You have ONE day before the normal price of the DMV Tweetup Cookout takes place up until the day of the event. $15 gets you in and all you can eat while supplies last, but after May 1st its $20 to register and also at the door. Hope to see you all there!
The next day blew by for Preston. Lisa’s business card was burning a whole in his pocket, but he didn’t know when the right time was for him to call her. But he knew who did know when the right time was..
“DUDE, IT’S THE THREE DAY RULE! YOU CALL AFTER THREE DAYS! LIKE THE RESURRECTION!” Herculiz shouted. “Three days for Christ to rise, three days for u to resurrect the fact that u know she exists. Its protocol!” “Prez, just call her man.” Henri reasoned. “ You like the chick, so call her. She seems like a great woman. Watch out foul ball!”
The ball landed right behind them where eager fans scrambled for their souvenir. “Leave it to you guys to want to discuss my life decisions at a Yankee game” Preston said shaking his head. “What is there even to discuss?” Herculiz asked. “Three days man. Not to mention you still have Anjelika to consider” “Consider for what? She’s old news!” Henri interjected. “She’ll always be gorgeous but she’ll always be that girl that did ya wrong you know?”
“She did apologize. Profusely” Preston defended. “I’m just keeping my options open for now. Its actually a great spot to be in if I do say so myself.” Preston smiled. Henri and Herculiz looked at each other, and shook their heads simultaneously. “This guy” they said in unison.
“Tell you what,” Herculiz started. “Call her. If it don’t work out with her, you owe me dinner.” “And if it does?” Preston inquired. “You owe Henri dinner” Herculiz said. “………..what? that doesn’t make any sense?” Preston said. “Your’re right. Your just gonna owe one of us haha” Herculiz said smiling. “I need new friends” Preston said shaking his head” He had made up his mind on what he was going to do.
After he got home from the game he pulled Lisa’s business card out of his wallet. He nervously dialed the number and waited to hear her stern yet angelic voice.
“Hello?” Lisa answered the phone. “Hi, Lisa? Its Preston, Preston Patterson…” he said even more nervously. “Preston, how are you?” Lisa asked. “It’s good to hear from you.” “Same here.” Preston said with a smile. “Whats been going on? How are you?” “I’m ok. Working on this latest story is kicking my ass” Lisa said with a sigh.“Really?” Preston said slightly concerned. “What about?” “Well, I could tell you now..” Lisa started. “But I’d rather tell you over dinner.”
“Well, “ Preston said taken aback. “Um, you’re on. You’re pick, my dollar.” “Ohh big spender eh?” Lisa said slightly impressed. “Do you like Jazz? There’s this place called the B-Section It’s right at Columbus Circle.” Lisa inquired. “Sounds cool” Preston said. “Lets meet there Friday at 8” “Alright.” Lisa said smiling through the phone. “Well I have to get back to writing some stories. Ill see you then” “Ok, I’ll see you then” Preston said happily. “ Good night” Lisa said sweetly. “Good night” Preston responded.
The B-Section was one of the best jazz spots in New York City. As Preston walked in a lovely hostess sat him at a table. Preston looked around, trying to grasp the ambience of the room. It was mostly adorned with smooth, polished wood. The walls, the bar, everything oozed of rich mahogany. There was a haze levitating over the stage; from cigar smoke nonetheless. The crowd consisted of mostly older 40-50 something New Yorkers, dressed in business suits and no doubt unwinding from a long days work. The stage had blue lights shining over it, putting just the right touch of cool to set the mood. The band was playing “You’re My Everything” by Ahmad Jamal. Preston enjoyed this atmosphere, and as he got lost in his thoughts a waiter came to his table.
“Hello sir, dining alone?” the waiter asked. “No,” Preston answered looking towards the door. “ As a matter of fact she should be here right……” Preston was almost speechless as to what he saw. “Now.” He finished unable to shut his mouth. “Indeed,” the waiter said.
