Oklahoma Grown

Chapter 13: Nathan

 I locked the car, and turned around to start walking up the sidewalk, in the direction of the pool hall. I had to walk past several small businesses all crammed together along the street. There were a few bars and a restaurant, even a small shop that looked like it had possibly closed down. It was pretty dead as far as foot traffic though, but I've heard the night life on the weekends is a much different story. At least the streets and sidewalks were clean, and well kept.

 As I approached the entrance, I got another text from Aaron.

 "I'm inside getting change."

 I sent a quick reply.

 "Okay, I'm here now.'"

 As I walked in, I noticed the front side of the place was made like a garage. It had large garage type doors that were open, letting in the outside air, and plenty of sunlight. The inside walls were red brick, mirroring the exterior. There were pictures and posters in frames along the walls, which extended up to the high ceiling. The floor was black, and carpeted with what looked like a sturdy material, designed for heavy use.

 Before I could finish scoping the place out, I heard a voice and turned to see Aaron, smiling at me, and coming in for one of those 'bro-hug handshake' things that I was never sure how to do. I did my best... Alas, it was awkward. He chuckled, but I wasn't sure if he was laughing at the awkwardness or maybe he thought of something else that couldn't be shared. Perhaps he just remembered how ice is made and found it fascinating... Wow, I'm being a little snarky.

 "I'm glad you could make it! It'll be fun to catch up without the women around." He said still smiling, like that was intended to be a humorous statement. I forced a smile, and faked a laugh, adding a "Yeah" to help sell it., and he totally bought it.

 "So I can't believe it's been so long since we last saw each other, you know, if you don't count at church." He laughed at his oh so clever use of facts. I hope he trips and falls.

 He loaded coins into a pool table and started racking the balls.

 "Yeah, it has. Congratulations again on getting married, by the way. Stacy is a very nice woman." I said while I was choosing a pool cue from the wall, not trying at all to sound convincing. I don't think I needed to lie that much.

 "Yeah, she's... Yeah." He said kind of hesitantly, then changed the subject. "So, how long have you been back? I heard you had left for Chicago, or something like that, and just haven't been back."

 Two things came to my mind, why he felt the need to change the subject from his wife, and also why he wanted to know about me leaving and returning. Time to do some subject changes of my own.

 "Yeah, that was a while ago, but it's all kind of complicated. Cliff notes is, I am just here to start anew. So, do you and Stacy have a house nearby?" Haha! The ball is back in your uncomfortable court, sir!

 "We have a duplex we rent a couple miles south of here, along Riverside Drive... Didn't you get married? I heard you got married." He said, smirking a little, as I caught his eye. Oh, so now I have to be a bitch...

 "Yes, I got married, then divorced. I hear it happens to everyone eventually." I recalled that his parents were divorced, but wanted to continue my petty assault.

 "Now I'm here, and trying to be the best pool shark you've ever seen..." Maybe it was a little too thick, but damn it... No one wants to talk about their failures in life. His face softened. He looked... guilty? Remorseful even. I don't think I've ever seen him make that face before.

 "I'm sorry." He sounded genuine. Wow. That's not how this game is played. I had to quickly change the subject to avoid any more of that nonsense.

 "You will be once I kick your ass at pool." I said, trying to lighten the mood. It worked, because as soon as I said it, his smirk came back, and he looked just as cocky as ever. That didn't take much.