It was two weeks later when I came home from hanging out with Angel and Collins to find Roger staring at his open guitar case.  He hadn't set foot in the loft since New Years and I was shocked to see him. 

          "Hey, Roger." I said, as normally as I could.  I think two weeks was the longest we'd ever spent without talking.

          "How much do you think I could get for her?"  He said, nodding toward his Fender.       

          "Uh…" I walked over to him.  "I don't know, $500?"

          "Fuck." He slammed the case shut.  "There is this guy I know that-" Roger always knew a guy.  "once offered me $750 for it.  But he was fucked up."

          "What guy?"

          "You don't know him." He replied.  Then to himself he added, "I wonder if he would still be interested…"

          "Why?  You just started playing again, why sell it now?"

          He grabbed the case and his jacket.  "I have to get out of here.  I can't take this shit anymore."

          "Is it Mimi?"  I asked, sincerely. 

          He glared at me at first, and then relaxed his stare and silently nodded.

          "Is she using-"

          "No." He quickly cut me off.  "It's Benny.  She still talks to him."

          "Oh."  I guess it was better than the alternative.  "Where is she now?" 

          "Who the hell knows?"  His hand was on the door.  "Look, I'll be back later. I'm going to try and track this guy down."

          "So you are staying here tonight?"

          "Yeah, I live here."  He said sarcastically.  He opened the door and to reveal Mimi getting ready to knock.  He backed away from her.

          "Hey."  She said.

          "Hey." He responded.  They stood there silently.

          This was getting nowhere fast. 

          "Mimi, come on in."  I called to her. 

          "Hi, Mark."  She smiled at me.  She really did have the same smile as April.  It was eerie. 

          "Why aren't you out with your boyfriend?"

          "Roger." I scolded.  Sometimes he acts like he is ten.

          "I told you, I wasn't.  I was…" She stopped herself before going on.  "Look, I told you.  I forgot my keys and I knew you wouldn't be home until late.  I just went out with some of the girls from work."

          "Forgot your keys.  Where? At Benny's?"

          "Fuck you, Davis."  Mimi shouted.  "I told you I wasn't with him!  If you don't believe me, then fuck off."

          She lunged for him and his body tightened.  I immediately flew between them and pushed Roger away from her. 

          "Calm down."  I looked him in the eyes.  "Roger, stop."  He looked at me and took a deep breath and turned away from us.

          Mimi stepped up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.  "I wasn't with him, baby, I swear."  He nodded. "Come back downstairs and we'll talk."

          He turned around and kissed her.  "I'm sorry.  I just get so…"

          "I know." She smiled at him and grabbed his hand.  "Let's go home."

          He nodded and waved to me.  "I'll come by later, Mark, ok?"

          "No problem." I smiled at them and watched them walk out.  I wanted to shout, "Roger, stay here.  It isn't safe for you down there.  I can't watch you.  Does she remind you to take your AZT?  Does she remind you to eat three meals a day, to stay away from your old acquaintances, to stay clean?  Does she even do those things for herself?

          The telephone ringing interrupted my thoughts. Of course, I screened the call.  Roger and my voice yell "SPEAK!" and the beep comes.  "Mark Cohen! Is this Mark Cohen?  Alexi Darling from Buzzline.  Sweetie, you have to call me back so we can get these contracts signed and get you on the payroll.  Honey, you don't want to let this opportunity pass you by!  You have my numbers, CALL!"