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I haven’t seen her since and our texts have been less frequent and somewhat stilted. She asked to see me tonight, because it’s a Friday, and she’s been spending the weekends at my place ever since we first hooked up. But I had to tell her no, because I have plans.
It’s been a while since I saw one of the guys, and when Logan announced his engagement to his girlfriend Kat, he and Gabe decided that it would provide a great opportunity for them to return to Boston for a weekend and celebrate at our old college bar, Captain Seaweeds.
„Are you sure this is it, sir?” Alexander asks, as he stops the car in front of the shabby hut.
„Yes, this is it,” I say, already unbuckling my seatbelt.
He frowns when he looks out the window.
„It doesn’t look safe,” he assesses. „Or clean.”
I chuckle at his words. „We used to come here as students all the time. This place holds a lot of nostalgia for me.”
„I understand.” Alexander clears his throat, not looking convinced, while I get out of the car.
The old door of Captain Seaweeds creaks as I step into the dimly lit place, the scent of moldy wood wrapping around me like a familiar embrace. The worn wood panels and faded nautical decor cast a unique haze, reminiscent of an old pirate ship. Behind the bar, a ship’s wheel hangs crookedly, and flickering lanterns barely illuminate the shabby booths scattered around the small space.
My gaze sweeps over the room until it lands on the back booth, where Gabe and Logan are already waiting. The table, sticky with memories, and the wooden seats hold the echo of laughter shared in our college days. I make my way toward them and slip into my usual seat.
Gabe grins, lines etching the corners of his eyes. „You’re late. We were starting to think you’d forgotten about us.”
„Yeah, shouldn’t I be the one you’re all waiting for?” Logan adds, his eyes alight with a playful spark.
I chuckle, trying to shake off the weight of the week. „Just lost in thought, as always.”
We order beers and then we clink glasses after Gabe delivers a very short toast on Logan’s engagement.
„Who would have thought,” Gabe says, after a large swig of beer. „Thatyouwould actually get engaged.”
Logan laughs. „I know right? Sometimes, I can’t believe it myself.”
„I always thought you were the eternal bachelor,” I say.
Logan shrugs, while a broad grin spreads across his face. „Life is full of surprises, my friend. I didn’t see this coming either. No one could ever predict someone like Kat.”
As happy as I am for my friend, a bittersweet blend of happiness for him and a pang of astonishment at my own status lingers.
„Looks like you’ve taken the lead as the last man standing, Aston,” Logan says, as if I’d given voice to my sullen thoughts.
Gabe joins in the banter. „The lone wolf! And weren’t you the one who suggested another pact back then? On your birthday?”
„Oh, right, that was you!” Logan chimes in, pointing a finger at me. „I can’t believe I totally forgot about that!”
Their laughter fills the air, and a subtle ache tightens my chest.
„Yeah, I guess the joke’s on me,” I reply, masking the unexpected sting of their playful jabs.
They seem to notice my subdued demeanor and their expressions shift from amusement to genuine concern. Logan leans in, his voice softening. „Seriously, everything okay? You seem a bit adrift tonight.”
I take a breath, attempting to shake off the unexpected emotions, while I contemplate my response. I had no plans to talk about Claire and everything else tonight, but when it’s impossible to hide my somber state, I might just as well tell them everything.
So, that’s what I do. I unload it all, Claire and my inability to stay away from her, my sister and her demands, and the argument between me and Claire that followed. I even mention the cats, which evokes a round of laughter, as expected.
„I can’t believe you’re hooking up with a student of yours,” Gabe says, unable to stop himself from sounding judgmental.
„It’s not what it sounds like,” I try to save myself. „Claire is…special. Or, well, I thought she was.”
„Why are you saying that?” Logan probes. „Just because she pointed out that it might be worth considering your sister's demands?”
