When they reached Crystal's, Derrick hopped out. He'd understood her motives without discussion.
"Nobody else drives, except you; you go nowhere either." he turned on his heel, defeated, and made for the highway.
The lights were on, but Crystal, Zay and Patrick were all out on the back porch, eating pizza and smoking joints. It took some cunning on Little Diogenes' part to lure them out front.
"I'm just thinking of going over, you know, to the Lighthouse." The Lighthouse was the only place Little Diogenes could think of that might tempt Zay or Patrick. Mostly Cape Verdean bands played there, but sometimes other people. Little Diogenes didn't go out, so she didn't know any other places.
"Pfft." Patrick blurted. "Let's go somewhere real. I know some clubs in Providence..." he began to snort, the stifled beginning of a laugh. "We could have a good time, hey Zay, ever been to Bliss?"
Crystal pulled a face. "Patrick, you are not taking me or Little Diogenes to a nasty strip club. It's gross."
Zay got in on the joke. "Crys, you should go. You're kinda slammin', make some good money."
"Oh my God, Jesus, you're sick, I'm your cousin and you're sick."
"Second cousin, right?" Zay and Patrick pounded fists with glee.
"Well, we can't go to Providence or anywhere like that," said Little Diogenes, "Because I brought Derrick's car."
Crystal sobered up a little. "Oh my God, you didn't."
Little Diogenes smiled a small smile. "He let me borrow it."
Crystal's interest was infectious. Patrick and Zay followed her around the house. The pointed nose of the Stingray hove slowly into view like a sausage dog sneaking around the corner.
Patrick pretended to be skeptical. "He lets you drive this?"
"Special occasions."
"Drive your auntie to the packie for her Olde English?" Zay said with a flourish.
"Sometimes." Little Diogenes glanced at her shoes in mock embarrassment. She was not naturally coy, and it took a lot of effort.
"We go there now?" asked Patrick.
"Sure."
"Yo, get me some jerky?" asked Zay, tossing a little ball of money to Crystal.
For the second time that night, Little Diogenes betrayed herself. "Hey, you're not coming?"
"Naw," said Zay, "I'm waiting for a call."