The Jazz Player

By Dranda Laster

Nathaniel Parker would never have thought the gift of a saxophone would take him places he had only dreamed about. Raised by a New Orleans Madame he adored and a gambler father he hated, Nathaniel had seen it all. Sex, lies and murder fueled his dreams to play with some of the most famous jazz musicians that ever lived. He would do anything to have a woman who loved him exclusively. For that was his ultimate dream.
Sam Waters, his best friend and band member who lived life from one bed to the next. Heir to Florida’s sugar cane fortune, he longed for a relationship with the mother he was denied as a child and became a clone of the father he learned to resent. The two Players would live parallel lives in more ways than one. In the life of a player of any kind, the players change, but the game remains the same.
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• Language: English
• Publisher: Dranda Laster
• Release date: Apr 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301402694

Dranda Laster

Being a hairdresser I hear a lot of stories.I knew to most of my customers I was a Lawyer,Doctor, Counselor. The perfect go to person to listen to all there stories. I've always been told I was a great story teller and it turns out I love it. I sat down at my computer one night and my thoughts just came to life. Relationships and how they effect our lives,and When does A Lie Cross The Line? I figured out that a Lie crosses the lie when it is told...I based my books on Human Emotions,and why we do and say the things we do.Love being in the top ten.Its what we all strive to acquire if we admit it or not.Money or things it can obtain were in the bottom. Love is a powerful emotion.. without a little rain we couldn't have rainbows..

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The Jazz Player

By Dranda Laster

Copyright2013 Dranda Laster

Smashwords Edition

The Jazz Player

By Dranda Laster

Table of contents

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter 1

On November 7, 1934, I was born to Maxine Parker and Philip Dubois, in none other than New Orleans, Louisiana, and named Nathanial Parker.

I was born under a peculiar type of circumstance. My mother, Lord rest her soul, was a Madam, or in other words, a prostitute. My father, Slim, was a gambler. When he was winning, life was terrific. But when he lost, life could be pure hell.

Our house was always full on the weekends. Johns would come from miles around. Lady Blue was what they called my mother and Lady Blue’s was the place to be. She always dressed in blue, from head to toe. Even her room had plush velvet blue curtains. It was so somber. She would sit in front of her vanity and cry. I never knew why then, but I eventually found out.

On this particular night, Slim came home broke and drunk. I knew that meant trouble. When this happened I would sit on the back stoop until everything was clear. I could hear Slim and my mom arguing. I knew what was coming next. I could hear my mother screaming from her window. One day I would make him pay for what he was doing, but it wouldn’t be today. I was only six at the time, but I wouldn’t be six forever.

Momma finally stopped crying and screaming. That’s when I knew it was safe to go to bed. It was about midnight and the house was still jumping. Constantine, my mother’s best friend and business partner, always made sure I was alright. She was a beauty. Her legs went on forever and her hair almost touched her butt. She would always tell me, Little Nate, you better get in bed. I liked the way she smelled, all perfumed up. She was one of Momma’s best girls. Men paid top dollar to be with her.

I would lie in bed, look up at the ceiling, and listen to the Jazz music coming from downstairs. The next morning would be Saturday and I knew chores would have to be done. Miss Cali Mae, the washer woman would be there. She did most of the work that needed to be done. Miss Cali was an older lady with a lot of wisdom. I would sit most of the day and listen to her tell her stories.

She would always tell me, Boy, don’t you be like your daddy. He’s a good for nothing gambler and a thorn in your Momma’s side. I guess she loves him though, or she would have knifed him by now.

Miss Cali, what’s a thorn?

It’s something you can’t rid yourself of no matter how hard you try. It will stab you every once in a while if you touch it. Something like a rose bush, pretty to look at, but don’t you get too close.

Like my daddy, Slim, is. He’s pretty, but prickly.

Yep. Come on now, Boy, and help me get this washing on the line before your momma gets up.

Philip Dubois was an extraordinarily handsome man. His family was from some part of the Carolinas. Folks in the swamp called them Geechee. I later learned that they were the descendants of slaves brought over from Western Africa for the plantation owners on the South Carolina coast, down to Jacksonville, Florida. They had created their own culture on the islands now called Gullah.

My mother was pure Creole out of Louisiana. And what a beautiful woman she was.

Boy, you hungry? Come on. I’ll get you some biscuits and molasses.

Thanks, Miss Cali. I was a little hungry and those biscuits sound yummy. She knew her way around the kitchen, but then you could look at her and see that. I sat and ate while Miss Cali cleaned.

When you get done, put them dishes in the sink to be washed.

Miss Cali, how many children do you have?

None, Boy, and why are you asking?

I just wondered if maybe you did you could bring them by.

Well I don’t, and if I did I wouldn’t bring them here.

Why?

Because this here place is for grownups and not for kids.

I live here, and I’m not a grownup.

One day, Son, you will understand, but for now just eat your food. Miss Cali sang and cleaned until the house was spotless. The clock on the wall said 3 pm and I knew Momma would be up soon. Look, Boy, I will be here at 9 am sharp to take you to church tomorrow, so be ready. I don’t know why Miss Cali never called me by my name.

I loved going to church with Miss Cali, but I hated the long walk. I’ll be ready when you get here at 9 am sharp.

Now, don’t you forget to tell Scooby to get these clothes in.

Alright, Miss Cali. I won’t. I never forgot.

Scooby was what we called the Lady in Waiting. She made sure water was in all the rooms when the ladies got up so they could take their baths. Momma would always say, A woman should be clean and smelling fresh. One thing I can’t stand is a dirty ho and men won’t pay for filth.

