“Zarita will drink anything,” said Simple. “She is like me in that respect, from beer to champagne. But this Sunday, we been to a Five O’clock Cocktail Sip where they empty all the different left-over bottles on the bar into the shaker, shake it up, put in a cherry—and call it a Special. We had several Specials.

“I did not know I was going to meet Zarita there, but I did. She were unescorted, so we sipped together. Then we danced together. Then we sat together. Then I went by her house. Then she came by my house. After which, we both came here to cool. I still had to kiss her one more time in the phone booth before she shoved off. She spends every Sunday night with her foster-mama, so she has to go now. In fact, I think she already went out the side door because she does not like Buster to see her in here with me. Old funny-looking Buster standing over there thinks he likes her.”

“It’s a good thing you are not jealous,” I said.

“I have an open mind about Zarita. I am only jealous of Joyce. I may not see Zarita again for a month. But somehow or other, her kisses make me think of mulberries—that sloe gin they colored them cocktails, I reckon.”

“It’s a wonder you are not rocking and reeling.”

“Rocky, but not really. I feel like hey! hey! hey! Come on, have a beer!”

“On you?”

“On me,” said Simple. “My generosity has come down on me! I am glad I run into you while I still have some change left. I spent Three Dollars and a Half at the Cocktail Sip, threw a Dollar to the shake dancer when the floor show come on, tipped the waiter Fifty Cents, checked out my hat—then borrowed Five Dollars from Zarita that she said Buster gave her—so it all come out even. Zarita is a good old girl. She will give you the shirt off her back, also take yours off your back. But in due time, we more than gets it back, both of us. So nobody’s worried. What did you say about that kiss in the cup?”

“Leave but a kiss within the cup

And I’ll not look for wine.…”

“I sure won’t,” said Simple. “Won’t and don’t! But lately there ain’t been nary kiss in my cup.”

“You mean where you ring seven bells?”