Meat in the Street
-1-
With wincing eyes, I gaze at the blurry
red numbers on my alarm clock. 9:23 am it reads. My mouth is drier than a
camel's pussy. Reaching blindly on the side of my bed for a bottle of water, I
feel something smooth with my left foot. I look next to me and it’s the girl
that wouldn't have anything to do with me in the bar. I guess I got her
attention before last call.
I got out of bed to get something to drink
and to take a leak. Drank two large cups of cold water after draining the main
vain and flushing the floating used rubbers down the toilet. Looking in the
fridge I thought "Thank the stars I used rubbers" as I ate a few
grapes. Then took a couple bites of left over Honey Dew Melon, grabbed a few
bottles of sprite and went back in the bedroom.
"Get back in bed, Honey. I’m
cold." She said in a baby voice.
"Here......"
"Veronica...... My name is,
Veronica."
"I know what your name is, baby. I
was just trying to clear my dry throat." I said.
"Mhmmm. Just give me the Sprite, slick."
She teased.
I got under the covers and took a few big
drinks. Veronica put her head on my chest and played with my stomach hair.
"I noticed you at the bar every
weekend for months and you never talked to me. Why make the move last
night?" She asked.
"I hit on you every weekend. I guess
I wore the right shoes last night or something."
"Well, you did have some nice shoes
on. Sorry I play hard to get. I just don't flirt with any guy. I like a guy to
show real interest. But I was hoping you wouldn't forget about me because
you're a cutie." She said with a smile.
We sat in silence for a bit. I could do
much worse I thought. She has well-groomed nails, freshly cut hair, and smells
good. She keeps flashing me that perfect smile. Wanting me to say something
life changing, I assume. She isn't thin, but not too thick. Just the way I like
it. I cannot remember if she has a nice ass on her, but she for sure has a big
rack pressing on me. Black hair, smeared make-up, but still very beautiful. If she
has an ass on her, I might have her over later tonight.
"So, you wanting breakfast?" I
asked. "I can make some pretty good pancakes."
"No. I better get going. I'll take a
cup of coffee, if you don't mind. I'm going to freshen up, and I'll meet you in
the kitchen." She said.
I went into the kitchen and put on a pot.
Checking my phone for any late night drunk texts I can't remember sending.
Nothing. Big relief. My whole house smells like this chic. I could get use to
that. Been pretty dry around here for a few months.
"Hey, Hun. Coffee ready?" She
asked as she gave me a sweet kiss.
I poured her a cup of the finest Joe I
ever made.
"You take any cream or sugar,
Sugar?"
"Boy, you're full of witty comments,
huh? I take both." She said.
I gave her the cup and sat at the island
cross from her. She's checking her phone. Hope she isn't a Facebook stalker,
posting pics of my place or anything. She seems pretty smart. Not sure what she
does, but she looks like a professional of some kind. I'm trying to recall
anything we might have talked about last night but I can't remember anything
before 11pm. Fuck.
"So, last night was fun. We going to
change numbers, so we can do this again?" I asked.
"I don't give out my number. Maybe
we'll see each other again at the bar. It was fun staying here last
night."
"Well I will keep an eye out for you
then. I'd like to see you again tonight." I said.
"Slow down, stranger. I have to get
going. I have a busy day ahead of me. Thanks for the workout last night, I
forgot to run yesterday." She said as she got up.
I stood up and went around the island to
get a goodbye kiss and lead her to the door. Damn, she has an ass on her too! I
better run into this girl after I get back from my food truck trip to San Fran.
"Did you mean what you said last
night?" She asked.
"Every word." I said without
blinking.
She gave me a kiss, smiled, wrinkled her
nose and walked out the door. Fuck, I
should have pushed for that number. I didn't want to seem like a desperate
asshole though. I poured me a cup of coffee and tried thinking about last night
with no luck. What did I mean "every word" about?
I finished off the pot of coffee and walked
into the bathroom, and noticed her number written on the mirror with lip stick.
Man, she is going to be a fun one, I could tell.
-2-
After getting out the shower and eating
those pancakes I had on my mind, I called Frank.
"Hello? Who is this?" The female
voice says on the line.
"Tony Richards. Where is Frank?"
I asked.
"Oh, hey, Baby! Well, He got picked
up last night by the law. His second DUI. So He'll be in there for a week until
we get the money to get him out. We won't know how much it'll be till tomorrow,
so it might be two weeks if it’s a lot...... Why you calling?"
