Tragic Love Read Online Free Page B

of the bar has not changed since I first stepped foot through it. The bar itself is still the entire length of the room, but has received a much needed facelift. Where it once was broken down with damaged cherry wood, the top surface has been painted black and blanketed in stainless steel. It’s very industrial and completely Reggie. He’s also added more pool tables and seating, taking over the dance floor area. No one ever dances here, so why not utilize the space. The smell of the bar has not changed one bit, though; it’s a mixture of smoke, sweat, booze, grease and well, Sulfur Heights. I’ve come to realize a town as dirty as this place, no matter where you go, it always smells just like that, dirty.
    I grab a hold of Delilah’s hand and give it a squeeze. Her blue eyes are expanding to the size of saucers as she scans the room, taking in the scene. The volume of noise is piercing as you watch the drunks. They’re walking like they’re riding a tilt-a-whirl, cursing and laughing at the stupidest things. Women are shamelessly hanging on guys, trying to get their attention, while the regulars square off at the pool tables.
    Delilah leans into my side and whispers, “This is where you guys hang out?”
    “Yeah, it’s not so bad once you get used to it.” I smile at her then realize I will be saying that a lot while she’s staying here. There are many things you simply have to get used to on the Southside of Sulfur Heights.
    Drake leads us through the crowd as we make our way over to our designated table. Darcie and Reggie have made sure we have our own place to sit when we come down here. That way, they both can keep an eye on us, making sure we’re staying out of trouble. Again, they have nothing to worry about from Drake or me; however Jake is a different story.
    Drake helps Delilah and I both onto our bar stools and then asks, “So what’s your poison, ladies?”
    Delilah responds, “Oh, just an old fashion cherry coke for me.” Drake looks perplexed and turns his questioning look to me.
    I giggle and clarify for him, “Coke with cherry grenadine added. And I’ll take an Amaretto sour.”
    Drake heads to the bar and I turn to Delilah, who still looks a little overwhelmed at this place. Her posture is perfect as she sits with her hands folded in her lap. Not a single hair is out of place. “So what do you think?”
    “Well, it’s not the kind of place I would normally go to, but it could be fun. I just need to get acclimated to how incredibly different this place is. But what I’m confused about is, when you were living with your uncle you said he lived in a house that looked like mine. So far, what I’ve seen of Sulfur Heights, I’m not finding any resemblance.” Delilah places her hand on the table top and appears to be relaxing.
    “You’ve only seen the Southside. This town is like an alternate universe, one minute you are walking along garbage filled gutters and then the next you see perfectly manicured lawns and everything like you’re used to in Memphis. I don’t understand it, the rich people want nothing to do with the poor people and everyone is okay with it, including the authorities. Darcie has always said the Southside is the portal to Hell and almost everyone who’s born here will get sucked into the evil that is Sulfur Heights, and sooner or later I will be exactly like them. The drugs, violence and gambling is everywhere. It’s rare to find someone who isn’t into one or the other.”
    “Why are you staying around here then? You’ve graduated from high school. Nothing can hold you back. Why not just leave before any of that happens to you?” Her face is inquisitive as she studies mine.
    “And go where, Memphis? There’s nothing left for me there anyway. The only thing I ever had in Memphis was my parents and you. Every single friend I had bailed on me when I was admitted to that clinic. There is no way I’m going back to that and putting up with their condescending