Page 2 of Benji

We got talking with Leon and Marek, also lawyers, who had been in a committed relationship for twenty years. Nice guys, kinda quiet, and most people mistook their confidence for arrogance. It wasn’t superiority or conceit. They were just so well-loved and well-understood by each other, there was a sense of power and complete trust that was hard to deny.

It was hard for me to describe because I’d never experienced anything close to that. But I looked at them with envy.

They were also incredibly wealthy, and it was almost impossible to not look powerful wearing $15,000 suits.

I ordered some wings and mini tacos, and I probably had a few of each, but the whisky was hitting differently tonight.

Because I hadn’t eaten anything since a slice of toast on the way out the door at six o’clock this morning.

Then somehow it was almost midnight, and Dominic, Leon and Marek, and I decided to call it a night. Dominicwanted to see what the scene on Oxford Street looked like, but I just wanted to go home.

“Come on,” Dominic tried as we hit the street. “You’ll forget how tired you are once you find a pretty little thing to play with.”

I looked down the street to where the three guys had been before, but they were long gone now.

Oh well.

“Nah.” I waved him off. “Had enough. Going home. If I still want some arse when I get there, I’ll order some. They have apps for home deliveries now.”

Dominic laughed. “Fine. Suit yourself. Call for a lift,” he warned. “Get your car in the morning.”

Ugh. My car.

I’d forgotten.

“Evening, gentlemen,” Leon said. “We’re more in the mood for ordering in tonight as well.”

Marek slipped his arm through Leon’s and gave us a mock salute. “Next week, then,” he said as they disappeared.

Dominic gave me a hard clap on the shoulder. “Be good.”

“You be careful,” I said, and he grinned as he turned and walked toward the crowded bars and thumping music.

I shook my head. How was he ten years older than me when I was the one going home early?

I considered calling out and following him, but all those whiskies I’d had were starting to circle the drain. Ipulled my phone out of my pocket, fully intending to call a lift, but I also pulled out my car keys...

And my car was just right there.

And my apartment wasn’t far. Barely a five-minute drive.

And I wasn’tthatdrunk.

I was just tired. And I hadn’t eaten enough.

So, making one of the stupidest decisions I’d ever made, I convinced myself I should drive home.

I got in behind the wheel, put my seatbelt on, and started the engine.

I pulled out onto Flinders, turning right onto Oxford, got into the left lane, and turned left onto Darlinghurst Road. Five minutes from home. It was too easy, and I was a good driver.

It’ll be fine.

Everything will be fine.

Except I only got as far as Green Park when someone ran out across the road. I hit the brakes, but not before I hit them.

Holy shit. I just hit someone.

---