I strolled towards the entrance knowing what was inside, but confident that because of the early hour the room would be empty. One foot in the door and my confidence immediately shattered to a million pieces. People perched on stools, all along the bar, drinking, chatting, smoking, and watching the sports channel. Anxiety crept through my veins with every step. I wanted to turn around and make a dash for my car. I couldn’t. I had volunteered to pick up all the wristbands for Mardi Gras night in the Cape.