Chasing The Impractical (Brian Quinn Story)

Lucky or Rare - Q

"Look who we have here" I laughed once I'd spotted Apple staring at me from across the bar.

"Hey you" she smiled oddly

"Hey yourself. What's up, you look like you've just seen a ghost" I asked, a little concerned now.

Shaking her head, she smiled for warmly niw and stood up from the boith. "Nothing, I'm fine. Hey let me get you a drink".

"Yeah, you can introduce to Miguel at the bar. That's her boyfriend" Kate shot at me.

I could see Apple just rolling her eyes before 2alking over to the bar.

"Cariño, you need another drink?" Some guy called outlet as we reached the bar.

"Sure, I'll have a beer. Thus is Q by the way. Can you get him a Jamerson" Apple replied as the other guy threw his arm over hiker shoulders and smiled widely at me.

"Ahh Q. We finally met. I'm Miguel, it's a pleasure".

I just nodded a smile and then looked back at Apple. The annoyingly Good looking Miguel had now released her as he turned to the bar and ordered another round of drinks. I couldn't stop smiling as she squished her nose up, cringing.

"Come on Cariño, it's cool. We're all friends here" i teased at her and knocked my shoulder into hers.

Four rounds later Miguel was still questioning me at the bar. Not in a dickhead way, but he never fucking shut up. He wanted to know all about my work, what I did before and kept saying how pleased he was that I got better. The guy was fucking lovely, that plus his obvious looks and charms made me instantly hate him though.

"I'm looking forward to Christmas though. Break from work and some time with the familt" I drunkenly announced and knocked Apple on the shoulder again.

"Yes, she's lucky to have good friends like you around. Everyone needs some sort of family" Miguel replied, a little cooler than before.

"Yeah, were friends. At one point in life I thought I'd marry this chick, but life's a bitch I guess" I hiccup and motion for the bartender to bring another round of drinks.

"I didn't realise it was that serious. At least you are still friends".

Miguel had wrapped his arm around Apple's shoulders again and pulled her closer to his side. She was just glaring at me over her beer. Mouthing 'what' to her, she just rolled her eyes and turned to Miguel. It was 12:45 now and suddenly the two of them moved away from the bar and disappeared outside. I had no clue what that was about and went on to go ish my drink and chat with my close friend and fellow comedian Jiggy.

It was 20 minutes later that a felt someone punch me softly in the back. "What is wrong with you" Apple hissed as she ordered another beer.

"Nothing, what up with you. Punching me like that, not nice Cariño" I smirked.

"Why did you tell Miguel you thought about marrying me, we never talked about that, hell  we weren't actually together that long. He didn't say it, but I know her left pissy with me".

"Just because I didn't say it, doesn't mean I didn't think it" I smiled, sending down slightly to bring my face close to hers.

"You full of shit and whiskey Brian Quinn. You have marriage, and quit calling me Cariño".

"Suit yourself" I shrugged and leaned back.

As the night progressed I kept to bar and watched Apple dance around with Andy and Kate.

"You ever think about telling her how you really feel?" Jorma suddenly asked as he stood next to me and took a long gulp from his beer.

"We're just friends. We've always been better at that. Why she say anything to you?" I asked with intrigue.

"Nah, but I remember how she was when you guys were together, and I see how she is now you guys are friends again. Sure, i mean she's with Miguel now, but that's got nothing on what you guys seemed to have. It's not his name she always brings up in conversation either, it's yours".

"I fucked up though. I mean, we're friends again, but neither of us have actually spoke about everything that went down. We've just continued on like it never happened".

"You both fucked up from what I heard, and she punished herself for a long time afterwards. But you guys love each other, otherwise you wouldn't be as close again as you are now. Not everyone could move on from that, but you two did. There's a reason for that dude, you both just need to quit ignoring it".

If never really spoke with Jorma before, but he and Apple were obviously close. He'd seen her through it all and had to admit he made some pretty honest points. There was no way I could try again with her, I had when I got sick and she'd quickly shot me down. I was too worried If I did again, she not only shot me down, but also shot down our friendship. Suddenly it hits me, as I continued to stew on Jormas  words. Either way I was completely screwed.

At around 3am, Apple came back to the bar.

"I've just been sick" she smiled before quickly reaching out for my arm to stop herself from falling back.

"You never could handle your booze. Come on, we can share a cab" I laughed as she linked her arm in mine and I lead us out of the bar.

In the cab back to Staten Island i watched as Apple fought to keep her eyes open.

"You love this new guy?"

Slowly Apple turns in her seat to face me. Her expression serious as she studied my face. "No, do you?".

"Funny" I snorted and shook my head a turned to look out of the window.

Suddenly I felt Apple reached our for my arm before squeezing tightly. "I think we only get one big love in our lives. One person we're meant for. Some people are lucky and met them and a very rare few don't fuck it up once they do. I think we were two of the lucky ones, but not the rare ones. Sure we will love again, but I don't think I'll ever love like I do you. So no, I don't love Miguel. Maybe I will one day, but I'm not gonna get upset over it if I don't".

What she said had taken me completly by surprise. It was the saddest and yet best thing I'd ever heard. "And you don't think the lucky ones can work it out. Try and become one of the rare ones?"

"I'm not sure... I don't think so" she sighed and slowly let go of my arm.

"Well I think your wrong, on both counts. I think people can work it out, but I also think were one of the rare ones".

"Oh yeah. How so?" She hiccuped with a laugh.

Quickly I took hold of her hand and turned to directly face her. "Because I'm still in love with you Apps and I know damn well you are too".