Bouncer

Cool breeze. Nadia leaned into Leon’s arm, walking down the street.

The bar was loud even from the outside. A few tables of young people at the street entrance. Smoking. Drinking cocktails. Laughing obnoxiously.

A big bouncer at the door. Neat fade and beard. Big black sunglasses.

Leon and Nadia approached. The bouncer placed a hand on Leon’s chest.

“Wait… The girl can go in… Brother must pay…” he said in deep French.

“Pardon, monsieur…” Nadia said, “He is my date…”

The bouncer did not flinch, “Men must pay €25…”

Leon didn’t seem bothered, “We are meeting a friend here…”

“Ah… I see the American can do what they want… It seems that is the reason you don’t understand,” the bouncer said in French.

A stand off. 25 Euros was a crime.

“Hey hey Marc… Easy bro, these are my friends…” Nika said, appearing from behind.

“Eh… Dish cleaning girl… you don’t have special privileges because you work here… I earn more than you…” the bouncer Marc said.

Nika opened her phone to a video, “Let me remind you that I have a video of you crying like a baby over the PSG loss…”

“Any man would cry for their football team,” he said.

She began to play the video and a girlish whine came.

“Stop! Ok ok… You win this time,” he said.

The bouncer stepped aside and allowed Nadia and Leon to follow Nika up the steps.

“I work here…” Nika said, “I’ll score us good price on beers…”

Nadia and Leon looked at each other.