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The bar was packed, but the atmosphere remained intimate, filled with scattered laughter and voices chatting about the day's excitement. In the center of attention, the karaoke stage lit up anyone who dared to go up there, enveloped by the music and the liquid courage that flowed from the glasses on the tables.
Chuck McGill sat alone in a far corner. Although Jimmy, Kim, and a few other colleagues were at the bar, Chuck had chosen to keep his distance. He drank slowly, his eyes darting around the room as if trying to find something to ease the weight he seemed to be carrying on his shoulders.
“Next on stage: Rebecca Petrov!” the karaoke host announced. Jimmy, who had been chatting with Kim at a table closer to the center, glanced toward the stage curiously when the woman appeared. It was her name that caught his attention.
Rebecca was a magnetic presence. Tall and elegantly poised, she wore a simple but impeccable black dress. Her dark hair was loose, highlighting her soft features and eyes that seemed to absorb the light around them. As the instrumental of Charles Aznavour’s “La Bohème” began, the bar gradually fell silent, mesmerized by the deep, melodious voice coming from the microphone. Rebecca sang in French, with an accent so well-tuned that it almost sounded natural.
Jimmy, however, was the first to break the silence, leaning over to Kim and whispering, “This sounds more appropriate for a funeral than a bar. Who sings French karaoke in Albuquerque?”
Kim suppressed a smile, nudging Jimmy. “Be nice. Haven’t you noticed? Chuck seems… intrigued.”
Jimmy followed Kim’s gaze to his brother. Chuck stood rigidly erect, his eyes fixed on the stage. There was no smile, but his expression was one of rare serenity. When Rebecca finished, there was polite applause, but Chuck applauded loudest. Jimmy raised his eyebrows in astonishment.
“He really liked it. I don’t think I’ve seen Chuck clap like that since… ever,” Jimmy commented.
Kim just smiled. “Give him some time. Maybe he’ll do something about it.”
But Chuck didn’t. Instead, he paid the bill and looked ready to leave. Jimmy narrowed his eyes and leaned toward Kim. “If we don’t give him a little push, he’ll leave…” “He’s been like this for a year,” Jimmy said, his tone more serious. “It’s past time to move on. Maybe he needs a little push.”
Kim raised an eyebrow, curious. “Jimmy, what are you planning?” Kim looked at him suspiciously. “Jimmy…”
“Seriously. He needs this. Just look at him. Chuck never has any fun. He needs someone to shake up his life. And who better than ‘Mrs. Aznavour’ over there?” Jimmy gave a mischievous smile. “Nothing much. Just… a little push. I’m going to need your help.”
Kim crossed her arms, looking at him skeptically. “And what exactly am I supposed to do?”
“Easy,” Jimmy replied, nodding toward Rebecca, who was now sitting at a table across the bar, surrounded by her friends. “She seemed to interest Chuck. I’ll distract my brother while you go talk to her. Convince her to talk to him.”
Kim narrowed her eyes. “And what do I say? ‘Hey, my boss thinks you’re interesting, but he’s socially inept? Actually, he’s been divorced for a year… and he needs someone to speak for him.’”
Jimmy shrugged. “I trust you, Wexler. Use your natural abilities. Just make it happen.”
Reluctant but intrigued, Kim sighed and stood up. Meanwhile, Jimmy walked over to Chuck's table, forcing a big smile. Kim hesitated, but walked over to the table where Rebecca was sitting with some friends.
Rebecca was chuckling softly at something one of her friends had said when Kim arrived. She introduced herself with a smile, and Rebecca, though surprised, smiled back. Kim complimented her performance.
“Your voice is amazing. My name is Kim, over there”—she gestured discreetly toward Jimmy and Chuck—“we were just talking about how you brought such a classy atmosphere to the bar. Especially my friend Chuck. He was impressed.”
Rebeca blinked, confused by the conversation.
Kim nodded. “That man over there, in the impeccable suit. Maybe you noticed he was the one who applauded the loudest?”
Rebecca's friends immediately began to encourage her, laughing and suggesting that she should meet this Chuck guy. Rebecca hesitated, but curiosity got the better of her. She stood gracefully and followed Kim to the two men standing near the door.
Jimmy was leading Chuck away from the door with some meaningless chatter about bathroom remodeling when Kim appeared at Rebecca's side. "Chuck, Jimmy, I'd like you to meet Rebecca."
Chuck turned, his blue eyes meeting Rebecca’s. The surprise on his face was clear, and Kim could see him momentarily speechless. Maybe it was the impact of the coincidence of their names, or maybe it was her elegance. Rebecca Petrov was very beautiful.
Rebecca extended her hand with a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I heard you enjoyed my presentation, Chuck.”
Chuck recovered quickly, holding her hand gently. “Rebecca… The pleasure is mine. Your performance was… enchanting.”
Her name sounded heavy in his voice, but Chuck kept his composure. Jimmy watched, fighting back a smile. Maybe he had managed to plant the seed his brother needed.