Capítulo 35: Chapter 35: Comrades, Part 4

James

The Club is busy, humming with people. All the regulars are here. I prop up the bar, a drink in my hand. Usually, I would have a glass of wine and take all evening over it. Tonight, I order a malt, knock it back and then order another. The barman looks at me askance. “Not your usual poison, James. You alright?”

“I’m fine.” I nod, turning away to cut off the conversation.

I’m not. I’m anything but fine.

What are you doing now, Jade-Eyes?

“By yourself tonight, James?”

It’s Jeannie. I like her, and she likes me. We’ve played together many times over the years, with and without Michael for company, but tonight her red hair just reminds me of….

…. other things….

“Yes, Michael couldn’t make it tonight, Jeannie.”

“That’s a shame. Never mind. Want to play?”

My autopilot starts to say ‘Yes’, but then, “Um…. in a while perhaps.”

I don’t want to be here….

*****

MICHAEL

I don’t go to the Centre today. Normally, I love my work, what I do, but today….