Closing Of The Day

rashaadmusic@newsletter.paragraph.com (rashaadmusic) — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 20:23:24 GMT

Wayne was working his shift at The Shining Bar one night. As usual, the music was loud. Soul music was playing as local singers and the occasional band stopped by to play. People were drinking the basic shots like the Lemon Drop vodka, which had a lemon wedge covered in sugar. Other drinks included the Kamikaze vodka with lime juice and triple sec and the Black Russian vodka and coffee liqueur, etc. The constant swarm of people coming throughout the night to the bar caused Wayne to become a little bored. Since Wayne worked at the bar for five years and studied the craft of bartending for a little over two weeks; nothing surprised him anymore. Wayne became accustomed to everything. Some incidents include the occasional outburst of a frat guy, talking with a person that just lost his job, the constant lovemaking in public restrooms that no one wants to see, but happens anyway. This was Wayne’s life for a while until Shanice walked in and caught his eye. The alternative clothing that she wore on the way in captivated him.

Shanice walked in with a style and certain confidence Wayne had never seen before. She wore all-black clothing and had tattoos on her arms. She looked to be out of place in the bar. However, Wayne didn’t care. He wanted to get to know her. Shanice walked up to the bar and asked for an Earl Grey Bourbon Pomegranate punch. Wayne asked her why she came to The Shining Bar. It didn’t seem like this would be her type of scene. Shanice asked Wayne, “What does my scene look like?” Wayne responded, “You look more like a rock and roll type of person. This is a soul music bar.” Shanice gets up from her seat and walks over to the stage. She asks the band to play the music from a song by soul singer, Tina Ana. The song is from the 1990s and is titled “Distraction”. Shanice begins to sing.

Though the world may think I’m weird

I still stay myself

Never letting go of who I am

They only stare at what they fear

Fear of being themselves

Well, I could never give a damn!

If I must live, then I’ll be the distraction

Be the only thing to change your reaction

Let your brain thrive and learn expansion

I’m going to be their main attraction

Be the Distraction

Shanice walked off the stage and back to the bar. She resumed drinking and asked Wayne if that was soulful enough for him. Wayne was stunned. He stated that he never heard anyone sing the song with as much passion as Shanice did a minute ago. Wayne asked what she was going to do after leaving the bar. Shanice said, “I don’t know what am I going to do after I leave.” Wayne said, “I get off in a little bit, maybe we could hang out. Shanice said, “Sure, but only if I get to choose the venue”.