Taking Chances

Chapter 16

Sully's Sports Bar, the other pub in town, was only a ten-minute walk from Brooksdale MMA Gym. On a Friday night, the place was packed with workers from the ranches, farms, meat works, and other supporting businesses that form the economic engine of a rural town.

Sully's was one of the newer buildings. It had a dedicated dining area that was separate from the bar with cheap carpets that handled spilled drinks and other liquids associate with a night out. There was an open space for live bands and dancing at one end and poker machines that blinked enticingly to patrons at the other.

Ryan was physically tired, but felt relaxed and had a pleasant sense of achievement. He was happy to be out and spending the evening with his friends from the gym.

Paul's girlfriend, Missy, came along with her friend, Angela, which rounded out the party nicely.

"Shame Tony and Maria couldn't make it," said Missy, as the group slid into their bench table in the dining area.

From where they were seated, they had easy access to the bar. This was important on a Friday night, as the wait staff would be busy, and if drinks were needed in a hurry, the best option was to go up to the bar yourself.

Jerry said, "There was a time when Tony would have been the first one with a beer in his hand. I tell you what, though, that gym has really turned around since Maria arrived on the scene."

Beers arrived, then steaks. The hum, broil, and sizzle of cooking meat blended nicely with the footy playing on the TV screens around the dining room.

"Git that protein into ya, Ryan," said Jeff with a big country grin. The meat was juicy, and after a hard day at school followed by the grading, was just what Ryan needed.

"How's the youth centre kids doing for the Billy Cart Bash?" Jeff asked Ryan.

"Not bad. We've got three carts this year. Still need a couple of wheels. If you've got any old bicycles to donate, we'll take them off your hands."

"You think you'll beat Fletcher Hardware?"

"We'll give it a good shot. But those guys have got the resources and the knowhow."

Angela moved a little closer to Ryan. "I think it's wonderful what you do at the youth centre. And building those carts gives the kids such a good experience."

Smiling at the compliment, Ryan suddenly felt self-conscious.

Angela continued, "Missy tells me you're a bit of a handyman around the house." She leaned forward to catch Ryan's answer. Paul had warned him earlier that Angela had recently become single and was looking to start dating again. Ryan knew her ex – Bryce Tremblay. A mountain of a man.

Ryan's imagination plotted through the events of small-town drama. Angela gets with Ryan, Angel's ex beats up Ryan. Angela goes back to ex. Great outcome.

Jerry chimed in, "Ryan here is not just a hand-ee-man. He is a craftsman. He has done wonders with that old place on Granville Street."

Ryan lifted his glass to his mouth, sipped, and said, "Gives me something to do in my spare time. Tomorrow, I'm starting the bathroom."

Jerry didn't let off. "Well, that is one good thing about bachelorhood – free time!" He raised his glass and the men at the table joined in, toasting, "Bachelors!".

Angela pursued her line of questioning, "What are you going to do once you've finished doing your place up?"

Ryan became thoughtful and rubbed his chin. "I think I'll sell and try to buy Mum's old place."