24 - Memory Lane

"You look completely different," she said after she hugged me.  "There just
something that's just ...wow."  She stood back and looked me head to toe like
she was satisfied with the finishing touches on a remodeled kitchen.
     "It's been almost six and a half years," I said shaking out the last
cigarette of this pack with my one free hand.  Soft packs are good for
something.
     "I've gained thirty pounds, shaved my head bald, and cut off the beard and
mustache.  I'm like a tall, fat two year old with a bad attitude and a
vocabulary like a sailor."
     She laughed and stared at the pavement beneath her feet.  It was still wet
from the rains and the mist it left was comforting.  She was wearing a blue
workout outfit, no socks, and red sneakers.  She must have lost forty pounds in
the six almost seven years I had seen her last.
     I was amazed I said hello when we were in line.  I usually play the
"Hide-In-Aisle 5" game but today I was in the mood to talk to someone.
     "So what are you up to now? Married, single, or confused?  Weren't you with
whatthefuck's his name for like eight years."
     "Are you still on that married life kick?  Jesus," she said smiling.  "I'm
back for the week to see my mom.  He & I didn't work out so I'm off to
California."
     "Shit. I'm sorry," I said.  Like every guy I know, who sees a girl that
looks good they haven't seen for a while, I was wondering if she was up for a
trip down Get Naked lane.  Men are scum.  Deal with it.
     "I'm not sorry.  He turned out to be an asshole." We all knew that from day
one I thought to myself.  A few us of even let her know but there's just some
things friends have to find out for themselves.
"Plus they need nurses all over and this place in California is paying my rent
for me." 
     "More power to you.  I've got to roll.  I was just snagging candy for the
crew cause we ain't paying movie prices.  If you're at your mom's for the week
and she still has the same number I'll give you a call, if that's cool.  She's
not still mad at me?" I asked wincing.
     "Yes the number is the same. I think as long as you don't try crawling
through the bedroom window this time, we'll be fine."
     "She caught me crawling out," I smiled.
     "I just can't get over how different you look with out the goatee."  She
said over her roof as we got into our cars.
     "I can't have one at work," I snorted.  "The bosses feel it leads to less
effective ass kissing; with all the tickling."
     "You will never change will you?"
     "Well if you're going to look like a tall, fat two year old sometime you
just gotta act like one."

That Beautiful Black Man