Read Online A Note From an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker - Free Book Online

russet-brown bomber jacket two sizes too small—which did little to hide her ample figure—and skin-tight jeans rolled to just below the knees, exposing shapely calves and sockless feet shod in bright-red high-top sneakers. Her dark brown hair, always in disarray when working, was now sleeked back into a greasy pompadour, completing the haughty biker moll look.
    She sidled up to Brian and enveloped him a hug that lasted a little too long.
    “You gonna save a dance for me, Honey?” She spoke this into his ear in a breathless whisper.
    She pulled away, her black eyes flashing. It was obvious she’d had a few too many already, though she’d made it crystal clear in past encounters that she had a thing for him. And while Brian was flattered, she just wasn’t his type. It wasn’t anything physical he could put his finger on, either, as she was fairly attractive. She certainly filled out her jeans well enough. No, it was more her overt predatory nature—fueled by an undercurrent of desperation—that made him uneasy.
    Brian managed a smile and was about to answer when she slunk away, distracted by another guest. He breathed an inward sigh of relief and moved over to Nick, who was hugging a tall brunette dressed in a poodle skirt and matching sweater.
    Nick spotted him and grabbed his hand in a vise-like grip, a toothy grin creasing his gaunt face. “Hey, kiddo, you made it. I was laying money down that you were gonna chump out on me.”
    “Sorry you lost the bet,” Brian said, returning the grin.
    “You kidding? It was worth it. You’re gonna have a blast—or else.” He raised his fist, laughed, and slapped Brian on the back. “Go on in. Bar’s open.”
    Brian rejoined Bob and Debbie and entered the club proper. The motif from the foyer was carried over into the main room on a grand scale. More duplicates of “Maria” were placed at strategic points, like sentinels. Lights flashed and spun, reflecting off a mirrored ball, making for an eye-dazzling display. The bar was even more impressive: an amalgam of polished steel and Lucite, the Lucite pieces seeming to vibrate with an unearthly blue glow. The sunken dance floor, a seamless sheet of obsidian, was deserted in spite of the pounding music. The sheer volume of it made it impossible to ignore. The bass frequencies shook the room hitting him in the gut at the relentless rate of 120 beats per minute.
    Bob pointed toward the bar and made drinking motions.
    “Get me a Sam Adams!” Brian shouted.
    Debbie held up two fingers indicating that she wanted the same, and Bob left to get the drinks. Brian and Debbie found a table near the dance floor and sat down in two of the plush chairs. Brian studied the room then turned to find Debbie studying him, an amused expression on her Botticelli face.
    “You okay?” she said, leaning closer.
    Brian nodded.
    “Seems like you’ve got your work cut out for you tonight.”
    “How’s that?”
    “Cassie. I’m not blind.”
    “Yeah,” Brian said, chuckling. “I can handle her.”
    “Oh, I’m sure you can,” Debbie said, her deep brown eyes twinkling.
    “Wait a minute, that’s not what I meant. I’m not interested in her.”
    “I kind of figured that.” She paused, glancing toward the bar. Bob stood in a crush of partygoers, trying to get the bartender’s attention and looking peeved. Her expression softened when she turned back to Brian. “How long have we known each other?”
    “Six years. Since junior year.”
    “And in all that time, have I ever tried to set you up with anyone?”
    “Thankfully, no.”
    Debbie laughed then turned serious. “Well, I’ve thought about it—a lot, especially after you broke up with Julie. But to be honest, I hesitated because I didn’t think any of my girlfriends were good enough for you.”
    Brian looked down at the table, not sure how to take that. “I appreciate that...very much.”
    “But I think I’ve finally figured out your type.”
    Brian looked up,