“I want out of Hawthorne,” I say, sucking Coke from a straw.
“That’s what you said last time,” says Bill.
I look around. I’m in a Tiki bar, with dried palm leaves and bamboo and a large island mural along the wall, making the restaurant feel like a tropical island. We’re in the same restaurant at Myrtle Beach as last time, only the patio outside is closed due to storms. In fact, it’s raining outside. That’ll be fun driving back.
“Merry Christmas,” Bill says with a toast, drinking some beer.
“Happy Yule,” I grunt.
“You sounded like shit on the phone. I only wish I could get you a beer. That waitress...” He points to a blond waitress at the bar counter. “Is watching us like a hawk this time.”
I shrug.
“Don’t be so depressed, bud. I warned you. You’ll find another girl.”
“I really liked her, Bill. She was different.”
Of course, I told Bill all about the exorcism. He didn’t believe a word of it. I guess the sex and pentagram were believable enough, but flying white wraiths and magical books were a bit too much.
“You think I can transfer to Duke?” I ask.
“If that’s what you want. You have the grades and test scores. And Hawthorne’s a really good school. I can see what I can do.”
“And no witches.”
“No bitches,” Bill says, raising his glass with a nod. “All girls are witches, you know.”
“That’s not true,” I say. My voice sounds so down I’m depressing myself.
He shrugs.
I look up and there’s a Falcons game on a TV hanging near the bar. They’re playing the Rams. Of course, baseball season, my favorite, is over. And I’m not much of a football fan.
“How’s the dissertation?” I ask.
Bill just shrugs.
“You guys want dessert?” asks the blond waitress. And wouldn’t you know it, she’s the same waitress as last time. I don’t think she recognizes me.
Bill raises his brow to me. I shake my head.
“You want another Coke?”
I look up and she has a way-too-wide grin. Yep, she recognizes me.
I shake my head and Bill chuckles as she walks off. “Bitches. They are all bitches, Lee. As soon as you realize that’s what women are, you won’t be upset when a fling doesn’t work out. Just get to know them on a superficial level, like me. That way they can’t get under your skin.”
“It’s weird because I still want her.”
“You fell for her, bud. Look.” He leans forward and takes off his glasses. Bill’s wearing his glasses instead of contacts today. They’re a bit nerdy. “Why don’t you stay in Hawthorne for a little while longer. Try the next semester. They have a good psychology program. You can just ignore these goth freaks and live your own life.”
“You can’t help me with Duke?”
“I can try. Like I said, you have the grades and the scores.”
“Do what you can, Bill.”
He nods. Then he looks up at the football game and sips his beer.
“You probably should stay the night,” he says. “The roads are slick and dangerous. You can stay over if you want. Then we can go together tomorrow.”
“I really don’t care.”
The waitress hands my friend the bill. I grab for it, but he presses it against his chest. He shakes his head.
“When you make money, Lee.”
“Fine. And thanks for meeting.”
“I don’t mind, bud. You’re the one driving six hours. I just wish the patio was open today and I could have gotten you a beer.”