Lisa walked toward the table. Preston was in awe how gorgeous she was. She wore a emerald green dress that sagged around her shoulders. Her long, graceful neck accentuated by her long emerald earrings. Her dark blonde hair pulled tightly into a bun. Her strong calves were even more sculpted in her green stilettos. A diamond necklace draped around her neck into a pear shaped diamond on her chest. It seemed as if she glided over to the table.
“Hey there.” Lisa greeted with a smile, her hazel eyes brightening. “Wow..” Preston said. “ You are absolutely stunning…” “Thank you, hun” Lisa said, slightly blushing. She sat next to Preston, who still could not take his eyes off of her. “What will you all be having to drink this evening?” the Waiter asked. “Ohh I don’t know, I’ll let Preston decide first” Lisa said. “Um…” Preston said still dazed by Lisa’s beauty. “I’ll have the Patron, on the rocks.” “Ooo I see you “ Lisa said with a smile. “I’ll have the Hennesy. On the rocks as well.” “DAMN” Preston thought. “Alright I’ll be right back with those.” The waiter scurried away.
“Oooo I love this song!” Lisa said excitedly. “Okay, here’s your test . What are your 3 favorite jazz artists?” “Hm…” Preston thought to himself. “Duke , of course, Charles Mingus, annnnnd….I’ll go with Dizzie Gillespie.” “Not bad.” Lisa said a tad smugly “If you just LIKE jazz, haha.” “ Well, fine miss Jazz connoisseur,” Preston shot back laughing. “Who you got?” “Hmmmmm. If you could give me a jam session with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Billie Holliday, and I am yours for the taking.” Lisa said looking to the sky. “Well I’ll work on that.” Preston said smiling. “Haha, right good luck digging them up” Lisa joked.
“So tell me about this story you’ve been working on” Preston inquired. “Not right now handsome, I just wanna hear this jazz and look at you.” Lisa answered. “We got all night for that.”
At that moment the waiter returned with the drinks. Preston took his glass and went to work. He knew he had a long night ahead of him….
It was around 6 o’ clock and Preston figured he had some time to get some things for the apartment. As soon as he emerged from The Garden, he turned the corner to head into Duane Reade. On the lower level of the store, he picked up some food, deodorant, and other toiletries. He got to the register and realized that he left his wallet in his office. He went back to get it, and came back to pay for his things. He looked at his watch and saw it read 6:24. “Crap!” he thought to himself. “ I need to get going before I’m late.”
He quickly headed for the New York Penn Station Subway stop. He slid his metro card, and quickly headed for the downtown trains. As he ran down the stairs he saw that the doors were about to close on the train, and made a last effort dash to get aboard, making it by just a hair. He regained his composure, and sat down on the crowded train. “Man,” Preston thought to himself. “ I can’t even remember the last time I went downtown this early.” He was kind of nervous, not because of seeing Anjelika, but because he didn’t know what he was going to say to her.
The train pulled to his stop and he got off among the masses of people. He emerged from the subway and to his immediate left was the Jade Dragon. A quaint restaurant, the Jade Dragon was a relatively new place where the younger New York crowd rolled in. The walls were lined with fine jade, and the chairs were also jade. The room had a white glow about it, with green lights dimly shining from the floors. Preston walked through the door and saw a pretty Asian girl seating guests. “Excuse me,” Preston started. “ Has an Anjelika Arliz come in here?”. “Yes.” The hostess said. “Follow me. She has been expecting you.”
Preston followed the young lady as she zig-zagged through tables and booths. They finally arrived at a private room with the name “Arliz” on the right of the door. “Here you are” The lady said as she opened the door. Preston walked in the room amazed at what he saw.
The room was adorned in jade and gold, with white columns holding up the ceiling. The walls were red with golden trim and Chinese letters printed all over them. There was a chandelier made of jade hanging over a table also made out of jade. Sitting at the table was possibly the most beautiful thing Preston had ever seen.
