That Was Then, This Is Now Study Guide

Bryon and Mark start this chapter in a pool hall where they are planning to make some money hustling pool. They are only sixteen years old, so it is illegal for them to be in a pool hall with a bar in it but they are usually successful at hustling because they look so innocent. After checking for an undercover cop and not finding one, Bryon asks Charlie, the bartender for a CCoke. Charlie reminded him that he and Mark already owed for three dollars worth of CokeCokes and refused to give him another until he paid on his debt. Mark joined Bryon at the counter and asked for a Coke. Bryon told him their credit was no good, but Charlie gave in to Mark and gave them Cokes after all when Mark promised to bring the money in the next day. Bryon says that talking people into things is something that Mark is good at, a gift. Charlie told the boys that M&M, the "original flower child" had stopped at the pool hall earlier looking for them. (read more)