Short Story

Luca’s

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are
asked to get creative in 250 words or less using
the photo below as inspiration. This is my story.

© Ayr/Grey

I was waiting outside Luca’s Restaurant for my guy to show up with that lovely little glassine envelope of blow. He was running late and I was freezing my ass off, chainsmoking. Even at this hour the place was busy.

A cozy-looking niche in the wall beckoned me; I scooted over and huddled there to keep warm. I was agitated, my toes tap-dancing inside my boots. It had been several hours since my last hit and I couldn’t collect my scattered thoughts.

Shoving my hands into my pockets to stay warm, I immediately came in contact with a stubby vial; a little spoon dangled from a delicate chain … a very clever design … although I must admit the one with the miniature spoon neatly built into the inside bottom of the screw-on cap was pure genius. This was a nice surprise! I had changed jackets the other day and didn’t remember it was there.

Elated, I wrapped my fingers around the bottle, smiling at the feel of the all-too-familiar smooth glass. I removed the vial from my pocket; it was difficult to see but even in the darkness I knew it was empty. Crap!

Where the hell was my guy?

As if summoning a genie, he appeared in the glow emanating from the light above Luca’s doorway. I began to stand when piercing sounds of squealing tires stopped me. Three unmarked cars pulled up and the feds jumped out, surrounding my guy. Busted!

Dammit! I receded into the bushes.

NAR©2024
250 Words

The Unicorn Challenge-18/10/24

This is “Snowblind” by Styx

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

39 thoughts on “Luca’s”

  1. Life on the seamy side, for sure. Dark & sharp, like the picture prompt, and you provided the psychological details and explosive events that create a satisfying, and yes, disturbing read!

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  3. Haha! I didn’t thing it really was real but it was a way of saying you done more than good.

    I’ve always loved Styx. And, while I like Gowan, I don’t like that Dennis DeYoung left. Mind you, I did see him live doing the music of Styx. So good.

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  5. Hmmm… this felt way too real 😉 Wonderfully written, taught, no wasted words. Excellent.

    And I love me some Styx! I swear they are one of the few bands that I know all the names of all the members. They were my first Rock band crush.

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      1. Just sayin’ you did so well, it coulda…. You did very well.

        They were my first rock ‘n roll crush. I still love them today. Mind you, much as I love Gowan, I don’t love him in Dennis De Young’s place. Speaking of De Young, I saw him give a concert playing the music of Styx. He still rocks.

        🙂

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  7. What a great scene. Captures the desire, the desperation and the surprise ending. (Quite the week for flash in the key of adrenalin)

    (was going to post me some Lou (Reed)… he would have been right at home standing next to your protagonist)

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  11. You took me right into the ups and downs of an addict waiting for a fix, Nancy.
    I feel the agitation you describe – the chain smoking, those tap-dancing toes.
    ‘As if summoning a genie…’ I particularly like that, it seems to me the dealers are like a special kind of evil genie – I mean the kind who only deal and don’t use – once addiction has a hold, all moral choice is irrelevant.
    A story that’s made more disturbing by how graphically and well it’s written.

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    1. Thank you for your excellent comments, Jenne. Very astute of you to say that dealers deal and don’t use. It’s strictly business, destroying other peoples lives; chilling, isn’t it?
      Back in the 70s, there was no shortage of cocaine, qualludes or weed. For most of us it was a good time and there was never any fear of poisons such as fentanyl. Thankfully, we knew when to put all that stuff behind us and establish a new set of priorities. We got married, settled down and had kids. My life is full with many incredible experiences and great memories. I can happily say I have no regrets.

      Thanks again, Jenne!

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    1. Thanks so much, Margaret. This was one of those prompts that painted a vivid picture for me. I did a lot of research in the School of Hard Knocks! This is a way of life for many; it’s all fun and games until it isn’t. That’s when it’s time to grow up, choose a different set of priorities and move on. It’s the only shot at survival.

      As always, I appreciate your very thoughtful comments.

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