3.08
Friday night hum. Amber bulbs, clink of glass racks, a low bass under the chatter. Will stands at a high-top with friends — Iris among them — one hand on a bottle, laughter landing a half-beat late.
He’s a little drunk: cheeks warm, shoulders loose. He taps the rim, kills what’s left, sets it down. Iris clocks him: you good?
I'm gonna get one more. Anyone want something?
One for me please!
He threads for the bar, shoulders turned through a thicket of elbows. At the rail he leans in on one elbow. He lifts two fingers to flag the bartender, then stares at the person next to him at the bar. It's HANNAH. Over the noise and music, he tries to start a conversation.
You remind me of someone!
I do? Who do I remind you of?
Hannah!
Hannah! I'm Will.
Nice to meet you!
Yeah, you too! What are you doing here?
Just having a drink! Unwinding! Are you here alone?
What?
Are you here alone?
No! I'm with my friends! Are you here alone?
I'm with my partner!
In the bathroom!
Are you lying to me?
Why would I lie to you?
I'm not trying to bother you!
You're not bothering me!
I'm a little drunk!
That's okay!
You really do remind me of someone.
A figure steps up: not Josh, but JULIA. On Will.
Will, this is Julia.
You guys are together?
Julia, standing next to Hannah, extends her hand.
Last I checked. Hi!
Will shakes it.
Hi!
Julia puts her arm around Hannah.
What do you do, Will?
What?
I said, what do you do?
I just started teaching at the university!
Hannah and Julia exchange a look of understanding.
No way! Her too.
Yeah?
You wanted a lunch buddy! This could be a lunch buddy!
That might be nice!
The bartender puts two bottles on the bar. Will quickly takes them.
I should bring these back! It was nice to meet you!
He walks off as the two stare after him.