[Note: This story is set after the first film. Elwood has been released from jail after five years and is now 33-ish.]

10.00am on a Friday in South Illinois. New town, new theatre. I remember this place from last year and as I recall it was pretty lively.

I arrive at the Stage Door carrying handfuls of costumes for this evening’s performance of Lallibella, a musical set in East Africa. When I was younger I had often dreamed of being in the theatre, but soon found out I couldn’t sing and was too full of stage fright to act!! Still, I’d gone to college and got myself on the path to being a Wardrobe Mistress. Close enough, I thought!

Now after six years, my dream had come true. However it’s not all glitz and glamour!! In fact it’s down right hard work at times! Especially when members of the cast, unintentionally, do their best to ruin costumes that have taken me ages to put together!

For most of the day I was kept busy taking the costumes from yesterdays performance to the local dry-cleaners, organising the one’s for tonight’s show and somehow in-between making any last-minute repairs. On top of all that I had to find time to get myself fed and watered!!

I had a couple of hours to spare, so as it was a nice summer’s afternoon, I wandered into the town to get something to eat with one of the ensemble and my friend, Elsa.

We ended up getting a take-away as most of the restaurants were a little pricey. As we walked along eating and chatting, I spotted a strange looking car parked just a little way ahead of us. I didn’t say anything about it to Elsa, but it looked vaguely familiar. It was an old police car.

“Shame about this being the last night” Elsa said. “Yeah, it’s been fun” I replied. We were both a little unsure of where our next work would come from, as there’s plenty of competition in this business.

During the conversation I kept trying to think where I’d seen that car before, but couldn’t remember. We passed the car and sat on a park bench a few yards away. “That car looks familiar?” I said, finally having to resort to consulting Elsa.

“What car?” she replied, not knowing what on earth I was talking about. “That old police car there” I said, pointing. Elsa looked at it and said, “Yeah, it does.” “Can’t recall where from though.”

Our anguish was relieved when the owner came back. A tall, rather handsome looking chap, wearing a black hat and suit. Suddenly it came back in a flash! “That’s Elwood Blues!” Elsa exclaimed quietly, so as he wouldn’t hear. He, along with his brother Jake and their band ‘The Blues Brothers’ had made headline news in Chicago a few years back. Sadly more recently, it had been announced that Joliet Jake had passed away.

I also remembered how I used to think what a cutie Elwood was, but before I could distract Elsa from reminding me, she jumped in, “Remember how you used to fancy him?!” she said, cheekily.

“Ssshh!” “He’ll hear you!” I exclaimed. Unfortunately I wasn’t discreet enough and he turned around and looked at us.

I turned away quickly and whispered, “Now you’ve done it!” I tried to stifle a smile, but I couldn’t help myself! Elsa nudged me and I turned back. He was walking towards us. I looked at Elsa and she had a really big grin on her face.

Fortunately he walked straight past and I breathed a sigh of relief. Mind you I must admit he’d got my pulse racing somewhat!!

“You’ve gone bright red!” Elsa laughed. “Oh no, I haven’t have I?” I was really embarrassed now.

We finished our food and wandered back to the theatre. On the way we had to pass the public entrance and I spotted Elwood heading back out towards the door. Goodness only knows why he’s gone in there I thought!! More to the point what was he doing in this town?!

Elsa noticed too and looked behind us as we made a beeline for the Stage Door. “He’s looking at you!” she said, in a mischievous manner. I glanced round briefly, “Oh, I’m sure he’s not!” I was trying to hide my embarrassment again.

The stage door had a peculiar locking mechanism on it and we were fiddling with it for a moment or two. “Oh, what’s happened here!” I said, frustrated. Elsa knocked on the door and called, “Is there anyone behind the door?” “It won’t open?” There was no answer.

“Oh, lets go round the front!” I said, even more frustrated. “OK” Elsa replied.

Elwood was standing outside the main entrance and was totally, or so I thought, absorbed by the posters for forthcoming shows.

As we drew level he noticed us and looked up. Elsa nudged me as I opened the door. “I know, I know!” I whispered back. It was getting very awkward now.

I was very glad to be out of harms way and turned my mind to the show. Meanwhile Elsa went off to her dressing room, while I prepared for my first costume changes.

