A Unique Request at a Piano Bar

It was a typical evening shift at the Beat & Drink Piano Bar. People coming in to have a night out. People leaving, drunk probably - probably going to end up doing something stupid and getting caught. You know how it is, the usual. Then again, what do you expect in a place like Vegas? The only difference about tonight is that there's a carnival not too far from our location. So, the streets were a lot busier than usual. Plus, it's the weekend, meaning, juveniles are out partying.

I had just finished playing an upbeat jazz piece when I heard a burst of laughter coming from a group sitting on the far side of the room. I smile rolling my eyes as I go about my business.

"Do you take requests?" I hear someone approach.

I look up from the piano to see a man, probably in his mid-30's, standing there a little awkward, holding a drink. He didn't exactly look to be someone who fits in with Vegas, I thought to myself. Not that that meant anything.

"Always," I say as I'm adjusting my sleeves, "What can I play for you today?"

He gives a smile, "It's actually not for me," he says as he takes a step to the side revealing an old man in a wheelchair. "This is my grandfather." I give a nod with a soft smile towards the old man.

"My grandfather likes classical music, you see. Do you know any?" The man asks.

"Classical?" I do a quick glance towards the piano as a knee jerk response. I definitely wasn't expecting any request for classical music tonight, but I nod, "Of course. I know many."

"Are you familiar with Debussy?" He asks. I nod. "Debussy, Clair de Lune?" He asks.

I pick up my glass of water. "That's a, surprisingly very specific request." I say before taking a sip. "But yes, I do know Clair de Lune."

He gives me a smile in which I give one in return. The man then turns to rejoin with his grandfather who was trying to eat an apple. I see him take the apple from his grandfather to slice it up for him. I can't help but smile again.

I will admit, this request isn't so much strange, but unique given that I've been playing jazz and pop music all day. But I like it. It's a nice change in pace, I thought to myself. It'll also be good on my sprained wrist.

I adjust my watch, ready to play when I hear another burst of noise coming from the same group as before. This time a little more rowdy, almost like there's some controversy going on, or something. I ignore it though as I start playing Debussy, Clair de Lune.

As I play though the piece, every so often I glance up toward the young man and his grandfather. They would be talking and laughing.

"Tell me the story of grandma." I hear the young man ask at one point. I didn't want to feel intrusive so I didn't hear the old mans story.

As the evening went by, the rowdy group finally left. The sun was down and the city lights filled the night sky. Usually the Beat & Drink stays open 24/7 but because of the carnival event going on, we were closing for the next day.

I had just finished playing Beethoven, Moonlight Sonata when I look up realizing the bar was more or less empty. I look at my watch - 11:50 PM. 10 more minutes before closing. I look around the room to see mainly staff workers cleaning, putting up chairs, wiping down counters, stuff like that. I look back to my surprise to still see the man and his grandfather still sitting there enjoying themselves. I smile as I start packing my things away as well. I'm about to stand when the man approaches me.

"Thank you so much for playing our request, ma'am. My grandfather and I really enjoyed hearing you play tonight." He takes my hand for a shake in which I gladly accept. I look down feeling something in my hands. It was money.

"Oh, no. You don't have to do that." I tell the young man as I hand it back to him.

But he and his grandfather were already at the door, about to leave. I see him turn to me one last time with a smile as he walks out. All I can do is smile and roll my eyes.