Meeting In Bars
1039 Words
Mateo
I have always been looked at as the letdown. I think my parents thought I was going to be the good son but I was far from it. I was still the respectful one but I didn't have my life together like Santiago. He was wild and a party guy when he was my age but now he is serious and responsible. He took over my father's position in our family's company. They tried to give me small jobs here and there. I even worked in the mailroom when I was in high school. Things were okay though, I didn't care what they thought. They weren't perfect. My mother was though, she was perfect and never judged me.
I was born and raised in London. My mom taught me Spanish and English from the very beginning so I didn't have an accent in any language. I was not that happy to be leaving my home but I knew my mother wanted to come back to where she was born and raised.
A Week Later
"Scotch on the rocks, please," I found my way to a local bar. It was quaint. Not that many people here tonight. I tried to get Santiago to come with me but he stayed at home setting up his office. We were all staying at my parent's old home until Santiago and I decided where we wanted to live. I didn't want to live alone but I figured it would be easier with my nightlife and extracurricular activities.
"Here you go," the bartender said.
"Vodka soda," I heard a sweet soft voice say.
"Sure thing," the bartender smiled. I rolled my eyes. She was too attractive to swoon over a bartender.
"Hey," I said smoothly.
"Hi," she smiled.
"Come here often?"
"Seriously," she said. "That is one lame-ass pick-up line."
"True but I was asking so I know whether or not to come back here or not," her smile grew.
"Well, no. I was hoping they were hiring," she said.
"Really, why work here?" I said abruptly.
"Why not?" she questioned. Her eyebrows furrowed.
"Sorry, I mean, I guess it's fine,"
"Sure is but they aren't hiring," she told me.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"Alice,"
"I'm Mateo,"
"Do you normally meet new people at bars?"
"If they are interesting,"
"So am I?" she asked.
"Maybe, you should sit and let me find out," she rolled her eyes but still sat next down on the stool next to me.
"So, are you from here?" she asked.
"No, I just moved here from London," I told her.
"Wow, that's so funny. I was just in London with my two friends. We decided to have a girl's trip before we head out into the working world."
"Nice,"
"It was,"
"I miss it,"
"I do too," she smiled. "Did you come here to get lucky?"
"I did but I wouldn't say I didn't get lucky, wonder how much luckier I am going to get?"
"Not that lucky," she laughed.
Alice was very beautiful. She had long blonde hair and hazel eyes. I was mesmerized by her eyes. She was wearing a tight red dress. We talked for a few more minutes but she said she had to go. She was still looking for a job and said she was hoping to get a night job so she could go to school in the morning. I switched to having a beer and started to chat up with a brunette. I didn't remember her name but she sure remembered mine. She was screaming it all night long.
"Mateo, wake up," my mother said.
"I am still tired," I told her.
"I know but you shouldn't stay out all night," she said. "Have you decided where you are going to live?"
"No,"
"Have you decided what you are going to do work-wise?"
"No,"
"Mateo Gabriel Lionheart!" whenever she used my whole name I knew I was in trouble.
"Yes,"
"Why don't you come to look after the club for me," she said. "I bought and let Nancy run it but she is busy now with her grandkids."
"Mom, please,"
"What, it's a nightclub, and you-," I interrupted her.
"What do you and Nancy know about running a nightclub. It probably is a loss cost anyway,"
"Then go and fix it but I will have you know it is an amazing place,"
"Whatever, I am not interested though,"
"Okay, don't just sleep all day," she said as she left my room.
Later That Day
"Why don't you want to run mom's club?" Santiago asked.
"Why would I? It's probably dead and boring," I told him.
"I've been there, it's not," he said.
"Then you run it," I said.
"I should and would if I had time," he replied. "At least check it out yourself."
"Nope, don't have time,"
"i***t,"
"Same brother, same," I got up from the couch and went to my room to take a shower. I had another wild night with two brunettes this time. This was my life. I was having fun, why did I need to change it.
The Next Day
"I have a job opportunity for you?" my father said as he barged into my room the next morning.
"Dad, please, not you too," I complained.
"What? this is definitely a chance of a lifetime," he said.
"Not interested," I said. I got up and grabbed my pants. I put them on as my father went on and on about this great job opportunity he had found for me. Once I got dressed, I went for a jog. I loved running, it always helped me clear my mind. After my job, I stopped by a cafe to get some coffee and breakfast. I sat and waited for my order.
I was looking at my phone when I heard a soft voice speak.
"I know, I know but I can work weekends," she said.
"I'm sorry but the position was filled yesterday," the guy behind the counter said.
"Then why make me come here at all today," she argued.
"I'm really sorry,"
"Whatever," she walked by me and I stopped her.
"Alice," I said.
"Mateo," she smiled.
"Fancy meeting you here," she laughed. "Sit please, join me."
- Writer
