Dogeaters

Joey looks back on his time with an American tourist named Neil, who was deeply smitten with him. Joey, feeling in control, played into Neil’s infatuation. During their time together, Neil introduced Joey to his friend Phil, who was curious to explore a sex show. Joey had Uncle arrange a special viewing. The show highlighted a man sporting a tattoo of a weeping Madonna and a girl who appeared distinctly uneasy, eventually breaking down in tears afterward.

Back at the Hilton Hotel with Neil, Joey casually suggests ordering room service. While watching a game show on TV featuring amateur singers, Neil proposes that Joey should audition. Although the suggestion annoys Joey, he secretly thinks he could outshine the contestants with his charisma. As Romeo Rosales sings on the show, Joey teases Neil, implying that Romeo is his type, which irritates Neil. Neil, growing impatient, urges Joey to decide on his food order.

Andres gives Joey a postcard from Neil, now back in the United States. The postcard features the Sands Casino in Las Vegas, where Joey got his surname. The postcard brings a smile to Joey’s face, and he keeps it with him for several months. He asks Andres to help him draft a reply, but his attention is soon captured by a group of Australians walking into the bar.