Pink Moon

CP I: The Girl With The Red Balloon

NSFW WARNING

To bask in the sweep of victories on the motocross track. This was becoming a welcomed experience for Lucille as she assisted with packing up the hauler. The celebratory shower was refreshing and needed. Her watch read 11:30, meaning the only thing really open currently would be bars and Waffle Houses. As lovely as an omelet sounded, a couple of beers sounded way more appealing. Where to go? Hopping into her Jeep, she pulled up Google Maps and searched. Scrolling through the various results, nothing seeming promising.

"Damn, just shitholes and cardboard boxes." Lucille sighed in frustration.

When moving down to North Carolina, the twenty-eight year old thought things would be looser. While some things were less strict, it seemed like others were too much so. Heaven forbid a restaurant stay open past ten in the evening. Post COVID was still mucking things up. She knew she shouldn't be mad, things were much better since she fled the West Coast from a toxic ex and was hired to be a welder for a big bucks hauler company. With a place of her own and retirement checks coming from the government for her time in the Marines ending in mental and physical scars, things could always be worse.

Right when Lucille was about to call it and head to Waffle House, something popped up. Pink Moon. Opening the establishment's web page, her reddish-brown eyes were greeted by a slick modern-day presentation. It was well furnished; with lavish lounge areas, a great food selection, and an even larger choice when it came to alcoholic beverages. Bingo.

Seconds later, the location was pulled up on Google Maps and the Jeep drove through the darkness of night to its destination. The emo music playing helped to ease her nerves, she wasn't exactly a big fan of going to unknown places yet. Perhaps once Lucille got more funding and could travel more she would get comfortable.

Pink Moon's parking lot was rather full, making parking in the rear the only option. It was a slight hindrance, but if the place was this busy it also meant it had to be decent at serving drinks and food. Strolling up to the entrance, two burly security guards stood before her. Presenting her ID, their disposition shifted to a rather friendly one as they noticed it was a retired Vet one handed out to medically retired veterans. One stepped forward, slapping a silver glittery band around her left arm while the other handed the ID back.

"First drink is on the house and the rest are 50% off. Thanks for your service, miss."

Lucille grinned, thanking both men before stepping inside. Her senses were momentarily overwhelmed as she traversed deeper inside. The thumping from the music was paired with flashy lights and smoke. People were dancing, drinking, and lounging about. Lively was the best word to describe the overall atmosphere. She made her way over to the bar, excited to try out the apple pie moonshine. Flashing her band to the bartender, she was given a large glass to drink, being told it was a 'silver band upgrade'. Tonight would probably end with Lucille drunk and having to Uber home. At least she didn't have a single care in the world to worry about.

"Yo, Lucy!"

Turning in the direction of the din, she spotted several people from the track. All of them sported alcoholic beverages, giving her a reason to walk over and socialize. They seemed enthusiastic, congratulating the woman on her success overall. It was the confidence booster she needed, easing her nerves as she drank from her delicious concoction.

"You'll be at the pro level in no time." One of the men stated.

Finishing her drink, Lucille set the empty glass down while remarking, "Perhaps one day, but I have quite the journey to get there."

She went to get a refill, but the group insisted they would pay. It didn't take long for another large glass of moonshine to appear, with the server handing it over swiftly before vanishing. The sweet afterburn it left in Lucille's belly was addictive, causing her to hum in satisfaction after each sip. If only her actual relationships were as delectable. That small thought lingered for a while until the booze hit, fogging her mind as two more glasses of moonshine magically appeared before her.