is she someone special?”

“Don’t know yet” Gus replied. “Just met. Might be a keeper.”

Sunday afternoon, Gus’s cell phone rang. The caller ID let him know that Melinda was on the line.

“Do you want to show us one of those waterfalls you mentioned”

“Love to” Gus said. Monday morning, Gus knocked on the door to the timeshare suite Janet and Melinda were staying at.

Gus was introduced to Janet.

“Seems I was a day late to get up here” Janet said. That afternoon they drove to the trail head for the Glen Ellis Falls. The trail is a short distance from the parking area to the falls. The jaunt took an hour and a half. It was close to noon when they got back to Janet’s car. Melinda suggested they stop at the Mountainside Brew Pub on the way back to the Village. They each had a Porter. They shared an order of nachos with extra guacamole.

On Thursday they hiked up the Diana’s Baths trail. Gus led them upward to a usually deserted pool he knew of. The temperature was on the very warm side.

“This is a great spot to cool off” Gus mentioned.

“Should have brought swim suits” Melinda mentioned.

“Don’t usually need them up here” Gus advised.

“Let’s go in, then” Janet said, She unbuttoned her blouse. Gus pulled his tee shirt over his head. He untied his sneakers, took them off, and looked around. Janet’s blouse and bra were on the ground. Melinda was more timid. She hesitated before her tee shirt was over her head. She turned her back and unclasped her bra. She turned back. They all stood looking at each other. Gus unhooked his belt, unsnapped the buttons on his Levis, and his pants were around his ankles. He kicked them off, stepped into the pool, and waded out to waist level. He turned to notice Janet following him into the deeper water. Melinda hesitated, standing in just her panties. After a few seconds that seemed forever, the panties found their way to the ground by her pants. Gus admired the trimmed patch of brown her nakedness revealed. She put her feet into the pool and waded out the where Gus and Janet were standing. Gus leaned back until he fell backward. His head went under the water. He stood back up. Janet ducked under and stood, shaking her head. Melinda then ducked into the pool and came back up. After splashing each other and playing in the water, they sat on the rocks to dry off in the sun. Gus admired both physiques. His was being checked out as well. Clothes were put back on. They walked down the trail, stopping to admire the scenery along the way. By the time they got to the car, Gus was holding hands with both ladies. They drove back to the timeshare. The ladies went inside. They agreed to meet again to dance and check out more local sites. Gus got into his truck and drove home. He fed the chickens, gathered the eggs from the laying boxes, and went into the house.

That night, Gus’s phone rang. He noticed Melinda’s name on the phone’s ID and answered it.

“We have to leave tomorrow” Melinda said. “Why don’t you come down to Providence sometime soon. We can find somewhere to dance.”

Three weekends later, Gus drove down to Providence. They ate dinner at a restaurant in Federal Hill for fantastic Italian food. The club the ladies found for dancing had a rock-oriented band who were able to play a few bluesish numbers the group requested. Gus spent that night on Melinda’s couch. The next day they walked around the Providence downtown and went to Janet’s apartment for a late lunch.

“I can’t believe you made him sleep on your sofa” Janet told Melinda when news of the night’s accommodations was revealed.

Janet made tuna sandwiches. They had picked up a six-pack to wash the sandwiches down. The club with the band from the night before had another band that night. They danced again.

“My sofa’s a lot more comfortable than Melinda’s” Janet mentioned when they were getting ready to leave the club. Janet dropped Melinda off at her place. She drove back to her apartment.

While Gus lay under a blanket on Janet’s sofa, Janet’s bedroom door opened. She walked to the sofa, lifted the blanket, sat on the edge, and rubbed Gus’s stomach.

“Oh, you’re naked under there.” Janet noticed. “Why don’t you come with me” she invited.

Gus followed her into the bedroom. Janet’s negligee was quickly on the floor. She climbed into the bed. Gus followed. They embraced. Gus’s lips began an exploration of Janet’s body parts, After her orgasm, she reciprocated. Sleep didn’t happen until love had been made twice. In the morning, a three-peat began the day. they had coffee and a Danish from the bakery down the street from Janet’s place.

The three of them drove to Newport, ate seafood, and caught a jazz pianist at a pub along the waterfront. Gus spent the night again at Janet’s apartment. On Monday, Gus drove home, fed the chickens, and weeded the beets and garlic patches.

Janet called Gus’s phone. Gus was invited for another trip to Providence.

“I shouldn’t have introduced you to him” Melinda mentioned. She regretted not being more aggressive when Gus made that trip down from Maine. She was plotting something for this visit.

After dancing, their jackets were on. As they got to Janet’s car, Melinda spoke up.

“Why don’t we all head back to Janet’s place and keep the party going?” She suggested.

It was nearly 1 AM. “Must be about bedtime” Melinda mentioned. “I should head out” She said. “It’s pretty late. Maybe I should spend the night here, instead.”

In the kitchen, while pouring the rest of the wine into their glasses, Melinda whispered to Janet “I’m gonna join you tonight” This was not a request. The encounter happened. It happened again the next time Gus came to Providence. After that time, Janet insisted that Melinda sleep in her own bed.

Gus and Janet were married the following July in Rockland at the North Atlantic Blues Festival. Gus had attended the festival the past few years. The early July event coincides with Gus’s birthday. The promoter, Paul, agreed to let Gus and Janet get married on the stage on Sunday morning. A local lady, a Justice of the Peace, who could officiate marriages was to make it official. The band setting up was fronted by the grandson of Buckwheat Zydeco. Grandson of Buckwheat laid down subtle accordion riffs while the ceremony went on. Melinda was there as official maid of honor. Paul, the promoter was best man. A long, passionate kiss ended the ceremony with hearty applause from the festival attendees. The marriage was consummated late that night after the drive back to Gus’s homestead. In the morning they went to the barn to feed the chickens and gather eggs. Janet moved to Maine. This became their routine. Mornings of coffee, eggs, and potatoes stored from the fall harvest began the day. Then a few chores. The routine was altered once in a while to take a trip to Providence or wherever a blues festival was being staged. Melinda visited often, though Janet blocked another manage au trois. Hikes to the naked pond occurred on especially hot days.

One morning, after the trip to the barn, Gus put an envelope on the table.

“What’s this?” Janet inquired.

“Open it and look” Gus advised.

In the envelope were two tickets for the Legendary Blues Cruise leaving in January. A card was also there. Gus’s handwritten note said “Happy Anniversary to the most beautiful lady I’ve ever met”

“I can’t believe you got these for our anniversary”

“We’ve been talking about this cruise for years.” Gus said.

“Best twenty years of my life” Janet professed.

“Same for me” Gus agreed.

There were alternating visits between Maine and Providence until the festival they were married at. Janet moved to the farm with Gus, where they have been together these wonderful twenty years.

“Can we do another cruise for our next anniversary?” Janet asked.

“Let’s see if we can swing it” Gus replied.

They did. The next January cruise was booked.

And they named it Rock And Roll