As Kit trudged through the snow, he wished he’d worn a coat, but there was no way he was going back and facing to his mother.
Kit had never been to the bar at this time and none of the booths were empty, so he had to sit at the counter.
Soon enough, Nik, not much older than Kit himself, yelled, ““Hey, what can I get you?”
Kit, still numbed by his mother’s words, looked up a second too late.
“I’m good thanks.”
Nik chuckled. “Please don’t tell me you’re here for the food. Our ‘heavenly cheesy fries’ lean more toward hellish.”
“I’m not hungry”
“Drinks?”
“I don’t drink.”
“Some milk, then?”
Kit flashed him a look of what he hoped was contempt.
“Hey, I’m sorry, Kit.” Nik said awkwardly. “It’s just… this is a bar, you know?”
Kit didn’t reply.
“C’mon, what’s up?” Nik prompted, leaning across the bar.
“I-” Kit cleared his throat and started again, “my father, who abandoned my mom for another woman, is dating my mom.”
God, that sounds even worse when I say it out loud!
“Wow, that divorce was messy… the whole town knew about it.” Nik pauses, and starts again, “You don’t have to hang around him too, though.”
“I know. But...I can’t just abandon her the way my father did! Ugh, they’ve been in touch the past couple weeks - I don’t get how I missed it!”
“Everybody has ghosts and secrets, especially in this town. They lie, cheat, and manipulate... Just be there for her when he leaves.”
“Yep, there to pick up the broken pieces as usual.”
“Look, at least you have a mom who cares.” Nik sounded bitter.
Kit came up short. “Hey, I’m sorry...about that.” He stammered, “What exactly happened?”
“Well, they blew the money I’d saved for college on booze and drugs. And, as usual, the kid ran away from home and blah-d-blah!” Nik laughed dryly.
Despite his efforts to seem nonchalant, Kit could tell it had meant a lot to Nik. Nonetheless, Kit wasn’t one to push.
“Wow, I’m so sorry, dude…”
“It sucks, but… that’s life.” Nik sighed and ran his hands through his hair.
“I have to work. See you around.” He turned and left.
Kit remained seated, turning his phone off as it rang for the ninth time.
His second regrettable action within the span of an hour.
