The Hush Society Presents... by Izzy Matias

Author:Izzy Matias [Matias, Izzy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-20T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

If there’s one thing I love about Bristol it’s the new places that pop up all year ‘round. Aside from Beverley, Bristol is the only other city I’m well acquainted with since Benji has a house here. The many summers we spent in this city has allowed me to see turnover of new shops, restaurants, and pubs. There are places we keep coming back to and The Seven Mermaids is one of them.

It’s one of the oldest pubs in Bristol, but the way it’s managed is up to date—they’ve got events, live acts, and of course great ale.

"Open mic night?" Benji asks as soon as the words The Seven Mermaids rolls out of my mouth.

People don’t expect much on open mic night. And though there are probably other pubs hosting open mic night because Bristol is a bustling city, we love The Seven Mermaids.

"Do you think you can get Dan, Ella, and the others to come over?" I ask Cassie. "It’s a shame to waste a night like this when there are people expecting a gig. What do you think?"

Cassie smiles and calls Dan to relay the message. "They’ll be there," she says and puts her mobile in her bag.

We enter the pub, welcomed by its familiar aroma—Arbor ale and pinewood—and scan the area.

"You sure about this?" Eric asks, doubting.

"Yes," I say. "What’s the worst that can happen?"

"Hecklers," Eric replies. "That’s what."

"Haven’t encountered any of them here before," I assure him.

"That doesn’t mean they won’t be here tonight."

"Have some faith, will you?" I pat his back and approach the bar.

The staff greets us with nods. "The usual?" Pam asks me, grabbing an empty pint glass ready to fill it up with one of the ales lined up on the bar table.

"I was gonna ask if there’s still room in tonight’s open mic."

"You sing?" she asks, surprised.

Three of my previous musical ventures were during College, so it was the usual: play at someone’s party, or sign up for battle of the bands or at a College event if you were good enough. The last two projects I had—the one with Lewis and the punk band with Elliot—we limited ourselves to talent showcase nights or really small gigs. It’s the first time I’m juggling band practice, music composition, and a constant stream of gigs.

"Yes," I answer Pam. "My mates are playing as well."

"Eric and Benji?" she says.

"You got that right!"

"Let me ask," she says and disappears to the back as another bartender attends to the people beside me.

"A musician, you say?" a male voice asks.

I whip my head to face a man in his early forties. He clutches a pint in his hands. His eyes are sunken and he’s in the early stages of growing his facial hair out.

"You heard right. We’re on tour this summer." I don’t know why I’m telling a complete stranger this, but I guess part of me wants this validated or to get a recognition of sorts—like hey! He’s on tour, so he must be good.

Pam comes back out and approaches us.

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