The Rooster Club

by N. M. Catalano

  “Hey man, it’s about time. Where have you been?” Tommy asked.

  Vinnie laughed, “I’ve been at school.”

  “Yeah, but that’s it. We never see you out anymore” Tommy continued.

  “I’ve been hanging out at Joe’s,” Vinnie said with a slight smirk as he slid onto the bench alongside Mark.

  The waitress walked quietly up and smiled at Vinnie.

  He glanced up at her to order a beer and hesitated when he looked into her face.

  “Hi,” he said, smiling broadly with his irresistible boyish charm.

  “Hi, Vinnie, how are you?” she asked with a flirty smile.

  “I’m excellent, how are you?” Vinnie answered as he quirked a brow at the pretty waitress.

  “I’m good, what would you like tonight?” she asked him with double meaning.

  “Right now, I’ll take a Heineken, maybe later it might be more,” he flirted back with her.

  “Sure, that sounds great, just let me know.” She smiled coyly at him from lowered lashes. “I’ll get your beer.” She turned and walked towards the bar, swaying her ass a little as she went.

  Vinnie turned his attention back to his friends. They all stared at him, then her, then back at him.

  “What?” he asked, unable to hide his huge grin.

  Jughead was the first one to blurt out, “What in the HELL was THAT?” Jughead didn’t talk much, but he chuckled a whole lot.

  Charlie added, the most outspoken one of them all, “Yeah, man, have you fucked that chick?”

  “Sshhh, hang on,” Vinnie whispered as a blush spread across his cute face.

  Vinnie was attractive, with big blue eyes, dimples in the cheeks of his adorably good-looking face, and a smile that melted you. He had an innocent sex-appeal that hid his pervy self.

  “Here’s your beer, would you like a tab?” she asked when she returned with Vinnie’s Heineken, batting her lashes.

  “Yes, please.” Looking to his friends, he asked, “Anybody need anything?”

  Different variations of no came from all the guys. Any other time, if they weren’t in shock, they’d have ordered rounds of shots with chasers.

  Except Jughead.

  “Do you have any snacks, like those bowls of pretzels or nuts?”

  He had the munchies.

  “Sure, hang on, I’ll get you guys a couple of bowls,” the waitress said before walking off and ducking in the back of the bar.

  “Dude, you fuck as many chicks as you want, as long as they take care of my munchies,” Jughead said, smiling like a kid.

  “So, you fucked her,” Charlie stated. “How the hell did that happen? That chick is HOT!”

  Vinnie shrugged his shoulders, “I told you, I’ve been hanging out at Joe’s and I met her there,” he lifted his head to gaze at his friends, “and her roommate,” he smirked.

  “No way!!” they all exclaimed loudly.

  “Whatever,” Vinnie laughed again.

  The pretty waitress in the tight jeans and long sleeved T-shirt came back and placed four bowls of snacks on the table in front of the five young men.

  “Here you go guys, just let me know if you need more,” she said cheerfully.

  “Babe, introduce yourself to the guys,” Vinnie told her casually.

  “Hi, I’m Priscilla.” She introduced herself then looked at Vinnie, “My roommate asked me if I’d seen you around. You should come by again,” she told him with a seductive grin.

  An “Oh shit,” came from two of the guys, immediately followed by a loud thump and shuffling under the table.

  “I will, thanks. Maybe we can come over later for a little while and hang-out,” Vinnie answered her.

  “That sounds great, I’ll call a few friends,” Priscilla smiled and bounced excitedly on her feet.

  “Excellent, I’ll bring some party goods.”

  “You are the best, Vinnie,” she smiled as she bent to place a kiss on his cheek.

  A customer waving his hand caught Priscilla’s eye. “I’ve got to get back to my other tables. I’ll come check on you in a minute,” she said, and briskly walked away.

  “I don’t freakin’ believe it,” Charlie said, as he shook his head.

  “Did any of you guys have any other plans tonight that you can’t go and hang out with some college chicks?” Vinnie asked looking at each of them.

  “No, man, and even if we did, they’ve just been cancelled,” Tommy exclaimed with a sparkle in his eye.

  “You want to step outside for a minute and burn one? Anybody got their car parked close by?” Vinnie asked as he reached into his pocket.

  “Yeah, and do you have anything?” Tommy asked.

  “Yes, what do you want?” Vinnie replied.

  “A couple of J’s (joints),” Tommy asked, shrugging his shoulders.

  “That’s it? Why don’t you just take the nickel bag, you can take care of it later,” Vinnie told him with an understanding smile.

  “You sure?” Tommy asked him, he didn’t want to take advantage of his friend.

  “Of course, Tom.”

  Vinnie knew his friends had it tough. Most of them didn’t have a job and he knew things were tight at home. He was lucky. He really didn’t have to worry about money. His parents had sold their business recently, and they were very generous with their kids. They’d paid cash for each of the children’s cars, and were going to do the same for Natalie’s. Also, Vinnie’d been dabbling in dealing pot for a couple of years. He only did it a little here and there. Whenever he’d get some for his own head, he got a little extra for his friends, or anyone else who wanted it. Sylvia’s ex-boyfriend had been one of the major cocaine dealers in the area, and Vinnie had met the suppliers when he used to hang-out at Sylvia’s apartment. The suppliers took a liking to the snot-nosed brat. He was charming, entertaining, and showed a certain sense of smoothness, even at a young age. Because Vinnie had been exposed to the lifestyle early, he was familiar with how things were run. The suppliers already trusted him.

