While my unsettled family life felt out of place in the façade of perfection that the 1950s America offered, the turbulence of the 1960s seemed to mirror my life much better. Against the backdrop of declining support for the Vietnam War, there were racial riots, political assassinations, and a general unease that permeated everyday life. Because of this, it came as no surprise that J&J Bar’s attached neighbor, the 1968 Flint headquarters for George Wallace’s presidential campaign, was firebombed. Much to the relief of the bar’s regulars, J&J went unscathed.
In 1968 I was a second-year college student. On a trip to Saginaw I stopped to visit with my mother. We talked briefly and I asked her, “What’s new?” She paused for a moment and then told me the following story:
The second time Suitcase Judy re-entered J&J Bar crying, it was late summer, just over a year after the Dale K. incident. In that time, Shirley had gotten divorced and remarried. Unfortunately, after three months of marriage, it seemed as though her current husband, Gary, would soon become Shirley’s fifth ex-husband. Nearing 38 and having not been single since the age of 16 (previous marriages had the tendency to overlap due to various affairs), the idea of this potential divorce terrified Shirley. Running out of time and options, divorce seemed imminent, that is until Suitcase Judy re-entered the bar on that balmy Michigan night.
Passing the restrooms, nature mural, pool tables, and her usual booth, Suitcase Judy sat at the bar counter where Shirley was busy pouring beers. After using one of the bar napkins to blow her nose loudly, Suitcase Judy made an aggravated sigh to get Shirley’s attention. Topping off the two beers she had in her hands, Shirley walked over to Suitcase Judy and, like she had done so many times, asked what was wrong.
Suitcase Judy drew her finger in a ‘come hither’ motion until Shirley was close enough to smell the scent of Suitcase Judy’s drugstore face powder.
“I’m pregnant, Shirley,” Suitcase admitted in a hushed tone. Unused tears rested in her eyes as Shirley turned to study Suitcase Judy’s face.
“Who’s the father?” Shirley asked, unsure of the routine questions one was supposed to ask an expectant mother given the circumstances.
“I have a better chance of winning the numbers game than finding the goddamn father!” (she wasn’t trying to make light of the situation but genuinely kept better track of her daily numbers than the men she slept with). “It doesn’t even matter anyway, I’m gonna find a way to get rid of it. I know this doctor who does it for like $20,” Suitcase Judy pulled out a small mirror and attempted to reapply her burgundy lipstick though her hands were shaking just enough to make this task impossible.
Before Shirley could respond, an influx of regulars from the GM Flint Fabricating Plant entered the warmth of the bar. Having finished their shift at 11:00 pm, these men came in with a particular determination to order as many drinks as they could before the “last call” at 1:30 am. As Shirley religiously refilled glasses, she could not erase Suitcase Judy from her mind.
Eventually, the crowd dissipated enough so that Shirley could spot Suitcase Judy attending to her business in a corner booth. Due to a combination of alcohol, a Catholic conscience, and jealousy (Shirley had been unsuccessfully trying to have a baby with Gary), Shirley left her post behind the bar and pulled Suitcase Judy out of the booth, much to the dismay of Suitcase Judy’s “friend.” Before Suitcase Judy could protest, Shirley cut her off by firmly voicing, “You’re not gonna kill this baby!”
“Jesus Christ, Shirley. You can have the damn baby if it’s so important to you!” Suitcase Judy responded, pulling her arm out of Shirley’s grasp and heading towards the group of men surrounding the jukebox.
Shirley rolled her eyes and returned to the bar counter, pouring herself a glass of whiskey before attending to the other customers sitting at the counter.
After closing J&J Bar at 2:00 am and cleaning up alone, Shirley ruminated about the miscarriage she had had when trying to save an earlier marriage. As her thoughts wandered about the possibilities, she came up with an idea.
(To Be Continued)
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And the story continues…. I’m looking forward to next weeks edition!
It makes me feel good that you are enjoying the first of many stories.
Honestly – this is a cliff-hanger! 🤣
Do I really have to wait til next Wednesday???
In other words: Love your style of writing!
XO Yvette
Even though you are family, sadly you will have to wait. Working on next Wednesday’s release now. Stay tuned…more stories to follow.
Unused tears rested in her eyes! Love your story telling John!
I have to give credit to Paris…she puts breath into my stories so that they come alive.