“Hello.” Anjelika said. “Hello to you.” Preston said amazed at how even more beautiful she had become. Anjelika rose from the table. She wore a dark blue dress with spaghetti straps, but they were covered by her beautiful black hair that cascaded down her shoulders. Her eyes were just as green as the jade that flowed around him. Her lips, body, and of course her smile, were all perfect. She walked around the table to give him a hug. “It’s so good to see you Preston,” Anjelika said embracing him. “It’s been entirely too long.” “Good to see you too.” Preston said smelling her Sweet Pea lotion. They sat down and ordered their food.
“So what are you doing these days Anjelika?” Preston asked. “Well I’m doing some modeling.” Anjelika answered. “Among that, other things. Some freelance photography here and there not much.” “That’s really cool!” Preston said genuinely impressed. “I hear you’re working with the Knicks? That’s pretty cool” Anjelika said smiling. “Yeah,” Preston said. “It is pretty cool.” After a few minutes of eating and awkward silence, Anjelika cleared her throat to speak.
“Um, can I say something?” she said. “Sure, you don’t have to ask permission” Preston said engulfed in his fried rice. “Oh” Anjelika said. “Um, I want to apologize for everything I put you through a few years ago. I know how much I hurt you, and I’ve always wanted to say this to you.” Preston looked up at her. “Is that all you wanted to say?” He said with a kind of annoyed tone in his voice. Anjelika sat up taken aback. “No, I also wanted to tell you that I was carrying your child…” Anjelika said sharply.
Preston spit out his food. “What?!” he exclaimed. “Are you serious?” “No I’m not” Anjelika said with her arms folded. “But it serves you right. Stop being an ass and hear me out.” “Okay….” Preston said fully put in place, wiping his mouth with his napkin.
“I know I haven’t been the best person in your life, and I know that you have every reason to hate me for the rest of your life. “Anjelika started. “But I am heartily sorry for everything Preston…everything..”. Preston looked her straight in the eyes. “I accept your apology Anjelika.” He said. “I really do.”
Anjelika put her hand on his. “I need to get going…but thanks Prez..” Anjelika said. Preston took out his wallet, but was stopped by Anjelika’s protests. “I got it.” She said, flashing that stunning grin. “Thank you…” Preston said. “No, thank you..”Anjelika replied. She paid for the food and they headed for the door.
They walked a bit until they got to the subway station Preston needed to take. “Well I guess this is goodbye.” Anjelika looked up at Preston. “ I guess…” Preston said. “Well….if you’re ever uptown, holla at me. We can definitely hang again.” “Ok…” I had a great time Prez.” “Me too” Preston smiled. Without warning, Anjelika rose to her tippy toes and kissed Preston on the lips. “If you’re downtown, you can holla at that.” She said. “I’ll see ya later.” Without another word she walked away, her silhouette swaying and heel clicking and clacking.
Preston couldn’t do anything but smile. “That’s the Anjelika I remember.” He said to himself. He started down the stairs to the subway. He stopped when he heard screaming coming from the end of the stairwell. He ran to see what was going on. As he dashed around the corner he saw a man trying to assault a woman. “Hey!” Preston shouted as he ran to help. The guy looked up and started to run. Preston gave chase and hopped over the railing right after the crook. Coming up on the tracks the assailant hopped between them with an oncoming train trailing him. Preston grabbed for him as he jumped, but only got a piece of his jacket. And with a flash of train and windows he disappeared.
He ran back to the lady with the piece of jacket in his hand. “Are you ok, Ma’am?” he asked extremely out of breath. She looked up at him with deep hazel eyes. “Yes, thank you.” She answered wiping a tear from her light skinned cheek. “Let me help you up..” Preston reached. “What’s your name?” “Lisa” she said softly. “Lisa London.”
