The summer of 2007 was particularly hot even by Perth standards. The evening temperatures barely fell but there was some relief when the sun disappeared over the western horizon. I refrained from walking my dog until late at night.
My usual route took me around Lathlain oval cutting through a gap in the fence, across the turf, through the carpark and around the other side towards home. It was a pleasant walk and my West Highland Terrier, Nosey, certainly appreciated the exercise.
One night, I noticed a black SUV at the far end of the car park and voices mummering softy interspersed by insane bouts of laughter. From the pitch, I deduced them to be of female origin, but I did not care to prove my hypothesis correct and I quickly moved on without being noticed.
The car returned the next week and, as I skirted by it, I could smell funky fumes emanating from the open doors. This time I was discovered, and all went silent as I walked away. On the next encounter, my dog lived up to his name and jogged over to the car much to the delight of its occupants.
"What a cute doggie!" A female shrieked.
A thick cloud of weed smoke wafted from the open car door and a dark shadow of a shapely woman stepped from the back seat and enthusiastically patted Nosey. With my dog lapping up the attention there was no way I could ignore the stoner.
"He gorgeous," She said, "What's his name?"
The woman laughed maniacally when I told her. A second female exited the smoky car and joined her friend in lavishing attention on Nosey.
"I'm Laney," The first female said, "And this is Penny."
"Jason," I replied, "Nice to meet you."
In the darkness, Laney appeared to be a shapely blonde wearing her hair in a ponytail. She wore denim shorts and a dark bikini top that hid some round and juicy boobs. Penny was far more conservatively dressed in a knee-high dress. Nevertheless, she was athletic with a bubble butt and a decent chest. Penny's hair was cut short and was either burgundy or merlot in colour. She was not as attractive as her friend but would not be kicked out of bed. Both reeked of weed and were as high as kites, swaying slightly and giggling uncontrollably.
We exchanged some small talk before the girls offered me a toke from their bong which I declined. Instead, I said I would come back with some beers, and promised to bring back my dog who fascinated the women.
"What brings you two here?" I asked after unfolding a camping chair and sitting down.
"Just chilling after work," Laney replied.
"Oh, right," I said, "What do you do?"
"We're check-out chicks," Penny giggled.
"Around here?" I asked, after taking a massive swig of ice-cold beer.
"Belmont Forum."
Thursday was late night opening, and the girls enjoyed several hits from the bong after work. They had recently discovered this car park which allowed a discrete toke, free from unwanted attention. Until I came along.
Laney and Penny quickly discovered that I was no threat and were pleased when Nosey came over to say hello.
The women were in their mid-twenties. The car was a late nineties Holden model in decent condition despite the many bumps and scrapes.
"You live around here, I take it?" Penny asked after blowing a wreath of smoke from her lips.
"Just up the road," I waved vaguely northwards, "Been here a year so far."
"Enjoying it?"
"Yep. Been in the area since 2004," I said, "To be closer to uni."
"Cool," Penny said, "You work there?"
"No," I chuckled, guessing Penny question was predicated on my age which was at least a decade separating us, "I work in the city and study part time."
Laney took another hit on the bong and this one had an immediate effect. She looked woozy and climbed into the back seat of the car.
"She'll be out in a moment," Penny giggled, "I'll take her home shortly."
"Does she always do this?"
"Sometimes," Penny smiled after ensuring her friend was all right, "She's been working all hours and just needed to unwind."
"Why is she working so hard?"
"Saving up to move out of home."
"Have you moved out?" I asked.