The show went down a treat. Everyone was singing along to the chorus of the finale, the mother of all African songs, ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’.

Following the performance I gathered up all the costumes and put them with the other things to be loaded into the waiting lorry. When this was done I rejoined Elsa and we bade farewell to the backstage crew, who were breaking down the set.

“Elwood was in the audience you know?!” she said, taking great delight in informing me!! “Was he?” “Wouldn’t have thought that it was his sort of thing!” I replied, puzzled.

We walked out through the loading doors and were surprised to see Elwood chatting to one of the crew, Nathan. I couldn’t think why on earth Elwood should be talking to him!

Elsa made me walk right past Elwood, which I didn’t thank her for at the time! However all we got was a slight glance.

“See, I told you!” I said. “He’s not bothered about me at all!” Elsa glanced behind and replied, “He’s still chatting, but he’s looking this way!” “Will you give up!” I said, slightly fed up with her ‘match-making’.

“OK, but if I saw someone I really fancied I wouldn’t just pass up the opportunity like that!” “You’re married!” I joked. Elsa nudged me playfully. “Now you know why!” she joked back.

Our disappearance must’ve reminded Nathan of something because he came running over, while Elwood walked along slowly behind.

“Clare?!” he called and I turned to face him. “What shall I do with the costumes?” he asked, out of breath. “Oh, just put them in the lorry with the other things” I replied. “They belong to the company, not me.”

Elwood caught up at the tale end of our conversation. “Have you enjoyed the tour?” Elsa asked Nathan. “Yeah, thought this one went better than most.” “Usually does on the last night” I added.

“What you two gonna do now?” Nathan asked. I looked at Elsa and she looked at me. “Don’t know for sure.” “Some of the cast are going to Broadway to audition, so I think I might join them.” “Someone might be looking for a Wardrobe Mistress!” Nathan turned to Elwood and Elsa and I continued towards our parked vehicles.

We had only gone a few paces when I suddenly remembered that I’d once told Nathan about Elwood and how I used to fancy him! “Oh ****!” “What?” Elsa looked at me surprised. “I just remembered, I told Nathan!” The look on my face said it all!!

Elsa just looked at me and laughed. I glanced over at Elwood and Nathan. They were both looking in our direction. “Oh no!” I said. “How embarrassing!” Elsa giggled excitedly, “You’ve gone bright red again!”

“Well, wouldn’t you?!” I retorted. “Yeah, probably!” she replied. “Come on, let’s go quick, before Nathan lands me in hot water!” I said, slightly awkwardly. “No way, I wanna see what happens!” Elsa laughed. I pulled a disapproving expression. “It’s alright for you, you’ve got a man to make your excuses if someone comes on to you, I haven’t!”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let things get out of hand” Elsa said, trying to reassure me. “Just relax, let nature take its course.” “That’s what I’m afraid of!” I said, nervous as hell.

After a few minutes, Nathan and Elwood headed off in the direction of the nearest bar. “Come on?” Elsa said, starting after them. “Nathan’s giving you the best chance you’ll ever get!” I had to admit I’d been on my own for a very long time, mainly due to moving around a lot with various shows. Elwood was the only one I’d ever shown the slightest bit of serious interest in, so I couldn’t fault her logic.

“Elwood won’t wanna hang around with me!” I said as we walked along. “You never know!” Elsa replied. “I’m sure Nathan’s been tellin’ him how nice you are and how you deserve a good man.” “Thanks, but I think Elwood’s probably the last person you could call ‘good’!” “You remember all that trouble he got himself into, if he’s done it once…” I was getting agitated again.

“Clare!” Elsa exclaimed. “I’m sorry, I just don’t wanna land myself in a ‘muddle and go nowhere’ situation again that’s all.” “I don’t wanna get hurt either.” “I know” Elsa replied. “If we could see into the future we wouldn’t do half the things we have in life.” “True” I added.

When we got to the bar, Elsa spotted Nathan and Elwood standing in one corner. She led us over and we stood next to Nathan. “Hi!” he said and bought us a drink. Over the next hour and a half we chin-wagged about all sorts, though Elwood hardly said a word.

