I place the drink order, then ask, “What do they usually eat when they drink?”
She rattles off a few options.I nod.“Can you get that going?And an extra plate for me.”
“Of course.I’ll bring it over.”
Heading back to the table, I slide into my seat just as the beers arrive.
The game starts, and the tavern shifts.Conversations quiet, heads turn to the mounted TVs.Flickering blue light floods the crowd, all eyes glued to the action.
“Benny boy’s having a good start,” Levi says to Derek.
The way Levi says it sounds like more than just being a fan.
“Wait, you know him personally?”I ask, frowning.
Derek nods.“Yeah.That one.”He gestures at the screen, and I catch a glimpse of a familiar last name.Chase.
“You got a team?”Elliot asks.
“Nah,” I reply.
“Well, now you do.”Levi nudges my arm.“Eels.Gotta root for the blue.”
“Fair enough.”I laugh before taking a sip of my beer.
The night flies by with laughter, easy conversation, and the ups and downs of the football game.The beer goes down smooth, the food is better than expected, and I finally feel… settled.I never hung out with the guys at the bar like this.Never had the time.Back in the city, I worked nonstop.First with going to school and residency, then with trying to climb the ladder in the hospital.It only landed me in a place where I was not known, no sense of community, and forgotten in the blink of an eye.
But here, I’ve got headlines with my name in them, and no one’s pushing me out.It’s weird but in a damn good way.
We chat, eat, and before I know it, it’s time to leave.Outside, the night air has cooled, a slight breeze sweeping through the streets.I get a ride home, and I step inside to find Keith still up, lounging on the sofa, watching the TV.
“Hey,” he says, glancing up from the sofa.“You’re home early.”
I walk over to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water from the fridge.“I’m going to try to get back on a normal sleep schedule after my last few night shifts.”
“Good idea.”Keith watches me.“Realtor’s set for tomorrow, to look at those houses you found.”
I lean against the counter.“What time?”
“Ten.I figured that gives you time to sleep in?”Keith stretches, flicking off the TV.
“Yeah, that works for me.”
As Keith heads to his room, I stay there for a minute, thinking about the house I see in my head.It has five bedrooms, a big backyard, and a big deck.I can imagine kids on a swing set out back, hear them laughing.
But they’re not just any kids.They’re Amelia’s siblings.Hazel pushing Felix on the swing, Sofia and Atlas chasing each other across the grass, and Jasper playing on his phone in a hammock on the deck.Amelia’s there too, watching them with her mom.
I run a hand through my hair.When the fuck did this happen?When did I start imagining her in the house I’m trying to buy?Her family in my backyard?In my future?It hits me then that this isn’t just a silly little crush, this is serious.I see a real future with her.
I glance at my phone, wanting to call Amelia, but it’s late, and she’s probably in bed after being at the hospital.Before I can decide what to do, my phone vibrates in my hand.I jump.
Issac:So, when are you doing this house hunt thing?
Me:I’m checking out some places tomorrow.
Issac:I want the biggest room.
I grin, replying.