Momma came downstairs looking tired, And how is my little man?

I’m okay, Momma. Can I go play with Roscoe? I’m done with my chores.

Of course, you can, Honey, but be home before dark. You need some money? A man should always have money in his pocket. A broke man is like a broke dick dog no count.

Momma, would you make sure Scooby gets the wash in?

I will. Just go along and play now.

I ran down the street to Roscoe’s as fast as my legs would go. I knew he would be playing ball in the street. Nate, grab a glove and toss around some balls, he yelled as I got close. Roscoe always loved playing baseball. He wanted to play for the Negro League one day.

He was older than I was and he always had a hustle going. Momma called him Tin Pan because he was always begging. I didn’t care though. He was my friend and he didn’t make fun of me for being a hooker’s son.

You know what we’re gonna do, Nate? When we get through here, let’s go down on Bourbon Street and hang out.

Momma told me not to be out too late.

We won’t be gone long, just long enough to get some money.

I have money already. Momma gave me some.

Nate, you’re a Momma’s boy. You need to learn how to make your own money. Roscoe got his tap shoes and we headed down to Bourbon Street.

We hung out in front of the Cricket, one of the jazz bars on Bourbon Street. I loved the sound of the saxophone. One day I would learn to play that mellow sound. Roscoe put on his homemade tap shoes, set out his tin can, and started dancing. He should be a tap dancer because, Man, could he go. After his tin can was full we headed home.

Are you hungry, Nate? Let’s go down to the Catfish Kitchen and grab a bite to eat.

Miss Maybelline ran the kitchen. Her three boys would get the fish right out of the swamp and she’d cook them. What can I do for you two boys? Would you like some of this fresh catfish?

Yes, we would love some and some grits, too, if you don’t mind.

Nate, how’s your momma doing? Heard Slim was back in town.

She’s okay, and yeah he’s back.

That’s his momma’s business, so pull your nose out of it, Roscoe told her.

Roscoe, didn’t your momma teach you any manners?

Yes, she did, but what Nate’s momma is, isn’t any of your business.

I tell you what. Eat your food and get out of my place.

Come on, Nate. Let’s get you home before it gets dark. We walked for a while. Nate, has Slim been bothering you since he got home?

Nope, but he beat Momma something awful last night.

I will cut his throat if he ever lays a hand on you. I knew Roscoe was serious, too, because he carried a knife. Roscoe walked me to the back of my house, Let me know if Slim tries anything. I’m going to head home myself. See you tomorrow.

I walked inside to see there was a party going on. But then, there was always a party going on. This rich old white man had bought the whole house.

This cat named Johnnie Walker Red, who was in love with Momma, was also there that night. Slim was jealous of Red. He’d always tell Momma, If I ever catch him slapping you, you best believe he will come up missing. I think Momma had a thing for Red, too, but she dare not let Daddy know.

Slim walked in. Blue, I’m going to need some money tonight. Blue was Slim’s nickname for Momma.

This is the last you’re getting out of me.

Bitch, you better always give me what I want or I will put a beating on you.

I love you, Slim. That’s why you’re still here. But I’m growing tired of the ass whippings. So be careful or you’ll find your own self dead. That was the first time I had ever heard Momma talk back to Slim.

Are you talking back to me, you high yellow wench?! You better watch your mouth!

You better be getting to that gambling spot, I heard Red say as he came up out of his seat.

I guess, Nigga, you think you can put me out of my house?

You got the money, so gets your black ass moving.

Momma smiled as Red came to her defense, Go on, Slim, before you get hurt.

Blue, Baby, began Red, that nigga of yours is itching for a killing, and if he hits you again he will be missing.

Now don’t worry about him, Red, he’s harmless. Sit down and have a drink.

Momma was always happiest when Red was around. He protected her. I liked Red. And boy could he dress. He always wore something red. He only drank the top of the line scotch and those shoes of his always shined like glass. I knew I wanted to be just like Red when I grew up, well dressed and with a pocket full of money.

Little Man, you need to take yourself off to bed. Cali will be here at 9:00 sharp, Momma reminded me.

Come over here, Nate. I have something to give you, Red called to me. I knew my eyes were shining. I could tell because they were watering. I have been meaning to give it to you for a while. He reached around the couch where he was sitting and handed me a case. It was shiny and new, but I didn’t know what was inside. He sat me on Momma’s lap. This is a saxophone. I noticed how you like music. This, Young Man, is your ticket out. So guard it with your life.

I didn’t think anyone knew I liked music or wanted to play. I didn’t know how to play, but I swore right then and there I was going to learn and I would be the best. I raced up to my room with my prize. It felt like Christmas, even though it was the middle of August. I put my mouth on the tip and blew. It was a sweet sound to me.

The next morning Ms. Cali was early, but I was ready. Boy, you ready for church? Have you got your walking shoes on?

Yes, Miss Cali, I’m ready. We took out walking.

I brought you a biscuit and some tea because I knew you didn’t eat your breakfast.

Thank you, Miss Cali. I am sort of hungry.

You’re welcome, Boy. Did Scooby get them clothes off the line?

Yes. She and Scattman did before it rained last night. I ate while we walked.

I was so tired by the time we got to church. Straighten out your shirt, Boy, we’re going into the House of the Lord. Miss Cali’s church was a holy roller church. At least that’s what Momma called it. They would fall out on the floor and shake like crazy. Miss Cali called it the Holy Spirit and said it lived in us. I didn’t know what the Holy Spirit was, but I didn’t want it in me. I didn’t want