As soon as the words passed through her glossy, full lips he recognized Lisa. “Lisa London?” Preston asked. “THE Lisa London? From Get the Hell Up New York? I watch that show every morning!” “Really?” Lisa said raising of the ground. “With the ratings we get I didn’t think anybody did.” Preston laughed rather nerd-like.”You have the same sense of humor as on the show” he said with a smile. “Yeah, that’s me.” Lisa said smiling back. A police officer came over to where they were with a pen and pad in his hand. “Ms. London, can I get your statement and description of the guy?” He asked. “Sure” she said willingly. “ Hey uhhh…” Lisa started searching for a name. “Preston…Preston Patterson” Preston said. “Preston, would you mind waiting up for me?” Lisa asked. “No,” Preston said. “Not at all”.
Preston couldn’t believe what a day it had been. He had dreamed of meeting Lisa, but definitely not under these circumstances. He couldn’t help but admire her beauty while standing there. Her brownish blonde hair flowed to her shoulder, draping over her blue blazer that matched her skirt. Her opened button up added just enough sexiness to her business savvy atire. Her calves were strong and toned and were flexing in her dark blue heels. He raised his eyes only to be met by her tantalizing gaze. He nearly thought he lost his breath, and coughed to play it off. She smiled and continued talking to the police officer.
After a few minutes she walked back over to Preston. “Hey, would u mind riding with me to my place” Lisa said. “Not like that, I mean, make sure I get there safe. You are my knight in shining Perry Ellis”. Preston smiled. “I’d like that” he said. “Shall we?” Preston guided her downstairs to the tracks. The station was virtually empty, which suited Preston just fine.
“So do you get attacked often” Preston said cracking a joke. Lisa half smiled-half frowned. “You have an odd sense of humor Preston”. She said chuckling. “But no, I’m rarely ever downtown anyway.” “So what brought you downtown this time?” Preston asked. “Where do u live? Not to be a stalker or anything.” “ Well I was going to go to that new place, the Jade Dragon?” Lisa asked. “ But there was like an hour wait, so I jus went to this Thai spot instead. I live off of 59th and Columbus Circle.” “ Great I live not to far from there” Preston said. “62nd and Broadway”. “Yeah, I’ve been over there. Nice area.” Lisa said.
The train uptown swiftly came to a stop in front of Preston and Lisa. “This is us” Preston said letting her in first. “Such a gentleman!” Lisa said with a smile. The boarded the train and headed home to end a night the certainly would remember.
On the train they both exchanged the normal pleasantries, such as the place of work and where they were from, but then Lisa threw a curveball.
“So, a handsome guy like you In the city has to have a girl. What’s her name?” Lisa asked rather smugly. “Oh…” Preston said taken aback. “Um, I haven’t had a girlfriend since my senior year of high school” he said rather embarrassed. Images of Anjelika flashed through his mind. “Wow, that is rather surprising..” Lisa said. “What about you?” Preston inquired, desperately wanting to know the answer. “I’m as single as a dollar bill” Lisa said laughing. The wheels in Preston’s head started turning furiously.
They got to 59th and Columbus Circle and walked to her apartment. “Well, I guess this is goodbye..” Preston said looking up at her on top of the steps leading to the door.
“Yeah, thank you again Preston..for everything.” Lisa said looking down at him. “No problem.” Preston said flashing his stunning grin. Lisa stepped down, grabbed Preston by his jacket and kissed him passionately on the lips. Preston was in heaven, and this heaven lasted for about 10 seconds. Lisa pulled back holding Preston’s jacket by the pockets. “You’re a life saver Preston Patterson”. She said. She turned and walked to open her door.
Preston, still speechless, could only marvel as she turned around and smiled and disappeared in the door. “Wow……” Preston thought to himself. “Damn, I didn’t even get her number!!!” He put his hands in his pockets but felt something unfamiliar. He pulled out a business card, that read “Lisa London- T.V. Personality” and had her cell number on the back. Preston walked away smiling, not sure how he got to deserve such a great night. He headed home for some much needed rest.
