"The police are trying to clean up the town so sometimes the girls work on the side streets." We drove up and down a lot of side streets, presumably still looking for a McDonalds.
"I befriended this one girl named Mandy. Her father had raped her when she was 14 and she'd been working the streets for the last ten years. I've been helping her clean up." That's nice. But actually Rhett was a really nice man. And kind of sexy. Hell, I don't think this guy needed to have to pay for sex. So he must be doing it for the excitement. Or for the social work aspect.
Rhett drove me up and down the coastal highway. "This is what is called the Grand Strand and it runs along the beach for 60 miles." Then he drove me through a huge complex of condos, malls and shops. "This area is called New Town. It's under construction." But it was dark and empty out there and I nervously re-directed Rhett back to our search for food. We drove back up and down Kings Highway for a while. There were a LOT of pancake houses. But they were all closed.
"Oh they don't wear mini-skirts in the middle of winter. They bundle up." Then how the freak do you tell they are whores?
"The way they look, the look in their eyes." Had I also had "The Look" in my eyes as well? Or could he even tell from behind my glasses and wrinkles? Probably not.
So we drove around Myrtle Beach for another ten or 15 miles, found a KFC, got some dark meat, biscuits, synthetic mashed potatoes and corn on the cob and then drove back to my hotel. I thanked Rhetta lot -- no, not THAT much -- and went back to my hotel room, secure in the knowledge that the Southern gentlemen of South Carolina were being well-serviced and taken care of and could continue their fight for Christian morality in politics with more vim and vigor, thanks to an occasional refreshing night out.
But we never did see any prostitutes.
PS: I just got a disclaimer from the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. And the Chamber is right. There is a lot more to Myrtle Beach than just prostitutes and hostile hotel clerks. For one, they have MAGNIFICENT sunsets. "Jane -- I read your recent piece for OpEd News. On behalf of the chamber, I regret that your experience with the hotel clerk wasn't a better one. Myrtle Beach is known for its Southern hospitality. When I moved here a year ago, I was impressed by how nice everyone was to me.
"The Myrtle Beach area offers 1,800 full-service restaurants for your dining pleasure. Some close during the slower months of January and February, but certainly you should have been able to find a nice meal. Where are you staying? I'd be happy to provide some tips on restaurants and such if you wish.
"I can promise that Monday will be an unforgettable experience for you. Not only are you reporting on the Democratic debate, but you're also attending the three debate-related media events. I hope our paths cross on Monday. I'll be credentialing media at Phillips Seafood Restaurant." So. If anyone in the Myrtle Beach area wants to redeem the name of its finest restaurants, please feel free to treat me to dinner tonight! I hear that The Library serves gourmet meals.
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