It’s Friday. The week is finally over and I’m meeting my friend Dan for drinks after work. He is bringing a friend Chris, whom I’ve never met. I grab a parking space close to the bar and head in that direction. Soon Dan texts that he is parking nearby.
The three of us join up along the strip of restaurants and bars and Dan says, “Fred, this is Chris. And Chris, this my longtime friend, Fred.”
“Hi Chris,” I say, and we shake hands. Dan has mentioned Chris before. He’s supposed to be a good guy, but a little eccentric. A writer.
He responds, “The sunset’s a beauty, we’re bathed in orange and red. It is a glorious night, and it’s nice to meet you, Fred.”
“Uh, yeah, nice to meet you too,” I say while trying to not roll my eyes.
“What do you do Chris?” I ask.
“I love the wondrous world, it’s full of beauty and life, I’m a plumber and writer, and I care for my wife.”
Wow, a little eccentric? The three of us head down the block to a little Irish style pub.
I’m hesitant to ask but do anyway. “So, Chris, what’s up with your wife?”
“My wife Beth is my life; she was a tap dancer…”
I think, Oh shit, she’s got cancer.
Chris continues, “but while riding her bike, was struck by a truck, which broke her spine, and left her sidelined.”
“Oh shit, that’s a bummer.”
We enter the pub, go straight to the long antique-looking bar, and order some extra stouts.
Before long, three top-shelf ladies, the kind I lust for but know to disregard, are walking past. I ignore them but Chris says, “Like golden rays of sunshine, poking through on this dreary day, you lovely ladies stroll our way. Your beauty and charm make us blissful and warm. Might we buy you gals drinks?”
I’m trying to keep a straight face. But surprisingly the women stop. Before long we are chatting, laughing, and exchanging cellphone numbers.
***
Dan calls me a few days later and we talk about the recent evening out, I ask, “Didn’t Chris say that he has a wife?”
“Yeah, she’s “his life.” They seem to have an understanding though.”
“I see but got to go. I’m starting in a poetry class this evening.”