Alligators in the Trees Read Online Free Page A

Bobbi, a waitress slinging hash, dispensing worn bits of wisdom in a caustic tone, and inadvertently breaking his creative block with her accidental phrasing. His mind starting spinning with renewed fervor.
    Somehow, the thought of her and her lowly circumstances kicked his mind into high gear, as if encountering her had given him a fresh pair of eyes from which he could observe the world. It was what all his meager efforts of the past few years had lacked: an entirely fresh perspective.
    Tobias glanced at his watch. He was itching to call Brody over for a true work session, but he had made a commitment to Simone that some twisted sense of loyalty propelled him to keep. But perhaps he could swing both; take Simone out for some speed shopping, a bite to eat and a quick but satisfying show of her appreciation, then call Brody as he was leaving her place and arrange for him to meet him back here when he got home. It wasn’t yet two-thirty; surely he had plenty of time.
    As soon as Simone let him into the fancy apartment in Chelsea, Tobias sensed he’d have trouble keeping to his plan. The reek of marijuana was his first hint; catching sight of the languidly stoned bodies of her two brothers, Josh and Winston, was his second. He had experienced enough situations with this group to know that any outings with these supernaturally good-looking siblings were like babysitting a bunch of five-year-olds, especially when they were stoned. His only chance was to nip this potentially aggravating scenario in the bud.
    “Hey, babe,” he said as he causally bussed Simone’s proffered cheek. “Ready to hit it?” He looked at his watch to indicate his lack of spare time, but Simone failed to assign any real importance to his gesture.
    She giggled as she rejoined the others, taking pleasure in the antics of her long and lanky, pretty-faced brothers.
    Reluctantly, Tobias followed her. If he didn’t stay on her, he’d never get her out of there. Simone picked up the half-smoked joint from the table and took a hit, offering it to Tobias as she choked back her laughter. Tobias waved it away and sighed resignedly at the vision before him. Winston had slid to the floor and was mimicking the actions of the singer on the muted TV. Josh, lost in his own world, played a phantom guitar along with the blaring stereo. Neither seemed aware of Tobias’ presence.
    If he could move fast, this fact might work in his favor, Tobias thought as he snuggled up next to Simone and whispered the names of her favorite shoe designers in her ear. Like a potent aphrodisiac, his words had an instant effect. For a minute there, Tobias thought he could possibly get out of there without spending a cent, but Simone’s rapturous groans caught the attention of Winston, who bumped against Josh’s legs as he scrambled to his feet.
    “Dude!” Winston sang out cheerfully as his long legs carried him over the coffee table to embrace Tobias. All hopes of making a stealthy retreat anywhere vanished as Tobias accepted an affectionate bear hug from Winston, then Josh. If Simone was his irresistible foible of the moment, it was partly due to the broader package of having not one gorgeous face but three to stare at to his heart’s content. For Tobias it was as if he had stumbled on a parallel universe where all creatures were young, ridiculously good-looking, happy and sweet.
    “Far out,” Josh exclaimed, apropos of nothing in particular, as he let Tobias out of his crushing embrace.
    “Want some reefer, dude? This stuff is killer, man,” Winston squeaked, as he puffed energetically on the joint to keep it burning.
    “No, thanks. Not today. I just stopped by to get Simone and take her for a quick bit of shopping and a bite to eat. I’ve got to get moving, though. I’ve got work to do later on,” Tobias said, trying to impress upon them his sense of urgency.
    “Food first,” Simone said, as she lassoed him playfully with her long, feathery scarf. “I’m so ravenous, I