Page 52 of Unruly
I want to know more about him but I have a feeling he’d just tell me he doesn’t remember. Like how did he die? He was born in the sixteenth century. I can’t imagine the things he’s seen.
“Do you?—”
My words are cut off by a boisterous group of kids running past us on the sidewalk. Farnsworth is knocked into me, but I grab his arms before he can topple over. I expect him to be annoyed, but he actually smiles, watching the children run off with a wistful look on his face.
“Ah, the joyous and carefree world of the young.”
“Yeah.” I look ahead. “The bar is right there, across the way.”
We enter the borderline dive bar, finding a small table with a metal light fixture hanging above it. The light flickers every few seconds, but it looks like the best option. A few tables have customers already seated at them, and the bar area is crowded. A group of guys are playing darts in one corner while the latest pop hits play over the speaker.
Farnsworth sits, his expression one of awe. Should I have told him that, while not specifically designated as one, this is a major gay hangout? That’s why I like it here. I can be myself and not worry about any displays of bullshit toxic masculinity.
A waiter I recognize pops over to our table, grinning as he sets down two sticky menus. “Hey, Borja, what’s good?”
“Life. How are you, Tony?”
“Can’t complain.” His eyes move to Farnsworth, dressed in his still-pristine suit. Tony’s brow creases, but then he shrugs. “What can I get you guys?”
Farnsworth looks up, studying Tony, but I can’t tell why. Does he think he’s cute? My stomach twists with ridiculous jealousy. Even if Farnsworth does think Tony is hot, doesn’t mean he’d do anything about it.
“What is your father’s name?” Farnsworth asks.
“What?”
“Your father.”
“Uh, Thomas. Why?”
“Thomas,” Farnsworth says softly. “Sorry. Mistaken identity.”
Tony nods. “It’s cool. Want a drink?”
“Whatever Borja is having.”
“Two drafts, whatever you got,” I say.
Tony nods, glancing briefly at Farnsworth, before walking away.
“What was that about?” I ask once the waiter is gone.
“His father is dead. I thought he might be a Chaser for a moment, but no. His death was intentional.”
“How the fuck did you know that?”
“He looks like his father, and also, I sensed it. His father’s soul was attached to him, but it’s gone now.”
“Whoa. Can I do that?”
“I don’t know. I think I can due to my role and how many souls I’ve interacted with over the centuries.”
“That’s pretty badass.” I glance at the bar. “You decided not to tell him.”
“No. There’s no good reason to. I’m not a medium. I can certainly receive messages, but it’s just lingering energy.”
Tony returns, dropping off two beers. “Food?”
“Yeah. I want the bacon cheeseburger and rings. Farns?”
