Page 12 of Volatile

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Chapter Four

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It was past noon. Hehad no more appointments for the day. Nothing on his agenda. Perfect time for a liquid lunch.

Jon entered Stolly’s, the noise from the early crowd hitting him full blast. It was a popular place to eat, the food was top-notch and reasonably-priced, but his only interest right then was lined up behind the bar.

He took the direct route, bypassing the restaurant area, and was nearly plowed down by a drunken lady double fisting. She looked slightly familiar, and if she weren’t pie-eyed, he might’ve recognized her.

“Hey! Watch where you’re going, pal,” she slurred, taking a sip out of each drink. One resembled algae. “You think you own the place or somethin’?” He chuckled and stepped aside, triggering a blank look from her before she stumbled off in the other direction.

He got to the bar and ordered a Black on the rocks. He glanced around; it’d been a couple years since he’d shown his face here, but it looked like nothing had changed. This place used to be a regular hangout for him and Ian. Until Julia.

What’s the point, Jon? I mean, if others want a go at it, more power to them. But I’m telling you, if I ever start yammering on about love and marriage, it means my brain is cracked. Use any means necessary to put me right again.

Likewise, buddy.

Jon took a long, slow sip, the ice numbing his lips and the liquid burning his throat. They’d toasted to it, right here. Pre Julia. It was fucked up. Somehow it always came back to her, didn’t it?

His phone went off, and he set the drink down a little harder than he intended. The screen showed an unfamiliar number and he considered ignoring it. At the last second, he tabbed accept, in case it was business. Might as well take the call; later he’d be shit-faced.

“Jon Blazek.”

“Hello, Mr. Blazek... Jon?”

“Yes, speaking.” He tried to place the voice but came up flat.

“Hi, it’s Ivy.”

No wonder why he didn’t recognize her; she sounded pleasant. His head dropped. Better than banging it against the bar top. He was not up for this. He wanted to drink in peace and was in no mood to brawl with her.

“What can I do for you, Ms. Swanson?”

“Please, call me Ivy.” He gritted his teeth. What the fuck was wrong with this woman? He signaled the bartender for another. “I... I’d just like to apologize for the other day.” He heard her take a deep breath. “I had no right to speak to you that way. It’s just that... Well, I’d like the chance to explain.”

“I’m listening.”

“No, not over the phone. I just finished up at the flower shop, and I have about an hour and a half before I head to my other job. I was thinking I could stop by you if that’s possible?”

He drained the rest of his first drink. The second one was already sitting and waiting for him. Just like all the pussy he and Ian used to pick up back in the day. “I’m not home. I’m at Stolly’s.”

“Oh, I’m sorry for interrupting your meal.”

“I’m not eating.”

“Oh.” She paused. “You’re... drinking? In the middle of the day?

“Yes. Would you like to comment on my professionalism?”

“No. Are you planning on being home any time soon?”

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