The light flashed through glass, dissolving in liquid. Shimmering molten dark and green. The bar softened. Boston outskirts, quiet in that rough working NE way. The kind you let be.
But it was still St. Patrick’s and the crowd swelled, knowing tonight was a drinking night.
***
MacGuyere came back. Smoky. Looked at the women down the bar.
So what do you do at these retreats. No drinking. No girls. How’s that going anyway.
None right now.
You sure you don’t need that instead of retreats.
I could have one if I wanted. No problems on that front. Not interested. I got stuff to do.
Yea? Big stuff? But dude all cool. How’s the biz going.
***
V swirled his glass. They talked shop. They talked ball. Went through friends from before.
***
The Bruins doing so well this year. 50 unbeat. Finals coming up. Great team, always solid. This year was better.
You gonna go see them?
Hell yea. Season tickets. Come with me if they make it.
***
The women at the bar shifted. Looked over without looking. One had come by once. Brushed them with her hair.
***
MacG had a few drinks and was getting looser.
He liked the blonde at the end, she was looking and drinking and looking again. They started the jukebox, yelled at the bartender. Locals. Familiar.
It was a small town, and a small bar.
***
That chick’s so hot. I don’t get you man. They don’t phase you. Look at her. I’d fuck that right now. How long you think she’d take.
You want her? She’s into it.
Meh. I guess. Kelsie’s so great … and this town is too small. But nothin stoppin you. Which one do you like?
They’re ok. I told you I’m all set …
We’re getting old.
Dude that’s easy. This town is all looking. Distractions.
And you’re above that? Not interested? “V is above the physical.”
Need to get outta your mind. Remember what coach said. Play ball on the field, not in the clouds.
***
They went outside to smoke.
Previously you could just smoke in bars. Now everything went vegan and smoke free. Everyone was liberated and bound. All this poly shit and voting green. Nobody getting any work done. His father complained about it over Sunday dinner. The old man was right. As usual.
***
The stars flashed bright in the hazy march sky. It was warmer this year.
Cars honked in the distance. But the town was going to sleep - or going to Boston.
***
V looked down the bar. Played with his phone.
MacG was talking with the blonde, and also his girl texting on the phone. She was out with their friends from school. He still remembered her in tenth grade. Socking the quarterback cause he spilled a drink, but mostly cause he fucked her friend. She was drunk and unstoppable. MacG lucked out, and the blonde didn’t have a chance.
Kelsey was fiesty and getting home soon. Two kids. A mortgage. One SUV away from middle age.
When are you gonna settle down. Either get kids or get laid. It was better when you were playing ball. Your dad really got you down. But I get it. Expectations. What are you - gonna run the world? At least Revere.
***
V scrolled through the sports feed. The second drink was seeping to him.
He missed the motorcycle. These winters were too long. He thought about his dogs.
The women were eyeing him. Makeup. Several drinks in. What a town.
***
You got everything for free V. That’s your problem. You’re so entitled. Those women they hang on you.
His mother looked at him when he got home. His dad just shook his head.
You’re wasting your time V. Build something. Legacy.
***
MacG moved on to betting. Horses. The game.
Didja know that sports is legal now. Hit up Encore yesterday. They did great they really did. And the chicks. Baby.
***
You know your girl. The one with D now. They’re engaged.
You gonna go? Crazy. Dude didn’t wanna tell you. But it’s gonna be a hell of a party.
***
The walls closed in a bit. The drink wasn’t enough. MacG kept talking. He talked too much. Pushy.
***
There was someone sort of. Before V left they talked once. Full of herself. A lot going on. Definitely not from here. Perfect.
***
Yea well so do you. She’s probably just not interested in you
Eh, they’re all the same. She’s on the apps. Of course she wants something. I could figure anything out. Not interested.
Maybe she’s the one who’s not interested. But whatever you say.
She’s interested. I can tell.
You can tell? You probably don’t even have game anymore.
Dude. Anyway. What’s with you? How’s everything.
Stop changing topics. And yea I knew it. You still stuck on her? Not cool bro. Your own friend. But that’s cool. I don’t judge
Dude. That was months ago. She isn’t on my mind. I could do anything anytime.
Yea? Prove it.
I don’t need to prove anything.
Whatever man. Anyway you know I love you. Take care of yourself. Be back.
***
McG got up to go to the bathroom. The bar lifted. The third drink swelled and was gone. The night rolled.
***
McG was joking around with the bartender … placing bets on the game. On women. The women at the bar.
So pick one if you’re so sure. Which one. Any of them. I’ll let you go first. Handicap. Let’s bet on it.
No bets I got this.
How about your bike.
Dude
Ok … game tickets to the Bruins. you got seats right?
The Bruins are doin good this year.
Ok so who you gonna pick
I’m all set I told you. You pick.
You gotta get out of your head and into someones pants. All I’m saying. Your own friend. Those retreats they’re getting to you.
***
Bar got louder and also tired. They were shutting it down early out here, to not deal with old man Patrick. Or maybe not to cross him.
V pulled out his phone again. Flipped to text messages from two weeks ago.
Pearl necklace photo. Kindergarten teacher vibes. “Not available” … perfect indeed.
***
“hey there”
“who this”
“V … from Tinder”
“and what’s my name”
V remembered. Not wasting time.
I want to eat your pussy.
….
“Not cool. No consent. I’m gonna block this number.”
***
Perfect.
***
Hey babe I’m sorry, just kidding. We talked two weeks ago. Liked your vibe.
***
“where were you? dude you’re a random guy from the internet and you disappeared for two weeks”
Retreat. back now. Phone was off. I like you. I like how we talked. .
“is it OK I’m not available. Just talking cool?”
Of course baby.
Timer was on. V knew the playbook. He told McG he gotta pass. Took his cigarettes. Rolled out into the night.
***
It was a small town. Too small.
