Following the white rabbit

Kit tells me that Sonjia's secret power is her ability to get people who wouldn't ordinarily drink to do shots. If she were a superhero, instead of smashing her opponents she would get them smashed. And then vanquish them easily.

Saturday night, I went to the AAIFF closing night party. Hua said he was there, but had left by the time I arrived. He texted me telling me he was hoping to return. After the awards were announced, and the offical pictures taken, I found Sonjia at the bar. She was standing with Elisa. The bartender was setting up glasses on the counter. Sonjia did a quick count as he poured the drinks. "Petron," she said, handing me one. We looked for the salt. One girl picked up a shaker, but nothing came out. I looked at it and saw a switch on the base. It was a lamp. The bartender brought us the salt.

We toasted and drank. "Welcome to the family," she said as she had the bartender line up another round. She poured out the salt. More people gathered. I protested, but she put the drink in my hand. We toasted and drank. I bit into the lime. On the third round, I forwent the salt so I could take pictures. We drank. I felt fine. And then I felt very fine. Eric laughed when I told him. He asked me if my face was numb. "You're not really drunk until your face is numb," he said. I hadn't been drunk in quite some time.

We went outside to chat. Hua appeared. He and Betty had been to the Tribeca Grand for a concert. He said that everyone there was dressed too hip, and that he had to come see me drunk. I met the producer for The Motel and we chatted about films and travelling. Sonjia was trying to convince Hua to take a shot. He said he had to go home.

Back in the bar, my buzz faded. The crowd had thinned. Some friends were dancing. I stood by and watched and then the music changed and I had to join in. I said my goodbyes, but the music got better. At four, we were the last ones in the bar. We made our way outside. Diana wanted to go to another bar. I wanted to make sure I could still walk home. I bid them goodnight and made my way home. Posted by eku at July 25, 2005 9:24 AM