A Flash of Jazz - Easy Living

Phil woke up with the sun beaming on his face as it filtered through the window. He rolled over and cursed softly as he pulled out his latest read from under him. He chuckled and set the book on the side table, then got up to get himself ready for his weekly meeting with his best friend, Jackson. They had met while students at Tulane University five years ago - both aspiring novelists, inspired by the ghosts of writers who made New Orleans their home and Muse. After college, both remained in New Orleans and assimilated themselves into the city and everything it had to offer. Phil left his apartment in Gentilly and made his way to the Garden District, where Jackson, thanks to his first book doing rather well, lived in a somewhat crumbling yet still glorious house. Today was their day of brunch, followed by spending time and money in Octavia Books. As Phil pulled up to Jackson's house, he noticed his friend sitting on the front porch with a woman who threw her head back to laugh at something he'd said. Phil stared at the woman for a moment, then got out of his car and raced up the stairs. Hey buddy, Jackson called out to him, hope you don't mind if we're three today. He turned to the woman and added - this is Elaine. Elaine, dressed in a long black skirt, white shirt, and black sandals, while her mass of black curls was pulled back into a messy ponytail, leaned forward with an outstretched hand. Phil smelled lavender emanating from her; he wanted to close his eyes in ecstasy. We met at Rue de la Course last Sunday, Jackson said as Phil sat on the steps to light up a cigarette. Apparently, me reading Simone de Beauvoir caught his eye, Elaine said in a throaty tone as Jackson got up and went inside. I hope you don't mind that I join you two today, she added. He made your Saturdays seem so much fun to me. Phil nodded that everything was cool as he smoked, yet he was nothing but nerves on the inside. This woman, he thought to himself. This gorgeous woman. He took a deep breath just to take in her lavender scent again. She reached for her teacup that sat next to her and took a sip. What's your poison, Phil asked. Jasmine green tea, Elaine replied as she set the cup on her lap. I can't get through a day without at least two cups of it. Jackson soon returned with a glass of water for Phil. Now it's my turn, Elaine replied as she handed her cup to Jackson and went inside. Well, Jackson replied as soon as the door closed behind her, what d'ya think? She's a French teacher, writes poetry and belongs to a small group of film snobs, and loves eating beignets while watching classic films. Got hundreds of books in her collection, too. He sighed - she's the one for me, man. Phil laughed as he stubbed out his cigarette in Jackson's vintage orange coloured ashtray behind him. And how long will this one last, he asked calmly. Jackson squinted his eyes and then laughed. Okay, okay, he replied, but seriously I really dig her. It's like she's from the Beat Generation. Phil stared at her cup and noticed the lipstick mark as if for the first time. Deep red, like a rose fully in bloom. We got it made here, Jackson said to himself. Only in New Orleans can you live this kind of life and meet women like Elaine. And only here, Phil thought to himself, can you come up with a plan to slowly steal a woman like Elaine from your best friend. On the outside, Phil drank his glass of water and flashed a bright smile. 

Jazz album inspiration - Kurt Elling: Flirting With Twilight