Preston returned to work, but found himself not being able to concentrate. Too many emotions ran through his head at once, and it gave him a splitting headache. He walked back into his office and sat in his leather work chair behind his desk. He leaned forward and banged his head on it. “Why?” He asked an imaginary audience. “Why now? Why ever? This is all too random.” He looked up and noticed his cell phone staring back at him. He quickly grabbed the device and threw it in one of the drawers in his desk. For the rest of the day, he avoided the phone like it had a std. After a late afternoon meeting, he came into his office and sat down to finish some paperwork up before leaving. He was just about to begin when he heard a slight knock on his door. “Mr. Patterson?” a voice called. Preston looked up to see Olivia, his secretary.
Olivia, a recent graduate of NYU, was a beautiful Italian woman from Staten Island. She normally wore her hair into a professional ponytail, but Preston noticed that she let her gorgeous natural curls fall down her back. In a black business pant suit and black heels, she looked stunning.
“Wow,” Preston said taken aback. “Look at you!” Olivia laughed, her smile brightening her ice blue eyes. “ Thanks sir.” She beamed, beginning to blush. “I..uh..wanted to try something new.” “Well it’s working wonderfully.” Preston complimented. “What do you need?” “Oh, I just need your signature on some player personal conduct agreements so we can hand them out to the team” Olivia said. “ She walked over and Preston caught a whiff of her perfume. He caught himself grimacing, and hoped that Olivia didn’t notice. “Is something wrong Mr. Patterson?” Olivia questioned raising an eyebrow.
“Ahem..” Preston said clearing his throat. “Um, no, your perfume..it’s just the same one my ex-girlfriend used to wear.” “Oh..” Olivia said a little befuddled. “Um, I’ll try not wear Tommy Girl anymore if it bothers you..” “Oh no,” Preston interjected. “Wear it as much as you like. It’s a pleasant scent.” “Okay..” Olivia said. They sat there for several seconds until the both realized the awkwardness of the situation. “Oh yeah, here are the papers.” Olivia remembered. “I’m gonna get going, I have a social to plan for my church.” “Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow Olivia.” Preston said. “That went well…when are you just going to ask him?” Olivia said to herself as she walked out.
Preston sat back in his chair remembering the good and the bad memories tied to the scent. He thought about seeing Anjelika again and what it would be like. If she would still wear Tommy Girl or some other scent of heavenly descent. The more he thought about it, the more he figured it wouldn’t be so bad to see her again. He reached into his drawer and picked up his cell phone, which almost automatically began to ring……
It was a 212 number so the caller was definitely from Manhattan. “Is this her?” He thought. “What should I say? How should I sound? How do I look? It’s a phone call she can’t see me…”. He then realized the phone wouldn’t answer itself and pressed talk.
“Hello?” he tried to say in the sexiest voice possible. “Hi…I think I have the wrong number..” The voice answered back. “Oh where were you trying to get?” Preston asked surprised. “Preston Patterson.” The voice stated slightly disappointed. “Oh well I’m Preston.” He said assuredly. “Hey, you sounded different.” The voice laughed. “It’s Anjelika”
He knew from the second he heard her soft tone exactly who she was. “Oh yeah, How are you?” Preston said trying to deject himself. “I’m good, it’s nice to finally get a hold of you again..”Anjelika said. “Yeah, I’m sorry we lost touch.” Preston said slightly lying. “How have you been?” “I’ve been ok…” Anjelika said hesitantly. “Look why don’t we meet and catch up tonight? Are you busy?” “Uhhhh…” Preston stalled. “Let’s see…” He then looked through an imaginary day planner. “ It looks like I’m free.” He said after a few seconds. “Ok!” Anjelika said enthusiastically. “Meet me at the Jade Dragon. Do you know where that is?” “Yeah in Chinatown off of Canal and Mulberry right?” Preston asked. “Yeah that’s it. Meet me there at eight.” Anjelika said. “Ill talk to you then.”
