The night after his conversation with Mario, Derek was on his way to the bus stop when a car pulled up beside him.
“Need a lift?” Mario called out, after rolling down the passenger-side window.
Derek went over, leaning down to look at Mario. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, hop in.”
When Derek did, Mario asked for the address. After Derek gave it to him, Mario pulled out into traffic again, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.
“Do you have time for a drink?” Mario asked. “There’s a nice little bar I hang out at sometimes, and before you say anything, they do serve non-alcoholic stuff like sodas and Virgin Marys.”
Derek laughed. “I’ll stick to soda, and sure. Anything’s better than going back to roach haven.”
“Ugh. That bad?”
“Well…maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but let me tell you,
