1
Andrew
My back hurt. I’d gotten to work early that morning to help my dad with some end of the quarter work that he’d procrastinated and let build up and I wasn’t leaving until well after six o'clock. It didn’t matter that I’d paid nearly ten grand for a chair I could sit in for twelve or more hours at a time without my back getting sore; spending close to sixteen hours stuck at my desk was definitely going to make me the kind of crotchety old man that required a walker at all times.
I looked up at the hipster-attracting bar that resided at the corner of the block my dad’s company was situated on, and groaned. Burt’s wasn’t my bar of choice, but my legs were already killing from the single block walk, so because it was closest to my job, I went with it. I texted Mason to let him know where I’d ended up, and only after some irritated questioning of my choices, did he say he was on his way. Honestly, knowing that he was disappointed with my choice made it slightly better. He was the one who abandoned me to go off and chase his dreams, so he could endure a less-than-ideal bar choice.
Ass.
I ignored my petty misgivings and collected a beer before finding a table to sit myself at. I supposed I was happy for Mason, even if his leaving made work much more boring. At least when my best friend worked there, I had something enjoyable to break up the day. Sauntering into his office to discuss our latest exploits or arguing over work kept things interesting. He served our company well as a partner and kept me from jumping head-first into a paper shredder. Now he was off living a happy life of luxury with my sister and running his own practice.
Double ass.
I took a quick scan of the bar to keep myself distracted and stop myself from resenting my best friend’s success and happiness. Most of the eyes scattered around met mine. I was the only one in the place wearing a three-piece suit. I tipped my beer to them to quell their interest and waited for any set of eyes that piqued my interest at all, to meet mine. There was a curvaceous blonde sitting at the bar who made sure to smile when my gaze crossed hers, and there was a thin but busty brunette sitting at a table a couple down from mine, who winked when I glanced her way. I gave them both friendly nods, but didn’t show any additional interest. Honestly, neither of them struck a chord. They were good looking, but all it took was for me to look their way for them to be enticed. It was the same problem I had with my job – things had gotten too easy. I didn’t want women who just did whatever I wanted anymore. I wanted a challenge. Something worth sinking my teeth into.
“Don’t tell me this is your new after-work hangout?”
I looked up and Mason was settling into the chair across from me at my table. He had two beers in his hand, one that he quickly set to his lips for a drink, and the other he slid in front of me. “I know you’re probably depressed without me. That’s my apology.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I grumbled, “but I accept your free beer. Also, no, this isn’t my new after-work spot, but it was closest and I’m exhausted.”
Mason frowned. “I was kidding before, but are things really that bad? I didn’t mean to leave you in the lurch.”
“No, it’s fine. You know me, it’s not work I can’t handle, but my dad let all of the quarterly stuff pile up, so I got to work at like five this morning.”
“That sounds like your dad. He’s ready to retire.” He took a hefty swig of his beer.
I grunted. “Don’t say that too loud. I’m sick of him asking me about it. I was hoping he’d move on and try and convince you to take over, but then you left.”
“I still don’t get why you won’t do it. You’re constantly saying how boring work is now. Surely being the owner and C.E.O. would up the ante a little bit.” He rolled his eyes when I didn’t answer. “I can’t imagine asking for more work. Between planning a wedding and running my own practice, I’m lucky I even had this moment to get a beer. I could only do it because B.C. negotiated me stopping to get swatch samples from the dress shop on the way.”
“You didn’t have to come,” I replied.
“I wanted to. Don’t get me wrong, I love planning my wedding, and it’s exciting running my own practice, but this is nice.” He grinned at me. “I needed this.”
I gasped. “Are you saying you missed me?” I dramatically threw the back of my hand to my forehead. “I knew I was your first love.”
“I will pour my beer on you.”
I snickered. “Liar. You’d never waste precious beer.”
“Excuse me.” Mason and I looked up and the same brunette that I had spied earlier was standing over my table. She was wearing a pair of white overalls with a short-sleeved gray t-shirt underneath, both of which lent themselves well to showing off her bust. “My name is Lizzie. What’s yours?” Her eyes were sparkling right in my direction.
I sighed. “Andrew.”
She smiled brightly. “Nice to meet you. Sorry if it’s kind of weird, but I was wondering if I could buy you a drink?” She glanced at Mason quickly before looking back at me. “I didn’t want to interrupt, but I could join you?” She was leaning forward just enough to give me clear shots of her cleavage. “What do you say?”
“Sorry, I’m taken.” I motioned to Mason and she got super flushed.
“Oh, m-my god. I’m so sorry. I didn’t- I mean- That’s awesome! I mean, not that it’s different from other things, I…” She chuckled awkwardly. “Sorry.”
She scuttled away from the table and when I looked back at Mason he was glaring at me. “I don’t know what’s weirder about the fact that you just insinuated we’re a couple; the fact that we’re straight or the fact that I’m engaged to your sister.” He scoffed. “You’re not my type anyway.”
I pointed at him. “That’s a lie. Alaina and I look alike.”
He shook his head. “Please stop talking. Please.” He took what was left of his beer in one long gulp and a waitress walked by, perfectly timed so that he could order another. She grabbed his empty and walked off and he looked over at me. “Why did you do that anyway? That girl’s good looking, and she had the courage to walk over here herself. Could be interesting.”
I shrugged. “I don’t know, she just doesn’t do it for me.” Mason raised an eyebrow and I shook my head. “No. I’m not gay. I’m just…bored.”
“You with the boredom thing again? What is it?” Mason asked, grinning a thanks as the waitress delivered his new beer. “What do you want to date? A dragon?”
“I don’t know,” I sighed. “I see the way you look at Alaina, or even the way my parents look at each other, and I’ve never looked at a woman that way. I want someone who does that. Who makes me look at them like they’re the only thing in the world.”
“Okay, well, that’s a very different thing. If you’re not dating for sex, but dating for love, you’re probably not going to find it in this bar. Not because love can’t be found in a bar, but because I’m sure anything you’d be able to spend more than a few nights with is somewhere very different from this.”