A few doors opened in the hallway we walked down towards Joe's space, and occupants greeted Joe. Then quizzical glances were given to me, and then sly grins. Some winks. And quietly re-shut doors.
I hadn't noticed, but Joe was holding my hand, protectively, during this walk down the hall. I hadn't noticed until he let go, to unlock his door, and I noticed because I missed his big, warm hand holding mine. I knew, before I even entered his space, that Joe would become a regular customer. And I knew, and I know Joe knew, too, that we were going to learn a lot from each other.
The room was typical for most single men; clothes strewn everywhere, pile of dishes in the small kitchen sink area, pizza boxes, an unmade bed, and a large cat that didn't move from the small couch, but did raise its head to look at Joe. Upon seeing me, the cat licked its paw and then sniffed the air. Sensing nothing, it curled back into a sleepy position and drifted back to slumber.
"Wow, Joe, this place needs a good organizing and cleaning," I said and laughed.
"Yeh, the maid won't be here until next century," Joe laughed back, and then asked me if I wanted something to drink. "I only have soda and juices, no booze."
"Got a Dr. Pepper in there, by any chance?" I asked as Joe stood in front of the small apartment-sized refridgerator.
"Will a Coke do?" Joe asked, and handed me a can as I said "Yep."
We sat on the bed and drank our sodas, my eyes taking in the layout of the room, asking Joe questions about the maps on the wall. "Well, I do a little photography around town, and need to know the streets like the back of my hand."
"So those were really pictures you gave to that cop?" I asked.
"Yep, they were. What did you think I gave him?" Joe said with a grin.
"I thought he was your bookie," I said and then laughed again.
"HAHA, no, no, no. I don't gamble. They were pictures of some well known drug dealers. I help out with that kind of stuff over at the force, I got some great pictures of some loads coming off the boats a few years back, it helps the boys out if they know who is who in town," Joe said and then took a drink of his soda, and I could see his mind wondering if he should have said what he'd just said.
"Your secret is safe with me, Joe. I hope you play it safe, that's some dangerous crap to get involved in," I said, and then wondered why Joe would be involved in such a thing.
Almost as if he'd read my mind, Joe said "Well, I lost a brother some years ago to heroin addiction, and I know about the dangers."
I got up to put my soda can down on the circular table not far from the bed. Without asking, I took Joe's can from him and put his can on the table with mine. As I stood there, I took off my long black jacket and lay it on the chair at the table. Joe looked at me and smiled. I took my shirt over my head, and lay that on top of my jacket. Joe smiled bigger, and his eyes went over my body in a glance that made his face light up. I had no bra on.