Chapter 3

“All right, I’m sorry.”

When Nathan detected a southern accent, he stopped in his tracks and turned around. When he did, the young man seemed almost deflated with grief. His first impulse was to forgive him for his unkind attitude, but knew it would be better if he taught this ungrateful kid that not everybody would let him get away with his disgusting behavior.

“Never thought I’d hear an apology coming out of that smart mouth of yours,” he said as he walked back over to his bed. “By the way, what is a goddamned cottonmouth doin’ way up here in New York?”

“Cottonmouth?” the dude said. “What the hell’s a cottonmouth?”

“You know, a southern boy.”

“A cottonmouth’s a snake, creep. You called me a fuckin’ snake.”

“You haven’t proved me wrong…cottonmouth.”

“Looks like I’m not the only idiot in the room.”

“You’re right. I’m worse than an idiot for standing here arguing with you.” He turned to leave. “See you later…whatever your name is.”