Chapter Text
“Remember, we’ve got strict rules about this place, alright?” a random delivery guy exclaimed, his eyes scanning the team of delivery people.
Mattie nodded. “Yeah, we know,” she said, unloading the luggage from the truck and placing it on the ground.
The job was risky, but with bills to pay, she had no choice but to comply. Illegally delivering alcohol wasn’t part of the job description when she signed up—or perhaps she hadn’t read it thoroughly? It did mention “beverages,” but she had shrugged it off.
The place would have appeared suspicious if not for its reputation as a well-known hotel. Despite numerous reports to the police about the hotel distributing alcohol, they had no evidence. This was because the hotel’s main and upper levels were perfectly ordinary. There were no indications of the speakeasy hidden below. Only those with invitations could access the bar, and none of its patrons ever revealed anything. It was a clever operation—no guest ever left inebriated since they could sleep it off in the hotel rooms upstairs.
As another delivery person informed the reception desk of their arrival, Mattie surveyed her surroundings. A bellboy accompanied them to transport the alcohol to the luggage carts and led them to the back of the hotel. They entered a narrow corridor leading to an elevator.
“Strange,” Mattie thought. As they descended, she heard the faint strains of a singing voice.
The elevator doors opened to reveal a lively crowd, ranging from businessmen to politicians. Mattie was in awe. Another staff member led them into the kitchen while the bellboy went back up to collect the remaining alcohol. As Mattie walked, she followed the source of the singing that had captivated her since the elevator doors opened. The singer was performing “Back to Black” (let’s pretend it was released in the 1930s), and Mattie was mesmerized. She was so entranced by the voice that she didn’t notice her colleagues had stopped walking until she bumped into one of them.
They entered the kitchen and unloaded the luggage from the cart. Once finished, they began to depart as other delivery personnel passed by to transport the remaining alcohol.
Once again, Mattie found herself captivated by the singer. The performer was alluring and sophisticated. Every move she made, every note she sang, seemed to seduce Mattie. Though the walk to the elevator door was short, it felt like an eternity. Just before stepping into the elevator, Mattie caught sight of a sign at the entrance bearing the singer’s name.
“Jasmine. What a beautiful name,” she whispered. They entered the elevator, left the establishment, and didn’t look back.
With dark eyeshadow and bold red lipstick, Jasmine was ready to take the stage. Over the past few years, performing had become her only source of amusement. She had always loved singing, but she couldn’t remember the last time she had sung purely for her own joy. Nowadays, she performs for the crowd even when exhausted or ill, becoming the kind of singer she had once vowed never to be.
"Another delivery, huh?" she mused to herself mid-song, spotting the bellboy leading a group of delivery workers into the kitchen.
Among them, one individual caught her eye. She hadn’t seen this delivery person before—perhaps a new recruit. The girl didn’t stand out, yet her constant gaze drew Jasmine’s attention. She looked as if she had never seen a live performance before—a stark contrast to the usual reactions Jasmine received. Typically, men leered, and women watched with envy. But this woman seemed genuinely entranced, responding with an awe Jasmine hadn’t seen in years.
Out of the corner of her eye, Jasmine watched as the girl bumped into a colleague. She nearly laughed at the clumsiness. Most patrons came to drink and flaunt their wealth. From her vantage point on stage, Jasmine could only observe. Yet this delivery girl looked at her the way people once had, back when she performed in open venues—when the music still meant something.
After the grueling performance, Jasmine returned to her hotel room upstairs. She quickly freshened up and got ready for bed.
“Just another day” she whispered. “Always just another day.”
The next morning, Mattie was roused by her alarm at 5:30 a.m. She had to be at her day job by six. A good night’s sleep was a rare luxury. She’d been struggling for a while, having recently lost two of her jobs. All she had left was a temporary day job—physically demanding and poorly paid. The wages weren’t enough to survive on, so when an acquaintance offered her a delivery job paying $30 to $50 per run, she’d accepted without hesitation.
She hadn’t known it was illegal work at first, but once she realized, she didn’t back out. As long as it kept her fed and housed, she was willing to take the risk.
Two weeks later, Mattie received orders to deliver another consignment to the same hotel. She quickly dressed and headed to the warehouse to meet her team.
Delivery Guy 1: "Big order from that hotel again, huh?"
Delivery Guy 2: "They’ve got a solid business going there, that’s for sure."
Delivery Guy 3: "I heard the lady who sings there owns the place."
Delivery Guy 2: "Oh? She must be loaded then. It’s smart how she keeps people entertained with her singing. Honestly, I would’ve stayed longer the other night just to hear her."
Mattie listened quietly as the others talked about Jasmine while they loaded the truck. In truth, she was excited to return to the hotel. She longed to hear Jasmine's voice again and to be swept up in her captivating aura.
Upon arrival, Mattie quickly unloaded the bags and hurried toward the speakeasy. They got there just as Jasmine was about to perform her final song of the night.
As Jasmine began to sing "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Ella Fitzgerald, Mattie was once again entranced. Jasmine moved slowly, her hand brushing the grand piano. She had the presence of a dangerous woman but wore the sweetest smile. The song was soft, gentle, and romantic—Mattie felt a wave of calm wash over her as she listened.
While unloading the alcohol, Mattie stole glances through the open kitchen door. She didn’t mind the weight of the bags as long as she could keep listening to that beautiful voice. By the time they finished, the audience was applauding, and Jasmine was offering her closing remarks.
