Jun
21
“Jesus, can you stop dragging your feet.”
“Where are we going The Cave is this way.” Claire had turned to walk toward the club district.
“Nothing’s happening at The Cave yet. The band doesn’t go on until eleven. It’s only Nine.”
“They’re playing music. I can dance. And Sasha’s going to be there.”
“I just want to go to Fat Daddy’s for a few minutes.”
Claire made a sound of exasperation and stopped walking her hands firmly on her hips.
“What the hell. We smoked a bowl before we left the apartment. And I hate Fat Daddy’s. I hate Fat Daddy. He creeps me out.”
“Come on. Reginald’s going to be there and besides I owe Fat Daddy.”
“I told Sasha I’d meet her. I haven’t seen her since term ended. You go to Fat Daddy’s and I’ll meet you at The Cave.”
Paul looked at Claire and looked down the street and saw two guys walking down the street glance her way, and for the first time since they left the apartment he realized how beautiful she was.
“Hell no.” The look on Claire’s face stopped him from continuing. He stopped and reconsidered for a moment. “Listen it won’t take long. I’ll just drop in and say hello to Reg and pay Fat Daddy for that bag that I bought from him. The bag we’re both smoking.”
“Fine, but I want to get to The Cave before the band goes on.”
The rest of the way to Fat Daddy’s was uncomfortable, though the night was fine. There was a gentle breeze blowing that kept the sweet humid air from becoming oppressive and carried with it a hint of the ocean, marsh, and river. They reached Fat Daddy’s shortly and descended the five steps that led off the sidewalk and down to the basement apartment. They were greeted at the open front door by four unwashed and unkempt thugs smoking and shooting the shit. Paul greeted them all by name and shook hands as they eyed Claire hungrily. Inside the apartment the air was thick and hot. Smoke from drugs and cigarettes hung in the air. The music was loud and there were people lying on a couple of junkyard couches. A faceless partially clothed couple was progressing toward intercourse in a duct taped and lousy recliner. Claire kicked a beer can out of her way and put her arm around Paul’s waist.
