SQUAWKING AND NACHOS
As Starsky jogged up the stairs to Hutch's apartment, he heard some very strange noises coming from somewhere. He wasn't sure whether the squawking was being emitted from the neighbours' place or Hutch's. What kind of bird would make that sound?
Holding one bag of nachos in his teeth, in order to free up a hand, he knocked and then turned the door handle.
Once in the room, he halted, staring at his partner, who had also frozen mid-squawk. Mystery solved.
"Since when did you play the saxophone?" Starsky asked, as he closed the door behind him and then headed to the kitchen to dump nachos and dips on the counter.
Sighing, Hutch answered, "Since yesterday... it's harder than I thought."
He started taking the saxophone mouthpiece apart and putting it back in its case.
"Hey, if you wanna practice some more, I don't mind," Starsky said gallantly. Hearing a parrot strangled was the last thing he wanted to listen to but he knew the saxophone was clearly an important new challenge for his partner.
Hutch paused and looked at him uncertainly. "You sure? Only I know I'm pretty squeaky."
"No problem. Practice away. I'll go sit with your plants and set up the chess set and then read while I'm waiting."
"Oh...okay. Thanks Starsk."
Hutch put the reed back in the mouthpiece and started playing. Starsky winced but got busy in the greenhouse and tried to ignore the squeaks. It was pretty painful to listen to but after half an hour even he could tell Hutch was beginning to get the hang of it. He just hoped Hutch would improve even more before his ears bled.
He was just about to tell Hutch he couldn't take anymore when silence descended and he realised Hutch was packing the saxophone away. He sighed with relief.
A moment later, Hutch appeared with a tray carrying bowls of nachos and dips plus two beers.
"Think you deserve these after putting up with that!" Hutch declared.
"You're getting better," Starsky said, as he grabbed a handful of nachos. "Less strangled parrot, more sick parakeet."
"Thanks...I think."
"You're welcome!"
They both laughed.
"Why the saxophone all of a sudden?" Starsky wanted to know.
Hutch shrugged. "Saw it in that pawnbrokers we were at the other day and kept thinking about it. Went back yesterday and bought it."
"Well, I'm sure you'll master it soon, knowing you."
"Thanks. I hope so."
"You will...and in the meantime, I'll remember to carry earplugs with me!"