Play it again Sam. A short fiction story.

Sam sat alone in the lounge at the Marriott hotel in Atlanta, Ga. He lived close by and most evenings could be found sitting at the bar, watching young lovers dancing and listening to the piantist play some of his favorite tunes.

The dance floor was crowded with a mixture of young lovers and older regulars who enjoyed dancing. He practically knew all the locals, that's why he was surprised to see a group of bikers walk in.

He had a deep dislike for bikers. Two years prior he'd been beaten up pretty badly by a bunch of drunken bikers when he was on his way home after the club closed.

One of the female bikers came up to the bar, seated herself on a stool next to him and ordered a beer. He had turned away from her watching people dance when he heard a voice say, " Hey handsome, how's it going? " He turned to look at her and was quite surprised to see a beautiful woman with black hair pulled back in a ponytail, her dark blue eyes had an inviting sparkle that appeared friendly, not rough like the ones he'd observed over the years.

He found himself responding to her questions, telling her that he was just listening and enjoying the music. He asked her what her name was, she told him " Kimberly. "

The biker she had been riding with came to the bar and shouted, " What the hell are you doing sitting by this punk, " Instead of answering, she turned toward Sam and asked him to dance with her. Sam knew the biker was looking for trouble, but he felt like dancing, what the heck, he could dance if and when he wanted to.

When he reached for Kimberly's hand he felt a sting in his left ear. The biker had struck him pretty hard on the side of his head. He attempted to get up off the floor but passed out instead.All the locals came rushing to help, blood was oozing out of his ear and nose.

The manager called the police and ambulance. Before they arrived, he stopped breathing. Kimberly frantically started CPR. As soon as the ambulance arrived the medic took over, before long Sam was breathing on his own. The ambulance rushed him to the hospital and he was admitted for observation overnight.

The biker who hit him was placed under arrest.

Kimberly spent the night watching over Sam, When they looked at each other they both knew their meeting was special. Kimberly knew she wouldn't be riding in a biker gang again, and Sam knew he would no longer be sitting in a hotel lounge, Saying, " Play it again for Sam.