I finished my drink and said, “Right, I think I’m going to make tracks.” “Already!” Elsa replied, hinting that I’d not made much of an effort in Elwood’s direction. “Yeah, well, you know how I hate driving at night and I don’t want to fall asleep at the wheel!” Elsa agreed and Nathan decided to call it a day as well.

Suddenly I thought Elsa was right about Nathan playing ‘match-maker’!! I tried to be as cool about it as possible and not make a fool of myself.

As we walked back to the car park, Nathan and Elwood were behind us and I thought I could feel someone’s eyes burning into me. When we came to cross the main road I glanced behind as I looked to see if any cars were approaching. Elwood was staring at me, but perhaps it was just coincidence.

We passed Elwood’s car, but he walked on with us. Perhaps he thought we hadn’t ought be left on our own, especially as there were a few ‘drunks’ hanging around.

Nathan and Elsa stood chatting by her car for a moment or two, so I walked to my camper van and tossed my kit bag inside. I waited for Elsa to finish her conversation so I could say goodbye. They continued to chat for a few minutes and I was beginning to think she was doing it on purpose, just to make me say something to Elwood.

Elwood must’ve got the same message, but I was determined not to give Elsa the satisfaction! My resolve was shattered when Elwood broke the silence. “Where you from?” I looked at him, stunned that he’d actually spoken. “Uh, not far from Joliet.” He just nodded. “I don’t own a house, just my camper.” “I usually book into a local campsite and use it as a base, until the production moves too far away to make it feasible.” He nodded again.

Suddenly Nathan exclaimed, “Blast, I left my stuff in there!” referring to the theatre. “I’ll give you a hand” Elsa added, trotting after him.

Elwood and I were left standing like passengers waiting for a train. “Where’s she off to?!” I said, feeling most uncomfortable about being left alone with Elwood. Luckily the ‘drunks’ had moved on, so at least we weren’t going to have any bother from them.

“I dunno, but I kinda get the feeling they done it on purpose!” Elwood said, equally awkwardly. “Yeah, probably!” I replied.

Elwood looked at me and said, “Nathan told me…” “Oh… that!” I really felt on the spot now. “Sorry!” I apologised. “It’s OK” he said. I looked at him and felt very silly.

“There’s nothing unnatural about it.” “Mmm” I said, grimacing and desperately trying to think of something to say to change the subject. My mind went totally blank!!

Hurry up Elsa I thought, looking at the stage door and praying she would reappear at any second, but she didn’t.

As I turned back my mind cleared a little, “If you don’t mind my asking, what happened to the band?” “No, I don’t mind.” “They took straight jobs, like they had before Jake and I got them into trouble!”

Finally, I think Elwood realised that I wasn’t going to act on what Nathan had been telling him earlier, “Am I bothering you?” I looked at him, startled. “No, why?” “Well, from what Nathan told me…” I felt my face blush again.

“Look, that was a long time ago” I said, saying one thing and meaning another. Before I had the chance to think of another excuse, Elwood took my left hand and gently kissed the back of it.

Feeling helpless, I just looked at him and he smiled back. He could tell I was nervous and put his arm around me protectively. “I don’t bite you know, well not unless you want me to!” he laughed. “I know” I chuckled back.

“Not very good at this am I?” I said. “Oh, I don’t know” he replied, taking my hands and placing them around his waist. “Lets do this one step at a time.” He put his arms around my waist and said, “How’s this?” I tried to answer, but no sound came out, so I just smiled at him.

He held me tighter and cuddled me. I nuzzled my face into his neck and shoulder. “Nice” I managed to whisper. I moved my hands up his back a little and down again. In response he moved his hands round to my front. He undid a couple of buttons on my blouse and caressed my midriff.

I thought things had gone too far already and pulled back. “What’s wrong?” he asked. I looked at him forlornly, “I don’t do one night stands, that’s all” wondering whether I should’ve said that. “I know.” he replied, softly. I’d forgotten that Nathan must’ve told him that as well.

We cuddled again and this time he pressed his hips into mine. “Do that again” he whispered. I put my arms around him and rubbed his back as before. I could feel his heart racing. He lifted the back of his jacket from under my arms so I was ‘closer’ to him.

