“Gina tells us that this is all a big show you two are putting on so that no one finds you two hiding out here.” Chuck said. “You know what I say? That’s bullshit.”
I raised an eyebrow as I diverted my attention towards the old man who was wearing a sun hat and had a big glob of sunscreen on his nose my fingers itching to reach out and swipe it off the tip of his nose the poor guy looked ridiculous. I glanced around at my new friends Burt was wearing a one-piece bathing suit and by that, I mean like the style men wore in the forties. I glanced down at myself all I was wearing was a pair of trunks and Nike slides. Chuck may have had a point Nikki and I stuck out like sore thumbs in this place.
“Yeah, I see your point.” I said, flopping down onto a lounge chair. “We don’t really fit in too well.”
“Boy is dumb as dirt.” Burt said as he popped open a bottle of Budweiser and shoved it into my hand. I preferred Corona but beggars couldn’t be choosers I was just happy there was beer. I took a long sip ignoring his attack on my intelligence.
“We’re not talking about whether or not you fit in with our crew.” Chuck said on a sigh sitting down beside me. It took all my willpower not to spit my beer out. They had a crew?
“You two just pretending to be together or are you really together? Gina couldn’t give us a straight answer. That woman’s head is in the sand since you showed up looking all buff.”
“Yeah, what’s the deal with that?” I nodded in Gina’s direction. “She’s one of the better looking broads here none of you want to tap that?”
“We’re all tapped out kid.” Burt looked down sadly. “If you get my drift.”
My eyes widened at his implication. “You mean it doesn’t work anymore?” I took another gulp of my beer before I scrutinized him. “How old are you?”
“Seventy-two, but a young seventy-two.” Burt said defensively. “It works once in a while.” He sighed and looked over at Gina. “But that one there, she’s a spring chicken. I don’t have the stamina to keep up with her.”
I can’t believe I was having this fucking conversation. Sure, I joked around that Nikki had broken my dick, but the idea of it actually not working scared the shit out of me. If what Burt was saying was true, I only had forty something years left!
“He’s just a pussy.” Chuck said and that was that I spit my beer all over them. “I told him I’d give him some of my little blue pills.”
“Viagra?” I asked.
“That shit works wonders.” He pointed to the pool where the ladies were. “Look at that smile on my gals face. I put that smile there last night and it hasn’t left yet.” He wiggled his bushy gray eyebrows as he waved at one of the woman blowing kisses towards him. Christ was this what Nikki and I had to look forward to?
“Burt are you really into Gina?” I asked, watching as Gina whispered something to Nikki both of them turning in our direction but their eyes planted on Burt.
“Of course I am. Look at her.” He said wistfully. I had looked at her. I had seen more of her than I cared to remember, but that was beside the point.
“So take Chuck here up on his offer and take her out.” I tipped my chin in Gina’s direction. “A woman like that isn’t going to stick around forever.” I said laying it on thick. If I could help the old guy get a little action why not? Consider it a public service.
“You’re one to talk playing house with a dame like that.” Chuck said.
“It’s complicated. You guys know our situation.”
“Yeah we do and if I had some dickheads out looking to put a bullet in me, I’d make sure I did what the hell made me happy before they took the chance from me.” Burt said as he shoved my shoulder. “I’m going to take your advice kid because life is too short but you should do the same.”
He walked around to the old Victrola he had on a folding table and changed, the vinyl record, bringing the little needle to it as he turned up the volume. Elvis Presley’s smooth voice filled the air and Burt closed his eyes as he let himself feel the music. He placed his hand over his heart and started to sway to “It’s Now or Never.”
“It’s now or never, come hold me tight. Kiss me my darling be mine tonight. Tomorrow will be too late. It’s now or never my love won’t wait.” He sang along with The King.