Chapter 281: Rerun's Bar & Grill
Monday, January 30th, Evening
The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 came to rest in a parking space in a municipal parking lot. The driver turned towards her passenger and smiled. Ashlyn looked at Izzy and shook her head.
"We're here," Izzy said.
"I can't believe you talked me into this," Ashlyn said.
Izzy shrugged, "I didn't talk you into anything; you need or wanted time away," she said.
"What makes you say that?" Ashlyn asked.
"One people have to consent, and two, Ash, I've never known you not to do what you want to do," Izzy said.
"What about my deal with my parents?" Ashlyn asked.
"You told Angela and kept her in your daughter's life, even after you agreed not to share Brett's existence with anyone," Izzy said.
"Yeah, well, I was a kid then," Ashlyn said.
"We all were, at one time all kids," Izzy said, "Let's go in."
Ashlyn shrugged, "Sure, let's go," she said.
Izzy nodded, and they got out of the SUV. As the doors closed, Izzy locked the SUV with the key fob. The two women walked across the parking lot to a small two-story building. They reached the bar's front door, which Izzy held the door open for the limping Ashlyn.
They found themselves in a small sports bar with a taste of Latin Flare. There weren't many people in the bar, but a few more we around a large TV. Izzy noted the only staff she could see was a short Hispanic looking man with dark hair behind the bar.
"Izzy, Ashlyn, I didn't expect to see y'all around here," Reynaldo "Rerun," Vasquez said, from behind the bar.
"Well, with everything going on, we needed to blow off some steam," Izzy said.
Rerun nodded, "I can understand that especially you, Ash, and thankfully it's to my benefit," he said and chuckled.
"Well, we have that BS and a game right after that," Ashlyn said.
"You should get that honor; you worked hard that year," Rerun said.
"I understand where you're coming from," Ashlyn said.
"I was there, Ash, and I witness to it all," Rerun said.
"I didn't do anything to be honored," Ashlyn said.
"I doubt that is true," Izzy said, sarcastically.
"Anyway, Izzy, how's Keith doing?" Rerun asked.
Izzy sighed, "I wish I knew; he's been out of contact," she said.
"That sucks; I'll keep him in prayers; he's always been good to my family and me," Rerun said.
"Thank you," Izzy said, "Speaking of, how's the family?"
"Eric is in the back, and Mina should be around here," Rerun said.
"That's good; I guess Mina will be serving us tonight," Izzy said.
"Yeah, so how many people should becoming?" Rerun asked.
"Just two more," Izzy said, "Just keep an eye out for Trin."
"Okay, there should be a table or booth in the back where you wouldn't be bothered," Rerun said.
"Thanks," Izzy said.
"You're welcome," Rerun said, "Ashlyn, how's James doing in Miami?"
"He's okay, but they're having a bad season this year," Ashlyn said.
"It happens; how much longer do you think he'll play?" Rerun asked.
Ashlyn shrugged, "Well, he has a few more years on his current contract, baring a trade we'll discuss it then," she said.
"Cool," Rerun said and turned to Izzy, "I'll keep people from bugging you, but one hint doesn't borrow your Mom's fancy SUV."
Izzy shrugged, "I couldn't find Lucas for his," she said.
"He's had that SUV for how long?" Rerun asked, laughing.
"I think it was right around when Keith and I got married; is when he bought that vehicle when his other SUV gave it up," Izzy said.
Rerun laughed, "He likes to run those vehicles into the ground," he said.
"That he does," Izzy said.
Ashlyn nodded, "Let's get our table," she said.
"Okay, and Rerun, thanks for tolerating us," Izzy said.
"Y'all aren't a bother," Rerun said.
"Thanks, Rerun," Ashlyn said.
The two women walked towards the back of the bar. Ashlyn found a table where she could see one of the large-screen TVs. She pulled out a chair and sat down. Izzy found a seat with her back to the wall.
"Why do you sit with your back to the wall?" Ashlyn asked.
"Keith started me with the habit to watch the door," Izzy said.
Ashlyn nodded, "It's nice to see Rerun. I don't often get to see him," she said.
"We're all busy; that's the sad thing about life, it keeps you busy," Izzy said.
"No busier than you," Ashlyn said.
"That's because I'm junior in the party and the house," Izzy said.
"So, how did you manage to stay down here for tomorrow?" Ashlyn asked.
"It's something important in my district, and well, I get to see my kids for an extra day," Izzy said.
"Also, something about it's important to your family as well," Ashlyn said.
"Yeah, well, sometimes you just need to take advantage," Izzy said.
"You're corrupt as hell, aren't you?" Ashlyn asked.
"I'm only a poor corrupt official," Izzy replied.
Ashlyn chuckled, "Been watching Casablanca again?" she asked.
Izzy chuckled, "Didn't you know Louis Renault is the patron saint of congress," she said.
"Are you serious?" Ashlyn asked.
Izzy shook her head, "No, not at all," she said.
A woman came overdressed in a black polo shirt. She had brownish hair with streaks of bright red and blue in it.
"Hi Izzy, Ashlyn, what can I get you?" the waitress asked.
"How about just bring us some French fries, for now, Mina?" Izzy asked.
"Sure, y'all don't want drinks?" Mina Vasquez asked.
"We're waiting for a few people," Ashlyn said.
Mina nodded, "Okay, so I'll get your French fries going," she said and walked away. Ashlyn and Izzy looked at each other and just shrugged.
