PART 2: Dinner at Joe's

Chloe and Max arrived at West 4 Street subway station near Washington Square. They barely said anything to each other since they both hopped on their train in search of dinner. Chloe was mesmerized by everything surrounding her, savoring every single moment she was in. Being in New York City reminded her of a lofty promise a person once made to her. A person who once meant the whole world to her - Rachel Amber. Chloe hasn't seen or heard from Rachel since she left Arcadia Bay without telling anyone. According to a rumor, Rachel left Arcadia Bay for New York City and became an elite escort for high profile clients – Wall Street big shots and sleazy politicians who wanted to keep their 'private life' discreet. There was no substance to the rumor except it came from Chloe's trusted weed dealer down in Oregon who was also friends with Frank Bowers – Rachel's ex-boyfriend. Someone also told Chloe that Rachel had gone to Southeast Asia with her birth mother to start their lives anew together, teaching English to children in rural areas. Chloe wished the best for Rachel wherever she may be despite the heartbreak she felt earlier when the two broke-up – and when Rachel left for good without telling her. Rachel was Chloe's first true love. Chloe never had a girlfriend or boyfriend before and after Rachel. Ever since the end of their relationship, Chloe had troubles opening up to potential suitors.

The two walked down the road from the subway station without uttering a single word. Chloe followed Max closely from a few steps away.

"You're awfully quiet," said Max.

"Uhmm… I don't wanna ruin the moment, I guess. You weren't talkative either."

"I've been up since 6 in the morning. Today has been a hell of a day at work and I only had a chilli dog for lunch."

Chloe reached for her friend's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Well, today is not that bad. You know why?" asked Chloe with a cheeky grin on her mug.

Max smiled back. "Because I have you with me."

The scent of freshly melted mozzarella, garlic and tomato sauce was wafting in the air, making a famished Chloe even hungrier. Max comforted Chloe by telling her that dinner was just around the corner. "We're getting closer. You can smell our dinner from here. I wasn't pulling your leg when I said that this is going to be special."

Chloe was feeling giddy with relief. "Bro, I could eat an Arabian stallion right now. Let's hurry," shrieked Chloe.

The two finally reached their destination – a local pizzeria in the heart of the Village called Joe's Pizza. Chloe was amazed by the classic look the place had. This was how she imagined an authentic NYC pizzeria would look like. Max opened the door and held it for her special guest. "After you, mademoiselle." Chloe tipped her imaginary hat to express her gratitude.

The place had a simple décor like any other pizzeria out there. One thing that stood out for Chloe was the myriad of framed photos hung on a section of the establishment's walls. They were pictures of the famous patrons who had visited the place before - actors, musicians, even past presidents. Chloe saw at least three photos of Leonardo DiCaprio with an older gentleman she assumed to be the pizzeria's owner, Joe himself.

A classic jazz tune began to blare out from the speaker mounted on the wall.

"Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, each one she passes goes – aaaaaah
"

Chloe swayed her body from side to side, prompting Max to join in her moment of euphoria. Seeing a carefree Chloe dancing without a care in the world was a 'Kodak moment' for Max. She took out a compact digital camera from her oversized leather bag and began snapping pictures of Chloe candidly. "Picture perfect," uttered Max under her breath.

"But he watch her so sadly
How can he tell her he loves her
Yes I would give my heart gladly
But each day, that she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at he..."

The place was full to the brim. There were more people flocking in to get a taste of the Village's most famous pizza. Chloe was worried that they would not be able to secure a table for their 'special date'. Out of the blue, a stout middle-age man from the cash register began to call out Max's name. He yelled, "Yo, Maxine! C'mere kiddo." The man wore a bright red cap with no political slogan attached to it and a plain white t-shirt. His face was nearly as red as his cap with stubbles sprawling across his cheeks. At about six-feet-five-inches, he was the tallest person in the room, making him hard to miss in a sea of people.

"Hey Dean! Busy night, huh?" greeted Max.

"Just like every other night." The man, or Dean as Max previously implied, had a thick Bronx accent like the one you hear in those Hollywood mafia movies. He switched his attention to Chloe. "I see you finally bring your rockstar buddy here down at Joe's, eh Maxine?"

