Chapter Text
He didn’t fit the profile of most of the people who came in here with the strict intention of drinking their problems away. Green hair, a well kept beard, glasses, he matched the description of a hippie from L.A. with his own coffee company. A real piece of work. The man just sat at the bar silently and ordered. Schlatt knew he was in for an interesting night.
Many people came to Joe’s, it was a fairly popular bar. Being on the main road brought in a lot of new blood, so Schlatt always had someone new to talk to. The regulars knew his routine, and found some humor in it. They would tease him for talking to someone all night, never taking anyone home at the end of it all. Schlatt would always remind them of his intentions. Talk, but don’t meddle. It keeps the story organic. So, as per the routine, he moves over a couple of seats to be next to the man who just walked in.
“That’s a good choice,” Schlatt started, gesturing to the man’s drink.
The man responded hesitantly. “...thanks.”
“I’d try it with the chilled glass next, it makes it less bitter.”
“I’ve never heard of that before.”
“It’s the best drink here, the only one I recommend.”
“Usually I’d go for a Guinness, but I felt adventurous today.”
“A Guinness? I don’t think Joe’s serves that unless it’s St. Patrick’s day.”
“Yeah,” the man said sadly, looking at his drink. “Things just can’t stay the same, can they?”
There was silence. “I guess not. But, change can be good sometimes,” Schlatt said, trying to keep the conversation alive.
The man said nothing and looked at him quizzically.
Schlatt got up. “Well, I won’t keep you.”
“Leaving already?”
“No,” Schlatt started, ”But I just assumed you’d want to deal with the 20 new messages you’ve accumulated since the start of this conversation instead of talking to a stranger in a bar you’ve never been to.”
The man looked at his phone, alive with new messages. He turned it off. “How do you know I’ve never been here?”
“I’d know if you have. I remember people.”
“Well now I can’t tell whether you’re flirting with me or not.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not interested in anything like that.”
“Then what are you interested in?”
“Stories,” Schlatt sat back down.
“Stories? What do you mean?” The man leaned closer.
“Well, everyone’s got a story. Most people are surprisingly good at telling me their whole life’s story in just one night.” Schatt said. “What about you? Do you have a story worth two?”
The man’s eyes lit up, seeing the challenge that Schlatt had proposed. Could his whole life’s story be so much more eventful than all the other people who had come into the bar before him? How could he measure up? He was going to try. And, if he failed, at least he would be anywhere but home. At least for tonight.
“Another round for us both, Kate, on me.”
The bartender pulled out two more glasses, both chilled. Sean quickly took the glass closest to him. They both sipped their fireball in silence as the stranger strategized.
“You were right, the chilled glass really does make a difference. You’d think after all these years I’d know that little trick. The name’s Sean, by the way,” Sean added quickly.
Surprised that they had not introduced themselves earlier, Schlatt said “Oh, I’m Schlatt. At least that's what the people here call me.”
He stared into his drink thoughtfully. “Then that’s what I’ll call you.” Sean then downed the rest of his drink before speaking again.
“I don’t know where to start my story. There's so much to tell.”
“Why don’t you start with the person blowing up your phone?”
“Oh,” Sean frowned, “yeah, I guess the reason I’m here is the perfect start.”