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The patrons, a mix of locals and newcomers, are scattered throughout, their laughter and stories painting a vibrant tapestry of the evening.
I can’t help but smile as I pass the vintage jukebox in the corner that’s playing a classic rock tune that transports me back in time to when Jack, Troy, and I were young regulars at the pub.
These days, we bump into each other on vacations or business meetings.
After several years, here we are again. This time as adults, and just to catch up.
I make my way to our usual corner booth where Jack and Troy are already waiting. I nod at the bartender, a rather hot blonde who greets me with a friendly nod and a smile.
The clinking of glasses and the sound of poured drinks fill the air as I settle into my booth.
“Jayden!” Jack calls out with arms spread wide open before he gives me a sarcastic laugh. He’s always been the dramatic one.
“I see you haven't changed one bit.” He winks and gestures to the blonde bartender as we shake hands.
“Come on, man,” I protest.
I turn to Troy, the more reasonable one, and exchange handshakes.
“Is it just me or do you look different?” I mock before he gets back to his seat and downs his whiskey.
“Man changed the color of his hair because he met a nineteen-year-old Russian model in Paris,” Jack offers, laughing through it.
“Nineteen is crazy, man. There should be a line,” I tease.
“The younger the better, Moy Paren',” Troy says in surrender with a big grin on his face.
“Oh, you speak Russian now?”
I can’t hold back my laughter. There’s never a dull moment with these two.
Only they could understand me at my best and my worst until Carissa joined in recently.
“One more glass of something strong,” Jack calls out to the waitress.
Speaking of, the thought crossed my mind to bring up Carissa and see what the guys think. Perhaps they could offer me the advice I need to handle my feelings for her.
As soon as the waitress arrives with my drink and I take a sip, I decide to share my recent romantic dilemma.
The atmosphere is perfect for it, with the faint hum of conversations and the gentle clinking of glasses providing a veil of privacy.
“Hey, man, you won't believe what’s been happening to me recently,” the words roll out of my mouth.
They both lean in, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the dim light.
“I have this new assistant who I just happened to have a one-night stand with the day before she started. You know me.” I look from Jack to Troy and back to Jack. “I never hit it twice. But this girl, there’s just something about her that makes me want to keep hitting it, you know?”
“Sounds like you’re in love to me,” Troy chips in, his gaze fixed on me.
“Love?” I chuckle. “No way.”
“Let me get this straight,” Jack says. “Your assistant? So, you see her every day?”
I shrug. “Literally,”
“That's a classic move, bro.” He clinks glasses with Troy, and they both take a gulp out of their glasses.
“She’s super smart, guys. You need to see her at work. Great sense of humor too.”
