Drew had asked me if I'd like to do another party for him. I didn't mind the cash so I said yes.
I was on board (and bored on) some yacht.
The host was taking us to Catalina and back as a gift for his daughters sweet sixteen.
The parents were below deck drinking cocktails and pounding down shrimp while Amber and her schoolmates were smoking joints and chugging beer on deck.
Drew sat in one corner looking a little green.
I had served my drinks and went over to see him.
"Maybe," I said. "You should go on deck and get some fresh air."
"Maybe," he snapped. "You should mind your own business and get back to work."
I turned to walk away.
Drew stood up. "Wait."
"What is it?"
"I'm sorry. I've been...having some problems."
"Haven't we all?"
He started to tell me all of his troubles and soon I was sorry I'd walked up to him in the first place. I couldn't believe the mess this guy was in. Jeez, compared to him my life had been a walk in the tulips. He just talked on and on, leaving nothing out and soon I began thinking about that movie The Poseidon Adventure when the tidal wave hits the ship and that one guy holds onto the table for as long as he can, until his strength gives way and he goes falling-- smashing through the stained glass window.
I felt like that guy.
Drew had unleashed a deluge of troubles, making me hold on for dear life.
I tried for as long as I could. There was no escape. I wasn't strong enough. I fell into the abyss.
I had brain fade.
The head nodded and I looked interested to everything he said. But, my mind had set up a road block at my ears. Nothing was registering.
"Thanks for listening."
The fog lifted. "Sure, no problem. I guess I should check on the guests."
I left him and brought a tray of fr