Chapter 30 #2
Just for a little while.
The tavern is a mix of laughter, clinking glasses, and sports commentary spilling out onto the sidewalk. It reminds me of the time I came here with Amelia.
I roll my shoulders, adjusting my checkered shirt, the fabric sticking slightly to my back. My palms are damp, so I wipe them against my jeans, scanning the room as I step inside.
I don’t know what his friends look like, so I focus on finding one person: Derek. Lucky for me, he stands out with his height and the ink winding down his arms and up his neck. He catches sight of me first, lifting a hand and waving me over. Relief loosens some of the tension in my chest.
I make my way through the crowd, avoiding a waitress carrying a tray of beers. Derek stands as I reach the table, shaking my hand and giving me a firm slap on the back. “Hey, guys, this is Adrian, the guy I was telling you about.”
The others stand, each one offering a handshake, their smiles open and genuine. “Hey, man, welcome.”
“These are my buddies, Elliot, Levi, and Noah,” Derek says, nodding toward them in turn. “You’ll see them around town.”
I take in the group, who look like they belong here, relaxed and comfortable, like they’ve been friends for years.
Elliot, the one closest to me, taps his fingers lightly on the table, deep in thought.
He looks like someone who deals with numbers all day.
Probably an accountant or something in finance.
Levi, with his calloused hands and easy-going grin, gives off more of a hands-on, blue-collar vibe.
Maybe a mechanic or carpenter. Noah has a steady, observant gaze.
Something about him screams first responder. Firefighter, maybe.
“Good to meet you, man,” Elliot says, tipping his beer toward me.
I nod, grabbing a seat. “Likewise.”
“Derek’s mentioned you,” Levi adds. “Figured we’d run into you eventually.”
It’s a strange feeling, stepping into a group that already has years of history. But as the conversation flows, I realize something. I don’t have to prove anything to them. They just accept me as I am. They’re not asking anything of me, just wanting me to be a part of their group.
“Drinks?” I ask after a while.
“We were waiting on you,” Elliot says.
“Yeah? Then the next round’s on me,” I say.
“Like him already,” Levi says, grinning.
I wave them off and make my way to the bar. The bartender leans in, her eyes heavy with the weight of long hours, and she offers a tired smile. “What can I get you?”
I place the drink order, then ask, “What do they usually eat when they drink?”
She rattles off a few options. I nod. “Can you get that going? And an extra plate for me.”
“Of course. I’ll bring it over.”
Heading back to the table, I slide into my seat just as the beers arrive.
The game starts, and the tavern shifts. Conversations quiet, heads turn to the mounted TVs. Flickering blue light floods the crowd, all eyes glued to the action.
“Benny boy’s having a good start,” Levi says to Derek.
The way Levi says it sounds like more than just being a fan.
“Wait, you know him personally?” I ask, frowning.
Derek nods. “Yeah. That one.” He gestures at the screen, and I catch a glimpse of a familiar last name. Chase.
“You got a team?” Elliot asks.
“Nah,” I reply.
“Well, now you do.” Levi nudges my arm. “Eels. Gotta root for the blue.”
“Fair enough.” I laugh before taking a sip of my beer.
The night flies by with laughter, easy conversation, and the ups and downs of the football game.
The beer goes down smooth, the food is better than expected, and I finally feel…
settled. I never hung out with the guys at the bar like this.
Never had the time. Back in the city, I worked nonstop.
First with going to school and residency, then with trying to climb the ladder in the hospital.
It only landed me in a place where I was not known, no sense of community, and forgotten in the blink of an eye.
But here, I’ve got headlines with my name in them, and no one’s pushing me out. It’s weird but in a damn good way.
We chat, eat, and before I know it, it’s time to leave. Outside, the night air has cooled, a slight breeze sweeping through the streets. I get a ride home, and I step inside to find Keith still up, lounging on the sofa, watching the TV.
“Hey,” he says, glancing up from the sofa. “You’re home early.”
I walk over to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water from the fridge. “I’m going to try to get back on a normal sleep schedule after my last few night shifts.”
“Good idea.” Keith watches me. “Realtor’s set for tomorrow, to look at those houses you found.”
I lean against the counter. “What time?”
“Ten. I figured that gives you time to sleep in?” Keith stretches, flicking off the TV.
“Yeah, that works for me.”
As Keith heads to his room, I stay there for a minute, thinking about the house I see in my head. It has five bedrooms, a big backyard, and a big deck. I can imagine kids on a swing set out back, hear them laughing.
But they’re not just any kids. They’re Amelia’s siblings. Hazel pushing Felix on the swing, Sofia and Atlas chasing each other across the grass, and Jasper playing on his phone in a hammock on the deck. Amelia’s there too, watching them with her mom.
I run a hand through my hair. When the fuck did this happen? When did I start imagining her in the house I’m trying to buy? Her family in my backyard? In my future? It hits me then that this isn’t just a silly little crush, this is serious. I see a real future with her.
I glance at my phone, wanting to call Amelia, but it’s late, and she’s probably in bed after being at the hospital. Before I can decide what to do, my phone vibrates in my hand. I jump.
Issac: So, when are you doing this house hunt thing?
Me: I’m checking out some places tomorrow.
Issac: I want the biggest room.
I grin, replying.
Me: You fucking wish.
Issac: Fine, I’ll take the sofa.
Me: No sofa. There’ll be a spare room. Relax.
I can practically hear his smug grin through the phone. Isaac’s never needed an invitation to make himself at home.
Issac: Good, let me know when I need to put in for vacation time.