"I know. I've been dreaming of this day since the first time I came here. Dean, meet Chloe Price. My partner in crime back in Arcadia Bay and now, the world's most beloved punk goddess."

Dean gave Chloe a warm, friendly smile and extended his hand. "Pleasure to have you here, Miss Price. I'm Dean Romano. You can call me Dean."

Chloe shook Dean's hand with a smile. He had a strong grip which took Chloe by surprise. "Please, drop the formality. Call me Chloe. The pleasure is all mine, Dean."

Dean looked excited to finally meet Chloe. She guessed that Max had been telling all kinds of things about her to Dean.

Dean grabbed Max by her shoulder and slowly dragged her closer to him even with the counter being there in between them.

"Listen, Chloe. This kid get butterflies every time she talks about you. She keeps telling me, 'Dean, Dean! My best friend back in Oregon, Chloe, she's like this badass punk rocker who plays concerts all over the world. She's the real deal, a big star. She loves pizza so I'm gonna bring her here one day, Dean. You're gonna make her the cheesiest, most delicious pizza that Joe's had ever made. She's gonna love this place. I swear I'm bringing her to Joe's Pizza, Dean'."

Max began to blush. Her face was turning red, making her and Dean both look like two oompa loompas. Chloe was left in stitches at the sight of those two.

"You're lucky to have grown up with this kiddo and to still have her as a friend. She's as sweet as sweethearts go," added Dean.

Chloe nodded in agreement. "I've been telling her that all the time! She never believes me. See, Max? Even Dean finds you to be irresistibly…sweet."

Max cackled with full of mirth. She tried changing the subject before things get awkward. "So, Dean. Is there any chance we might get a table? This place looks packed."

"You ain't even gotta worry bout it, Maxine. Uncle Dean got you covered. I got a table for you and Chloe right at the corner over there. Those brats occupying them now? They're my sister's kids. You wanna sit now? I give em the signal. They'll scram."

Max was hesitant. "Are you sure that is okay?"

Chloe on the other hand did not mind one bit. "You hear him, Max. He's the boss. Of course it is okay. You are the boss around here right, Dean?"

Dean chuckled. "I'm more of a consiglieri around here. My Uncle Joe is the godfather. I'm just helping him out to keep this joint running."

"Cool, cool, cool. In that case, I believe Max and I would like our table to be ready now."

Dean stuck his fingers at the tip of his pouting lips and whistled in the direction of his nephews. Two young men stood up from their seats to give Chloe and Max their table. Dean accompanied both of the ladies to their table and took their orders. "Any drinks, gals?"

Max placed the order on behalf of the table. "Give us two Stewart's Orange 'n Cream, thanks. Chloe, ditch your Diet Coke. You wanna have this with your pizza."

Chloe trusted Max's judgement. Between the two, she always had the best taste in everything.

"Two sodas coming right up. Your pizza will be ready in five minutes. As soon as you texted me that you were on your way, I made sure the boys had it prepared. The cheesiest, most delicious one we've made – not ever but at least for today, I can guarantee. I'mma bring it out for you guys in a while. It's on the house, this one."

Both Max and Chloe were surprised by Dean's generous gesture. Max stood up and gave Dean a hug. She looked almost childlike next to the gigantic Dean. "You're the best. Thank you so much."

Chloe threw her hands in the air. "Dean, my man. You're hella awesome! I'm telling all my followers to visit this joint."

"Now that's what I wanted to hear. You gals enjoy."

As soon the drinks arrived, Max raised her bottle up in the air to make a toast. "Chloe, after all these years, the one thing that I am most thankful for is having you in my life. Who knew that years after our swashbuckling pirate days, we would be here together having pizza in New York City – my new home? I know life has been difficult for you after William died. I wish I was there with you when you were grieving. But your strength has made the person you are today and I couldn't be prouder than I am right now. The fact that you are this fucking rockstar, it makes me love you even more. It all feels like a dream. I am glad that we are here today, together, still as friends, after the shit we went through. May our friendship lasts until the end of time. Cheers!"