"Thank you once again, everyone, for listening to my performance tonight," Jasmine said warmly.
"Unfortunately, that’s all for tonight. Same time tomorrow?" she added with a playful smile.
As Jasmine exited the stage, the room returned to its usual buzz of conversation. Once the inventory was checked, Mattie and her coworkers began making their way back to the elevator. To her surprise, Jasmine joined them.
Though she still carried the same captivating presence, Jasmine now looked entirely different. Her makeup was gone, replaced by a soft, natural look, and she wore a simple light blue button-down dress—a stark contrast to her dark, enigmatic stage persona. Perhaps this was why no one else seemed to recognize her.
Jasmine caught Mattie's gaze, making Mattie realize she’d been staring again. She quickly looked away, nearly bumping into a colleague when they paused at the elevator. From the corner of her eye, she saw Jasmine smile.
“Great performance earlier, Miss Jasmine,” Mattie whispered.
“Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Jasmine replied, offering her another gentle smile.
They stood together at the back of the elevator, surrounded by the chatter of the delivery crew. Mattie snuck glances at Jasmine now and then, thinking the singer didn’t notice. The ride felt painfully slow—as if time had stretched just for them.
Three days later…
After finishing her day job, Mattie decided to stop by the market to buy groceries for the week. For the past few weeks, she had been living a little more comfortably. She no longer came home feeling beaten and exhausted—now, she could actually take care of things around the house. After shopping at the market, Mattie headed home to rest.
Once home, she felt as if she had all the time in the world. She cooked, cleaned, took a nap, and watched some TV. Still, her mind remained restless.
“I wonder if I should go there,” she whispered to herself.
Before she knew it, Mattie was standing in front of her closet, picking out her best clothes. She hailed a cab and made her way to the hotel. Upon arrival, she showed her ID to the lobby attendant.
Lobby Person: “There aren’t any deliveries today, if I remember correctly?”
Mattie: “No, there aren’t. I’m just visiting.”
Lobby Person: “You’ll need to book a room if you plan to drink.”
Mattie: “I don’t drink. I’m just here to listen to Miss Jasmine.”
Lobby Person: “Ah, well, you’re the first visitor in a while who’s here just for her. The show’s about to start—go ahead.”
Mattie: “Thank you. Have a good night.”
Lobby Person: “You too.”
Mattie hurried to the elevator, eager not to miss Jasmine’s first song. As the doors opened, a tall man in a dark grey suit stepped out, leaving behind a strong scent as he passed. She glanced back briefly before stepping in and descending.
Once she reached the lower level, Mattie quickly found an open seat and waited for the show to begin. The lights dimmed, and she caught the silhouette of a woman walking onto the stage, approaching the microphone.
Jasmine began singing “I Want to Be Evil” by Eartha Kitt. Mattie listened intently, finally feeling at ease in her seat.
After a few songs, Jasmine noticed Mattie sitting toward the back, watching her. At first, she assumed there was another delivery, but upon closer look, she realized Mattie wasn’t in uniform and was alone. Curious, Jasmine occasionally glanced at her throughout her final song. Each time, Mattie responded with a soft smile.
When the performance ended and Jasmine gave her farewell, Mattie stood and quietly made her way to the elevator. Jasmine wondered if she had come to drink—but apparently not.
This became a pattern. Mattie would attend the opening, exchange smiles with Jasmine, and leave as soon as the final song ended. Her consistent visits soon became the highlight of Jasmine’s evenings. She found herself looking forward to seeing Mattie every other day. It thrilled Jasmine to have someone visit the place just for her. She wished Mattie would come every day, but even Mattie’s regular visits were enough to keep her going.
A week later, Mattie received instructions for a delivery. She wouldn’t be able to catch Jasmine’s opening, but that was alright—she could visit again tomorrow. The truck was loaded, and they drove to the hotel. Everything started out as usual. Mattie and the crew arrived in the middle of Jasmine’s song, and Mattie peeked through the door to listen. This time, Jasmine looked directly at her, causing Mattie’s heart to flutter.
Then came the shouting.
When Mattie stepped outside, she saw people running, some being pulled down.
“Shit, it’s the police!” one of the delivery guys yelled.
“Get out or hide—quickly! The higher-ups will kill us if we get caught,” added another.
Mattie scanned the chaos, searching for Jasmine. She spotted her being jostled by intoxicated men, trying to get away. Without hesitation, Mattie ran to her, wrapped her arms around her, and shielded her from the crowd. They moved slowly, making their way toward the women’s restroom.
Mattie: “Are you okay, Miss Jasmine?”
Jasmine: “Yes. Thank you.”
Mattie: “Do you know any way out other than the elevator?”
Jasmine: “Yes, but the police are probably waiting up there.”
Mattie: “We still have to try. Lead the way.”
Peeking through the restroom door, they saw the place being swarmed by officers. Cautiously, they slipped out. Guided by Jasmine, they moved behind the stage and into a narrow hallway. Turning a corner, they found a small staircase at the end.
Jasmine: “If I remember correctly, these stairs lead out back.”
Mattie: “Alright. Stay behind me—I’ll check.”
At the top, Mattie found the coast clear. She stepped outside and helped Jasmine through.
Mattie: “We need to get as far as we can for now.”
They turned to leave, but a nearby officer spotted them. Mattie immediately grabbed Jasmine’s hand, and they ran. They didn’t stop until Jasmine tugged Mattie’s sleeve, needing to catch her breath. They ducked into a narrow, shadowy alley where only a faint light glimmered through.