I'm At The Bar
I'm at the LGBTQ flag-clad bar where the staff still wear COVID masks and I'm 2.1 beers deep. It's one of those kitschy brewery places with board games and stickers all over the bathroom walls. Genuinely comfortable spot to enjoy a beverage and plug away on your laptop though (and precisely why I continue to return).
The first beer I had was a Triptych, a brewery I'm familiar with because I went to college near the place so nostalgic feelings with the brand are automatically associated. The beer was kinda ass. My second and third (current) beers are some strange "smoked Polish sausage-flavored" beers. The first sip was disgusting but now I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I had selected the beer based on the can's aesthetics rather than the copywriting.
A woman I hooked up with in high school walked in sometime during the second beer. We both ignored each other. Stop-and-chats always suck and I'm relieved we seem to agree.
The platonic duo seated next to me were discussing theater, movies, sci-fi novels, and weddings. I knew they were meeting platonically because she was significantly more attractive than him. This was later confirmed by certain comments I overheard.
Every word from his mouth made me cringe even though all the shit he was saying must be near verbatim how my conversations with my friends sound. I put headphones on after a short while because I couldn't stand it anymore.
Just now, a group of four millenial women entered and sat next to me at the platonic duo's now-vacant table. They are gossiping and loudly calling each other cunts. I can hear them despite my headphones. Normally, I imagine this volume and language would be something a patron might find disturbing, but I find it to be cheerful ambience and I admire their rapport.
I came here to get out of the house and spend some time "productively" but didn't accomplish much. A reliable tale. I did manage to complete some logistics and planning for upcoming travels -- my usual when I'm uninspired to take on more daunting tasks.
Everything you read here today is true. I'm going to finish my drink now and walk home.