Chloe raised her bottle and clinked it against Max's. "L'chayyim. I love you too, Maxine."

The two chugged their sodas until their bottles were half-empty. An upbeat jazz instrumental was playing in the background, setting a relaxed mood for the diners at Joe's. Chloe found herself lost in Max's eyes that were gazing directly into hers. Chloe always felt that Max's eyes were her most valuable assets. They made her look innocent and naïve which contributed to her childlike qualities. Plus, they gave Max the vision to be this talented photographer that she was.

"I heard your concert last night was the bomb! I'm sorry I wasn't there to witness it."

"Don't sweat about it. I didn't expect you to be there anyway," shrugged Chloe.

Max felt hurt by Chloe's aimed dig at her. It seemed that Chloe hasn't let go of her grudge when Max moved to Seattle right after William's death. "Chloe, please don't do this to me. I hate it when you are mad at me. I really tried to go to your concert but I was too busy with work. Please, you gotta believe me. "

Chloe looked visibly annoyed by Max's whinging which was common in their friendship. "Alright already! Of course, I believe you. Trust me, it is no big deal. Yeah, the concert was hella dope. Probably the best one I'd ever done."

Max placed her head down, avoiding Chloe's hawkish stare."That makes me feel even shittier for missing it."

"I'm not sure when I'm gonna do the next one," moaned Chloe.

"So it's true then? You're quitting the band?"

Chloe did not want to lie to her best friend. She admitted, "Probably. I don't know, man. The last five years have been one long rollercoaster ride and I wanna get off that ride because I'm feeling a little sick."

Max tried to dissuade Chloe from making such decision. "Dude, you can't be cereal? What you do with The Ravenous is so special, I would kill to be able to do it myself. You're so talented, Chloe. You are so blessed for having this awesome life as a musician, touring the world, playing for millions of people who love your music. Maybe you should to take some time off to think it through?"

Chloe let out a huge sigh. "You're right. That's why I'm here with you right now. I need a breather for sure."

"I heard that you live in Portland nowadays?" asked Max.

"You heard right. That way, I can travel easily to visit my mom without having to stay in Arcadia Bay. But I'm barely at home due to work."

"So, when are you going back there?"

"I have a flight from JFK to Portland tomorrow at noon."

"Just cancel it. Stay in New York. I have a spare room in my apartment. Maybe this place can give you the inspiration that you need before you make any major decision regarding your band," pleaded Max.

"I don't know, man. I kinda like Portland and I have a house there. The least I can do is delay my flights for a couple of days. But I need to get my shit from the hotel though if I am going to crash at your place."

"Okay, no pressure. Let's just enjoy our dinner and not think about anything else for a moment."

The aroma of a freshly baked pizza filled the air at Joe's. From their table, Chloe and Max saw Dean walking out of the kitchen holding a large pie. "God, I hope that is ours," prayed Chloe. Dean stopped by at their table and laid the pizza down for the two. "Here you go, gals. Classic Joe's. Nothing but fresh mozzarella and pepperoni. Enjoy."

Both Chloe and Max each grabbed a slice. The mozzarella made it perfect for the two to stretch the cheese by pulling their slice from the rest of the pie. "Wait! Hold that pose," barked Dean. Both Chloe and Max froze like mannequins. Dean ran to the kitchen in a rush. Few seconds later, he came back with a camera. "Okay, gals. This one is for the wall. Now everyone, say cheese! Pun intended."

"Cheese!," cheered Chloe and Max with their pizza slices stretched out in a "cheese pull". A bright flash burst in unison with a clicking sound. "Thanks a lot, gals. I'll send a copy to you too, Maxine. Now dig in!"

Chloe ungracefully stuffed her slice of pizza onto her face, munching it like a rabid animal. Her bad table manner incited a riot of laughter from Max. "Max, this is soooooo gooood! Best pizza I've had in years," mumbled Chloe with her mouth full.

"I knew you were gonna love it."

The two enjoyed their dinner and swapped stories of their unique lives with each other. They both came a long way from a picturesque seaside town in Oregon to be having dinner in an authentic New York pizzeria.