Page 2 of Seamus's Basement
“Leave it, Lucas.”
“He also proved that he knows when to back off from a hopeless cause.”
There was subtext to Lucas’s comments, but it was none of his business, so Seamus nodded along and didn’t ask any questions.
“I made a fool of myself the first time we met, and Lucas was nice enough to overlook it.” Todd ran his fingertip over the rim of his glass. “That’s what he meant.”
“That’s not when you made a fool of yourself. And back then, you did what you did for Jared.Hewas worth the embarrassing behavior. The one whose name shall not be spoken is not.”
“Please leave it alone.”
Not knowing what precisely they were discussing, but understanding that Todd wanted it to end, he jumped in with a distraction. “Are you trying to convince me that Lucas is the nice one and Todd’s the one who’s…”
“Bitchy?” Lucas said again.
“I walked right into that.” Seamus sighed and scratched his head. He was due for a trim. His faux hawk gave him flexibility as far as the center portion of his hair because whether it was a little shorter or a little longer didn’t matter, but he liked to keep the sides buzzed. He’d tried doing it himself once, but he couldn’t manage a straight line. Thankfully, Curl Up & Dye was located right above his bar so he didn’t have to go far to get it done. He’d poke his head in the salon the next day and see if Joelle could squeeze him in.
“We’re taking off, Seamus.” A few of his regulars got up from their table and walked over.
Lucas looked over his shoulder at the nearly empty tables behind him. It really was a slow night.
“I’ll check you out.” He went to the register, closed out their tab, and handed them their receipt and credit card. “Have a good night.”
“See you tomorrow.” They waved as they walked out.
“With that ratio change, this place is dangerously close to becoming a gay bar.” Lucas nudged Todd. “Text DJ and see if he can meet us. I want to make that happen before anyone else shows up.”
“I already invited him. He’s working.”
“He works more than Jared, which I didn’t think was possible. Does he have any free time?”
“I don’t know.” Todd shrugged. “Poor guy’s always strapped for cash.”
“That’s weird with how many jobs he has, right?” Lucas asked.
“Yeah, but he’s been doing it forever. Even when we were in school, he worked in the evenings and on weekends.”
“What does he do with his money?” Lucas said. “I know he isn’t spending it on clothes because I dress my dog better than he dresses himself, he lives in a shithole, and this bar is the only type ofentertainmentwe have in Hope but he never comes out with us.”
“Uh, thanks?” Seamus said.
“It was a compliment,” Lucas snapped.
Coming from him, it probably was. “When did you get a dog?”
“I don’t have a dog.”
“Then why did you… Never mind.” He rubbed his hands over his eyes. “I’m too tired to unravel your explanation.”
“It’s only ten thirty. Isn’t this your version of early evening?”
Last call was at two in the morning if he still had customers that late, which meant he didn’t get home until closer to three most days. By the time he ate, showered, unwound, and then went to bed, the sun was close to rising. Seamus woke and started his day after most people were done with lunch.
“Yes.” He dragged his palm across his beard. “I’ve just had a lot going on.”
Another customer waved and walked to the door.
“Have a good night,” Seamus said.