"We had a trip coming up. We're going
to San Francisco with Lisa and Charlie for the street food festival La Cocina.
I guess he won't be able to make it this trip. I will be able to chip in on his
bail money. Just get back with me and we'll work something out." I said.
"Oh, great! Everyone will be happy to
hear that. I’m sure Frankie will be thankful. I know he is going crazy in there
right now. I told em.... I told em this would happen aga....."
"Sorry. But I need to go. Tell Frankie
to stay out of trouble in there for me."
"Sure thing. I'll tell that son of
mine to keep his ass in the corner until we get em out. Lord knows he has a
loud mouth on em. Thanks, Honey. I'll keep in touch. Bye, Bye." she said.
Fuck. It’s Sunday, so I have a few days to
find someone to come with. There's no way of doing this trip alone.
Double fuck! I don't remember leaving the bar last night. It was the last
weekend before the trip, so we all drank a little much. Well, besides Lisa. She
had to drive drunk ass Charlie home, he sure wasn't fit for getting behind the
wheel. I went with Frank to the bar, so I got home because of....... Veronica.
-3-
I went to the safe in my closet and made sure everything was there. I don't
know what I could have done last night. I could have told Veronica about the
safe, opened it, took all the money out and got lit up on coke for all I know.
Panic running through me, it took me three times to put in the code. 23-10-9. fuck...
24-8-7... Shit... 25-10 6...CLICK... I yanked down the lever and swung
that door open. Everything was there.
I sat on my closet floor for a while.
Thinking. Planning. Fucking trying to remember what I told Veronica last night!
Its 1:23 pm and figured I would call my tag-a-long food truck crew, and see if
they have someone that could help me out this trip. I'm not sure if they'll
even be up. These guys party until the sun comes up and goes for another few
hours.
I met them at the Taste of Chicago a few
years ago. We helped each other keep a nice side of the park where all the
people marched to get into the Taste. They need some help with the details of
the business and I needed them next to me to keep the people's focus on our
trucks. We both drove from California to be at the Taste, so right away we hit
it off and helped each other out. They did their Mexican dishes, and I did my Cajun
thing. We finished up the Taste and
continued to work with each other in California ever since. Been a great thing
so far. Working with a lively young couple helps bring in the crowds.
I drag my ass out of the closet and grab
my phone. Hell, it’s Sunday, so I’m going to crack a beer as well. My fingers
wet from beer foam, I swipe my phone to give good ol' Charlie a call.
"Yea?" The dried out voice
answered.
"Hey! There you are. I need to ask
you something." I said.
"Yea? Like how you got home last
night? You know me and Lisa were worried about your drunk ass last night. We
even called a few police stations and hospitals because of your ass." He
said.
"I'm fine, don't worry about that.
Matter of fact, some fine ass girl named, Veronica took me home last night.
And! We had a gay old time...... all night long. If you know what the fuck I’m
saying?!" I boasted.
"Finally!" he said. "It's
been what? A few months since you been trying to get her attention?"
"Yea, yea, yea. Give me a break. You
knew I was going to get that, sometime. Anyways, listen, I need a
partner." I said,
"What the fuck happen to Frank?"
"Second DUI. You know someone or
not?"
"Okay...... Hold on, let me wake Lisa
up. It'll be like waking a tiger in a hot afternoon, but I'll do it for
you..."
"Lisa?!" He shouted. "Tony
is on the phone. He needs a partner for this San Fran gig, Frank is in the
Tank!" he shouted.
"Hello?" Lisa cracked.
"Lisa, I'm so sorry to wake you, my
dear, but I am in a real bind here. This San Fran gig is closing in, and Frank
fucked up. Who you got for me?" I begged
"..........No one. Charles and I been
working alone on our truck since we got it. Never needed an extra hand. I'm
sorry, Tony." she said.
I sat on the phone for some time. Silent.
She just waited for me to wrap my head around another solution. Nothing came.
"Okay, Lisa, thanks. Sorry for waking you up." I said.
"It's okay. I had to watch Charles
all night. He's been throwing em back more than usual. Hope you find someone, we’d
hate to call this trip off. Charles and I would love to visit San Fran
and that prison.... What they call it, babe?!" She yelled to Charlie...
"Alcatraz, baby!" He yelled back. "Yea, what he said."
"Lisa. Stay cool and keep an eye on
that party animal. Only a few days left until the trip. I'm going to need him
sober and ready to go, okay?"
