I just received a phone call from my primary Norco dealer. This is particularly impressive, as I've changed my phone number and moved some 150 miles away. He said he got my number from a friend, but didn't mention who. Even odder, the only people I GAVE the new number to aren't scene and don't know/have never met this guy.
BUT, it gets stranger.
I'd tried calling him about two weeks ago. His number's been disconnected. Since I'm addicted to scrip drugs, my dealers tend to move in cycles through the month, but this guy was my main; every week had another 180-300 for me. I didn't think twice about it. He's a dealer, his number changed often. He'd get a hold of me when it did.
So I answered, not recognizing it. He says, "Hey man, it's Steve!" Steeling myself to tell him not to call me again, I engage in some pleasantries, small talk, that sort of thing.
"Hey man, you dropped off the face of the Earth!" I commented. "You okay?"
"Yeah man, I'm good." he replies.
"Hey listen," I begin, "if you're calling me about the usual thing-"
"Yeah, I am," he interrupts. "Listen bro, I checked myself into rehab. I'm not selling anymore. I've been clean for 15 days." (He took oxys)
Stunned silence.
"You're kidding," I mange to get out, starting to laugh. "I've been clean since Sunday. I'm trying to quit myself. I just had NA yesterday."
Equally stunned silence in response.
"Well..." he segues. "Maybe we should get together and, uh, go to a meeting or something."
This has never been a friend of mine. Just a dealer. Never hung out with him. Never had lunch, caught a movie.
"Man, I don't think we're supposed to do that."
"No, I guess we're not. Hey, no offense, but I'm gonna delete your number after this call... this was a courtesy... didn't want you left hanging. Good luck!"
"Yeah, you too!"
How's that for a sign from above? I've got 3 main dealers:
2, when I told them I wanted to quit, said, "Good for you! It's time you did man. It's sad to see you following us down this road. If you call us from now on, we're going to deny having anything, whether we do or not. Good luck!" These were guys in their 50's & 60's, kinda looking out for the next generation. I deleted their numbers.
Now this: The most hardcore dealer I had checks himself into rehab BEFORE ME, then calls to let me know that he's out and I shouldn't call him anymore. Too frikkin weird, no?