I was once a Bingo slut.
The story goes like this: When Maria was teaching in the Newark school district, the school had made a deal with a local bingo club. Volunteering teachers and their willing partners would volunteer for a donation to the school. We would bring bingo cards to the players who sat in a large casino type of place- two big rooms as i recall. We would also bring them drinks, pencils,napkins, extra olives, etc. They asked for a lot of stuff. Sounded like it could be fun. At least a peek into a Friday night world that people existed in.
The people were welcoming in the early evening and in great spirits. Maria and I weren't able to stay together as our duties took us acriss the rooms. Initially I was parked in one area and the folks were fun and happy. They asked about my life and referred to me as their good luck charm. That was okay I thought; everyone was smiling and in a goofy sort of way, I thought this was funny. It's not too funny after people start downing several non non-alcoholic beverages and begin to lose. Here, they just became outright mean. "Get away" "Don't come back this way". The place got creepy. Maria and I would catch each others' eyes as we passed- we seemed to be moving faster as people wanted more. Quicker.
I recall someone calling me "boy" but I let it go- This is for the school. This is for the school. After tonight, I won't ever come back here again. These bingo thoughts, my short career as a volunteer bingo slut (I think the bingo group donated something like $25 bucks for each of us) were rekindled with a very nice, polite night of Bingo with Oliver, Maria, and our young friend, Miles. I may not have won tonight but at least I didn't feel dirty. So boys, consider this if a good friend ever invites you to work the bingo room for a good cause. (It might still be worth the effort.)
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