Everyone but Frank found a seat in the living room. Mabel, Raymond and Clint shared the couch. For some reason Lu felt the most comfortable sitting on the love seat with Opal. This didn't bother anyone else in the room. Mabel thought she was cute but wasn't too attached. Clint and Raymond didn't want anything to do with the kid. Then Frank was relieved that he wasn't the only one Lu could talk to.
"So Lu how did you get to be on your own?" Frank asked.
"I don't remember, I've been like this for as long as I can remember."
"Ok." Frank paused. "What were you doing when you found this house?"
"I was looking for somewhere to stay."
"So you stay in other people's houses? Well I guess that explains how you haven't died on your own yet."
"Can I stay here?"
With that question Lu struck a nerve within Raymond. His face turned red and he was trying not to explode. As Lu realized this she curled into a ball. Her small fingers clenched around Opal���s dress. Pressing her face into Opal's side Lu waited for the worst.
"No! You can't pay, do you think I'm made of money?!" Raymond burst.
Opal stood up, "She is a little kid, do not scream at her like that!"
"Do you want to get fired?"
"No sir," Opal sat back down.
"Boss, I can pay for her to stay here," Frank offered.
Raymond's face started to go back to normal, "I will think about it."
"Thank you," Lu sniffled.
After that Lu and Opal headed up to Mabel's room. Mabel wasn't far behind them. Without a word Clint walked out to the surprisingly small porch. Equally silent Frank walked up to his room. Raymond was left alone to weigh his options. Let the kid stay and maybe find out about the club or push out the kid and make his employees hate him. Usually he wouldn't care about what his employees think but the crew is already so small that if he loses more than one it will be impossible to run the club.
The three girls sat on Mabel's bed. Most of the conversation was talking about boys. Poor little Lu was getting bugged with the question of if she has a boyfriend. No matter how many times she says no the other two say she is lying. Then they were interrupted by Frank wanting to check in on Lu.
"Speaking of boyfriends," Mabel giggled as she got Opal's attention.
"You two are dating?" Lu asked.
"Funny joke," Frank answered as he entered the room.
Opal affirms his answer, "No."
"Oh," Lu hung her head.
"They are liars Lu," Mabel winks.
Lu winked back. Opal and Frank just rolled their eyes. No point in getting defensive, it only makes it worse. Making it worse was the last thing the two needed. The teasing was already nonstop.
"Anyway," Frank pressed on, "I have some spare money and I could buy you some new clothes for you Lu."
"Really?" Lu asked.
"Yep."
"Can I tag along? You wouldn't know the first thing about picking out good looking clothes," Opal joined the conversation.
"Yeah!" Lu shouted.
"Fine," Frank sighed with a smile.
With that the three walked outside. They stopped in the driveway. Which car to take? After a few seconds they picked the yellow t model. Frank jumped in the driver's seat. Lu took a seat in the back, and Opal slid into the passenger's seat. They looked like a small family.
The only sound was the small radio. Frank loved to listen to music as he drove. The girls just sat in the car and enjoyed the nice weather. It was a breezy summer day. A few clouds in the sky but not enough for concern. The perfect day for a summer cruise. Once they got into town Frank slowed down. Looking over Frank found the store Opal liked to shop at. He pulled in and found a place to park.
The small group got out of the car. Lu grabbed Opal's hand as they walked through the parking lot. This made Opal proud, the kid liked her more. Opal stuck her tongue out at Frank. He looked over to see her making funny faces at him. His eyes rolled. Lu was oblivious to the fight going on over her attention.
Entering the store the group got weird looks. None of them noticed at first. When they went to the women's section a mom and her girl glared at them. What was their problem? Then Opal did the math in her head. Frank was only eight years older than Lu and Opal was only a year older than him. An impossible age gap for the family they appeared to be. A few moments later the dots connected in Frank's head too.
"What size do you wear sweetie," Frank asked, trying to ignore the stares.
"Um, I don't know," Lu seemed embarrassed.
"Well we can start with a size zero and figure it out from there," Oal patted Lu on the shoulder.
They found the size zero rack. Lu picked three dresses to try on. After that Opal found someone to show them to the dressing rooms. A man led them to the corner of the store.
