Page 68 of Destiny

“Stop talking about the technical details. For right now, we need to celebrate!” His girlfriend butts in to say.

As I was supposed to leave today, I don’t have a gig booked. So, I’m actually available for once.

I text Marco quickly to tell him that I have to stay a few more nights. I apologize about a thousand times.

“Where should we go?” I ask after that’s all taken care of.

The couple exchanges a look and then says, “Slim Jim’s.”

We grab a bite to eat first to prepare and line our stomachs for all of the liquor we are likely going to consume.

Then, we go into the bar, and it’s pretty grungy…but in the best way. There are bras hanging from the ceiling, and the floor has an indeterminate “stick” that no mop could remove.

“Hey, Tubbs!” Blakely calls out to the larger bartender.

I worry he’s insulted the man, but he laughs and waves instead. “What’s up Blakely?”

“Oh, not much. We just had a video go viral, and we have a meeting with Peninsula Records tomorrow.”

“What? Congratulations. That’s amazing. What’ll you have?”

“Whiskey Highball for me.”

“Oo. I’ll do that too,” Priscilla agrees.

“I should prepare you, Tub. She is American and doesn’t have a British liver.”

“Is that a challenge?”

He throws his hands in the air.

“Fine. I’ll have whatever they’re having. But make mine a double.”

“Whoa!”

“You’re a badass,” Blakely says.

“You bet your ass I am.”

We have a few more before I hear that I’m starting to slur my words. I also know I’ve had too much because I ask for a cigarette.

Blakely hands me one, and we go outside to smoke together. The cold air is a little sobering.

He laughs at me when I can’t flick it with one hand like experienced smokers seem to be able to do.

“You just have to do this.” He shows me.

“I can’t do that.” I try several more times and fail.

“You’re ridiculous.”

“So, it seems like you’re a regular here.”

“Yeah,” he exhales a cloud of smoke. “I frequent.”

“Why this place?” I ask in between drags.

“I just like the vibes. And the service is always good.”

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