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After hitting the ball as hard as I could, I watched it hit my best friend Mike square in the face.
“Fucking hell, Mason. What’s wrong with you today?”
I walked over and grabbed a towel to wipe off my face. “Got a lot on my mind.”
“No shit. You’re hitting that ball like you want to kill someone.”
Mike sat down next to me and took a drink of water. His phone buzzed on the metal bleachers, causing him to pick it up and smile.
“Amy picked out her dress.”
Sitting next to him, I grinned. “That’s great. How long was she looking?”
“Two months.”
I had no fucking clue if that was good, bad, or normal. I really didn’t give a shit either, but Mike was my best friend and I was going to be in his wedding. The least I could do was act like I cared.
“Is that normal?” I asked.
He laughed. “Fuck if I know. All I know is that it’s a huge stress off her shoulders.”
“Has she been one of those nightmare brides-to-be?”
“Nah, not at all.” The way he smiled actually made me a bit jealous. Mike had found love and seemed to be content with his life. He’d cut back his hours at work, and he and Amy had taken up cycling. They’d biked all over the country. At times I’d see his pictures on social media and get jealous that he was out exploring the world while I was trying to figure out a better way to sell condoms alone in my office at eight at night.
“That’s good,” I replied.
“What about you, Mason?”
“What about me?”
He chuckled. “When are you going to settle down?”
My heart dropped like a rock. “Settle down? You’re kidding, right? Why in the hell would I want to be tied to one woman?”
“There’s never been anyone who’s made you want more?”
“No. Never. And I’m pretty sure it’ll stay that way.” A part of me knew that wasn’t true. It wasn’t like I didn’t want love. Seeing Mike, Charlie, and my brother Rich so happy made me feel a tad jealous. But no woman had ever made me want to give up my lifestyle for her.
Mike slapped me on the back. “Your cousin Charlie settled down and got married. If he can do it, you surely can.”
I stood. “I’m not Charlie.”
He laughed again. “I’m only saying, if Charlie can fall in love, there’s hope for you.”
Picking up my racket, I pointed it at him. “Hope is for goddamn pussies.”
Throughout the rest of the games we played, I couldn’t focus. I lost six in a row and had to listen to Mike’s taunting get more elaborate after each win.
“I’m done,” I stated as I walked over to my bag and dropped my racket.
“Damn, dude, what happened? You lost your mojo.”
“Yeah, it’s been a long week.”
“Want to grab a beer after we shower? Amy won’t be home for another couple of hours.”
Tossing my bag over my shoulder, I nodded. “Sure. Why not.”
