Charlie's

1

A quiet night. Not a lot of traffic on the streets, as I walked down the block from my apartment. A light mist in the air leaving the pavement slick and shiny under the streetlights. My idea of a perfect evening.

Days working in dry heat can make nights walking in cool drizzle feel like Heaven. And what would Heaven be without a bar I can meet my friends at? Charlie's was looking lit and warm across the street, with shadows in the windows leaning in and talking to each other. I hustled through a gap in the cars and pushed the door open.

Inside the light was comfortably mellow, soaked up by the wood paneling and only occasionally highlighting brass. Tom was at the bar; he wasn't quite the bartender Hank had been, but he was coming along. At least he had my order down...he saw me coming, gave me a nod and started drawing a draft lager.

There were a few strangers scattered around. Tony was already making a move on one, a big-eyed brunette with too much eyeshadow. Had to admire the guy's game...wondered if she'd be one of the few that lasted longer than one night with him.

Eddie looked up from his bourbon at the bar. "Hey Joe. Back from the field?"

"Yep. Here's to the weekend and all." I slid onto a stool. "How's the wife?"

"Oh, the usual, ya know. 'The faucet leaks. The guest room needs painting. Don't sit around so much.'" He chuckled and raised his drink to me. "Maybe you an' Marie got the right idea, stayin' single. She know you're back?"

"I messaged her earlier. Probably getting together tomorrow. Just wanted to take it easy tonight."

"I hear ya. Poker Sunday night at Vic's?"

"I can't hang onto my money a little longer?"

"Sorry, we gotta get it back from you. Your turn for the beer too. An' none o' that Irish stuff this time."

Tom put a mug of the Irish stuff in front of me. "Here you go. Oh, and Joe?"

"Yeah?"

"You know this is a simulation, right?"

"Yeah, I know. Thanks, Tom."