The Illusion of Danger

Chapter 19

Anthony was quick to get dressed and stuff his pockets with important items such as his cigarettes, lighter, wallet, and brought along his notebook and pen just in case.
As the two men ran out of the hotel like the excited and wild chumps they were, Rocky pointed out his car and they ran right to it, of course, Anthony almost getting hit by a moving automobile and earning the driver a bit of angry Italian spit at him before the ragdoll continued his giggle fit and ran the rest of the way.

"I'm so excited, Rocky, y' got no idea!"
Anthony exclaimed as he jumped into the passenger seat.

Rocky climbed into the driver's seat vibrating with as much excitement as Anthony was. Although quite concerned with the spectacle he had just witnessed.

"Sooooo uhhh... what was that language you were speaking?"
Rocky started up the car and headed to the Little Daisy for their lunch.

Anthony grinned and leaned forward against the dashboard excitedly before getting comfortable in his seat, looking at the tabby for a moment with raised brows.
"Huh? Oh! Y' never heard Italian b'fore? That's what that was. Pretty normal thing t' be heard when you're walkin' the streets of New York. A lotta yellin'."
He chuckled.

"Wow, so cool! Nah, I don't think I've ever heard it before."
The tabby looked up in thought, eyes not on the road as they should be.
"You're from New York, huh? Must be strange coming to a smaller city like this then."

"I actually really enjoy seein' new places! Doesn't really matter how big or small a city or town is, it's all really nice. New York's gotten dull and predictable."
The ragdoll replied as he calmly reached over and took the wheel to help keep them in line with the road.

The tabby looked back down and saw Anthony put his hand on the wheel.
"Oh! Sorry! I get lost in thought sometimes."
The short drive ended when Rocky pulled up to the curb in front of the Little Daisy cafe.

"Here we are! This is where I work most of my days."
He leaned in close to Anthony.
"I'm a hooch runner most nights."
He said, smiling giddily. The tabby trusted Anthony to keep his secret considering the other secrets they've shared. He hopped out of the car, beckoning the ragdoll to follow him to the cafe.

Anthony's smile widened as he scrambled out of the car and toward the little building.
"We got more in common than I thought!"
He exclaimed, opening the door for Rocky to go in first.

"Oh yeah?! You run hooch too!? You could've just told me hahaha."
Rocky laughed quietly as he entered the cafe.

"Hey, Miss Pepper! I brought a friend!"
He greeted her from across the cafe as he grabbed menus for him and Anthony. Pointless to grab one for himself since he only ever ate pancakes.

The tabby led Anthony to a booth in the back so they could chat more in private while they ate, sliding into the booth and handing a menu over to Anthony.
"The pancakes here are great!"

"Pancakes, aye?"
The ragdoll questioned as he plopped into the booth on the opposite side of the table from Rocky.
"I think I've had those twice b'fore."
He said as he started looking over the menu.

Ivy ran right up to the table with a big smile.
"Hi, nice to meet you! I'm Ivy!"
She smiled, setting two glasses of water down.

Anthony smiled and looked up from his menu.
"Hey there, Ivy! Great t' meetcha!"
He grinned.

"He's not getting you into trouble, is he?"
She asked before there could be any further conversation.

"Trouble? Can't say he is, no. Why?"
Anthony asked, glancing across at the tabby with a raised brow.