The guys are all going out, ready to party, blow off steam, get laid. I catch the waiting rideshare back to my penthouseapartment overlooking the Mississippi River, the West Bank, Algiers.
As the SUV pulls away from the Superdome, I lean back in the seat, watching the lights disappear into the fog coming off the river, wrapping around the buildings. It’s beautiful and mysterious. It transforms this modern city into an old world of pirates and thieves and history.
It’s my mom’s hometown. It’s enchanted. I haven’t written in a while. Playing with words relaxes me, but my words seem to follow the same trail these days.
I wonder what she’s doing. Will she go out? Will she curl up in those terrycloth shorts and that shirt and watch a show? Would it be weird if I asked her?
Knox
What got you started in podcasting?
It starts to drizzle. My phone is in my hand aching to feel her reply, and I lean my head back, looking out at the night glazed with rain water.Beside the white chickens…
The device buzzes, and warmth spreads through my wrist, up my arm, across my chest as I look at the screen.
Melody
I started in television. It’s how I know Chet.
My brow quirks, but that’s not jealousy I’m feeling.
It’s not.
Fuck it.
Knox
I didn’t know you knew Chet.
Melody
Distantly. He was more friends with my former partner.
Knox
What happened to her?
Melody
We wanted different things. She wanted to do more…
A few seconds pass with no gray dots.
Knox
Fashion? Celebrities?
I think about what else Melody might be. She’s clearly got football on lock, but what else does she like? Exercise? Yoga? My eyes slide down her muscular legs in my memory’s eye. Sexy, defined, gorgeous…
Melody
She was more into investigative reporting, Jerry Springer style. Her brand was surprising guests with shocking rumors and innuendo.
Knox
Wow. That’s…
Sexy thoughts recede in the face of this new information. How could Melody be partners with such a person? Were they close? How much of her friend’s old behavior seeped into her? How much is she waiting to unleash on me?
