Midnight Message

Chapter 1 - Bets are made

‘10 bucks says they’re fake’ Andy says, eyeing off the busty blond waitress.

’20 bucks’ says Ryan.

‘I’ll take that bet’ said Brad, leaning his elbows back against the bar as he watches the busty waitress walk around the pub, clearing tables.

‘Trent? Where’s your money?’ Andy asks.

‘I’m with you. They’re faker than Nicki Minaj’s face’ Trent replies.

‘Watch and learn boys’ Brad says. He takes a gulp of beer and pushes himself off his bar stool. Andy, Ryan and Trent watch as 24 year old Brad wanders over to the blond waitress. In his faded, blue jeans and red flannel shirt he fits right in at the local pub. This is his domain.

The three guys left at the bar, all aged 21, watch on in silent fascination as Brad strikes up a conversation with the waitress.

‘What do you think they’re talking about?’ Ryan asks, not taking his eyes off Brad and the waitress.

‘The weather’ Andy responds absentmindedly, giving his undivided attention to the talking pair.

Ryan shoots his mate a look.

‘Seriously’ Andy goes on ‘I bet Brad’s just making small talk. I know he’s got balls but they’re not that big. There’s no way he’s talking to her about her boobs.’

An amused smile plays at Trent’s lips as he listens to his mates talk. Andy, Ryan and Trent met a few years ago when they were in High School. They became close friends while playing in the school’s football team. They were all mid fielders but Trent had always stood out. He was their High School’s pride and joy, and for good reason. He was a gun player. He was currently playing for North Ballarat in the VFL (Victorian Football League) and there was talk that several AFL (Australian Football League) clubs had expressed interest in drafting him next season. Trent, Andy and Ryan had kept in contact after High School and caught up for drinks regularly. The local pub was one of their favourite destinations. They’d met Brad there a few weeks ago when they’d challenged him to a drinking challenge. And lost.

Brad was a cool guy. He’d shouted them a round of beers the next time they were at the pub and they’d taken to hanging with him whenever they were there. He was a regular. He worked as a plumber during the day but spent almost every evening at the pub. He was attractive, in a rugged kind of way.  

‘Looks like more than small talk’ Ryan says, taking a mouthful of beer.

Andy and Trent nod in agreement and continue to watch in silent fascination. At that exact moment Brad reaches out his hand and places it under the waitress’s right breast. Then he gives it a squeeze. Ryan chokes on his mouthful of beer and ends up spraying most of it over Andy.

‘Smooth’ Trent says, laughing at Andy’s face, which is a mixture of disgust at having beer sprayed down his shirt and disbelief at what he’d just seen.

The three friends’ eyes are trained on Brad as he says ‘thanks love’ to the waitress and walks towards them.

‘No problem sugar’ the waitress replies before going back to her plates as if nothing had happened.

‘All natural’ Brad says, grinning ear to ear ‘now cough up the money.’

‘How’d you do it mate?’ Ryan asks in awe.       

‘You Sir, are a legend’ Andy says.

All four men swing around in their stools so they’re facing the bar.

‘I’ll let you in on a little secret boys’ Brad says, waving at the barman to bring him another beer ‘I knew they were real all along. I banged her last night.’