Chapter 240: Drinks
Tuesday, January 24th, Evening
Ellie parked the loaner car in the parking lot of Club TRIC. After shutting down the vehicle, Kay looked out the windshield at her parent's club. There were many times, dates, and just generally going out with friends that took place here. Nodding, Ellie got out of the car and walked towards the club.
There was no live music tonight, so TRIC was more a bar tonight. Knowing Chase, the DJ tonight was there, so people had music and could dance. Tonight, hopefully, will be fun.
Ellie crossed the parking lot, and she was glad she wore her Doc Martens instead of heels because of the gravel in TRIC's parking lot. Slowly, she walked up the stairs to the main door of the club.
"Hello, Ellie," Joe the doorman said. He had been here as long as Ellie could remember. The gray in his black beard and his dreadlocks told the story of his years of service.
"Hey Joe," Ellie said, "How did you know it's me."
"I've known you how long?" Joe asked.
Ellie nodded, "True," she said.
"Anyway, Chase said you were back in town," Joe said.
"That I am," Ellie said and smiled.
"You're always on the list, and we're slow tonight, so go right in," Joe said.
"Thanks," Ellie said.
"You're welcome," Joe said.
Ellie walked into the Club TRIC, being greeted by the familiar sounds and sights of the club. She took a deep breath and enjoyed the familiar scent of the club. Ellie scanned around the club and didn't see who she was meeting.
The party she came here to meet hadn't arrived yet. Ellie nodded and walked to the bar. The bartender looked at Ellie and smiled.
"I heard you were back in town," Amy McMichael said.
"Chase told you?" Ellie asked.
"Of course," Amy McMichael said, "Anyway, it was just a matter of time before you darkened my door."
"Well then, Hi Amy," Ellie said.
Amy nodded, "You're looking good; New York seems to be treating you well," Amy said.
"It's mostly been good to me," Amy said.
"Don't bullshit me, Ellie, I've known you too long," Amy said.
"Except for a few hiccups here and there, New York's been good to me," Ellie said, "That's the truth."
"Whatever it takes," Amy said.
"So, how's Whitter and the kids?" Ellie asked.
"They're good," Amy said.
"Okay," Ellie said.
"Do you want some fruity New York Cocktail?" Amy asked.
"No, what's the best beer on tap?" Ellie asked.
Amy smiled and laughed, "Trying to fit in?" she asked.
"No, being who I am," Ellie said.
"Sure," Amy said and made her drink.
Ellie reached for her wallet. Amy held out her hand to stop Ellie.
"What?" Ellie asked.
"Your money is no good here," Amy said, "Never has been."
"What? Are you sure?" Ellie asked.
"Yeah, it's your parent's place," Amy said.
"Okay," Ellie said, with a nod, "How things been over the years?"
"You'd know if you were here," Amy said.
Ellie nodded, took her pint, and found a table to sit at. Slowly, she sipped at her beer. About a few minutes, probably more like fifteen minutes. Jolie Morgan walked into the club and looked around the club. Finally, she noticed Ellie. Jolie walked over to the table and took a seat.
"You did show up," Jolie said, "and early too."
"Why wouldn't I?" Ellie asked.
Jolie shrugged and took a seat across from Ellie. "I see you on Instagram all the time; one would think TRIC is below you now," Jolie said.
Ellie shook her head, "No, it's my family's place, and run by a mom for how long?" she asked.
"Never know," Jolie said.
"So, what have you been up to?" Ellie asked and sipped her beer.
"Just running the bookstore," Jolie said, "What about you? You've been living in New York writing and flirting with Instagram fame."
"It's busy, the writing part, I'm self-employed, so I have to work to get paid. As for the Instagram fame, I'm not looking to become an influencer like my friend; I go along for the ride and hope a good story comes from it," Ellie said.
"I still want my sequel," Jolie said.
"So do I," Ellie said and took a sip of her beer.
"You're drinking beer?" Jolie asked.
"I like beer," Ellie said.
"Just see you always have some cocktails on Instagram," Jolie said.
"Some of it is the crowd, and some of it is the look," Ellie said.
"Following the crowd?" Jolie asked.
"Playing a role," Ellie said.
"What role is that?" Jolie asked.
"That good friend in the entourage," Ellie said.
"So, part of the pack, that doesn't sound like you, Ellie," Jolie said.
"It's not who I am; I just went along for fun. The only other people I knew in New York are Trin and Fallon," Ellie said.
"That has to be some wild times if they are anything like they were in high school," Jolie said.
"No, one's a workaholic, and the other is a single mom," Ellie said.
Jolie canted her head, "So, who was who?" she asked.
"Fallon's the workaholic, and Trin's the single mom," Ellie said, "But Trin could also be a workaholic."
Jolie straightened his head, "Trin's a mom? I wonder who the dad is?" she asked.
"Who do you think? Brian," Ellie said.
"That was some mess in high school, with her, Brian and Gabi," Jolie said.
"Yeah, it was," Ellie said.
"Remember our junior year, just after you came back, Gabi and Trin got into it," Jolie said.
"Hard to believe they were so obsessed with my cousin," Ellie said.
"I missed you, Els; it's nice to have you home," Jolie said.
"It's good to be back," Ellie said.
"So, how long are you staying here?" Jolie asked.
"Probably until sometime in February," Ellie said.
"So, we have time to get together again," Jolie said.
"We should," Ellie said.
Jolie nodded, "Ellie, did you know I was the first person in this town to buy your book," she said.
"You did?" Ellie asked.
"Of course, you were my best friend, and you published a book," Jolie said.
"I, well, I just wished it was a better book," Ellie said.
"It was your experience, so there's a story truth," Jolie said.
"I guess," Ellie said.
"Well, I need a drink, and we'll catch up," Jolie said.
"Okay," Ellie said.
"I'll be back," Jolie said, got up, and went to the bar. Ellie took another sip of her beer.
