Fishtown by Adam Mayle

Author:Adam Mayle
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: comedy, quirky, philadelphia, gentrification, eagles, fishtown
Publisher: Adam Mayle

Chapter Twelve: Auld Lang Syne, Bobby

“I thought you said you were only having a few friends over,” Bobby said, still blinking from the flash.

“You know how these things go.” Jeff shrugged helplessly. “You invite one person and they tell a friend. Then their friend tells two friends. Then two friends tell their brothers. It’s all exponential growth.”

“Like a virus?” Bobby said.

“That’s not the example I would choose. But, sure, why not? Like a virus.”

“This is an amazing place,” Suzie declared, overwhelmed by the exuberance of the party and the square footage of the venue.

“I’m glad you like it,” Jeff said hospitably.

“Oh, I do. It’s beautiful,” Suzie said. “And so big. And, oh, what is that? A pipe organ?”

“Why, yes, actually. It is original. You know…” Jeff began, but did not complete his sentence. Behind them the door opened again. Another wave of guests were borne in on a gust of cold air. Like a tipsy gunslinger, Jeff made a quick-draw with his camera, blasting the new arrivals with his flash and offering a slurred greeting. Bobby only then realized that their host was already tipsy. With a broad grin stretching across both hemispheres of his face, Jeff turned back to Bobby and Suzie.

“I’m very sorry, but you must excuse me. I have things to take care of. Make yourselves comfortable. There are drinks over there,” he indicated with a vague gesture towards the rear of the church. “I’m so glad you came!” he said, before returning his flitting attention to the new arrivals.

The sanctuary was mobbed with revelers celebrating the New Year like a pack of well-heeled heathens. Bobby followed in Suzie’s wide wake as she moved towards the alcohol. He rubbernecked like a tourist, gawking at the church’s transformation. In just over a month, St. Stephen’s had changed almost beyond recognition. The basic dimensions were the same. But the symbols of religiosity – the pews, altars, tapestries, and candelabra – were gone. The stone walls were sheathed with new drywall that brightly reflected the colorful party lighting. As Bobby looked around, he could only recognize the old church in the unmodified rafters and the old pipe organ at the back of the chancel, rising over the sanctuary like a fountainhead of brass.

Beset by a sudden vertigo as he followed the pipes to the ceiling, Bobby let Suzie take him by the hand and drag him to the bar. As Suzie plodded forward, she jiggled to the music that echoed through the church. They made a wide sweep on the outskirts of the sanctuary. At what used to be the altar, they found two long tables provisioned with a rainbow of liquor and a kiddie pool filled with bottles of beer. Bobby forewent the beer and poured gin into a cup. Suzie fell upon the rum and coke with a vengeance. With drinks in hand, they gazed upon the crowd.

“This is a great party!” Suzie proclaimed.

“Why is it so great?” Bobby asked.

“Everyone is dancing. Having a good time.”

“How do you know that everyone is having a good time? It looks like a riot.

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