Breakup Night Out

Why of all nights did I decide to finally get out of the apartment for a few drinks tonight?  Why did this have to be the only gay bar in this little city?  Why did my ex-boyfriend also have to pick this place and night to go on a date?  And why was I still sitting on my barstool watching them from across the room?  At least I knew the answer to the last question, I still wasn't over him.  The night that I threw him out of our apartment was one of the worst fights that we ever had.  Just because the bastard couldn't keep his hands to himself.

I was already on my third drink when the time came to go break the seal.  Maybe the three cups of coffee that I drank before leaving the apartment were a bad idea after all.  As I walked over to the restroom beside the pool table, I did my best not to look at them.  He looked so giddy while chatting with the little thing across the table from him.  It had barely been a month since we split, and it looked like he already found a new toy.  Of course, Mitch could charm even the straightest man into his bedroom if he wanted.

After semi-successfully ignoring both, I slipped into the restroom and found the urinal furthest away from the door.  Just after I started to relieve myself, the door swung open and the chatty couple waltzed right into the restroom.  It was too late to stop, so I averted my gaze to the porcelain basin in front of me.  Mitch dragged the little thing that he was with into the stall directly behind me, shutting and latching the door behind them.  I could feel the heat rush to my face as I knew the bastard had to have seen me.  He didn't even acknowledge my existence as they rushed to go do whatever it was they doing in there.

The sudden fear that I might hear something I didn't want to hit me like a ton of bricks.  I finished my business, washed my hands, and got out of there as fast as I could.  Even though we were separated, the thought of Mitch messing around with another guy still made me sick.  After returning to my barstool, the bartender placed a full glass on the bar in front of me.  I wanted to leave, but after that whole ordeal, I could use another drink.  Holding my chin up with my hands, I slipped the ice-cold beverage through the straw.  I didn't even notice how fast I sucked it down until there were just bubbles coming up through the straw.  I hated what thinking about him did to me.  Thinking about how much of a mess he turned me into.  Just as the straw left my lips, someone sat down on the vacant barstool beside me.  I had no interest to look and see who it was.  In fact, I had no desire to move an inch at this moment.

An all too familiar voice asked, "Can I get a vodka and cranberry?  My friend here will have another Captain and Coke."

The bartender answered, "Sure thing."

The empty mug in front of me was replaced with another full one while another full glass was set down beside me.  I guess Mitch really was out to torture me tonight.  Although I was already starting to bet buzzed, I started sipping on my fifth drink of the evening anyway.  If I had to endure sitting beside him, I might as well get drunk.

Mitch asked, "Tanner, would you please talk to me?"

I gulped my drink down and let the straw slip back out of my lips.  Still not looking at him, I questioned, "What happened to your plaything?"

Mitch replied, "He left."

I glanced over to Mitch and asked, "Really?  Lost your game?"

Mitch huffed, "Ugh, I thought the distraction would take my mind off you.  But you just had to show up the same night that I finally decided to hook up.  After I saw you here, I couldn't bring myself to go through with it."

"Didn't stop you before."

Mitch slammed his glass down on the bar, "Dammit Tanner, I told you that I never cheated on you.  That guy was trying to rub up on me and I was trying to push him away.  You're the only man I've ever wanted.  The only man that I still want."

I looked over at him and saw the sincerity in his face.  The time apart must have been what I needed to finally see the truth.  Mitch was just as sincere as the first time we were together.  Now, he looked defeated like he just lost his best friend.  They say that time heals all wounds and maybe that was true with us too.  Part of me wanted to stay mad at him while the other just wanted my best friend and lover back.  I placed my hand on top of his thigh and gave it a light squeeze.

"Come on, let's get out of here.  We'll see how willing you are to make up with me."

Both of us chugged what was left of our drinks and Mitch dropped enough cash on the bar to cover our tabs.  It felt like our first date all over again as we left the bar and headed back to the apartment.  The apartment that we got together when we went off to college.  The bed that we shared every night since.  The mattress that we made sweet love on countless times.  I made love to my man once again for what seemed like an eternity.  After, he held my back tight against his chest under the soft sheets.  This time though, I didn't want him to let go.

His nose nuzzled the back of my neck, "I love you, Tanner."

"I love you too, Mitch."