Loud

Nika had this straight forward energy. No filter. Yes, she worked two jobs. One at Le Pirate Écarlate as a kitchen hand and another as a dishwasher at Le Bar de l’Ombre Mythique — a bar & club.

Downstairs the bass thumbed for the nightclub. It was still early in the night and people were just drinking beer. Hard spirits would go harder after.

Nadia didn’t mind the noise. She stripped as an erotic dancer at the club Carte Rouge: VISA and her ears had adjusted. Loud felt familiar.

The tobacco smoke, fruity vapes, and booze woke Nadia up. She hadn’t completely quit smoking — so the air was delicious.

Leon was way less adjusted.

“Nice to meet yourself. I am Nika,” she said to Leon.

Leon nodded and smiled, but couldn’t hear a thing. It was way too loud.

Nadia and Nika settled into a conversation about work as the beers arrived, now Leon had something to do.

“Thanks…” Leon took the green bottle.

Nika held the bottle up and said something inaudible. Cheers! Bottles clink!

Leon felt a tad tired. He tried to be involved in the conversation — then pointed at his ears.

“It’s hard to hear!” He said.

Nika said something and grabbed Nadia’s hand dragging her along. Leon didn’t want to lose the table so he lingered.

“We are going to dance! Do you want to dance?!” Nadia said.

Leon gestured for them to go. He had his beer to finish.