Chapter 44：Crackheads want to eat swan meat (1/2)

6 days to live.

”Well, last night was a wash.” Ben said to Antonio. They were eating dinner at a nearby restaurant. ”Sorry about that.”

Antonio replied, ”It's all good, cuz. We got away from that bouncer. It'd be best if we stayed away from that bar though. Also, maybe you shouldn't drink from now on. You went full Palpatine…” His eyes showed a tinge of fear.

Ben nodded. ”Yea, I can tell drinking isn't my thing. Only two beers Hasselhoffed me...Only, everyone else in those bars is drinking. Isn't it weird to be the only person without a drink?”

Antonio stroked his chin. ”You can buy a ginger ale or soda and carry it around in a glass. That way you'll fit in.”

”…It's a good idea. Kind of weird though.”

Antonio shrugged. ”Fake it till you make it.”

Ben pinched his eyebrows. 'What am I making? An alcoholic?'

After the bar debacle last night, Ben was in no shape for any more openers, so Antonio helped him get back to his dorm without someone arresting him. He woke up with a hangover and spent most of the day nursing himself back to health, only getting a gym workout in. He couldn't afford to rest though, so they planned to go out again tonight.

Antonio said, ”You know, we don't have to go out every night…”

It's true it wasn't a healthy lifestyle and torched Ben's sleep schedule, but he'd have plenty of time to dirt nap next week. Also, all he needed to do tomorrow was a date with Miyuki at nighttime.

Ben stared hard into Antonio's eyes and his voice became grave. ”I do…I've got to get a nut off…you hear me? If I don't glue-gun a woman this week, I'll die…”

By reflex, Antonio leaned back and frowned. 'I ain't no expert in thirstology, but this guy's vampin' out!'

***

After dinner, the two of them went back to the nightlife area they'd frequented these last few days. The name of this neighborhood was the West Village and it was always busy at night. As they approached Domina, Ben was eager to verify if there would be any fresh changes when he entered this bar dungeon, but he didn't have the opportunity.

”It's closed?” Ben knitted his eyebrows.

Antonio said, ”New York may be the city that never sleeps, but it sure takes a lot of siestas. Even though there's somethin' happenin' every night, that's not the case for every place. Most venues are only packed a couple of nights per week, and those are the popular ones. It's not cheap keeping a spot open and paying staff.”

Ben recalled that Lia, the promoter, mentioned Domina was only good a few nights. It disappointed him but the two continued walking. There was no shortage of venues here.