It was a typical evening aboard the S.S. Enchantress as the sailed smoothly across the vast expanse of the ocean. The gentle hum of the engines mixed with the sound of the waves lapping against the hull as the milled about, enjoying the various amenities the luxury liner had to offer. Hollandaise, the ship's resident singer, sat in her dressing room, going the setlist for that night's performance.1
Her real name was Hannah Landers, but she had adopted the stage name Hollandaise early in her career when she had been to make a name for herself the music industry. She had always had a love for singing, ever since she was a little girl growing up in a small town in the Midwest. She had dreamed of becoming a famous singer, but as she got older, she realized that life on the road and the constant hustle and bustle of the music industry was not for her.1
So, when she was offered a permanent gig as the resident singer on the S.S. Enchantress, Hollandaise jumped at the chance. She loved the quiet solitude of being out on the open sea, away from the noise and chaos of the outside world. And she had grown to love the passengers and crew of the ship, who had become like a second family to her.1As Hollandaise finished going over her setlist, she heard a knock on the door of her dressing room. She looked up to see her friend and fellow performer, Jacques, poking his head in.1
"Hey, Hollandaise, are you ready for tonight's show?" he asked with a grin.1Hollandaise smiled back at him.
Jacques was a talented pianist and had been her accompanist for the past few years. They had developed a rapport and chemistry on stage that was undeniable, and their performances together were always a hit with the passengers.1
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," she replied, standing up and smoothing out her sequined dress. "Let's go knock 'em dead, Jacques."1
The two of them made their way to the ship's main lounge, where the stage had been set up for that night's performance. The room was already starting to fill up with passengers, the murmur of conversation filling the air as they settled into their seats. Hollandaise took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage, the spotlight shining down on her as Jacques took his place at the piano.1
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she said, her voice clear and strong. "I hope you're all ready for a night of music and fun on the high seas. Jacques and I have a great show lined up for you tonight, so sit back, relax, and enjoy."1
With that, the music started, the first notes of the opening number filling the room. Hollandaise launched into the song, her voice soaring above the music as she moved around the stage, engaging with the audience. The passengers clapped and cheered, some even getting up to dance along with the music.1
As the night went on, Hollandaise sang a mix of show tunes, jazz standards, and pop hits, her voice effortlessly shifting from one genre to the next. Jacques played flawlessly, his fingers dancing across the keys of the piano. The two of them had a natural chemistry on stage, feeding off each other's energy and talent.1
Halfway through the show, Hollandaise paused to take a sip of water, wiping the sweat from her brow with a small towel. She looked out at the sea of faces in front of her, seeing the delight and joy in their eyes as they watched her perform. It was moments like these that made all the hard work and long hours worth it.1After a rousing rendition of "New York, New York," Hollandaise and Jacques took their final bow, the audience erupting into applause. Hollandaise smiled and waved, feeling a rush of adrenaline and satisfaction as she soaked in the adoration of the crowd.1As the passengers filtered out of the lounge, many stopping to compliment her on the performance, Hollandaise felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She may not have achieved the fame and fortune she had once dreamed of, but she had found something even better—a home and a purpose on the open sea.1
Later that evening, as she sat on the deck of the ship, gazing out at the moonlit water, Hollandaise reflected on her life and career. She felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities she had been given, for the people she had met along the way, and for the chance to do what she loved each and every day.1
As she closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the waves, Hollandaise couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and fulfillment that she had never experienced before. She was exactly where she was meant to be, doing exactly what she was meant to do. And for that, she was eternally grateful.