Posted November 22, 2021 / Caroline Mundee
"Well I didn't just give it to him, I paid fer it m'self. Caroline, you always treat me like I know darn nothin', but for your inflammation, I know darn all!" she explained further to Mr. Fortner "See, folks round here think I got addleheaded when I was half killt under all the snow last winter, but 's a matter of fact, my brain's as good as new."
"Do not be so dramatic, hon, I have never thought you to be stupid," Caroline sighed.
But she had come back to tell Fortner that Ralph was staying. Arabella should be happy about that too. And so was their new employer. Ralph nodded acknowledgement to Fortner then had to focus on another customer bellying up to the bar.
Caroline then declared she really should get back on the job and asked the man if he had any song requests. He did too.
"Sure. Do you know "Beware"? If not, just sing anything you like. I'm sure the boys will like it."
"Um, yeah I think I know which one ya mean," Caroline started.
Arabella looked at Caroline "I think he means "Beware, oh, take care" she explained happily.
"Yep, we know that one, boss. You got it then," Caroline smiled first at Fortner then at her piano player, "We'll do it as a duet, right, kiddo."
And with that Caroline went back to work, first she would mingle with the customers for awhile before going up on stage. New ownership but it was still the same job, the same work.
Posted November 25, 2021 / Franklin Fortner
Caroline and Arabella did a credible and impressive performance of BEWARE. Those two girls were real assets to the business, and Frank knew it.
So, as Frank and Hiram finished their "business", Frank laid his hands on the table, straightened his shoulders and rose.
"Can I have your attention?!" He shouted to the raucous crowd, and when the din lessened, he began.
"I have some news you will want to hear. As of about 3 o'clock this afternoon, the ownership of the Star Dust switched hands."
There was mostly groaning disbelief; a cacophony of no!, what?, huh? , damn it!
Fortner had to motion for order.
"It was a cordial business deal, and now you're looking at the new owner. My name if Frank Fortner and I've owned a few places like this in the past, so I'm not green at this. AND .. all the people here, Ralph, the cook, these ladies," he pointed at Arabella and Caroline, "are going to stay put."
That bit of news brought some cheers.
"So, to mark this occasion, help yourselves to a drink on the house, and know that good times and coming here, and you are all an important part of it."
There was a movement toward the bar, and Frank sat back down.
"Good," Priest muttered into his chaw.
"Everybody can feather their nest, but it's not just anybody that can lay an egg!"
Posted November 25, 2021 / Arabella Mudd
Arabella, little creep that she was, struck up "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow" on the piano, and a few of the patrons took up the chorus: either in thanks for the free drink or just out of pure habit.
The Clinch Mountain girl still had vast reservations about Fortner and could not easily forget what had happened to Mr. Grimes and the ramifications for his poor blind sister, but she knew which side her corn pone was buttered, and would keep on the right side of the new owner until she could see how things panned out.
Posted November 25, 2021 / Caroline Mundee
At the close of their musical number Caroline took a bow, beaming at the applause then with a directional wave of her hand toward her young accompanist let her share in the praise. She noticed of course Fortner seemed quite pleased and right about now his reaction was far more important than the customers.
Fortner then stood up and made a full throated public announcement of what the employees already knew - there was now a change in ownership in the joint. Most of the customers, while surprised, honestly probably didn't care who ran the joint as long as they continued to serve drinks, allow gambling, and provided musical entertainment. Matilda had been a good owner but she had not been the reason customers came and enjoyed. Unless Fortner was an idiot, and Caroline did not think he was by any means, success should continue.
Caroline dutifully applauded too at the news then joined in with Arabella in the refrain to 'He's a Jolly Good Fellow', a clever touch by the girl. When it was over and things died back down to normal, Caroline placed a supportive hand on Arabella's bony shoulder and leaned over to whisper, "Yer a trooper, hon. A real trooper."
Frankly, in Caroline's world, there was no higher praise.