They discovered they were out of beer as well. Aaron decided to go grab another pitcher just so they can talk about some happier stuff and then both go their homes.

He got up from the table and realized he hadn’t looked at his phone or watch since he got there. He felt a little dizzy. Upon inspecting his smartphone he saw it was already 10 P.M. but to his surprise he didn’t have any missed calls or messages from Lucy.

“The woman truly is a saint.” thought Aaron. Lucy always kept telling him to go out more, make some friends, that it was impossible for her to be his only friend. She told him it’s only natural for guys to hang with other guys and have guy talks.

On the few occasions he actually went out with anyone from the office Aaron always felt guilty without any reason.

Aaron unlocked his phone and sent Lucy a text asking her how she was.

“Talking with mom. You? :* <3” came the reply.

“A little tipsy, ready to go home.” wrote Aaron.

“Where are you? At the pub by your office building?”

“Yep :* <3”

“I’ll come and pick you up. Have another beer and I’ll call you when I’m there. Kiseeees.”

Aaron went to the bar and got another two pitchers and brought them to the table.

Dan’s grin was even stranger and bigger than ever. Aaron was drunk enough to ignore it and blame it on the alcohol. They kept drinking and talking about the the people in their hometown with their crummy little lives and crummy little houses.

...to be continued...