"Ya know, I tink I hate Halloween as much as Mardi Gras," Nicki grumbled.
"Girl, you gonna go to Hell if you keep talkin' like dat," Alyssa said.
Halloween had come to New Orleans and Bru's Crew was clothed for the holiday. Nicki dressed as a pirate while Alyssa was a cheerleader. Amy and Thi, in the guises of Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood, were passing out candy to the kids. Asher rounded the bar, dressed all in black.
"Who you supposed to be?" Alyssa asked her brother.
"Death."
"Don' he have a big knife on a stick?"
"Scythe, yeah. But I'm Death for de 21st century." He pulled out a machete from the case attached to his leg. His smile was evil. He looked up to watch the progress of trick-or-treaters then froze. Nicki and Alyssa followed his gaze to find Amy speaking with a striking woman.
She stood a few inches taller than Amy's own 5'4". Her brown hair fell in waves to her shoulders. Jeans rode low on her hips while a black camisole top peaked from beneath her blazer. Nicki and Alyssa glanced at Asher at his moan when she removed the jacket.
"Who dat?" Alyssa asked.
"From de look on his face, de star of many wet dreams."
"But what's her name?"
"Y'all go away. Go to a party or sometin'." He never took his eyes off the woman as he shooed the girls away.
"Asher, don' make an ass out of yourself. Amy might have to work wit her."
"Go away," he growled. He didn't notice if they did as he said or not. His long-time crush was now walking into his establishment. She smiled as she sat in front of him. "Welcome to Bru's. We have a special drink tonight, Witches' Brew."
"No thanks, I'll just have a screwdriver." When she started to hand him money, he waved it away. She raised an eyebrow.
"Every night one woman drinks for free. Tonight's your night."
"Thank you." She sipped her drink. "You're Amy's brother?"
He nodded. "Asher Brouchard."
"Milla Jovovich."
"I know." He propped his arms on the bar to lean closer. "Are you here for a photo shoot?"
She nodded. "Tomorrow." She cocked her head to the side.
*****
"Oh my God, I jus' died an went to Heaven." Micah Lee placed a hand over his heart.
"Ha ha. I wanna rum an Coke," Alyssa said. "Nicki, whacha want?"
"A piece of dat."
Alyssa followed her gaze. "Who dat?"
"Jesse James. Micah, you know what he's doin' here?"
"Bike show over at de Dome."
"He coulda come down to Bru's."
"Hey, One Eye Jack's just as good. I say a little better. What's your brother up to, Lyssa?"
"Droolin' over some woman. She looked like de girl from De Fit Element. You know, de girl. Wit the red hair. Does dose 'Feria' hair color commercials."
"Milla Jovovich? Brown hair, blue eyes?"
"Yeah."
"Oh shit. I need to get over to Bru's. Lyssa, take over." Micah walked around the bar and threw his apron at Alyssa.
"Hey!" She followed him, fussing. She returned a minute later. "Asher probly locked de place down. He ain't gonna get a sniff of her."