A Friend for a Funeral

9. Hitting The Bar

     It took Adam a few moments to realize what had happened, and he looked back up at George. The man was obviously still fuming over what had happened that morning and needed someone, anyone really, to take his anger out on. He had obviously come to the hotel maybe to talk with his sister and the guy he blamed all his troubles all just happened to be in the lobby. It was likely an urge that George wasn't able to resist, especially since he had the element of surprise. Adam slowly got back to his feet, and looked back at George who still had his fists raised, as he was clearly eager to go a few rounds. Adam rubbed his eyes for a moment, as he was still a little dazed from the unexpected sucker shot that knocked him down. He help up his hands, trying to calm the matter down rather than make things worse. At this point there was a crowd gathering and making this a full blown scene for all involved.

     "Look," Adam started, pausing for a moment. "I get why you're upset but you're clearly talking this out on the wrong bloke."

     "Am I?" George asked, "Doesn't seem that way from where I'm standing!"

     "Come on man!" Adam chided back, "You're a smart guy. There's no way you can blame me for what's going on here. Odds are that will was written up years ago, way long before I came to Paris, or even started working at my Dad's company for that matter. What happens here isn't going to change that. So what are we doing here?"

     George looked around and finally noticed the scene they were making. He slowly lowered his fists and took a deep breath. Good judgement was finally starting to take control over the man as he started to think like a C.E.O. instead of a spurned grandchild that just got shafted by the old lady.

     "I'm sorry," George finally managed to spit out.

     "Everyone break things up!" someone from the hotel's staff called out as the people started to clear the lobby.

     Adam walked up and put a hand on George's shoulder.

     "I don't know about you," Adam started, "But I think we need a drink."

     "Alright," George agreed, "Let's hit the bar."

     Once the staff realized things were becoming more civil between the two men, they let everyone break things up and go back to work. This was especially true for the hotel workers since George was technically their boss, so they were happy to back away and let it dissipate on its own. Both men walked into the bar, and as they approached the counter it was George who called out as they approached the counter. Both George and Adam took some stools at the bar as George waited for the bartender to arrive.

     "Mr. Bouchard," the bartender said, "What can I get for you?"

     "Two glasses of scotch," George answered, "Two fingers each, and I'll take a pack of ice for my friend here."

     "Yes, Mr. Bouchard." The bartender replied, "I assume this can be added to your tab?"

     "You assumed correctly," George confirmed. "We'll take two menus as well."

     "I'm not that hungry," Adam admitted as he watched the bartender walk away.

     "Doesn't matter," George replied, "Order whatever you want, my treat. Take it to go and stash it in the mini bar fridge in case you get peckish for a late night snack."

     "Okay," Adam said, as he liked the idea. "Thank you."

     "It the least I can do," George admitted, "The last time I punched someone like that, I was sued for it. I shouldn't have done that."