I walked faster and faster, a sense of drive, purpose, and freedom speeding my steps and injecting fresh strength into me as I went. A smile began to spread across my face, and as I got out of the arrivals area, I took off the hat and sunglasses and let the California sun fall onto my face.
A taxi driver grinned at me and waved me over to him. “It's a beautiful day, sir,” he said with a smile. “You need a ride?”
“I sure do, my man,” I replied.
“Where to? This your first time in L.A. or what?”
I shook my head. “No, I used to live here actually.”
“Cool, cool, so you know your way around.”
“I do. Take me to Phil's Luxury Auto Rentals, please. You know where that is?”
“Yeah, that's the place near the Hollywood Bowl, right?”
I nodded and grinned. “That's the one.”
“I can get you there in no time, sir,” he said. “Let’s get you loaded up.”
He took my luggage and put it in the trunk of his cab while I climbed into the passenger seat. My phone started to ring, and I took it out of my pocket and saw that it was Georgia. I cut off the call, and then turned the phone off. I didn't need to speak to her now – or ever.
“So, what you gonna be renting from Phil's, sir?” the cab driver asked as we set off.
“Not sure. Depends on what he has. I like Beemers, and I've got a fair distance to travel today, so I'd prefer to do it in comfort.”
“Yeah, good choice. My cousin's got a Beemer; that thing drives like it's floating on a cloud. Real smooth, man, real smooth.”
I nodded. “Very much so.”
“Where you heading to?” he asked.
“Stanford.”
“Ah, nice area. Oh, hey, you're going to be there tonight?”
“I am, yes.”
“Man, you gotta go see this band from L.A.; they're playing up there. They've got a great sound, guaranteed to get you on your feet dancing. They have a vibe like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. They're gonna be real big man, I just know it. I saw them a couple of weeks ago here.
“If ya need something to do tonight, you should go see 'em now while they're still playing the bar and club circuit. Next year, I'm sure they'll be playing stadiums, so this might be your last chance to see 'em before they hit the big time.”
“That sounds pretty cool actually. I love the Chili Peppers. Where in Stanford are they playing?”
“A place called The Fishbowl,” he replied.
“The Fishbowl, huh? Thanks for the tip. I might check them out.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Eryn
We got out to the parking lot and I hugged Leena as we said goodbye. I was definitely feeling the effects of the alcohol; I wasn't wasted, but my speech felt a little slurred and my coordination was a bit off.
“Are you really sure that you don't want to come out to the club?” she asked. “I promise, it's gonna be so much fun.”
I paused, trying to decide if I should go with her just so that I wasn’t left alone with Irving. But I shook my head.
“I'm done for the night, Lee. I just need some rest. But you go on and have yourself some fun.”