I HAD HIM
TAYLOR
King Cain Bowl had been partially renovated in the last few years, but as I entered the front lobby, I smelled the same musk that I remembered from childhood: thick, red shaggy carpet; the smell of old, worn shoes; the aroma of burnt popcorn; and teenage sweat. All of that hit me as I walked inside, and I was instantly comforted. Some things never changed.
The front desk sat a half-level below the lanes. The wall was open so I could see shoes going back and forth when I went to pay. Sounds of bowling balls hitting the floor and slamming into the pins mixed with loud music, talking, and laughter. It was busier than I remembered. Then again, I got off early from my shift, so it was close to seven thirty. It was prime time for some bowling magic.
“Size seven.” The clerk p