"Yes, sir! Roger Roger!" she
laughed and hung up.
-4-
I had no clue. It’s been over an hour
since I hung up with Lisa and Charlie. Needing to take a leak since I been
through 7 beers and a few shots of Vodka, I stepped into the bathroom, pulled
my joint out and let it fly. You know the best ideas come when you're at the
John? Elvis died with the best idea of his life. I shake, zip up and walk to
the sink to wash my hands. A ritual of some sorts, almost full blown OCD, but I
keep lying to myself. Veronica! There were all my answers in one glance. Red
lip stick and a mirror. I knew she would be fun. I cleaned my hands, then
picked up the phone.
"Hello?" A sweet voice said.
"Damn, you sound better than I
remember. I need a favor from you." I said.
"Already asking for favors, huh?
Didn't I already do enough for you last night, Tony?" She asked.
"I don't remember a great deal from
last night, Veronica, I won't lie."
"I know, I'm just pulling your leg.
Last night was fun. What do you need, Mr. Richards?" She teased.
"My partner got locked up and I need
someone for this San Fran trip. You won't need to do much, but prepare and
serve food. What do you say?" I asked.
"For how long, Stranger? You know I
am always buried in work."
"We'll, I don't know that, but it
will be this weekend. We leave Thursday." I said.
"So you did mean what you said last
night. I guess I could take my vacation. I never been to San Francisco. What do
I need?" She said.
"You don't need anything. Just bring
your fine self. You might need to check that ass in though."
"Oh, hush up! I don’t need money or
anything like that?"
"Just bring whatever money you need
for anything you might want to buy and clothes. Everything else, I have
covered. Don't even worry about food or a place to stay. Are you sure? You'll
be stuck with me for a few days." I said.
"Are you kidding?! I am welcoming it.
My life is day by day, same thing, after same thing. This will be lovely. I
need time to run a few miles in the mornings, though. That a problem?" she
asked.
"You can run as much as you want, but
you can't hide." I joked.
"Okay, you want me to come by tonight
to work out the fine strokes?"
She came by that night. We worked out some
strokes alright.
-5-
Veronica worked until Wednesday. On her
off time, she helped me work out an easy route to Pier 70. Charlie and Lisa got along with Veronica
right off the bat. We all had the same sense of humor. It made talking and
working together very easy. It's Thursday morning now and we are heading out
the door. Food trucks are stocked up.
Smokers and supplies are in the pull along trailer. We have about 4 hours of
driving ahead of us.
"I'll take the first two hours!"
The girls said at the same time and ran to the trucks. They knew they would be
tired of driving by the second half.
"That's fine. But you girls will be
setting up the smokers, while we rest after the drive and get a few beers in
us." I said as they ran away. Probably not hearing half of it.
"Alright, Charlie. I'll see you at a
rest stop. Whichever one they pick. They seem to have their own little plans
about this trip already." I said
"Yea. Tell me about it. Lisa been
glowing this whole week. She must really be happy about this trip."
Charlie said.
"They really seem to take a liking to
each other. Thanks for being so nice to Veronica, I really like this one. She
is very witty and intelligent, I can barely keep up. Which is a good
thing." I said.
"Oh shit! They're pulling away!"
Charlie yelled.
We ran and jumped in the giggling Food
Trucks. Gave each other a wave to let each other know that we made it.
"Damn, Baby. In a hurry?" I
asked.
"If I need to set up these smokers
when we get there, I sort of am. Its 11 am now, and after I set up the smokers,
I'd be lucky to get a few drinks in before we have to put on the brisket for
Friday." Veronica said.
"We don't need to start the brisket until
Friday night. The fair isn't until Saturday. I thought we all could go to
Alcatraz Friday. What do you think?" I asked.
"I always wanted to go there!"
She said smiling. "I thought this was just going to be all business."
"Not all business. We have the
rest of Today, Friday and the nights over the weekend for us. Figured we could
explore San Francisco together." I said.
"That sounds perfect, Tony. This is
going to be so much fun!" She said as she slapped my leg.
-6-
Right on the dot, we pulled over to change
shifts. We stopped in some rest stop off of the 101 and stretched our legs.
Charlie and I walked around and talked while the girls went off to the
bathroom.
"Lisa was a chatter box the whole time!
‘Veronica this, Veronica that.' All she talked about." Charlie said.
"Yea, same here. They are really
making us look bad. We need to get a bromance going, otherwise, they'll eat us
alive and we'll just end up doing what they want this trip." I said.
