Every bar on Duval Street was packed. The street itself was crowded to overflowing. People were out celebrating en mass. At a small table sitting close together practically yelling in each other’s ears in order to be heard, Nick and Cesilie were trying to carry on a conversation amidst the constant interruptions that is Nick’s life in public.

“Sorry about that.” He apologized for probably the 20th time in the past hour.

“I said don’t worry about it. I imagine that just comes with the territory. I pretty much expected it to be like this anyway. You don’t have to apologize to me every time someone asks you for a picture or autograph.” Cesilie didn’t even realize she had reached out and patted him on the hand for reassurance.

“Thanks, some times, people just get frustrated, ya know.” She nodded her head. She wondered where he got his patience from in order to deal with this every day of his life.

“This is gonna sound cliché, but, Lauderdale isn’t that far from the Keys, do you come down here on vacation much?”

“Actually, not really. Well, not to Key West. I’ve been to Long Key and Bahia Honda a few times to camp, but that’s about it.”

“It’s hard talking in here”

“What?” Just then the DJ started a new song and it was really loud.

Leaning closer and yelling louder he repeated, “I said it’s really hard to talk in here.” She nodded in agreement and then pointed to the dance floor. He nodded and they attempted to dance. As soon as he was on the floor people crowded around him, as if the floor wasn’t crowded enough. It was just too crazy and before long they group decided to seek the fresh air of outside.

“Man, that was just, Insane.” Mike stated in disbelief.

“It’s just ‘cause there’s so many people down here for the races. Even the streets are crowded.” Nick answered. As they walked down Duval Street music poured into the street from practically every doorway. The group laughed and danced their way down to the mall area and then back down Duval. Cesilie watched in wonder as Nick joked with and charmed fans along the way. He had a smile and a hug for everyone who stopped him.

“Hey Cesilie, hop on.” She was watching the crowd and missed the small vehicle pull up. Actually, it was a miniature Hum-vee and Nick and group had piled on.

“Where?” There was no place to sit. “And where are we going anyway?”

Nick looked around realizing too there were no open seats. Smiling he patted his lap then answered, “The hotel.”

Warily she climbed on. “Is this even legal?” She asked. Then as the cart took off she reflexively threw her arms around his neck to hold on, “Or safe?”

“Yes to both.” He laughed. “I think.” Then he winked.

<~ Chapter 4 or Chapter 6 ~>


Karina 2003