Chapter Text
September, 1933
A speakeasy was definitely not Susie’s first choice of work.
Sure, the barkeeper was a good fellow who paid well and kept any lingering eyes away from her, and she’d met all sorts of other performers with their own quirks and interesting personalities. She’d even made some close friends and acquaintances. But she knew the potential danger, considering the prohibition and all. When her mother had found out about her newest gig as a singer at a blind pig, she’d done the sign of the cross on the spot. Though Mrs. Campbell hadn’t frowned upon her daughter’s job, she did warn her.
There were rumors flying around between the waiting staff that prohibition would soon end which meant that the place would likely be closed, unable to compete with the legal bars that would be popping up.
What did that mean for the starlet? She’d be once again living with her mother, unable to afford her small apartment without steady pay. Back at square one. Not to mention that she would have already been married and settled down if she hadn’t chosen to become a performer. But she couldn’t possibly let that happen. She hadn’t even found her spark yet! Yes, She cared deeply for the speakeasy that had picked her up when she was desperate, but she needed to find what really resonated with her! A real, stable job that didn’t have the risks her current one did.
In fact, Susie had voiced her concerns to her coworkers who didn’t exactly humor her worries.
“Don’t start gettin’ all sappy on me. Those rumors are just a bunch of baloney.“ remarked one of the servers Susie had befriended in her time at the joint. Said server was pale, wore bold lipstick and overall what most would describe as a good looking woman.
Susie was about to counter and defend her case when the woman spoke again. “And, no offense, how many aspiring performers actually get something meaningful out of their work?“
Despite her coworker not meaning offense, Susie, well…took offense. “Acting is an art form, I'll have you know.“ she replied. Her tone wasn’t rude, instead she framed it as a teasing remark. She didn’t want to start any needless conflicts unless she had a good reason.
The server chuckled at that. “That’s not what I meant. What I mean is, it's tough to get work nowadays, especially in showbiz. And the chances of you finding that meaningful opportunity you’re yammering about probably ain’t as high as you think they are.“
Susie thought about that for a moment and as much as she hated to admit it, she did have a point. How long had she been barely scrapping by before being offered a gig at the speakeasy? And how many times during her first couple years as a singer did she consider giving up? Too many to count.
But she didn’t want to think about that. Susie prided herself on being a peppy and positive influence and all this Negative Nancy talk would be a contributing reason to why she hadn’t yet reached her goal! She just had to keep her chin up.
“A girl can dream.” is all Susie responded with, a little wistful.
“She sure can, but she’d best keep her head out of the clouds.“ replied the server. Her eyes were pinned on the starlet and had been this whole conversation, not to mention that smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
“And why is that?“ She questioned with a tilt of her head.
The server leaned in before speaking, that smile now fully formed and subtly teasing. “‘Cause her boss is flaggin’ her down.“
Susie blinked. That's not quite what she expected. She must have been outwardly stunned because her coworker let out a quick bark of laughter.
Susie then turned her head around to find the barkeeper gesturing wildly at her from the small stage tucked near the back. It was difficult to make him out from behind the curtain and the crowd near it, but he most definitely wasn’t pleased with her. Susie’s cheeks immediately flushed a light crimson. How could she have been so ignorant!?
Susie stood up quickly and smoothed out her skirt, as well as making sure her necklace was on straight and her earrings looked cute. She still wanted to look pretty even if she was late to her performance. Better to be fashionable and late rather than ugly and late.
“You got a strand of hair in your face, hun.” the server commented, now resting her elbows on the bar counter.
Susie then brushed the stray curl out of her face and gave a quick smile. “Thank you. Also, you shouldn’t lean on the counter like that. I don’t want to imagine how many drunks have puked on it.“
“And I don’t wanna imagine how frazzled the boss’ll be if you don't move along.” The server teased back, her cheeky smirk returning.
Susie rolled her eyes playfully before turning with a flourish and walking away from the bar.
While this speakeasy wasn’t the biggest joint, considering it wasn’t run by mobsters, it did get awfully packed on a Friday night. It was dimly lit and wasn’t nearly as fancy as a higher quality place, but it was good enough. Not to mention there were plenty of sweaty bodies on the dance floor, which made it difficult for Susie to travel from the seating area to the main stage. The same stage she had meant to be at a while ago.
She hoped the barkeeper wouldn’t be too pissed about it, but then again he was never harsh with her (which she was thankful for, considering how some of her past bosses had been). If anything he might be mildly cross, and that she could handle.
Once she’d successfully navigated the crowd of dancing drunks, she met her boss behind the curtain.
“Took you long enough!“ he remarked; his brow was creased and he was visibly stressed. Like he’d aged ten years just waiting for her.
Susie frowned. “I’m sorry, I got held up.“
The barkeeper shrugged, lightening up ever so slightly. “Mhm. Saw you both chatting each other up back there. But right now we need you on stage, so get up there!”
Before Susie could respond to the claim, or attempt any kind of reply, he ushered her out from the back and onto the main stage. And thus the crowd turned to her.
Well… here goes nothing.