"Here you go." He walked away.
"Alright go in there to put them on and show me them when you are done," Opal nudged Lu.
She walked into the small room. As she tried on the dresses she tried not to be too happy about the new clothes she was getting. Can't get too attached she reminded herself. When she was done she told Opal the dresses fit great.
"Yay! Let's get you a few more."
"I can only afford two more dresses girls," Frank warned.
He started to head up towards the front. The girls went back to the dresses. Frank used his alone time to read through the day's newspaper. Before he could get through the whole paper the girls came up with the dresses in their arms.
"All done!" Opal shouted.
Frank paid for the clothes. When they got back in the car Opal sighed.
"What's wrong Opal?" Lu asked.
"Nothing honey."
"Is it because everyone stared at us funny?"
"You noticed?" Frank chimed in.
"Yeah, I'm young not dumb. They think you two had me when you were really young and unmarried."
"Yeah people look at you and think they can tell your whole life story, it drives me nuts," Opal was fuming.
"Well that doesn't really matter Opal, we probably won't see any of those people ever again," Frank's comment ended the conversation.
The three sat in the car in silence. They could all feel the annoyance and awkwardness radiating off of each other. Thankfully they were almost back to the house. When Frank pulled in Mabel was sitting on the porch. She waved to the car. Frank nodded and the girls waved back.
Lu grabbed the bag of clothes and waved it around. "Look Mabel!"
"That's amazing Lu, I can't wait to see how cute they look on you."
The three girls ran inside to have their own fashion show. Clint walked out as the girls ran in. He looked over at Frank in confusion. Frank just shrugged and the two guys laughed a bit. Girls being confusing was the only thing they seemed to agree on. Frank banked on that shared idea whenever he didn't want to deal with Clint.
Clint sat down and Frank walked back inside. He wasn't sure of what to do with his free time so he went up to his room. He searched his room and found the book he was meaning to read. Well why not start now? He scooped up the book and sat on his bed.
Lu peeked into the room. When she saw what Frank was doing turned around and started to walk away. It was too late he already noticed her small footsteps.
"You can come in if you like," He offered.
"Sorry to interrupt, I was just looking around."
"It's ok I was just killing time until work starts."
Lu stepped into the room, "What is your job?"
"I umm… serve drinks."
"So you are the bartender?"
"Yeah," He sheepishly smiled, of course the kid already figured it out.
"Can I go down there with you tonight?"
"That club is no place for a kid your age."
"But I want to listen to the girls," Lu put on her puppy dog eyes.
Frank tried to stare her down. It was no use, this girl knew how to get what she wanted. The harder he stared the bigger her frown got.
"Fine! But don't talk to strangers."
"Yay!"
With her victory Lu walked out of the bedroom. She then ran to find and tell the girls her battle story. Truth be told Frank was a pushover but he let her think that she won over a hardass.
Around seven thirty the staff started to head down to the basement. Lu trailed behind them all. At first, no one said anything then Raymond noticed. Slowly his face twisted into a frown.
"Excuse me, but why is this free loader following us?"
Frank winced, "I told her she could listen to the girls perform."
"Does she know what the club is?"
"Yes, you saw her down there. She's not dumb, she figured it out before she even saw the rest of the house."
Opal joined the conversation, "If she knows wouldn't it be safer to keep her so she doesn't spill the beans?"
Not good timing at all.
"Shut up Opal! That is not the topic at hand right now!" Raymond was shouting.
"Sorry sir," Opal managed.
"You know what, she can go but she better not mess anything up." He then turned to the girl, "Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," Lu gulped.
Raymond sped up and left the rest of the group behind. Everyone else let out a held breath. Then Clint looked at his coworkers and frowned. Shaking his head at them he walked over to his station outside the door. A nice, calm but boring job.
As Frank wiped down the bar he watched Lu take in her surroundings. That kid could be the end of this place but he couldn't just dump her on the road. She did need a better place to stay but finding that kind of place around here will be difficult. Eventually, it was time to open. A flood of people entered the club. The girls started to play and people began to dance. As usual it was the young girls that warmed up the dance floor.
