Mermaids' Tears by Michael J. Vaughn

Author:Michael J. Vaughn [Vaughn, Michael J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lusterleaf Books
Published: 2022-08-05T14:30:00+00:00

Fourteen

Holidays in a bar are like a foreign exchange program. Suddenly all the regulars are away visiting family, and the bar is filled with strangers from everywhere else, in town to visit family. On this particular Wednesday, River was spending most of her energy on a distinct sub-group, high school friends conducting a mini-reunion, squealing at how ancient they’ve all gotten when in fact they’re no more than 25. Good kids, though, and she was grateful for the business.

River felt guilty for feeling happy, relieved that Autumn and her titanic grief had been removed from the house. Her absence and the onset of winter vacation combined to bring back Rusty’s bumper-pool pals Troy, Ken and Geno. Afternoons were soundtracked by boyish chatter from Uncle Walter’s garage. River baked cookies as an excuse to invade their turf, if only to witness her son’s newborn popularity. Thoughts of Logan’s tormented family buzzed at her conscience, but she reasoned that she and Darlene had done yeoman’s work on behalf of their young tenant.

The geography of Sade’s Cocktails carried a certain symbolism. Where the area near the front window attracted rowdies like the reuniters, the deep corner was a spot to be alone with one’s thoughts. Its occupant that night was a lanky gent in a black sweater, his features a bit overlarge and gawky, like Ichabod Crane’s better-looking brother. Hanks of thick black hair drifted over his forehead, and his long nose hosted a pair of black spectacles. He wasn’t a Hollywood A-lister by any means, but what drew River’s attention was his intensity. He sat there drinking Irish coffees and practicing his hundred-yard stare. He occasionally glanced at the high schoolers when one of the girls hooted.

Sadness in bars was perfectly acceptable - was, in fact, one of their main functions - but after an hour of this, River could no longer remain neutral.

“Are you done with your glass?”

“Oh, um. Yeah.”

“Would you like another? On the house?”

His dark eyes seemed to work their way back into focus. “Did I win a contest?”

“Yes. Saddest-looking guy in the bar.”

He almost laughed. “Not much of a competition, with all these hyenas in here.”

“Eh. They’re young. What do they know?”

He raked at his hair. “I played Pebble Beach today.”

“Nice.”

“And I hit an 88.”

“Wow!”

“I should feel very happy about that.”

“But?”

“Hmm. This is a long story. Should I join you at the bar?”

And he’s considerate, thought River. “Sure.”

Harper Talouse was a dentist from St. Louis. His wife had recently requested a divorce, owing to years of drifting apart.

“I knew we were no longer in love with each other, but I thought, well, that’s just what happens. We have a boy and girl in high school. I guess I figured once we got them into college, then we could figure out the marriage. But no, she went ninja on my butt. Kicked me out of the house, and now she bad-mouths me to my kids. When December rolled around, I didn’t feel like being crucified in front of the relatives, so I thought it was time to get Pebble off my bucket list.

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