XIX. The Sun. [Reversed]

A Bar—DAY

I am sitting with the Sailor drinking in the Belly of the Whale bar. The bartender is ignoring us. As usual. So, we have brought in our own bottles. No one stopped us.

I note that I am almost finished with my fifth of bourbon but am not too wasted. It is Sunday so we will be kicked out soon and won’t be able to buy more. I hope the whiskey kicks in soon and I will be able to sleep, not stay up watching TV.

Sailor Lou has decided to plan for tomorrow’s drinking. He is figuring out Maggie’s checking account balance for him to show her there is enough to buy drinks. I pull out some receipts from my wallet and try to figure mine too.

I realize suddenly. Drunkenly. I am at a table surrounded by all the girls I ever wanted in my life but couldn’t have. What am I to do? I ‘accidentally’ drop my papers to the floor. And then dive for them.

I sit under the table for a second thinking I should kiss or fondle someone’s foot. But who? I want them all. Maybe the redhead with the toe ring visible under a white sock.

Iris.

Besides they’ll all expect some sleazy move from me. As I come up one asks about something I was supposed to do to help their son.

Mary.

“Yes, your son. Willie,” I smirk, “That’s who I was thinking about under there.” The girls are chatting about the Asian one and how the guy who likes her still hasn’t got the nerve to ask her out.

Anna Feng.

I remember my wife has left me.

Andrea.

That makes us both single.

Now is my chance to do.

Something.