I had just got dressed when Jake and Stone pulled up into the driveway. The distinct sound that Jake's car made was very similar to someone taking out the trash. A thin, brown fog filled the air and the rotten egg stench of carbon monoxide warned me that Jake had arrived. Too embarrassed to be seen in Jake's car, I allowed him to drive mine. Making it to River Street with only 35 minutes left for happy hour, we promptly made our way to a booth to enjoy a few beers and smoke cigarettes. Bernie's on the River is our usual hangout. A lot of friends gather there to relieve the worries of reality. Rico, Chelsey, Tai and Elizabeth were sitting in the corner the restaurant. I knew only their faces and names because Jake had pointed them out to me on an adventure we had two weeks ago. I often thought I should be hanging out with them and not these idiots, but it seems I still have some remnants of my teenage rebellious nature. I could still party on the wild side and not get into too much trouble. It sometimes worries me what they would do without me. They have been into some trouble in the past with finding work and dealing with the law. If it hadn't been for my concern, I believe they would be in more trouble than just drugs. I bumped into a woman, who resembled Nat, on her way out of the hallway that led to the rest rooms. I began to wonder if Nat would be here. She usually checks in around this time of the day.

"Excuse me Chelsea." I said without thinking.

"Do I know you? How did you know my name?" she replied.

"Jake had told me your name when you were here two weeks ago."

"Your voice is very familiar."

"I work in the radio buisness. My name is John Stevens"

"Oh, really? Which one?" she said curiously. Her smile would have taken my breath away if the alcohol I had consumed had not had and impact on my bladder. I tried my best not to show it. I guess it worked because she invited me for a drink.

"AM 630 WMBQ... It's the most listened to radio station in southern Georgia."

"I know that radio station! I listen to it all the time. I heard the commercial you did yesterday morning for happy hour here at Bernie's so I decided to check the place out. Jake said this afternoon that he was going to take a birthday boy out on the town to show him a real party. I think he told me to meet him at Cagnie's later tonight to fill me in on the details. Is Jake here?"

"Uh..no..He..uh..left a few minutes ago. Speaking of leaving, I had better go myself. Maybe we'll meet again sometime and be able to talk more."

"That sounds great! Well, nice meeting you John."

I made my way back to the table with the agility of an antelope where Jake and Stone had assumed the Monday night football appearance. Stone, looking stoned from all the alcohol he had consumed. He belched out "I feel like another beer."

"Stone, you smell like a brewery. C'mon, let's go before leave you guys here." I rushed to get them out of the building before Jake and Chelsea had the chance see each other and compare notes.

Jake's intoxication level had luckily impaired he rationalization abilities.

"What's the deal?" he asked. "We're just getting started."

I didn't feel like conjuring up a story, so I said, "I just want some fresh air."

"Whatever floats your boat, man."

"Let's go to Cagnies and have something to drink there." I asked.

"Cool! Let's go then."



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