Meeting Max by Richard Brumer Read Free Book Online Page B

It was New Orleans style, loud and sexy, right in the groove, as they moved their instruments up and down, keeping time with their feet. A brown hat sat on the ground, inviting donations.
    Julie told Rick about her life and how she grew up in upstate Newark, New York, emphasizing the New York part to distinguish it from Newark, New Jersey.
    “I didn’t know there was another Newark. Where is it?” Rick asked.
    “Not far from Rochester. It’s a small town, a nice town. I loved growing up there, but didn’t want to be stuck in Newark for the rest of my life. I was restless. I knew there was a more exciting life in New York City and I wanted to be part of it, which is why I’m studying nursing here.”
    “I like small towns.” Rick pulled up the collar of his jacket to shield his neck from the cool breeze. “People seem happier there with uncrowded streets, small shops, everything cozy.”
    “That’s true. People are content in Newark, if that’s where they want to be, but I guess I didn’t want to be a small town girl anymore.” A faraway look manifested on her face, and she frowned, as though recalling something unpleasant. “Besides, it’s always there for me if I want it.”
    “Had you been to New York City before you came to NYU?”
    “Only once, to visit a friend. There are people in Newark who have never been to New York City or any large city, for that matter. I came here not just to get away from small town life, but to get away from my mom too.”
    “Is she a problem for you?” Rick inquired.
    “She’s as controlling as all hell.” Julie bit her lip, crossing her arms over her chest. “My parents wanted me to stay put in Newark, get married, have lots of kids, and live the rest of my life getting old with nothing happening. It wasn’t easy getting out of there. How about you?”
    “I grew up in the Bronx. I have an older brother, David, who graduated from Princeton three years ago. After high school, our family moved to New Rochelle. My dad’s a lawyer, and my mom is an artist. My mother spent most of her time bringing us up. She tried to teach us how to draw, but we just didn’t have it. She never gave up on anyone, but she made an exception in our case.”
    Julie laughed.
    “What’s so funny?” Rick winked.
    “You.” She giggled again. “I’m sure your mother never gave up on you.”
    He shrugged, tucking his hands into his pockets, and then glanced at Julie. Their gazes locked, and for a brief moment he’d never felt more content.
    “Maybe not,” he said, but he was no longer sure what they’d been talking about.
     
    ***
     
    It wasn’t long before Rick and Julie fell in love. It was a first for both of them. During the week, they kept their emphasis on schoolwork, but looked forward to weekends, when they would go to a movie, a coffee house, or visit one of the cafes to listen to poetry readings.
    They ate at local restaurants and loved watching live performances at the Cherry Lane Theater. Afterward, they walked the magical streets of the Village, its beat dramatically changing from bustling street activity to hushed quiet lanes. Life was easy. Living in Greenwich Village made it that way.
    One afternoon, they came across a small shop on Christopher Street. “Let’s do it!” Julie exclaimed. “Let’s have our palms read.”
    “Do you really want to enter the mystical world?” Rick asked, shaking his head.
    “I know it’s not true. I know it, Rick, but let’s do it anyway.”
    A flamboyant gypsy lady who appeared to be in her sixties guided their venture into the supernatural. She had dark creased skin and wore brightly colored, loose fitting clothing. She went by the name Eeluminada. She prepared to read Julie’s palm as Rick sat nearby.
    “What is the month and day you were born?” The woman’s voice was soft as she studied Julie’s face.
    “July thirtieth.”
    “Ah, Leo. My dear, it is fortunate you’re having this reading while you’re so young.