The Bed You Make
Chapter 30, continued

Stefan allowed his eyes to adjust to the subdued lighting of the club. When they had, it became apparent why the club was called the Hole in the Wall. The stage had been crafted so that the performers were observed through a roughly hewn hole in the club's far wall.

The unusual stage was currently the only unoccupied area of the club. A diverse mix of people sat closely packed around round tables not intended to accommodate their numbers. A quick glance over the assembled crowd fueled Stefan's suspicion that there were far more people inside the club than was allowed by city fire codes.

“This place hasn't changed a bit,” Dara marveled.

“And this would be a favorable thing?”

“My husband, the snob… Come on. I'm guessing those two conspicuously unoccupied seats right down front are ours.”

Stefan followed Dara as she wound her way through the closely spaced tables. Her mood was lighter than he'd seen in the short duration of their marriage. She was in her element; it was a very enlightening thing for him to observe.

The club manager intercepted them just as they reached their seats. He introduced himself and offered Stefan his hand. “Things are a bit tight,” the man said, “but we managed to save you the best seats in the house.” He pulled out Dara's chair for her. “I hope you don't have any problem with close quarters.”

Stefan met the club owner's carefully curious gaze. “It is no hardship for me to enjoy my wife's nearness,” he replied, sliding carefully into his seat.

“Good,” the manager nodded. “Well, you picked the right night to come. You missed the opening set, but things are just getting warmed up. We've got a couple of young kids who are gonna blow you away tonight. So, enjoy.””

Almost immediately, the house lights dimmed to near total darkness. Stefan ignored the surreptitious glances of the others at the table and focused instead on watching Dara's face as she gazed expectantly at the stage before them.