“What’s wrong Shane? You remember me right? Who do you have with you? Don’t tell me you’ve switched teams on us…”

Tina looked at me. “Shane…?”

“Guys, just go to the car, I’ll be right there.”

Al grabbed the back of my shirt. “No, we’re staying with you.”

I moved forward, yanking my shirt out of her grip. “Seriously, get the fuck to your car now. I’ll be right there.”

The two moved behind me and quickly walked towards Alice’s car. I saw them cross the street, then stop, turning back to watch and wait for me. I looked at the guy.

“Look man, I’m not sure what you want right now, but you’re not going to get it. Why don’t you just head that way, and I’ll go the other, OK?”

He stepped towards me. “Now Shane. I never took you for one to turn down some cash. You were always more than happy to comply.”

“Yeah, well… I don’t do that anymore. Sorry. Now, if you will excuse me.” I tried to walk past him, but he grabbed my arm as I past.

“Now hang on there sonny. You may say you don’t do that anymore, but I think you still do. I’ll pay you double if you want to drive a hard bargain tonight.”

I yanked my arm free, stepped up to him, and got inches from his face. “No thank you. I told you, I’m done. Now if you will please excuse me.” And with that I walked off. I jogged across the street and met up with Alice and Tina. I took each of their arms and pulled them off towards Alice’s car. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

We quickly walked back to Alice’s car and were unlocking it when I heard something behind us. Alice and Tina froze, and I reached into my pocket, pulling out my switchblade. Even after several months in West Hollywood, there were certain things that were still just part of me. No matter what I was wearing or where we were hanging out, my pockets held my wallet, my keys, my lighter, my cigarettes, and my switchblade. Old habits die hard…