by Kathy Luder
The parking lot of Lacey’s Bar and Grill
H I G H E R
T H I N G S __ 10
had only one car in the parking lot.The orange Camaro was sitting perfectly between the lines, just outside the circle of light that shone down from the halogen lamp. Its driver’s side door was open and the dome light on. A man was leaning back against the open door and a quiet splashing sound filled the air.Then, the man grunted, flinched, and spun around, falling into the car behind the steering wheel, his feet still on the gravel. He sat there for a moment without a sound or movement.Then, he slowly leaned forward until his head was between his knees. Sounds of coughing and gagging could be heard. It was followed by more splashing noises then by silence. Finally, he swung his feet inside and slammed the door. The car roared to life, and the windows shook with the heavy bass of rap music blaring inside.The car’s headlights showed a parking lot covered with loose fast food wrappers and beer bottles.The car tore out of the lot and headed toward the interstate.
Kathy bounced to the music, and her hands slapped the steering wheel heavily. Her face was flushed as she sang along with the lyrics and sped down the highway. Molly reached over from the passenger side and turned the music down. She said,“I don’t know how you can stand this music.” “You have to give it a chance,” Kathy said.“Eminem grows on you.” “He’s gross. Do you hear what he’s saying?” Molly asked. “Yeah,” Kathy said in a sarcastic tone, rolling her eyes.“Do you? He’s a genius. I know. He’s vulgar. But he’s also poetic. You can’t deny it.” She reached over to turn the music up again. “You need to slow down. We’re going almost 80 miles an hour!” Molly squealed, reaching over again to turn down the music. “Oops,” said Kathy, taking her foot off the pedal.“I can’t help it.This music moves me. I can’t keep still. I love driving to it.”Traffic was light, but one