I felt silly at first, but after a moment or two he wiggled his hips in a way that shattered any remaining resistance I had and made my pulse shoot through the roof!! I squeezed him really tight, pulling him even closer and returned the gesture as best I could. I didn’t have the ‘dancers’ technique he had!! He let out a soft moan and licked my ear. “Mmm, who said you were no good?!” I chuckled a little and squeezed him some more.

Ages seemed to go by, then we heard the Stage Door click and we promptly let each other go. I hurriedly pulled my jacket over my half open blouse.

I said goodbye to Elsa and we promised to keep in touch. Nathan walked off towards his car and Elsa went after a few more minutes’ chinwag.

“What do you want to do now, if that’s not a stupid question?” I said to Elwood. He didn’t say anything, just put his hands on my hips and smiled at me. “I’ll follow you in the Bluesmobile.”

Luckily it wasn’t far. I stopped just short of the campsite gates. “You’d better not bring your car in, someone might see and report you to the site supervisor!” I said. “OK, I’ll find someplace else to park.” I drove to my ‘pitch’ and waited for Elwood.

I was getting tired and really wanted to crash out, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to this time around!! I was fiddling around in the kitchenette for a moment when I heard a knock on the door. I let Elwood in, “No one saw you did they?” I asked. “Nah, I parked the Bluesmobile a little way up the road, outta sight” he replied.

Elwood shut the door quietly and I put the kettle on. “Cuppa?” I asked. “Yeah, thanks” he replied.

We stood kissing and cuddling while the kettle boiled. “Nice place.” “Thanks, I’ve been trying to ‘redecorate’ a little, I keep staring at the same ol’ things all the time!” I poured out two mugs of tea and we sat down in what passes for a lounge.

As we drank our tea, Tiggy, my pet Cat, came and sat on Elwood’s lap! “Oh, where’d you come from?” he asked, surprised.

“Oh, she does that to me sometimes!” “It’s OK, she’s a friendly moggy.” Elwood stroked her and she began to purr contentedly.

I finished my tea and picked Tiggy up, “Come on you, Elwood doesn’t want you sitting there all night!” “I’ll put her out, she’s got a little den outside that she sleeps in.” “OK” Elwood laughed.

When I came back I put our empty mugs on the drainer. “Doesn’t she mind being on the road?” “Oh, I think she’s got used to it now, Cats are quite independent creatures.” “Yeah” Elwood nodded.

“So, how long you worked in the Theatre business?” he said. “Ten years now, six of those have been as a full Wardrobe Mistress.” “It takes a while to ‘learn the ropes’!” “Yes, I can imagine” Elwood replied, softly.

“What about you, what are you doing these days?” I asked. “Nothin’ much, whatever job happens my way really” he replied. “I’ve managed to earn enough to keep the Bluesmobile going and…” he paused, obviously I’d hit a raw nerve.

“It’s OK, I know what you mean.” “It’s just the same in the Theatre.” “One minute you’ve got work, the next you haven’t.” We seemed to find a common ground on that level.

I looked into his eyes, still hidden by his shades. I could just make them out with the light shining directly onto his face. He smiled and pulled me closer to him.

We kissed for several minutes before we lay down on the seat. It wasn’t very comfortable, mind you it wasn’t really intended for that sort of thing!!

“Mmm” Elwood muttered in my ear as he caressed my tummy. Reaching down he unbuttoned my pants and blouse. I realised it wouldn’t be long before we took things to the next level.

While Elwood used the bathroom I made up the folding bed. I sat on the edge of it and thought for a moment. A lot of things began to race through my mind, like was I doing the right thing? Would he just vanish after he’d had his fun? The more I thought, the more I changed my mind back and forth.

I took my over garments off and sat on the bed with my legs curled under me. When Elwood came back he clambered over to the far side of the bed and took off his suit, shoes and socks. There wasn’t a lot of headroom so he knelt to one side of me. He removed his hat and shades and put them on the recessed ‘bedside table’.

I was still sitting near the edge of the bed and had my back to Elwood slightly. He put his hands under my rear and lifting me up a little, pulled me closer to him.

“You look totally different without your hat and shades!” I laughed. “But just as sweet.” He smiled and wiggled his fingers, still underneath me. I wasn’t expecting that!! I couldn’t help but chuckle!

