May 26, 1861
Desiree entered the saloon early than usual. She wanted some time to relax before she had to sing. The lunch crowd had been busier than usual. She was extremely glad when Ted came to relieve her. She stood at the bar and ordered a sarsaparilla. "It's good to be here. I'm much rather be singing than cooking."
"Well, hopefully you won't have to turn to full-time cook." Richard stated.
"What? Do you know something?" Desiree asked.
"Well, ummm,"
When Richard stuttered, Desiree's thoughts turned to the worse. "They're not going to fire me, are they?"
"No, of course not. At least I don't think Kimberly and Tyson will." Seeing the torment in Desiree's face, Richard decided that she might as well tell her what she had heard. "I heard Kimberly and Tyson talking. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I was checking the beer barrels, and I guess they didn't realize that I was there."
"So, I don't care how you heard, just tell me what you heard."
"I heard them talking about selling the saloon."
Desiree gasped. "Are you sure?"
Richard nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure. I just hope the new owner will keep me on as bartender."
"Hey bartender, you gonna jaw all night or give me a drink." A man hollered from the other end of the bar. Richard patted Desiree's hand, and then left her to tend to the other customers.
That evening Desiree's heart wasn't into singing, but she did her best. Afterwards when Walter asked her what was wrong, she broke down and told him what Richard had told her. Walter comforted Desiree as best he could as he walked her to her room. "Don't worry, who knows, Kimberly and Tyson might not even sell the saloon. Or if they do, I'm sure the new owner will keep you on. Your the best thing in the saloon." Desiree's spirits lifted a little and she gave Walter a goodnight kiss on the check.