"Yea. We are here to get some money
in our pockets. We'll have fun today and tomorrow, but come tomorrow night, we
really need to get the gears in motion and get these trucks customer
ready." Charlie explained.
"Hey, Boys!" The girls yelled.
"Get your asses in gear and get behind the wheel. San Francisco is
waiting!"
They next two hours went by pretty fast. A
lot to look at going through California. Veronica took a cat nap on my shift,
so it was just me and System of a Down for the ride.
We got there without a problem. We found
some good spots to park the Trucks. Not sure if we'll stay here for the Food
Festival, but for now its good parking. We spent the day walking the hills of
San Fran. Took a few Cable Car tours. Checked out some local talent. The Golden
Man was really good today. Street artists all over the place. People painting
Alcatraz Prison on pieces of rock and selling them for a buck. Not a bad price
if you ask me.
We went to Pier 39 and had a bite to eat
at the Hard Rock Cafe. We all ordered burgers and fries. After they ordered,
Charlie and Lisa went to the bathroom.
"You know Lisa is pregnant
right?" Veronica asked.
"What? How do you know that?!" I
asked.
"She took a test when we pulled in at
the rest stop on the 101, and we checked it when we got here, and it’s
positive. She's knocked up."
"Wow, I don't know how to tell
Charlie." I said.
"We don't, baby. That's their
business." She said.
Charlie and Lisa came to the table and
there was silence for five minutes until He asked, "Where's the fucking
food? I'm starving!"
-7-
We spent our Friday afternoon running the
city over and over. New smells everywhere. Walking the Piers, we came across
Pier 33 and decided to go on the Alcatraz Tour. Waiting for the Ferry, we sat
and checked out the seals sleep, play and fight. Loud animals. Few years back,
they disappeared from the Piers of California and went north. They recently
came back, and just in time for us to see them. Wonderful Creatures. The Ferry
came and we all got on eagerly. The fog blanketed the water, the Golden Gate
Bridge and The Rock. The Ferry was pretty big. Two decks on it. Charlie and
Lisa went to the top deck, but I wanted to stay on the bottom, close to the
water. Enjoying the view and the mist, I felt Veronica shivering next to me.
"Here take my sweater." I said
as I was unzipping.
"What are you going to wear,
Tony?" She asked.
"I'll be alright, V. You know you
always make me hot." I said smiling.
Blushing she turned around so I can put it
on her. "What got into you today? You're such a charmer." She said.
"I'm always a charmer, girly. Don't
forget it!" I said.
I put my arm around her as she rested her
head on right side of my chest. We didn't say anything the rest of the way, I
sure had thoughts running through my head though…. And I was cold as hell the
whole ride.
We got off the Ferry and met up with
Charlie and Lisa up front. We had some time so we walked the grounds before the
next tour started.
"Lisa and I are going to check the
place out until it starts. We'll meet up later, yea?" Charlie said.
"Yea. Better keep the girls away from
each other before they hatch another plan on us." I said......"How is
Lisa feeling?" I asked.
"Fine, I guess. She been kind of
quiet. I think she doesn't like the Ferry ride. Might be a quiet cold ride back
to the Piers." Charlie said.
"I’m sure that’s it. It was a cold as ride. Okay, Charlie. I'll
meet up with you later. Don't go in the showers and get raped!" I said.
Veronica and I walked around out front for
a bit, looking at the city off in the distance and bantering. While walking I
went to pull off a plant leaf and cut my finger on it. It went right under my
nail and caused my finger to bleed. It made for good goofing around material
the rest of the tour.
We got in the group and the tour guide
gave us headphones to listen to as we walk through to prison. We walked through
the prison, listening and talking about history. People escaping using paper
heads on their pillows. Murders in the shower room. Walking the huge outside
court. Gorgeous place with deadly history. We all loved it.
When we got outside it was colder than
ever and the fog was thicker. Veronica and Lisa couldn't wait to get back to
the food trucks to warm up.
"As soon as we get back to the trucks
we need to start getting this food in the smokers and prepare all we need for
tomorrow. So don't get too excited about getting back to them trucks." I
said.
"Oh, shush." Veronica said.
"Let’s get on the Ferry."
It was a cold ride back. But with good
friends and a sexy women beside me, it was the best time of my life.
-8-
We got back and went to open up the
trailer to get out the smoker when I noticed that the lock and door looked like
it was bashed with a bat.
