Chapter 3 It was just about seven o’clock when Weslena finally heard the gentle rapping at the thin oak door. It was Buck waking her from her pleasant and needed nap. She sat up, stretched, and bid him thanks. He chuckled politely from the other side and mentioned something about coffee. The smell finally hit her and her eyes perked right up. She wasn’t normally a coffee drinker but right about now it smelled too good to resist. Especially after the past few days, she thought “I could use a lil pick me up”. And with that went to join Buck and his wife for a nice cup of joe. Even though the watch didn’t work well she liked the idea of having it on her. It was a kind of security blanket for her, something to keep her mother close. So when Buck offered to fix it for her the thought of relinquishing the watch rattled her just a bit. Now that she’d gotten some sleep and had a chance to think about it, she thought that maybe getting the old thing fixed wouldn’t be such a bad idea. So before leaving her room she grabbed it and stuff it in her pocket. She found Buck and his wife Betty already in the kitchen nibbling on garden salads and eating what smelled like some mighty good beef stew, and sipping on coffee. There was a place already set for her with a good sized portion of stew steaming in a bowl. Even though she had eaten the steak before she laid down for her nap she was still ravenous, and attacked the stew with unabated hunger. “Well lil lady looks like you appetite didn’t rest with you” Buck chortled, “and that’s prolly a good thing since you’re going to be working with that ole coot Jake”. “He seems nice enough, I mean he did give me a job and found me a roof to be under.” “hey” she said, through mouthfuls of stew “would you still be willing to take a look at my watch for me, if it’s not too much trouble?” “Sure” Buck replied cheerly “I was hoping you would come round on that.” Besides he added it’ll give these old bones something to do for a while, besides pester my wife.” Without the reservation she handed the watch over to him. It spilled out of her hand and into his, catching the last bit of sunlight coming in through the window as it fell. The sparkle coming from the watch matched her mood perfectly, she thought. She had been in town only a few hours now and already it was feeling like an old glove, relaxed and comfortable. She bid Buck and Betty farewell and sprinted out the door toward Austin’s. She was excited to have work already, and she was especially pleased that she would be getting to listen to Gary P Nunn tonight while she was learning the ropes. Mr. Gary Nunn was part of the new era of music that started in the early 70’s and called by some, “Texas progressive” “outlaw music” He’s played with the likes of Michael Martin Murphey, Jerry Jeff Walker, and of course Willie Nelson. So with a history like that how could you possibly go wrong? Besides country music is good for the soul, and I could sure use some good healing music. Weslena reached Austin’s about a quarter to eight. Jake saw her come through the door and strode over to her, checking his pocket watch as he went. Well he thought she’s punctual, early even, that’s a good start. “Hi there Weslena glad you made here ok” the old Texan shouted, even though he was right next to her. The din of voices and music was already fairly loud, and you had to shout to the person next to you just to be heard. “Hi Jake, looks like things are already getting under way here. Where would you like me to start?” “I think showing you around the place would be a good start, so as not to rush you into things. Once you get to know your way around the place we’ll get you set up taking orders and such, as well as getting to know the clientele.” “Whelp, you’ve got an hour before the Gary starts playing, and the crowd starts rollin’ in, so we best get you started”
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