Chapter Text
“I can’t believe you’ve never been to a bar before!” joked harmony as she dragged CJ through the busy parking lot. There were cars in almost every spot and a crowd of people huddled outside. To CJ this was his worst nightmare come to life. A place with ear bleeding music and who knows how many people cramped around the bar seemed like a terrible place to go.
“If I was going to drink, I’d rather do so from the comfort of my own home.” he said, now wishing he’d never said yes to Harmony’s invite. She was just so persuasive. She promised him it would be fun, but he was starting to think that it was a lie.
“You didn’t even go to one for your twenty-first birthday!” she exclaimed. “Remind me of what you did again.”
“I stayed home and celebrated with Darrell.”
“Right, your chicken. We need to get you out more!” She pulled him past the huddle of people and into the building. From one side of the large open room, you could hear loud indie rock music, and from the other, loud chattering of people. The lights were dim, but still caused CJ a headache. “Let's go get you something to drink. You know, to calm your nerves.” Once again, she dragged him through a crowd of people, leading him to the bar.
“Harmony! It’s good to see you again. Is this the friend you’re always talking about? Uh... Chad?” the bartender spoke in a cheerful tone as he wiped down the counter.
“His name is CJ!” he quietly waved as Harmony introduced him. “Jerry, can you get him a Twisted Tea?”
“Harmony, I have to drive home.” He tried to make up some excuse for why he couldn’t drink tonight. He wasn’t in the mood to do so in an unfamiliar place where his anxiety was already so high.
“Oh please. Your first time at a bar and you think I'm not allowing you to drink?” She took the can from jerry and handed it to CJ. “I’ll drive you home tonight.” CJ hesitantly took the can and opened it with a satisfying hiss. Harmony and the bartender, Jerry, carefully watched him. With the pressure of other’s eyes on him he took a sip. The bitter taste made his face subtly scrunch. It’s not that it was unpleasant, he just wasn’t expecting the taste.
Harmony and Jerry continued their conversation as CJ slowly sipped his drink. The bar wasn’t nearly as busy as he was expecting. Most people seemed to be over listening to the live music. CJ sighed. This was going to be a long night.