"Fuck! Good thing they didn't get in,
we would be fucked the rest of the weekend." Lisa said.
I opened the doors and looked inside, it
was all there. "Yea, we would have been. I keep new locks inside the
truck. Can you grab me a new lock, baby?" I asked Veronica.
"Oh, I'm 'baby' when you need
something, huh?" She said smiling.
"Just get me the lock, woman," I
said as I walked in the trailer to pull out the smokers. I set mine up with
Texas style Brisket. Makes a killer sandwich that people will love. Charlie put
on his Carne Asada and a small pig for his Pork Tamales and Posole soup.
"Here you go, chef." Veronica
said. "What kind of Mexican is named Charlie anyways?" She asked
Charlie.
"A half white one, darling." He
said.
She laughed and slapped him on his
shoulder. We got everything we needed ready for tomorrow done pretty fast. Although,
I'll have to check the pig and brisket later tonight, while everyone sleeps.
-9-
It’s go time. We parked the trucks in a
good spot and set up shop. Chalked out the day’s menu and started the
show. We had a line within the first
hour. Both trucks banging out orders left and right. The day was busy nonstop.
None of us got a break.
"How much money we get, baby?"
Veronica asked.
"Oh so I'm 'baby' when you wanna know
how much money you're getting?!" I joked.
"I think I'll just count all the
money after the end of our shift tomorrow before we head back home. We're going
to get some rest, I'll talk to you guys in the morning." Charlie said.
"Bye, guys. We'll see you early in the
morning! Come on, Charles." Lisa said.
Veronica and I cleaned the food truck so we
had room to lay down. She helped me set
up the smokers for the last day. I had to double the meat for Sunday, because I
heard it's going to be packed. We got in the truck, fooled around for a bit and
fell asleep. Great ending to a great day.
I thought.
-10-
Sunday came and went. Busy crowds, hungry
people and full cash boxes for both my truck and Charlie's truck.
"We should all go to Hard Rock Cafe
again, Charles." Lisa said.
"Yea, we should. It would be a nice
way to end the trip. What do you guys think?" Charlie asked.
"Yea, let’s go." Veronica and I
said at the same time.
We ate, went back to the trucks and
cleaned everything up. Had a long day
and after the beers we all drank (minus of Lisa), we were beat and went to our
trucks and fell asleep.
I woke in the middle of the night with
stomach pains. I had to go and had to go now. I normally took a wiz in the
alley next to us but I can't take a shit back there. You don't shit where you
eat. So I ran (carefully) down to the gas station.
"I need to key to the bathroom!"
I said.
"No key, Hon. Just walk down and to
the left." The lady said.
I got a few pops and some candy bars for
Lisa and headed back to the trucks. It was a chilly night. The wind off the
water would grip your bones. I heard screaming. I ran to the trucks and seen
Lisa face down in the street with a pool of blood by her head. Veronica was
screaming in the truck. I drop everything and run to the back of my truck and
peek in. There is a tall skinny guy on top of Veronica ripping her shirt off. I
get to my side door, opened it slowly and hit him as hard as I could with the tire
knocker on his head. He dropped right on Veronica.
"What the fuck happen?!" I asked
"Go check Lisa and Charlie, I'm okay.
I heard something outside and before I knew it this asshole was on top of
me." She cried.
I ran over to Lisa and put my head next to
her mouth. I heard her still breathing. I yelled to Veronica to sit with Lisa
while I go into Charlie's truck. Tire knocker in hand, I slowly peak my head
into the truck. Charlie is laying there with half his ear gone and blood in his
mouth. I turn on the light and his chest is rising and falling fast. Looks like
the shooter missed the headshot. Grazed his head and took half his ear. And
maybe kicked him while Lisa jumped out the truck. The cops were outside by the
time I went back to check on the girls. Lisa was sitting up by the time I
reached them.
"Is Charles okay?" Lisa breathed
"I heard a loud pop and seen a strange man and just ran. I got shot in my
shoulder and that’s all I remember." She continued
"He is knocked out. But I think he'll
be fine." I assured
-11-
We're all back home. Charlie had to learn
to live with half an ear and Lisa had her baby with no complications. Veronica
was shaken up for a while after the whole ordeal. She moved in and we're
expecting a baby. I don't see a food truck trip in our near future. Just to be
safe. We’re thinking of opening up a restaurant.
As for the man who almost ran off with all
our hard work and lives, He's on probation now. What a justice system huh?
THE
END
