July 17, 1869

Amiville.

The music played loudly from the turntable as I danced on stage. This was my new job now, to dance for those that would watch and to help them forget about the worries and stress they faced everyday. As a writer, I was looking forward to getting to know more people in town and maybe become inspired for more stories. 

As I was talking with Foxie, a man came into the saloon. He had long brown hair and a beard. 

“Howdy Sir,” Foxie greeted him. “Name’s Foxie and this is Miss Trin... Can we get you a drink?” 

“Good day.” 

“How do you do today, Sir?” I asked with a smile. 

“Cannot complain. The hotel’s good, the town’s rather quiet. What can one wish for?” 

“It’s quiet for now indeed,” I chuckled. I looked to the door and saw a native man walking in who had teased me just days before. “Mornin’ Daso. How are you doing? Can I get you a drink?” 

“Do you forgive me for calling you a flower snake yet?” 

“I’ll let it slide just this once. You do it again and I’ll be less forgiving,” I winked, knowing that if I planned to work here I’d have to let small things like his teasing not get to me. 

“Okay then,” he said. “I can just go behind the bar and pour my own cup of coffee though. Saves you the trouble.” 

“Maybe I’ll do it instead,” the bearded man put up a teasing grin. 

“Can I get you a drink, Sir?” I asked him, walking over to the bar. 

“Well whatever you can recommend.” 

“Well Sir, do ya feel like somethin’ strong or...?” 

“Like I said, whatever you can recommend. As long as it’s good it’s fine with me, Ma’am.” 

A couple more natives came into the saloon and spoke with each other in a language I didn’t understand. I continued to serve drinks and the man with the beard introduced himself as Blackwell. A lawyer also came in who called himself Isaac Parker, saying that he was here to help Judge Islay. I watched the natives interact, growing more and more curious about them. As the two left the saloon, I noticed a girl I’d met before sitting in her seat looking anxious about something and I asked her if she was alright. 

“Well gettin’ nervous, Trin. Ma and Pa will be coming in stage today.” 

“Ah yes, I can understand that, Penny. Hope that visit goes well.” 

Penny drank more of her beer and I noticed her hands shaking. “Penny, darling, perhaps you should have somethin’ a bit less strong?” I suggested. 

“Trin, no no,” she shook her head. 

“Seem like the natives around here made some bad experience with us, eh?” Blackwell asked, observing the two by the corner of the saloon. 

Since people had enough drinks, I went back up on stage and continued to dance for those there. More folks came in and out of the saloon as the morning continued at a rapid pace. Velvet ordered a drink and then sat down on a bench, visibly wincing as she moved. 

“You alright there, Velvet?” I asked her, concerned. 

“I ran into an outlaw and got beat up pretty bad.” 

“Oh no!” I gasped in surprised. 

“Just been resting at the clinic, but I really needed some coffee.” 

“Ya gotta be careful ‘round those outlaws!” I warned. 

“Yes, Miss Lali helped me out last night and fixed up best she could. I was just resting and need to 

heal up a bit,” she said and took a big sip of coffee. 

I greeted Claire as she came on stage to dance beside me. We talked about shopping for dresses as we continued to dance. Isaac Parker walked back into the saloon and Foxie asked him what kind of work he did for Judge Clifton. Isaac explained that the judge worked for him and that he’d arrived on the stage in Denver and rode into town last night. 

“Ah, weren’t the roads treacherous at night, Isaac?” 

“Well ma’am, I’ve had my share of danger. I’m mighty surprised my reputation hasn’t proceeded me,” he laughed. 

Velvet aset her coffee down on the bench and stood, trying to steady herself a bit but was clearly still wincing. “I think I’m gonna head home and try to get some more rest. It was nice to see you all!” 

“Take care, Velvet. Feel better,” I told her and she headed home. 

“I think I’m gonna head home for some lunch, Foxie,” I said then and made my way off the stage. and changed out of my dancing outfit into pants and a shirt. “Have a good day everyone!” I waved as I walked out of the saloon and headed home for the rest of the day.