So while my landlady was showing my apartment to prospective renters today, I stepped out and over to the Bier Stein to appreciate Chip and Lou, my favorite beer servers.
Lou was in a bad mood. Had a headache or something. A little cross. I told her of my housing plight and she tried to offer me a sublet in her house. Then she noted that it's a small room in a house with three college girls. The 22 year old Tony would have jumped at that chance; the nearly 33 year old Tony wasn't so interested. I just want some privacy. I grow old, I grow old.
Chip just stood around smiling, as usual. He poured me a pint of Pils and after my first drink, Rusted Root came through the stereo. I exclaimed "I haven't heard this in years, back when I used to do a lot of....[censored]!" Chip flashed a knowing smile and gestured at the stereo, with a look that said "yeah, duh!"
The two fellows next to me amused me with stories of Amtrak rides, nagging girlfriends, and various rockstar antics. The main dude was about 28ish. He only had two teeth in his upper jaw. He kept puncuating his more outrageous proclamations with "but I drink a lot" or "but I only have one tooth." His friend, dressed in a striped black and yellow long sleeve shirt, black felt hat, and black pants, he referred to as "fucking bee guy in a pilgrim hat." Toothless fellow (Jeff) regaled us with stories of alcohol consumption in the Rocky Mountains. Apparently, high elevation decreases tolerance. Lou tried to offer me a panino. I declined.
Another pint down and Jeff and the Fucking Bee Guy had me in tears--really funny guys. Totally the type you would never want as roommates, but fun at the bar. They headed out to the Thai restaurant-with-a-bar-inside and invited me along. I almost took them up on the offer until it occurred to me that at some point, I'd be expected to pay for a drink, and I can't really afford that right now. Maybe next time.
The guy to the left of me made smartass comments to me. He asked me if I was writing my memoirs. Which I guess I sort of am. He also bought a shitload of beer to take home, informing me that he planned on drinking and driving on the way home. I waved goodbye to Chip and Lou.
Then I came home and became very sad.
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1 comment:
Tony,
You have a knack for sketching the vivid scene. I have the luxury of being able to see you in this restaurant-cum-bar with these affable characters, and that makes me wish you well.
I have housing woes as well. If / when you move to New York, remember me - rooms here rent on a weekly basis and I'll be anxious for a better more poetry-centered deal.
Sincerely,
Wil
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