Unconventional
SS by Katie
Part 1
Britney poked her face out from behind the club’s curtain and out onto the empty street. Or well, almost empty. There were two bouncers standing out by the red ropes and another guy smoking against the building. Britney smiled as she stepped out onto the cold pavement, placing her feet as steadily as she could. She pulled out her Marlboro lights and her silver lighter. She placed the cigarette in her mouth and lazily lit its tip, breathing in the familiar scent.
“Nice night for a smoke,” the guy said taking a drag of his half finished camel.
“yeah, it’d be nicer if I could smoke inside the fucking club,” Britney said without looking up.
“well that’s courtesy of Mayor Mike,” the guy said, cracking a smile.
“Mayor who?” Britney said, paying little attention.
“you know, Bloomberg, mayor of New York, determined to rid New York of its smoking habit by banning it just about everywhere.”
“oh, right” she said brushing the hair out of her face. She took a glance at the guy beside her. He was cute, but looked like a fuckin baby.
“How old are you anyway?”
he smiled, “You tell me.”
“Not old enough to be in this club, I know that much.”
“Yeah, well, they make exceptions. You know how it is I’m sure.”
“you’re funny”
“why thank you”
Britney smiled, rolled her eyes, and lit up another cigarette.
“can I bum one?”
“I wouldn’t want to be caught supplying a minor”
“Relax I’m eighteen”
she glanced at him skeptically.
“I’m very close to being eighteen.”
She handed him the pack.
“lights, huh?”
“Yeah, you got a problem?”
“Eh, I’d argue but I’m lazy. Just as long as they’re not menthol.”
“Well you know what they say…”
“What, beggars can’t be choosers?”
she raised her eyebrows, “smart boy.”
“Got a light?”
She flicked her lighter in front of him.
“Awesome”
They sat smoking in silence, taking in the night air.
“So whats your story, anyway?” Britney asked, exhaling her smoke.
“what do you mean?”
“well, I just assume most New Yorkers have a story” she said looking up at the sky, “don’t they?”
“Yeah I guess, but not one I’m about to discuss over cigarettes at 2:30 am.”
“right,” she said, “well you got a name?”
“Justin,” he mumbled as he took a drag.
“Well Justin, I’m done smoking and its getting cold out here, you want to go inside?”
“Sure,” he said, throwing the cigarette to the ground.