DESI
October, 1993
“How long has it been now?”
I scowled at my friend, Eric. “A year to the day.”
He shook his head. “Today, of all days? See, that’s where you messed up. You don’t do anything relationship-related on your birthday. Now, you’re always going to remember it.”
“That’s the point.” I slid a cigarette between my lips. “Otherwise, I’ll have her on my ass every year about it.”
“Your old woman.” Randy added.
My lip curled up in distaste for the phrase. “Why has this come up again?”
“Because she’s coming up behind you.” Mick snickered.
I spun around to see the tall blonde throwing up her arms and tossing them over my shoulders.
“Desiderio! I’ve been looking all over for you!”
“How’d you find me?” I glanced around me, noting my friend’s looks of annoyance.
“Hmm, well, considering you weren’t at your house, I figured it was a safe bet to try Frank’s.” Aleida gave me a forced, uncomfortable smile as she nodded to the convenience store behind us.
“It’s a good wall.” I pushed her away and stepped back to stand in line with Tommy, Mick, Eric, and Randy. “And we don’t have to do beer runs.”
“Yes, I have heard your speech before.” She sighed. “I’m about to leave, and I wanted to say goodbye.” She reached out for another hug, and I reluctantly moved to give her one. She pulled away after I stiffly patted her back and glanced at my friends, who were staring at us.
“I thought you already left.” I took another drag of my cigarette and flicked the cherry on the asphalt.
“Tionne was thirsty so we had to wait until she could get something to drink.” She slid her sunglasses down just enough so that I could see the red irises. She winked. I swallowed, knowing full well what she meant by thirsty. It wasn’t water she wanted. It was blood. They needed to feed.
“Are you guys good now, then?”
“Absolutely. We’re heading to the airport now. We’ll be back next weekend. Are you sure you’re okay with this? I know we celebrated last night, but still.” She pouted.
I looked away. “You’re good, babe. Go, have fun with your friends. I’ll see you when you get back.” She threw herself at me again, pressing her sticky lips against mine. I didn’t kiss her back, but she didn’t seem to notice. Or maybe she did notice, she just didn’t care. Either way, it satisfied her enough to let me go.
“I’ll bring you some new Tarot cards or something.” She patted my front pocket, where my current deck was. I never went anywhere without it.
“See you lame-o’s later.” She flashed my friends the peace sign and sprinted back to Tionne’s bright orange Porsche and hopped in. The pair sped off into the night.
Relief washed through me as the orange speck disappeared. I turned back to the guys,
“Where’d Tommy go?” I asked.
“Beer run,” Randy said. The Smashing Pumpkins came on, and I closed my eyes to enjoy the music. “I still don’t think you’ll go through with it.”
I looked up from the ground and eyed Randy. He shook his head at me. His long, blond hair covered his face.
“What other choice do I have?”
“You call it off and live your fucking life, man.”
“Is that all I have to do?” I patted his shoulder hard. “Thanks, friend. I didn’t realize it’d be that easy.”
“Oh, boo hoo. Mr. Trust-fund would have to get a job.” Tommy smirked as he came out with a case of Budweiser. He put it on the ground and opened it. Then, he handed us each a fresh can.
