"Hey, Eth, you ready to go?"
"Yeah, yeah, headed out the door now."
"Alright, see you in a few."
I got off the phone with my buddy Jordan and was walking down the stairs of my apartment. The elevator had been down all day so the four flights were doing me in.
It was Halloween night and Jordan had invited me to some party downtown. Not really my type of scene, but he persuaded me well enough. With the short notice I had made just enough time to buy a pair of fake vampire teeth at a costume shop a few blocks away and some fake blood to drip down both sides of my mouth. I'd left my tie from work on and just threw on an old black cloak I had from Halloween's past.
Jordan was waiting for me with a Taxi at the curb as I stepped out of the building.
"Trick or treat?" he joked as I approached.
"Shut up man, this is stupid."
"Dude, you look great. It'll be fine. Loosen up a little."
"You don't look so bad yourself," I nudged him, referring to his silly Superman getup. "But don't you think it's a little much having a cape and socks that have capes on them?"
"A bro can never have too much Super. Now come on, let's roll."
I laughed at the situation and reluctantly got in the cab.
The party was at a local club/bar about two miles away. The ride was smooth as Jordan texted a few of our other friends, making sure they'd arrive on time.
Stepping into the crisp fall air, we entered the building.
The party music drifted about as various costumes - some creative, some slutty, others ridiculous, breezed through the room. Customers grabbing drinks, sharing laughs, and already preparing for tomorrow's hangovers.
Jordan headed to the bar as we waited on Chris and Zeke.
"What'll it be, Mr. Bites-a-lot?" Jordan asked?
"Your mom's blood," I quipped.
Superman slapped me in the arm.
"Okay, fine. Bourbon."
"A bourbon and a vodka on the rocks," Jordan told the bartender.
Moments later we were handed our drinks as Zeke and Chris walked in.
"Already getting the party started, I see," Zeke mentioned, walking in like a clown.
Legit he was dressed like a clown. An actual clown.
"You look retarded," I told him.
"Relax boys, the party don't start 'til I walk in," Chris informed us, dressed as a red crayon.
"Okay, never mind. He's the one that looks retarded," Jordan decided.
"Hey, watch it. I might just go CRAY ON you! Get it?"
"You've got to be kidding me." I squeezed the top of my nose in annoyance. It amazed me that my friends could be this drunk without even having any alcohol in their blood yet.
"I think I'm gonna win this costume contest," Zeke mentioned.
"There's a costume contest?" I asked.
"Yeah, you didn't know? My girl got her makeup palettes out and went to work on my face for this clown look. I'd say I look pretty dadgum good."
"Whatever you say man, whatever you say."
"Glad you could catch on," he smiled.
"By the way, where is Shelby? You said she did your makeup. Why isn't she here?" Chris asked.
"Yeah. She did my makeup. It's a whole 'nother thing for her to do her own. She'll probably be here in an hour or so."
"An hour?"
"Girl's an artist. She goes to work with them powders," he shrugged it off. "Anyway, I think it's time for me and Chris here to get some drinks. Yo, bartender! Two Manhattans!"
He and Chris fist bumped at their usual.
I looked at the ceiling with my eyes closed. This was going to be one interesting night.
