When I hit Chandler Avenue, I spotted the Brew & Stew. Suddenly the need for a nice meal and some conversation took over the desire to sort through Tex's things. I wasn't exactly looking forward to the task. Poking through my man's stuff when I wasn't even sure if he was alive could be fairly emotional, to say the least. The Brew & Stew was guaranteed to offer me some comfort beforehand. The perfect place to start.
On my way inside, I already began to feel better. The smell from Louie's kitchen gave my nose a warm welcome, which was accompanied by a warm grin from his face. "Hiya, Chelsee! I haven't seen ya around in a while. Take a seat!" He motioned to a stool across from where he was sitting. I graciously obliged. "What can I do ya for?"
"A slice of that chocolate pie, if you would, Louie." He flashed a big grin at me and returned with the heavenly slice and a glass of milk. I hadn't seen my mom in a while, but Louie made for a good replacement between visits.
"Chocolate's a good comfort food. I just finished that pie right before ya walked in. How's that for timing?"
"Perfect. This is just what I need."
He watched me enjoy the pie and smiled. What an artist. "I haven't seen ya at the newsstand for a couple a days, and I got a little worried about ya. But Tex hasn't been around either, so I figured maybe the two a you went off an' got married or something."
"Oh, Louie." Against my will my eyes began to well with tears. This wasn't going to be easy to explain.
"Whatsa matter? Did that dope break your heart again? Boy, some guys never learn." Louie's jolly face instantly became one of concern.
"No, it's not that. When we went out the other night for dinner..." I explained to Louie as best I could the events of the last few days, even though it took another slice of pie and a few tissues before I was finished. It hadn't really dawned on me how bad things were, and it felt really good to share them with Louie.
"Golly, Chelsee. I'm sorry. You oughta go see the plice and tell them what you told me. There's a cop down there who stops by here every now and again, who knows Tex pretty well. His name's Mac Malden. He should be able to help you out."
"Thanks, Louie." I ended up buying the whole pie to take home. I decided that I just might need it for later, just in case things got worser.
(If you go to the police station, go to 4.)
(If you go to Tex's place first, go to 2.)