A Missed Connection: Part V

(Story begins here.)

When Joe finally made his way back to where Roger and Eric were, Roger's glass was empty. Without hesitation, Joe quickly filled another glass of Yuenling andd placed it in front of Roger.

``So up to that point,'' Eric continued as though there had been no interruptions, ``I just carried a torch for her. We talked here and there, nothing of consequence really, mostly about current affairs and public policy. Then it was time for me to graduate, and I tried to play some video games with her, which worked out well.''

``Hold on a second, son,'' Roger started, agitated. ``You spent a good one-and-a-half years with her and all you talked about was current affairs? Lord... just what's wrong with you? Couldn't you have just asked her out proper once you figured out that she likes the club enough and is sufficiently matured to not act stupid to your advances? And video games? Son, you are seriously clueless on things like this huh...''

Joe was still pretending to be uninterested, but Roger caught him nodding slowly in agreement. Eric just sat there, moody as before, his face revealing that sudden realisation of the manner in which he had screwed things up.

``And that's your woman troubles, right? Wait, hold on... you graduated a year ago. Oh lord... please don't tell me there's more?'' Roger said, his eyes suddenly widening.

``Yes.'' Eric mumbled quietly.

``Jesus Christ...'' Roger ejaculated. ``Hey Joe, you might as well drop the act and just listen in all proper and spaek your mind. I've a funny feeling I might break character and start laughing Eric here out of town as his comedic tragedy continues.''

``Awww shush Roger,'' Joe boomed with his rich baritone voice. ``Let the kid state his piece and then we say stuff for him to hear. No point laughing at things now---we were young once and didn't know better then.''

``Thanks Joe,'' Eric said in a quiet voice. It seemed that Roger's ribbing had finally gotten to him and had taken a lot of the initial enthusiasm he had in sharing his tale.

Roger fidgetted with his new glass of Yuenling and took a tentative gulp from it. Eric just stared at his, morose, while Joe kept himself busy with drying the washed glasses and keeping an eye out on the other side of the bar where things were starting to get a little loud.

(Story continues here.)