Posted by Civilian Kristina Cosgrove (Student, Public Relations Intern) in Swing on By - More than Music

Posted by Civilian Michael Conrad (Owner- Black Sparrow) in Swing on By - More than Music
Conrad had shown up early to his destination. Swing on By was a somewhat new venture that had opened up. Michael had never been, but he did his research beforehand. He donned grey slacks with a buttoned up white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. With the top button undone, he wore a black vest over the shirt. And on the top of his head was a black fedora.

Michael sat on one of the stools at the curved bar that happened to look like a piano. Behind him and to his left was the corner stage that had been framed by luscious dark green curtains. A jazz quartet happened to be setting up when he arrived, though he wasn’t terribly early. The gold surfaces were reflecting the dim light cast by candles and sconces all around.

The bartender strolled up. “What’ll it be?” he asked, clearly a phrase that rolled off his tongue here.

Conrad looked up. “Water for now,” he stated. Upon seeing the bartender’s expression, he added, “I’m waiting for someone. Don’t want anything too strong unless the evening lends itself that way.”

The bartender grunted a laugh as he set a glass down and poured a water.

Meanwhile, Conrad continued to observe his surroundings.

-Michael Conrad

A few more people came in while he waited, but it wasn’t long before she arrived. Kristina stepped in behind another couple and had to peer around them. The hostess greeted her. “Do you have a reservation?”

“I’m meeting someone her,” she said, and then she saw him as the other couple moved forward into the lounge. She grinned in his direction, but spoke to the hostess. “And I’ve found him.”

She had pondered how serious to take this as far as a date went. But when she had suggested dinner, and then he suggested this place, well, she knew it was a proper date. As she moved towards him in high heels, her navy blue lace dress hugged her body, ending just above the knee. With small cap sleeves and a moderately high neck, it seemed rather modest until she passed near light and you could see skin beneath the lace at her midriff and above her chest.

Joining him at the bar, she reached up and tapped the brim of the fedora. “I like the hat,” she said with a grin.

~Kristina Cosgrove

Michael had seen her approach out of the corner of his eye, but he kept his gaze ahead as though he were focused on his drink. He grinned when he heard her familiar voice and the light touch of the fedora.

He turned and soaked in her look and presence. His eyes startedat her body and quickly moved up to meet her gaze. He grinned. “I’m glad! It felt appropriate to be fair. Almost considered it as a Conrad staple. Haven’t made the jump yet.”

He paused a moment. “You look exquisite! I don’t know whether to stay here and we eat in plain sight or if we should find a table with less prying eyes.” He gave a slight inidcation to behind her as one younger man quickly turned back to his meal, having been caught staring.

-Michael Conradd