New notes danced into Frank's ears. He looked up to confirm his suspicions, as he guessed a piano joined the song. He couldn't see the player but he had a good idea. And since no one was at the bar for the time being he went to check. As he walked around the stage a small head of blonde curls poked above the piano. Lu's fingers kept in perfect time with the other two performers. Frank blinked a few times but sure enough the little girl was pounding away at the piano keys.
Apparently Raymond noticed the change too. The boss walked over to the bar from the back of the room. Looking around he saw the empty bar. Out of the corner of his eye he caught Frank standing around. As he stormed over to ask the meaning of this he saw the mess of blonde curls.
"Why is she up there?" Raymond hissed.
"I don't know sir,"
"Get her down!"
"But sir, look at the customers. They love it!"
"They aren't buying booze so we aren't making money."
"Can we let her finish this song so we don't cause a scene and scare off people?"
"Fine."
The notes continued to dance in the muggy air. Frank returned to the bar in hopes of making some money. A few old men sat down in front of him. Something reflected light onto the bar. Wondering what it was Frank peaked over. One of the men had a freshly polished prosthetic leg.
"Fancy, ain't it?" The man chuckled.
"Sorry sir, I didn't mean to stare," Frank looked back at the glass in his hand.
"It has that effect on women too," he said with a wink.
"What would you like sir?" Frank quickly changed the subject.
"Just a bottle of whiskey please."
"A whole bottle?"
"Yep. I keep 'em in here," he patted his leg and a lid lifted up.
"Ok then. Um that will be $3.20."
The man closed the compartment on his leg, stood up and searched his pockets. Finally he pulled out balled up cash from the breast pocket of his bibs. He laid the money on the bar and took the bottle from Frank.
Just like that the song was over. Lu better get off the stage before the next song starts. Frank walked over to the stage and poked Opal's leg.
"We need to get Lu off the stage," Frank whispered.
"Why?"
"Because Raymond is furious!"
"Ok I will try."
With that Opal walked over to Mabel and informed her of the situation. Lu looked over the piano to see what was taking so long between songs. She ducked back down as Opal got closer. Lu felt a small tap on her shoulder and looked up. Opal wagged her finger to say Come closer. Slowly Lu stood up to meet Opal's eyes.
"Sweetie could you please get off the stage?" Opal sweetly whispered.
"Do I have to?"
"Sadly yes, the boss doesn't want anyone to play the piano, I don't know why."
Hanging her head Lu muttered, "Ok."
Looking around to make sure no one would see her Lu ducked under the bar. Her head popped up next to Frank. He jumped about a foot when he turned to see the child beside him. She just gave him a large smile. After taking a big breath, Frank patted her head and kept putting away glasses. Someone walked over to the bar and as quickly as she appeared Lu disappeared. That kid was the weirdest child Frank had ever seen, then again he didn't know many children, maybe they are all that weird. With the kid off the stage Raymond was calm and the rest of the night went smoothly.
As the last few people trickled out Clint made his way into the bar. Quietly everyone cleaned the bar and stage. Frank and Lu were the first two to make their way to the house, Opal followed close behind, then Mabel and Clint, then Raymond.
The next day Lu was the first one up but instead of waking anyone she explored the giant house. Some of the rooms she already knew like both of the girls' rooms, Frank's room, the bathroom, livingroom and kitchen but there were many unknown rooms. The first few she searched through were just empty bedrooms, then she thought about peeking into Clint and Raymond's rooms but decided not to. Before she could look downstairs she heard Frank walking to the bathroom.
"Hey kid, what are you doing?" Frank asked, itching his arm.
"I couldn't sleep."
"I'd say, it's one in the morning, be careful not to wake up anyone, we only have a few hours before we have to get up for work."
"Frank?"
"Yes Lu?"
"Can I try to sleep in your room?"
He sighed, "Sure kid, I was planning on staying up but I will be quiet."
With that Frank walked into the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and hopped in the shower. After his shower he put on the usual dress pants, tank top with an over shirt, suspenders and his newsboys hat. He walked back into his room to see Lu curled up at the foot of his bed. He picked up his book and started to read.
