As I approach the dark wooden doors of my establishment, I turn around in time, to watch my wife, who's been so kind as to drop me here, speeds away from the curb. (I tried to get her to come in...but she has a thing about bars...something about the lack of lighting...she's very much a window person...and I get the feeling that she would feel clostrophobic in a place like this, so I didn't push the issue...beside's...there's a sale at the music store that I know she's been dying to check out.

) I turn then, and pushing the heavy wooden doors open, I walk into The Lounge. Everthing is very quiet. There appears to be no one here, even Charlie is nowhere to be found. Shrugging, I make my way to the bar at the same time I'm taking off my jacket so I don 't notice when
Henny stands up from her hiding place to flip on the lights. I"m shocked as a loud "Suprise!" errupts from around the room. After the startle wears off, I'm overjoyed to see many dear friends amongst the crowd of once-hidden patrons. I give each one of them a tearful hug.
Rhi, Henny, Belli, SJ, Reds ....
Henny takes me aside and points to the banner hanging from the rafters. She explains that
Jeanne couldn't be here today. I'm sad, but
Henny gives me a friendly hug and urges me to join the party. I do. There is much cake and Ice cream to be had...even
Rhi, takes a break from her job (which she takes very seriously) join in the dancing. "Wow everyone" I say through a happy smile. "You all went to so much trouble....and hehe...look! The walls are still the same color as when I left. I don't know how
Jeanne managed to keep
henny from painting them...but I'll thank her when she returns." I see by the blank stares and the blush on
SJ and
Henny's faces that the "Paint war" must have been kept pretty hush hush. So to break the silence and the cliche sound of crickets chirping I throw my hands in the air and anounce cheerfully "Free drinks for everybody!"
xoxo
Emms