Page 32 of Employing Patience

“Legally can’t, sorry. But I can get you a drink.” I give him a once-over, and even though I’d guess that he’s roughly my age, I hit him up for ID anyway.

He pulls it out with zero enthusiasm, showing me he’s twenty-seven. “Makes sense. Everything else is going wrong, so why not struggle to get fucked-up too?”

There’s something Southern about his voice.

“Beer?”

He gives a halfhearted gesture, so I start pouring.

“You not from around here?” I ask.

“Yeah. Well, now I am. Or at least, currently. Maybe not for much longer.” He sighs and takes the glass from me. “I don’t even know what’s gonna happen.”

“I’m listening, if you need it?”

He looks down and takes a sip. I’m about to walk away when he says, “I’m Will.”

“Joey.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“You do?”

Will shrugs. “I’ve seen you around.”

I tuck my dishcloth into the band of my apron and lean my elbows on the counter. “You’ve got a story, and I’ve got some free time. Shoot, Will.”

He stares at the beer before taking another sip. “My best friend is moving away.”

“Ah.”

“I can’t afford the apartment on my own, so …”

Okay, so there’s the problem. “Why don’t you put out an ad? See if you can’t find someone to take his room?”

“I’d feel awkward living with a stranger.”

“Could you find somewhere cheaper?”

He shrugs again, but it’s more hesitant this time.

“It’s a tough situation. Why’s he moving away?”

“To get a fresh start.”

“And you don’t want a fresh start with him?”

“I was never offered one.” His thumb absentmindedly draws lines in the condensation on the glass. “A friend from college offered Mols the room, and he said yes. He’s moving to Seattle and leaving me here.”

I can’t help my chuckle at how pathetic he sounds. “You in love with this guy?”

He shakes his head roughly. “No, he’s not my type. I … Never mind. But if I can’t afford to stay here, I’ll have to …”

I wait him out.

“I’ll have to move home. And I’m not exactly welcome there.”

“Why?”

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