At 2 AM his alarm went off. Lu jumped off the bed and made a strange sound, almost like a growl. Frank looked at Lu confused and concerned. She smiled and sat down on the bed.
"You ok Lu?"
"Yeah I'm fine. Why?"
"I thought you were growling."
"Ohh uhh I have no idea what that was. Sorry the alarm just scared me."
"It's ok. Do you want to lay back down or do you want some breakfast."
"Food sounds good."
Frank led the way down stairs to the kitchen, with Lu close behind. Lu sat at the dining table while Frank fried some eggs and made some toast. Then they both heard the stairs speak. Turning around they saw Opal walking down the stairs. She sat next to Lu at the table.
"Can I have some eggs too?" Opal asked.
"Of course," Frank responded.
The food was sat out on the table. Frank grabbed forks for everyone and they started to eat. Then Clint and Raymond came down to make coffee. Mabel came down soon afterwards and made herself some food. After eating everyone was ready to start work for the day.
"Alright everyone time to clean the house and when we are done I will hand out jobs for the rest of this fine wednesday," Raymond announced.
Everyone split up and cleaned the large house. It was big but there wasn't much to clean, it was almost empty with the most cluttered room being Opal's with her music and clothes everywhere. Within the hour they were done. They all gathered in the living room to plan the day. Then Raymond shocked them with a pleasant surprise.
"The only work today is running the club tonight, the day is yours. If anyone uses either car, refill the gas before you return."
Lu turned to Opal, "What are we going to do today?"
"I don't know Lu. Anyone have any ideas?" Opal opened the conversation.
"Well I am going to see my friend since he just opened a new speakeasy," Clint explained.
"May I join you?" Mabel asked.
Clint looked surprised, "Of course."
"I am going to work on my garden for a bit then I'm not sure," Frank thought out loud.
"Oh can I play outside?" Lu asked.
"Yes you can. Can I play too?" Opal responded.
"Yes! It's going to be so fun!"
Raymond walked out to the yellow model t. Clint and Mabel jumped in the gray B-70. Lu ran out the back door with Opal close behind. Frank made sure all the lights were off and joined the girls in the backyard.
Opal and Lu were sitting on the back porch hunched over the crudely drawn marbles circle. Opening the small pouch of marbles, Opal started to explain the game to Lu. Frank stepped over the circle and walked towards the garden. He pulled on gloves as the girls glared at him for moving the marbles.
After a few hours of gardening Frank felt a small hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Lu with a glass of ice water in her other hand. She had a big smile on her face.
"Here you go Frank! Opal said you needed some water so I got you some," Lu beamed.
"Thank you Lu," Frank peeked behind her, "thank you Opal."
Frank gulped down the water. When he was done he joined the girls on the porch. Lu was attempting to shuffle cards. The cards flew out of her hands, making a mess. All three of them got up and picked up the cards. As Lu bent over to pick up the last one she stared into the trees next to the house.
"Lu, are you ok?" Opal asked.
Lu snapped up, "Yeah, sorry I thought I saw something."
Frank joined in, "It was probably a rabbit or a squirrel, nothing too dangerous."
"Probably," Lu laughed.
Everyone sat back down and Frank shuffled the cards. Then he dealt each person five cards. Opal and Frank spent a few hours teaching Lu how to play poker. The kid picked up the game surprisingly quickly for someone her age. Frank looked at the clock inside through the window. Opal and Lu looked up at the sky, noticing how dark it was growing.
"We should probably get ready for work, Opal," Frank said, straightening his back.
Opal sighed, "Your right."
"I can't come this time, can I?" Lu's puppy eyes on once again.
"Sorry honey, you can't," Opal answered.
Raymond pulled into the driveway and got out of the car. He scanned the area, looking for Frank. Seeing the man he was looking for Raymond walked over. He tossed the keys to Frank and shooed the girls away.
"Frank, I know I said that kid can't be at the club with you but I was thinking about it and there is no way I am letting her stay in that house by herself. She could break something or worse run off and tell the wrong people about our business," Raymond hissed.
"So you want me to watch the kid while I serve drinks sir?"
"Yes, and don't let the brat out of your sight."
Frank whispered to himself, "She's not a brat."
Raymond spun around slowly, "What was that Mr. Best?"
