The old guy stood in the living room. He looked over at the sofa. An opened pizza box rested on one of the cushions. A half empty bag of chips sat next to the pizza box. He shook his head. He looked at the floor. A dozen empty beer cans were scattered around. He turned to Joey and said, “Your house is a dump.”
“You haven’t seen the kitchen, it’s worse,” said Joey hoping the hold guy would take off.
The old guy maneuvered his way around the beer cans. He turned his cane upside side and swung at a can as it were a golf ball. The can lift off the floor and hit Joey in the stomach.”
“Hey, watch it,” said Joey.
“The next one is coming at your head,” said the old guy.
Joey hustled in front of the old guy and kicked two cans out of the way.”
“You don’t like my crib, you can leave. There’s the door,” said Joey extending his arm and pointing to partially open door.
“No, I not leaving. You are going to clean this up, or …”
Joey interrupted him, “Or what?”
The old man put his left hand to his jaw, thought about what he was going to say. The he said, “I don’t like violence as a first response. So, instead of teaching you a lesson. I have my friend who will be living with me make sure you clean this place.”
Joey looked around. He didn’t see anyone. “What friend.”
“She’ll be living with me. Don’t worry, we’ll share the same room,” said the old guy.
No woman tells me what to do. So, forget about it. I like this place just the way it is,” said Joey with an edge of anger in his voice.
“When is the last time you had a girlfriend, kid? Let’s see you’re almost thirty-four, going nowhere. I’ll guess the senior prom.
“I’m not a kid. That’s what you think. I’m a chick magnet when I go out.”
“I got ten dollars you can’t call a woman and get a date for tonight,” said the old man.
“Can,” said Joey.
“Where’s your ten?” said the old guy.
“I’m saving my money,” said Joey.
“You’re broke and payday isn’t for another four days. I’d call you a loser, but I don’t want to insult losers, kid,” said the old guy.
“I’m not a kid. That does it. Get out,” Joey took a step toward the old guy.
The old guy pivoted forty-five degrees and hollered, “Tina, come on in.”
Who is Tina? Will she straighten Joey out? Who is the old guy? And, why did he come to Joey’s house? Come by tomorrow to find out.
