It took a while for the buzz to die down in the room. I saw Bart explaining his pathetic version of his pathetic story to a couple of guys and finally Andy and Luke tried to pick up their game where they had left off. But they couldn’t remember whose turn it was and had to start over. Jesus turned to resume his conversation with the stranger, but found that he had slipped away at some point during the excitement. Maggie took my hand under the table and held it, obviously upset about Jody Wayne winking at her like that in front of me and all the guys. Jimmy and Simon finally walked in the door. They ordered a couple of beers and listened to what had happened. We all laughed when Jimmy yelled out “Good thing I wasn’t here. I’d have kicked some ass.” When we all laughed, Jimmy said “What? What?” like he was offended but then he laughed too.
Jesus slid off his bar stool, ready now to go. I stepped up to him, laid my forearm over his shoulder and squeezed the back of his neck. I said “Damn, it’s good to see you, man” and then got annoyed with myself when my eyes got a little bit teary. I can’t explain why I tear up like that. That’s just the effect he has on me, especially when I haven’t seen him for a while. Jesus turned to Simon, whom he knew had recently made a payment on his cell phone and had gotten his service back. “Hey buddy, call the Creekside, will you? See if they’re ready for us.” Then he turned back to me and put his hand on my shoulder. “I love you too, Pete”. We stared into each other’s eyes for a moment and then just before he broke away he unleashed his big heart-melting smile. “Time to eat, my worry-wart friend” We all started heading for the front door. Time to eat.