"Nothing Sir."
Raymond walked away and Frank went in the house. Frank went upstairs to grab his pin. Putting the pin into his suspenders he bumped into something and fell to the ground. Lu had ran into his leg while searching for him. Frank got up and saw Lu standing there.
"I am so sorry Frank!" Lu sounded worried.
Frank chuckled, "Don't worry about it kid, you saved me the trouble of finding you. I need to talk to you."
"Did I do something to make Mr. Click mad?"
"No, Mr. Click wants you to come down to the speakeasy with me tonight."
"Really? Can I help you serve drinks?"
"Yes really, but no I am not letting you mess with alcohol. Instead you are going to help by handing me glasses and putting dirty glasses on the shelf so I can wash them later."
"That sounds fun! Do you think I could play the piano some too?"
"Probably not kid, sorry."
Frank led Lu down to the speakeasy. Mabel and Opal were cleaning the stage and setting up. Clint was already stationed outside the door and Raymond checked the booths for lost items from the previous night. Frank walked behind the bar and began to dust off glasses. Opal came over to the bar with Mabel.
"Ms. Mabel would like a shot of whiskey," Opal leaned against the bar.
"Coming right up! Frank, get a shot of whiskey!" Lu shouted as she jumped up from behind the bar.
"Aren't you a little young to be a bartender?" Mabel asked with a giggle.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Lu turned up her nose so her face was barely visible over the bar.
Frank rolled his eyes with a smile as he handed Mabel the shot glass. Mabel threw back her head as she gulped down the liquor. Then she handed Frank the empty glass. With tears in her eyes Mabel went back to the stage. Opal followed while laughing. With everyone at their stations it was time to open the doors. People flowed in at a consistent pace. Music floated into the air and booths filled quickly.
A young woman sat on a stool at the bar. She took off her hat and waited for Frank to see her. Before Frank could say something to the customer Lu popped up.
"Excuse me! Miss? I just wanted to say that you are very pretty!" Lu squeaked.
"Why thank you. Aren't you too small to be in here?"
"Nope! Frank said it's ok!"
Frank stepped in, "Oh she is my sister's kid, she's out of town. I couldn't find someone to watch her and wasn't able to get off. Lu sweetie, why don't you go ask Aunt Opal to get you some snacks and let this nice lady enjoy her night."
"I thought I was supposed to stay with you Frank?"
"Don't be silly Lu," Frank waved for her to go to Opal.
Opal the commotion from the corner of her eye. This wasn't good, a customer saw Lu. How could she help without getting in trouble with Raymond. As the song ended Opal motioned to Mabel to keep going. She stood up and sat her trumpet down. Mabel took a drink of water. The next song was going to be all her.
Lu and Opal sat down in a booth together. Raymond saw them and his face twisted in anger. Right before he could go up to them a customer waved him over. The kid wasn't causing harm so he decided to speak with the customer. At least Frank, Clint and Mabel were still doing their jobs. The night was long with Mabel and Opal taking turns on watching Lu but it finally drew to a close. Everyone slowly trickled out, leaving the speakeasy a mess.
They all got into the house and got ready for bed, Lu again curled up in a ball at the foot of Frank's bed. Frank walked back to his room from the bathroom. He slipped off his hat, suspenders, shoes and overshirt. When he lied down and pulled the blanket over his body he felt something by his feet. He nudged the thing with one foot to see what it was. After a few seconds he realized it was Lu. Sitting up he gently shook the girl awake.
"Lu," he whispered.
Lu shook her head slowly, ���Huh?"
"Lu, sweetie, go get in bed with Opal."
"Sorry Frank," Lu mumbled as she got off the bed.
Frank softly knocked on his wall. On the other side Opal woke up and tried to find the sound.
"Opal?"
"What Frank?"
"Lu is going over there to go to bed. She was curled up at the end of my bed but I told her to go to your room so she can have more room."
"Ok. Goodnight Frank."
"Goodnight."
Frank heard Opal whispering to Lu. That girl was growing on him at an alarming rate but he didn't want to think about the goodbye that is coming sooner rather than later. He scoffed at the idea of missing the kid and went back to bed.