“That tickles, don’t!” I said, giggling. Of course he did it all the more! “Cut that out!” I said, slapping him affectionately.

He freed his hands and we lay back and kissed for some minutes before he climbed on top of me and did that ‘funky’ hip movement again!! A few moments of that and he’d driven me wild with passion!!

I looked up at him, my eyes glazed with excitement, “I…haven’t had anyone in a long time” I said. “Well, once you learn…” he kissed me again, even more passionately than before.

He rubbed his hands up and down my body and as he did so he pulled at my underpants. I sat up to remove them and my bra, while he took off his own remaining attire and threw them in a heap next to mine!

Unfortunately my camper van doesn’t have much in the way of heating, so we crawled under the bedding pretty darn quick!!

After another round of passionate kissing and cuddling, he climbed on top of me once more. This time I completely lost control and putting my arms around his waist, pressed him onto me as hard as I could!! “Ohhh!” I moaned, softly.

“Mmmm” he muttered again. “You enjoying that?!” “Yeah!” I replied, rather wantonly. “Me too.” He began to kiss me all over my chest and tummy. As he did so, I caressed his back.

Suddenly he rolled over and pulled me on top of him. I returned the kisses. The lower I went, the crazier it made him!!

Finally he couldn’t stand it any longer and rolling on top of me again, made love to me so passionately that it made me shout out, “Oh Elwood!!” “Gimme some lovin’!!!” I’d had relationships in the past, but none of them had made me feel like this!

I let him recover sufficiently before whispering in his ear, “Do that again.” He looked at me, smiled and obliged!!! I enjoyed his lovin’ so much that I just kept on begging for more!!

When we’d thoroughly worn each other out we curled up and went to sleep. We didn’t wake up until fairly late the next morning and were still in each other’s arms! I had to use the bathroom, so I got up, had a shower and got breakfast started.

Presently, Elwood joined me. He came up from behind and put his arms around my waist. We cuddled again for a few minutes. After breakfast, although we’d both got dressed we couldn’t keep our paws off each other and ended up going back to bed!! In fact we spent pretty much the rest of the day there!!!

The following morning Elwood insisted on joining me in the shower!! That was an amusing experience to say the least! Not only because of the restricted space, but mainly due to him dropping the soap every five seconds!!!

We spent a few more days together, before I thought I’d better do something about getting another job. “Elwood, I need to get some work organised and I think you should too.” He looked at me like I was about to give him a lecture. “Yeah, you’re right” he replied after thinking it over for a moment.

“It could take me a while you realise.” “Jobs are hard to come by in this business as I’m sure you know only too well!” I said, forlornly. “Well I can always get a job someplace.” “I picked up the one I had before Jake and I went inside pretty easily” he replied.

“You mean you want to stay with me?” I asked, surprised. “Sure, why not?” “I got nothin’ to go anyplace else for!” “Well…” I paused. “It’s just that all the other relationships I’ve had in the past have gone nowhere that’s all.”

“Well I’ve had too many years on the run and getting into trouble with the law” he said. “It’s about time I had some stability in my life” he added. “You’ve shown me more kindness than anyone’s done in a very long time.” I was so deeply touched by his sentiments that all I could do was smile at him.

I was taken aback, but at the same time glad that he thought I could have a good influence on him. We sat down together and held hands for a moment.

“Whatever the future holds, all I know is I want to be with you” he said, caressing my hands. I smiled at him and we kissed passionately.

“Let me settle up with this place and we’ll be on our way.” “OK, I’ll stay outta sight!” Elwood replied. I walked over to the office, paid the bill and was just walking back when it started to rain heavily.

I only just escaped a drenching!!! “You’re all damp!” Elwood laughed. “Yeah!” “Better get changed before we set off.” Of course Elwood helped me do that!!! Talk about making a mountain of a molehill!!

“You’d best stay in the back until we’re outta sight of this place” I said. “OK” he replied. “All clear!” I called when we cleared the gates. “Where did you park exactly?” “In that field gateway there” he said, pointing.

I stopped just beyond it and Elwood hopped out. After negotiating a few deep ruts he drove out behind me and we set off into our new life together.