The Revenge Games Duet

“I think he’s being tattooed by a Scotsman.”

“Mom, shut up. Dad? The two of you shouldn’t be allowed out.”

“Come, join us! We’re in the city.”

I look at the time, it’s only half-past ten, and even though I’m exhausted I want a chance to see Logan. Tell him how happy and proud I am of him.

Yeah right, your damn kitty is itching to get some.

“You know what, Mom? I’ll be there soon.”

I jot down the pub address she’s currently at and hang up immediately. I’m still in the same outfit as today but decide to change. I put on a black jumpsuit with long sleeves and a plunging neckline, pairing it with some high-waisted jeans and my knee-high boots. I ditch the coat and throw on a scarf to keep the cool air away.

I leave the room and spontaneously decide to knock on Poppy’s door.

“Hey Em, you’re dressed all fancy for bed.”

Poppy’s wearing her pink pajamas with unicorns patterned all over. On her feet are fluffy white slippers that looked like rabbits.

“Pop,” I say with a smile. “Wanna go on a pub crawl?”

“A pub crawl?” Her face lights up. “Sure! I was about to order room service and watch Titanic.”

“Okay, that’s depressing.”

“Let me get changed.”

Poppy emerges wearing a black knitted top, tartan skirt, and bright red leggings. “Okay, I’m ready! How do I look?”

“Like Poppy.” I laugh.

“Let’s go, we just need to make one stop first.”

***

We meet Mom and Dad a while later at a pub called Randy’s. The place is full of Royal Kings fans dressed in their jerseys. Poppy made us stop at the concierge and had him hunt down a place which was still open that sold jerseys. We found the place not too far from the hotel and pulled them on over what we’re wearing.

The atmosphere is buzzing. Drunken patrons all singing loud and proud, buying each other rounds of drinks. There’s a mix of young, old, and any other person you can think of. I spot Mom at the back, where she has her arm around a toothless man singing to The Proclaimers.

“Emmy,” she beams, stumbling over to greet me.

There are many things in life you witness, but watching your parents drunk is always a hoot. Dad’s at the next table over, doing rounds of shots with a bunch of young guys. It’s equally disturbing that the drink is called a Juicy Pussy.

“Hey, Mom.” I lean in and give her a hug. She reeks of beer and smoke. “Have you been smoking?”

“Oh, lighten up, kid. Who made you, Mom?” She chuckles loudly with the toothless man.

I take satisfaction in knowing tomorrow she’ll be sporting the worst hangover and regretting her actions. Serves her right for partying so hard at forty-nine.

I introduce Poppy to Mom. They seem to hit it off straight away and bond over another pint.

“Where’s Logan and Ash?” I ask, scanning the pub.

“They just left with the team for the next pub over.”

We lasted five minutes in the pub until Dad announced, “It’s time to pub crawl... again.”

Everyone cheers and we follow him out to the next pub, walking along the street