“Goodbye.” Preston said with a slight smile on his face. He hasn’t remembered feeling this anticipatory about something since before that cold October day. He got his things together and headed for the elevator to get ready for the night.
It was a cold October day, and the leaves were just starting to fall to the ground. Fastening his jacket, Preston looked around waiting for the love of his life. He fiddled with the contents of his pocket, and sat on a bench nearby. The Peidmont park was always empty around this time, and Preston brought Anjelika here often. As he gazed down the hill, he could see a blue Corolla pull up to the base of it. Emerging from the vehicle was Anjelika, who would have been perfectly beautiful if not for the sullen expression on her face. He admired her presence while she treaded up the hill. Her long silky black hair was in a ponytail, which was slung around her shoulder. Her black pea coat was fastened all the way up to her neck, with a white scarf wrapped around the collar. As she finally got to the top of the hill, she fixed her green eyes upon him, slightly smiling.
“Hello dear.” He greeted her. “Hi…” Anjelika whispered back. “So, why don’t we have a seat?”
Preston looked at her and could tell that something was wrong. But instead of asking what was wrong, he thought the news that he would give her would cheer her up. “So,” he started. “Why did you bring us all the way out here today?” Anjelika looked down at her hands. “Well, I have something to tell you.” She said. “Something that I’ve wanted to tell you for a while now.”
Preston knew that the moment was right, and felt around in his pockets again. “Well baby, I have something to tell you.” He smiled. “Do you love me?” He asked. Anjelika sighed. “Preston, that’s what I brought you here to talk ab-“…..“ I know baby!” Preston cut her off. He hastily got on one knee, and pulled out an engagement ring. “Oh My God..” Anjelika stammered. “Preston, please…” Anjelika started. Preston grabbed her by the hand. “Baby, since I first laid eyes on you freshman year, I knew that you were the girl I wanted to marry.” Preston said firmly. “You are the most important part of my life besides God, and its only right that we take our love to the next level. Will you marry me?” “Preston…” Anjelika said softly. “ I’m in love with somebody else.”
Preston’s heart froze like a block of ice. “What?” He managed to get out through utter shock. “ I’m in love with someone else Preston.” Anjelika stated again. “I love you Preston, but I’m not in love with you. And believe me it hurts to have to tell you this, especially this way.” Preston stayed silent, not even being able to look at her. The ring box slid out of his hand and onto the ground littered with orange, red, and brown leaves. Suddenly the brisk wind seemed a little colder. Preston picked himself up from the ground and sat on the bench overlooking the ridge where they were. “Preston, let me explain..” Anjelika said to break the frigid silence. “Don’t even bother.”Preston said coldly. His brown eyes held a look that Anjelika had never seen before, and it scared her. “Just leave” Preston demanded. “Just leave..” Anjelika obliged, and slowly made her way back down the hill.
Preston heard her car pull off, but didn’t dare to look in its direction. Tears of pain slowly flowed down his face, and nearly froze because of the menacing wind. He looked down to see the ring box amid a colorful array of dancing leaves. He picked up the box, and made his way to his car. He left the hill, not sure in what direction to turn next..
“Preston?” Henri shouted. Preston snapped out of his daydream, and fixed his tie. “Well, that’s nice for you if you saw Anjelika.” He said. “Dude,” Herculiz began. “I saw her at Port Authority today, and we got to talking. She’s as gorgeous as ever man.” “You really need to talk to her”. “I haven’t talked to the aforementioned in seven years.” Preston calmly stated. “Well that’s about to change…” Herculiz said softly. “And why is that?” Preston inquired. “I um….kinda gave her your….number..” Herculiz muttered out. “You did what?!” Preston shouted. He turned around to see the others in the restaurant staring at him. “You know what? I’ll see you guys later. I gotta get back to work.” Preston hurried. His friends tried to stop him, but he continued out the door. “Nigga ain’t even pay his part of the bill..” Henri said shaking his head..
