Oakland and Tom at the stork Club.
I walked in while glancing around the room to see if my date had beat me there or not. It was place that would definitely fit the comforting and nestalgic term “dive bar”. The collection of old barbies up that lined the mirror behind the booze. I was texting my date to let him know I had arrived when I heard – “Can I see your ID maam?” I”m slightly embarrassed and smile as I hand over my id with an a chipper “of course!”.
Early 40’s, jovial and kind face. one that is always smiling without actually ever forcing the muscles into the obvious emotion. He hands my Id back and sticks out his hand and says “Hi, I’m Tom. Welcome.” No particularly distinctive features. About 5’7 and bald. Probably really good looking at 20 with hair and slimmer stature.
Calm content and grounded demeanor. Knows everyone that walks in by name and if he doesn’t he quickly learns it.
It’s his moms place but he works there most times. He’s married, no idea of kids yet.. but you can tell he has spent most of his years being in that room serving that bar. He makes jokes about the barbies being his inheritance and speaks compassionately about the fish in the corner tank that isn’t doing so well lately.
I’m exhausted so I have a seat at the bar. It’s blue grass jam night and i’m a little early. Everyone is slowly arriving and a few are tuning their instruments. I’m excited to see banjos in the mix.
Tom is maybe a little intuitive (as a good bartender should be) and asks me about my day. Im beyond tired and it probably shows on my face. He puts a plate of freshly delivered chinese food in front of me. He claims its the best in town. He should know, he’s been going there for 30 years. I’m not a big fan generally but it is pretty great. Another girl stops by the counter from a backroom where I can hear probably billiards in the distance. He chats with her and offers her some chinese as well.
24th and Telegraph with the old neon sign outfront that was hung 30 years ago. I don’t think the electricity in it still works but the bulbs are still in place.
This is Monday night.
