<span style="font-family: 'Didact Gothic', 'sans-serif'">Lettie found herself daydreaming during her lesson with her students. She could barely focus in class as she thought about what the night would hold for her this evening. She secretly hoped to see that charming rum runner again. Blushing, she went back to the book she read to her students and continued on. It was silly. There was no way he'd be interested in her. She was plain. A singer that was lucky enough her daddy owned a club.<br/>
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Sighing, she waved her students off as the school bell chimed signalling for the day ending. She took off to the bakery for rehearsal before tonight's performance. She waved to her mama and sisters before heading down the Rose Noir. Annette looked up from her task of flouring the racks of bread and followed Lettie down the stairs. <br/>
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"I heard you were a big hit last night."<br/>
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Lettie scoffed removing her hat and scarf. "Really? I think everyone just like the booze papa bought. I was okay."<br/>
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"Just okay? Terrence couldn't stop gushing on about you gal. Mama had to tell him to shush at least ten times before he left to do deliveries. You he engaged to Bessie. You keep sangin' like that and all them Harlem gals gon be lookin' for ya."<br/>
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Lettie waved to the band members as she giggled with her sister. "We'll just put a hoo doo curse of 'em. Make they hairs fall off."<br/>
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Annette howled with laughter. "<i>Cher</i> yous a mess. Have a great rehearsal. I'm comin' back up tonight with Elijah. He wants to take me out."<br/>
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Lettie patted her hand arm with a smile. "Can't wait to meet him finally. Y'all been courting too long. Maybe a wedding down the line."<br/>
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Annette rolled her eyes. "Not until he gets it together. Have fun."<br/>
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Lettie walked up the stairs as her father and brothers entered from the storage room. She waved to them before warming her vocal chords. Baptiste gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and passed out a new music sheets. "Here is the new song for tonight. Let's get started."<br/>
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The first notes of the trumpet played. Lettie tapped her heel glancing over the lyrics as she counted. She started singing and swaying to the rhythm. Just as the band got into the music, Baptiste cut off the beat. Lettie looked up from the music sheets to see Tony clapping in the corner. Her cheeks covered in pink. <br/>
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"Orders here. Marcel, Rene, take care of putting it away. Band, take a twenty minute break."<br/>
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Rene handed Lettie a glass a water before he went off to help move the liquor crates. She thanked him after stepping down the stairs as Tony approached her. Baptiste glanced from Tony to Lettie a quiet smile on his face.  "Tony, this is my daughter Adelaide. Finest singer in New York."<br/>
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She blushed giving her father a pat on the arm. "Papa you need to be humble," she gave Tony a giggle. "Please call me Lettie, everyone else does. Nice to meet you sir."<br/>
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Baptiste chuckled. "Tony here is out new supplier and he charmed by ya voice the day before. Imma go help ya brothers, yea."<br/>
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Lettie noticed the dance had emptied out a bit leaving her and Tony alone, but she leaned against the bar clasping her hands over her stomach. As she listened to him speak, her cheeks darkened again. Her eyes wavered from his to the floor. "I'm flattered. I-I have to be honest. You caught my eye as well."<br/>
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She bit down on her lip meeting his gaze demurely. Lettie rarely felt shy, but he was making her feel this way.<br/>
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