Fix Me

He laughed. “No thanks. I like my toys and I’m not sure I want to share. What’s got you in the mood to get drunk on a Monday.”

I groaned. “Long story.”

“Let’s go upstairs where it’s a little quieter. I need something to eat before I get really drunk.”

I was feeling the buzz myself. I followed him into the kitchen and gladly took the cheese and crackers he offered. “Thank you. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”

“You and your lady having problems?” he asked.

“Not really us having problems, but she’s in a rough way. It’s a little tough to handle.”

“What did that doctor friend of yours say? Didn’t you tell me there was going to be some big meeting between them?”

“There was and I thought it went well, but Bree isn’t quite ready to pull the trigger on anything just yet. She says she can still do the surgery, but it would have to be in Chicago. That’s where the ophthalmologist that would be partnering with her is bases. I’m not sure Bree will agree to that. I don’t know if Bree is up for traveling.”

He nodded. “I see. And what about the two of you? Are you still on a break?”

“Yep,” I said feeling very drunk all of a sudden.

“Damn, that’s got to be hard. Being around her all the time and not being able to get a little something extra.”

I laughed, shrugging my shoulders. “It is definitely hard but it’s for the best. I just need her to make up her mind one way or another. I’m going crazy with the back and forth.”

“I bet man. Are you still looking for work?”

I sighed. “I don’t know. The longer she waits to do this surgery thing, the more I think I need to. If there is going to be any chance for us to be together, I have to find another job. But it will suck not being able to hang out with her and I’m going to worry like crazy about her.”

“Hire another caregiver,” he offered.

I shook my head. “Not really an option. Maybe a visit a couple times a week, but if she is going to do this, she has to find her independence. She can’t be dependent on someone else. It will just sink her further into depression.”

“What about a companion? I’ve heard of people having companions that hang out with them.”

“That’s basically what I am. She’s not sick. She doesn’t need medical help. Not the kind I can offer.”

“I’m sorry man,” he said, taking a long drink from his glass.

I offered a drunken smile. “I’m sorry you lost a bunch of money.”

“Me too. Underneath this very good drunk, I’m very pissed. The dude that turned me onto this deal set me up. I told myself to take a day or two before I did anything I might regret, but damn if it doesn’t piss me off.”

I could see the stress on his face. He was trying to play off his anger, but I could see it all over his face. I got out of my chair and slapped him on the shoulder. “Let’s go back to Mars. It seems much nicer there.”

He chuckled and followed me back to his game room. We played a few more rounds before I looked at the time. It was getting late and I was working tomorrow. “Not yet,” he said, when he noticed me checking the time.

“It’s almost eleven.”

He laughed, his eyes glassy from the alcohol. “Remember the days when you didn’t even leave the house until eleven?”

“I wasn’t ever much of a partier, but yes, I do remember.”

“One more drink,” he said.

“I’m going to feel like shit tomorrow,” I complained.

“You’re already going to feel like shit. You may as well make it count.”

“You’re a bad influence.”