  And his friends were able to reap the rewards.

  Frequently, Vinnie got his friends high more than they bought. Which was fine with him. His relationship with his friends was great, there was no pressure, they’d known each other for years, and would do anything for each other. He travelled in all the circles at school, the blacks, the Puerto Ricans, the jocks, and the stoners. If it weren’t for the school-work, he’d love school.

  “Let’s go. Hey Priscilla, could you watch our table for a minute, we’ll be right back,” Vinnie asked as he stood.

  “Sure, Vinnie,” she answered him from the bar.

  “You guys need something for your head because you just might get laid tonight. Even you Jughead,” Vinnie laughed.

  “That’s cool, man,” Jughead said, bobbing his head.

  It looked like the boys were going to have another late night.

  ***

  Michael and Paul were getting settled upstate. They felt like a weight had been lifted from their shoulders, especially Paul.

  Michael was made an accomplice byway of knowledge. He was now almost as liable as Paul, even though he’d had no part in the robbery. But his acceptance to help his friend made him culpable. He was neck deep in the shit, so he might as well enjoy it and make the best out of the situation.

  Michael and Paul talked about whether or not they would get a car. They hadn’t needed one in the city. More often than not, a car was a burden, worrying about parking spaces, feeding the meters, is it going to get towed or robbed, the list goes on and on. And a car wasn’t necessary, public transportation ran 24 hours a day and was a lot more convenient.

  There was no public transportation upstate, only a big yellow bus that went to the mall and back that ran only a few times a day. Neither one of them wanted to have anything linked back to them with a paper-trail. So they decided to put a car on hold.

  Next up for discussion was living arrangements. They had no idea how long they were going to stay, and cons
idering most apartments required a lease, hence a paper-trail, they would hold off on that as well.

  The apartment above Vinnie’s and Natalie’s parents’ house where Sylvia was currently living was large, with three bedrooms, a huge kitchen, living room and bathroom. Vinnie would stay there when he brought strange women home. Sylvia didn’t care, as a matter of fact, she had been the one to suggest he use one of the bedrooms for his extra-curricular activities. She’d encouraged it.

  And Sylvia and Paul had been fucking like jack-rabbits ever since the guys had arrived. That headboard was going to go through the wall pretty soon if they didn’t stop.

  It was during these times Michael would sit by himself and think, or take a walk outside, or play handball in the driveway against the tall, windowless wall on the side of the house. He tried to believe the reality of where he was at in his life. One thing he was certain of, he wasn’t going to be able to sit around all day. The energy of the city flowed in his veins and wouldn’t allow him to keep still, it hummed within him, alive and needy. It was only a matter time before it would take control.

  Michael always looked forward to seeing Natalie when she came home but he didn’t want to monopolize her time. He didn’t know where he stood right now in his own life, and he sure as hell couldn’t drag her into it.

  He was a realist. He had no home. He had no job. He’d been dragged into being an accomplice to a crime. He had nothing really but the clothes on his back. He had nothing to offer her. He needed to figure out his life and get on with it. Then and only then could he even think about a relationship with Natalie.

  But he couldn’t stay away from her, the pull between them, what they shared, was too strong, and broke down all his defenses. When he was alone, and his mind allowed him a rare moment of peace, he relived the intimate moment of lovemaking they’d shared. Never had he felt the intensity of emotions that had overwhelmed him with any other woman than he had with Natalie. And if he were honest, it scared the shit out of him.

  Michael knew what time Natalie got home. He was restless today, pacing back and forth until she arrived.

  “Hi,” he told her when he walked in.

  She was throwing her bag down and pulling off her coat and shoes.

  “Hi!” she exclaimed.

  He could see the initial surprise on her face, then it shifted as different emotions danced across her angelic features. He loved watching it.

  “I guess I’ve been waiting for you,” he smiled.

  “Yeah? That’s really nice,” Natalie told him as a smile brightened her face.

  “How was your day?” he asked as he stepped closer.

  He could see the color filling her cheeks, and her breath quickening through her slightly parted lips.

  “It was good, how about yours?” she answered quietly.

  “Good. It’s nice not having to rush back to the city. I love it up here,” Michael said softly into Natalie’s ear.

  His arms were pulling her close as he inhaled deeply, filling himself with her. Calm and serenity washed over him, the way it always did when she was with him.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” she said huskily.

  This, how he felt right now, was exactly how he always wanted to feel. Free, content, with a warm glow to his soul. The uneasiness he’d felt all day floated away like a cloud of smoke.

  Butterflies sent excited soft shivers through her stomach.

  When Michael was alone with Natalie he felt at peace, that the world was a beautiful place with endless possibilities, and he could do and be anything. She made him feel that everything was going to be ok. At the same time, he couldn’t help feeling like he was a fraud, that this perfection could never be his. It nagged at him in the back of his mind silently and slowly, and he hoped it wouldn’t eat away at his stolen moments of happiness with her.

