And she’s walking out of the pub.
I have to do something.I need more time with her.I need for her to realize she wants me, needs me, can’t live without me.I don’t like losing.
“Maybe I’ll run into you again sometime,” I toss out to her.I lean back against the bar, feet spread and thumbs hooked in the pockets of my jeans.That leaves my fingers dangling, framing my goods.This move always works, gets the focus where I want it.The ladies can’t resist me when I point out what I’ve got to offer.
When she turns in the doorway, framed by the snow falling outside, I give her the smile and wink.Hope lights up her features.I wiggle my fingers a little to draw her attention to what I’m sure she’s thinking of.
And, with her eyes never leaving my face, her lip twitches as she says, “All flirt and no follow-through.”
My smile fades as she turns and walks out of the pub.I almost don’t hear Aidan laughing at me through the sting of her words, my mind locking in on her brush-off.
* * *
The pubnever does fill up.Probably has more to do with the fact that it’s a Tuesday night in January than the bit of snow we’ve gotten.Unfortunately, that means I’m bored.Nothing to do but wipe down bottles, bullshit with the handful of regulars who never miss stopping in, and think about what comes next.
I should probably go back to university and try again for a degree.I pull up the college website on my phone and look at the offerings.Teaching, nursing, business, computers.I have a fair bit of money in the bank.That happens when you share rent and work all the time.
I love my job; I do.I get to sleep late, drink at work, and have constant access to lovely, willing women.But I can’tjusttend bar for the rest of my life.I don’t know what Francie’s plans are for McBride’s, but he’s not getting any younger.Maybe a business degree will give me some options.Maybe I can help Francie, show him I’m responsible and that I can take on more responsibilities here at the pub.
“Finn, my man, how’s the single life treating you?”
Andy’s a regular, and he has been giving me shite for as long as I can remember.I slide his usual down the bar to him before continuing to wipe down the liquor bottles.
“Yeah, I’m good.”I spin a bottle of whiskey round in my palm before dropping it back down in the well and picking up the rum to run my bar rag over it.
“Tell me about your latest.I have to live vicariously through you.”
He quickly drains his pint, and I take it straight from him to refill.Andy needs a beer on the house every now and again.His youngest has been poorly, and things are tough at home for him.
“Erm, no one new today, man.Not since Marlee last weekend.”I throw him a smirk as the words tumble out of my mouth.
Marlee was really damn appreciative of the time we spent in her bed, her kitchen, and after that thing in the shower.
Christ, that shower.
I follow through.I had all kinds of follow-through with Marlee, and her neighbors can vouch for it.
“Andy, can I ask you a question?”I lean my hands against the bar for a moment, arms spread wide.
He wipes the beer off his upper lip and nods.“Sure.”
“I follow through with things, yeah?I-I don’t leave you hanging and wanting for more?”I pull at the label of the vodka bottle resting in front of me in the well.
“Uh, you give me beer when I need it.Is that what you’re looking for?Validation in your job, Finn?”Andy chuckles as he takes another draught of his beer.
Everyone treats me like a joke, and I’m not sure what that’s all about.I work hard.I’m here on time for almost all of my shifts, certainly more often than not.Chat with the patrons and entertain the ladies.I’m good at what I do.Better at some things than others, and I sure as shite haven’t had any complaints in a long time.
3
“What’s the difference between you and a calendar?”
“A calendar has dates.”
Adelaide
Aidan’s website is about finished.I have a handful of questions that I have to ask him, but they’re things we need to go through in person.Face-to-face, and I’m avoiding that at all costs.He has been really easy to work with, making changes and adjustments, but I just don’t want to have to leave my cozy apartment.
It’s been snowing on and off for the past week since I went to McBride’s for our initial meeting.