This is a story i started in high school, and have yet to finish lol You can see how my writing got progressively better.
This Present Past
Buzz…buzz…buzz..buzz. “What in the world?” Preston said to himself. “Who in the world sends texts at…5am?” He rolled over to his dresser and flipped his phone open. Hey man, meet Herculiz and I at Damon’s for lunch today. We got big news-Henri “That couldn’t have waited till later? God aint even up rite now.” Preston mumbled a little perturbed. “Oh well, I’m awake now.”
He rolled out of bed and walked over to his window and opened the blinds. It was still dark, but he could see the sun rising over the New York skyline. He took a shower and then flipped on the tv as he got dressed. His favorite morning show, “Get The Hell UP New York” was on. “Coming up next we talk with a man who claims to have had contact with sewer aliens. I’m Lisa London, We’ll be back”.
“Man, that show really is weird, but that Lisa London is something else” Preston said as he tied his tie. He slid on his blue blazer and straightened the color on his blue and white striped shirt. He grabbed a bottle of Gatorade on the way out the door, ready to take on another day.
Preston Percival Patterson, or Prez to some, was a single, handsome black man living in Manhattan. He had black hair, light brown eyes, tall, and smart. He graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in Business and Communications. He got a job as the New York Knicks player personnel manager and makes pretty good money just talkin and chillin with the players. His two best friends, Henri L’Deaux and Herculiz Hernandez have been close to him since high school. They grew up in the DC Area and they all made the decision to go to school in New York and live there upon their graduation. Henri took a job on Wall Street, and Herculiz worked for one of the major construction companies in New York City.
Preston breezed through the beginning of his day, partly because he wanted to find out what the “big news” was. He took off for lunch, but decided to take the subway instead of drive. The ride was uncomfortable 1. There was a smelly homeless woman besides him for 4 stops, and 2. The news he was thinking about, he didn’t know if it was good or bad. You know, you can’t tell emotion from a text message. Especially at 5 am…..
He got to Damon’s, a little sports bar that the three had come to know well over the years. There were booths to the right and left of the entrance and a bar in the middle. The owner, just known as Big Sal, always seemed to lighten up when one of the three friends came to dine. “Preston! My favorite patron!” Big Sal exclaimed. “What brings you here so early my friend?” “Uh, Lunch meeting with the boys.” Preston said. “We’ll take the normal booth.” “You got it.” Big Sal granted.
It was a few minutes before Herculiz and Henri waked through the doors. They were never on time exactly, but never really late. “Yo, Prez whats up!?” Herculiz shouted from the front. He wasn’t the most quiet person. “Hey fellas, how it going?” Preston answered. “Going well man” Henri said. “Um, yeah so we have something to tell you” “We?” Herculiz said quickly.”Nuh-uh no we, you tell him yourself brother.” “Fine,” Henri shot back at Herculiz. “Um, Prez, we..” “You!” Herculiz reminded. “I,”Henri restarted. “I saw somebody yesterday. Somebody that I hadn’t seen in about 6 years or so. Somebody that was close to you…to all of us.” Who?” Preston asked. “Um…somebody…we knew….for a nice long time…” Henri stutterd. “Who?” Preston asked again. “Somebody who had ties to more than just….” “WOULD YOU JUST SPIT IT OUT!?” Preston shouted. “Oh sorry…” Henri apologized. “Um, Prez….I saw Anjelika Arliz yesterday.”
Preston looked down at his shirt, not trying to remember the memories that name brought forth, but knew it was happening anyway.
*** Henri is pronounced (on-ree)
*** Herculiz is pronounced (Her-cue-leez)
*** Anjelika is pronounced (Ann-hell-ick-ah)
