Alea iacta est

I had made all the preparation for my departure. The car was packed with just my clothes. The few things I had acquired over my time, I gave to my neighbor. She was pretty but had some strange views.

She had this boyfriend who was a cop and a big time weight lifter - he was on the juice too. Sometimes when I would get home from work, after tending bar, she would be up and she would invite me in for couple of drinks and to get high. She was okay but if you offered me a million dollars to tell you her name I'd have to guess. Looking back, I guess we were more than neighbors.

The first time I saw her boyfriend he came over one morning, unannounced. We were still sleeping when there was a loud bang on the door that woke us. There was a mad scramble, she answered the door while I went out and up the back stairs. I felt a little strange as I wasn't  the type to sneak away. So I decided to wait about a half hour and go downstairs to borrow an item. I just wanted to check this guy out!

When I knocked on the door, I understood the saying "discretion is the better part of valor". This guy was a monster. He looked like a coke machine with a head (haha). While he was very large, I also hold the belief that God made man but Samuel Colt made them equal.

Anyways, back to me leaving - we talked a little, I said my goodbyes to her and I left for work.

My plans were already in motion, I had called my two buddies to set up the after hours 9-ball game. I was hoping to make enough money get to Chicago from economy to first class! I have had both in my time. And, as you can guess, first class is the route to go.

My shift started at 6pm, usually only a few after-work guys would be there drinking. Tuesdays were steady but not crazy crowded. It was a good night to work! However, this night when I pulled into the parking lot, it was jammed. I thought, what the fuck - you have to be kidding me!

There is nothing worse than going behind a crowded bar, as soon as you walk in to start your shift. I was really bummed. This wasn't how I wanted this night to start. I parked the car and walked inside. To my surprise - it was a going away party! Most of the members were there and there was even a banner wishing me good luck. I was touched.

Although in the back of my mind I still thought about how my trip to Chicago was going to stay "economy". This is were a couple of the rules of the hustler's code comes into play: adaptability and always be prepared never be surprised. The only thing to do now was put a smile on my face and enjoy the party. Sometimes you just have to play things by ear while watching for an opportunity.

There are three Latin quotes I routinely use and this is one of them:
"Alea iacta est"
...which means the die is cast, an event has happened, or a decision has been made that cannot be changed. Julius Ceaser said these words as he crossed the Rubicon River with his Legions which changed the course of history! 

Stay tuned for my next blog - the party and getting out of dodge.

Pete