Chapter 6: Ancient paths or too many coincidences?

Lady Laveenasura looked around the small telephone parlor, visions of the old train depot playing in her mind. “Lady Laveena?” Joon hurried into the parlor. “Joon, so lovely to see you.” She looks so much like her mother, Laveena thought. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” Joon said. “Not at all,” Laveena reassured. “Mom […]

Chapter 5: You’re not ready yet?

“Mom. You’re on in… what, 15 minutes? You’re not ready yet?” Joon didn’t even try to hide the rising frustration in her voice. “What are you doing?” Maye was surprisingly calm. “Can’t decide whether to wear the green, red, or silver. I’m not sure why its turning into such a difficult decision, but it is.” […]

Chapter 4: FANS in the Pilots’ Lounge

“No, no, not that kind of fans,” Bud thought carefully before continuing. Emily had been away a long time. “FANS, as in Future Aviation Navigation Systems,” he saw the flash in her eyes the moment he spoke the words. She wanted to know more. “I must have this FANS on my airplane,” she declared. Bud […]

Chapter 3: Tensions from the Soda Bar

“This was your great-grandmother’s microphone,” Arturo explained, noting Dellasura’s interest. “She often complained that it was too tall for her.” Dellasura examined the microphone. “Well, it is rather tall. I’m afraid my dehydration is distracting, is there …”

Chapter 2. Opening night jitters

“Oh! There you are! Joon told me you need changes to one of the guest rooms?” Trudy, the intern, asked while stumbling in the high heel shoes she wasn’t used to wearing. “Yes, please set the mini-fridge at 60.8 degrees in Guest Room Six,” Maye instructed.

Chapter 1. Welcome to Back Talk Cafe!

Finding her balance, Lucky Maye took a slow deep breath as she smoothed the waist of her gown and raised her hand high above her head. I can do this, she thought, I can. Do. This. She closed her eyes. “I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues,” she whispered, then tipped her palm.