Tonight, I’m the military man everyone envisions me to be. Clean cut, hair high and tight, and spiffy clothes. I even put a dab of smell-well on.
Who is this person, and where did the mopey sorry sack of shit go from this morning?
Oh, he’s here, don’t you worry.
I give myself a mental beatdown, not wanting that part of me to surface tonight. Tonight, is for Emma and the band.
Maybe it was Wyatt’s text chain earlier telling me I didn’t want to miss this show. Apparently, he hasbig news.
“Well, you know,‘No Shave November’is right around the corner. I better do my part.” It’s been far too long since I’ve picked on her. It feels so good.
Emma has never liked the look or feel of facial hair. My lips twitch with satisfaction. I love getting a rise out of her.
“It’s only September,” she scoffs, “how about you keep your face clean until then, kay?” She giggles as she takes my hand and leads us to our usual table near the worn-out stage.
“Hey man, you made it!” Wyatt calls out as he hops off the stage and we clasp hands. “It’s good to see you.”
Dressed in his favoriteMayday Paradeshirt, rectangular wire rimmed glasses, and lone behold, a clean-shaven jaw, he seems all-too happy to see me. I guess it’s been a while since I’ve made an appearance.
The crawling under my skin makes its way to surface, guilt making purchase in the here and now.
A mental map of my escape is being drawn as we speak.
Why did I come here tonight?
My friends want to see me. Only I know what my limits are.
A chorus of hey man’s, bro hugs, and fist bumps ensue from Chris, Ryan, Derek, and Tyler, the other band members. It’s been two years since I’ve seen everyone together like this.
Where the hell does time go?
My sister the almighty protector she is, likely filled them in and made sure they took it easy on me. The sense of their curiosity lingers in the air; no one dare bring up the fact I’m just apoor soldierliving a lonely existence and not faring well being back.
Ha.Sounds like I’m a fucking song they can write.
Hop to it, gentlemen, time’s a ticking.
My friends knew my path in life and wanted nothing but the best for me. That path now has jagged cliffs and slippery terrain; the warning sign is posted at the beginning for all to make their judgement call.
I wouldn’t continue further if I were you.
My shoulders relax, the smile I adorned the moment I walked in has not left. I feel at home here. The smells, the atmosphere, and the people; all of it takes me back in time, to happier, simpler times.
“Let’s get soldier boy here a drink!” Derek bellows. The heavily tattooed and married lead singer slaps my shoulder, giving it a shake.
Everyone hoots their agreement as they fight over who is paying for first round.
Yes.This is exactly what I needed; a night to leave my troubles at home.
A little while later after two shots and two beers, the bar becomes packed; word has spread over social media about the band being in town. Drinks are flowing freely, which ratchets up new wants and needs for me.
The desire for pussy.
Who knows, if that leggy blonde and her brunette friend, dressed in skimpy skirts and high heels keep eyeing me that way from across the dance floor, I just might get lucky tonight.
Maybe I’ll play Shark’s game and take them both home with me.Hell, to the fucking yes.I’m game. Let’s see if they make the first move.
For my sister's sake, and maybe a little bit of my self-image, I find I’m pacing myself in the drinking department. Quite a few people here will tattle tale on me to my mom.