  “I’ve got to go out tonight,” Michael began. He felt her body tense slightly against him. He understood her apprehensions, even though they never talked about it. “I need to talk to some people, maybe make some connections,” he continued.

  The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde he was becoming was getting stronger every day.

  Natalie may have been young but she wasn’t stupid. She knew about connections and people, she’d seen it with Sylvia and her ex. She also remembered all the shit that came along with it.

  She hadn’t seen anything yet.

  ***

  “What the fuck is going on, Mike? You guys are staying up here?” Johnny yelled as he came up the stairs and walked towards them at Joe’s Bar.

  Johnny’s smile was huge, he was ecstatic to have some of his homeboys around, it made him feel more at home.

  “Yeah, we couldn’t let you have the place all to yourself. So me and Paul are going to hang around for a while, and see what happens,” Michael answered, giving his old friend a hug.

  “That’s great! Where are you guys staying?” Johnny asked.

  “Vinnie offered us a couple of rooms at his house until we get settled. And Paul’s got it bad for his sister,” Michael laughed.

  “Natalie?!” Johnny asked in shock.

  “No man, Vinnie’s other sister, Sylvia.”

  A surge of possession rushed through Michael at the mention of Natalie’s name.

  ‘Natalie’s mine,’ his mind roared.

  “You haven’t seen her, Johnny?” Paul asked.

  By the look on Paul’s face, he did have it bad for her.

  “Yeah, at the dance contest in Albany.” Johnny turned to Vinnie. “Damn, you were holding out with both sisters, that’s messed up.”

  “Because you guys are pigs. You’re damn right I wouldn’t let any of you anywhere near them,” Vinnie laughed.

  “Look who the fuck is talking,” Michael chimed in.

  “Yeah, but I’m not a pig with your sister,” Vinnie smiled.

  The truth of it twisted like a knife in Michael’s conscience, adding to his reservations of what he felt for Natalie. Vinnie was right.

  And it sucked.

  “Good evening gentlemen,” came a familiar voice.

  Steve, the owner of Joe’s, joined them, with the trademark coffee cup in his hand. This was the beginning of his work day, and Joe’s was his empire.

  “It’s good to see you again,” Steve said with a cold smile.

  “Thank you for comping us at the door. And the drinks.” Michael may not have finished high school but he wasn’t stupid. Steve had arranged for them not to pay the cover charge to get in, along with free drinks. And Michael made it a point to let him know they acknowledged his gesture.

  Michael also knew that men like Steve never did anything out of the kindness of their hearts. He wanted something from them. Michael wasn’t quite sure what it was yet, but he had no doubt they were about to find out.

  “No problem, I want to make sure you guys are happy here,” Steve smiled broadly. But his eyes stayed cold.

  “We’re very happy here, aren’t we fellas?” Michael smirked, looking at his crew.

  They all nodded and agreed.

  “Excellent. I wanted to bring up a certain topic,” Steve said as he pulled some pictures from his pocket. “Let’s go to my office and discuss it.”

  A dark cloud momentarily hung over the guys as the need to turn and run flashed through all their minds. It was automatic and instinctual.

  Steve turned and walked towards a closed door that had a red stick-on ‘Private’ sign. The massive bouncer who had been standing off to the side silently appeared.

  “Let’s go, boys,” the flesh mountain said deeply, his voice sounding like it came from a huge pit.

  “Sure,” Michael said lightly, as every sense within him shot to alert.

  The bouncer herded them into the office, then closed the door behind them, leaving them alone with Steve. The owner had settled himself in the large wingback office chair behind the desk facing the door. Both pieces of furniture were old and scarred, matching the worn disheveled feel of the room. Fluor
escent lighting glared at them, lighting up the ugly space.

  Michael took a step towards the desk and took one of the seats across from Steve, with Vinnie, Paul, and Johnny behind him.

  “I know that everyone comes to Joe’s to have a good time, that’s what we’re all about. I took a notice of you when I saw how much the customers here loved you, especially the women. Where the women are, the men will come.” Steve began, as he laid down the photos he’d been holding one by one.

  Michael picked them up individually, showing no outward signs of interest or concern. But inside he cringed.

  There were several of Vinnie handing someone a joint here, or a nickel bag there, and a couple with them all passing around a joint.

  Michael knew that Vinnie sold a little weed, he always had, it but it was never anything big.

  “You take a good picture, Vin,” Michael stated jokingly, trying to keep up his facade.

  Vinnie’s face had turned ashen when he looked at the pictures over Michael’s shoulder.

  “I do look good,” Vinnie laughed, taking Michael’s cue.

  “He does, doesn’t he? You all do,” Steve added, amused. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea here boys. I want you to have a good time, and I want you to keep the customers having a good time. I just want to help you.”

  “You do? That’s great!” Michael said attempting to sound offhanded.

  “Yes, I want to make it simpler for you.” Steve leaned forward and pressed the intercom button on his phone. It was on speaker and the loud, grating buzz filled the space.

  “Yes, Steve?” came Gail’s voice on the other end.