Summer in the City

Chapter 7 - Simmer Down

Mik

The lighted streets of New York City passed by his rolled down windows as Mik drove his car down the road. It was late and after his daily shift at the station. He looked out to the sidewalks of ebony ladies standing on streets waiting for their next customer, and the reflected lights of all the dark business signs.

"XXX" read a big bright pink one.

Men both white and black stood against businesses as they watched people walk by during the night.

Big hair, leather and lots of color. They were all highlighters of the city.

Mik only glanced around as he continued to drive down the streets. Even during the dark the roads were still crowded with what people confused to be suspicious people, but Mik only thought of them as city livers.

He watched in the corner of the road as two women smoking cigarettes danced away at the sound of a boombox playing music. Mik smiled at the sight of it all. How people who struggled seemed to find some light from their situation and were genuinely happy.

Another rough night seemed to pass. The only people he saw throughout the night were strangers and Ben.

It was another night of music and informing whoever was listening about what a terrible candidate John Bennet was.

Mik couldn't believe how a man like Bennet could receive so much support to become mayor. It made no sense to him, but then again the people who were supporting him were essentially benefiting from something. Otherwise they wouldn't be casting a vote.

Mike noticed he was close to Milango's Roxy business. He decided to park on the edge of the street and pay him a short visit.

He got out of his car and noticed how a woman standing at the edge of the street looked at him from the corner. She wore a blue florescent dress and her black curly hair was in a tight bun.

Mik just smiled at her. He wished he could give her some cash because he didn't want to be her next customer, but Mik knew there was someone else keeping an eye out on her from afar. He didn't want to get in any trouble, and most importantly get her into any trouble. He already suspected that the life of a sex worker was tough enough.

He opened the door to be greeted by velvet everything. Chairs in velvet and covers in satin. Just like he remembered from the last time he had visited. There were clearly some other men there enjoying the music being played by a local band and some drinks. Women in revealing clothing asking for your order. This wasn't the place Mik usually visited but because it was owned by a childhood friend he thought he would pass by, maybe even have a drink.

He looked around the business. And took a seat at the far bar and asked the dark man behind the counter for a beer. He watched around as he saw Milango push some colorful beaded curtain to the side and  come out of the stage section down the stairs in front of him.

"Hey man." Said Mik as Milango turned around and gave a wide smile.

"Hey." he said in return as he gave Mik a hug with a pat on his back. Mik only felt skin and bone. Milango had always been a thin man.

"How's it going?" Asked Mik

"It's going well. Man I haven't seen you in a while. I've been hearing you though."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, sometimes I catch a glimpse of what you've got to say at the station. I'am proud of what you're saying out there. I'm not supporting this new candidate's plan. He wants to close my damn business. You've got my support," Said Milango as he placed a hand on Mik's shoulder.