143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyQ7AgPyxs
SAGE
I take another sip of my beer.
"Sage! That must mean that you're wise and mighty." Xavier quips. How dorky.
"No, not at all. I think my parents regretted giving me that name the minute I turned three. Or maybe they knew I'd be such an impulsive mess and tried to lessen my affliction."
"I think impulsive is great. Makes you fun." Xavier tries to lighten the mood and I have to admire the attempt.
"Sure." I just say, trying not to think about what a failure I am and how I've disappointed my family. The whole reason I'm here is to make everything right, not to wallow in self-pity. I clear my throat and try a smile.
"What's the story with your name then?"
"Oh, my parents are just stuck up. I guess they wanted something old and impressive, with history and decorum." On the last part of that sentence he rolls his eyes. He must not like his parents much.
"Well, that it is."
"It's also a very bad name for abbreviations. I usually end up getting called Xav and the like. I mean, really, how much decorum does that have?"
"Not much." I say with a laugh.
We look into each other's eyes and giggle. He fiddles with the sticker on the beer bottle. When he notices me staring at his hands, he catches my gaze again.
"I, um, was thinking, that, if you're done with that beer, that is... If you might-"
"If I wanted to get out of here? I'd love to." Another shy smile from him.
Finally something works out in my favour.
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143Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QCn4BLp8y
BASIL
I can't believe my eyes when I see Xavier holding the girl's jacket for her. She went for him. I guess the rescue operation actually worked for once, or maybe he finally stopped talking too much. Well, I'm happy for him. I think.
Emma's big bouncy curls slide into my periphery vision while I'm polishing some wine glasses.
"Did I just imagine it or did Xavier just leave with a girl?"
"I don't think you did, unless we were bot part of a mass hallucination."
"Wow, finally! When I saw him the first time, I had no doubt that he could get girls, I mean with that smile and that georgeous hair, but after hearing him talk..." Emma laughs and sets down her tray full with empty glasses on the bar.
"You, however, I really don't understand why you always go home alone. You could totally play the owner card."
"Maybe I'd do that sometime if I could trust you lot to close up correctly. But it seems that if I want something done right around here, I have to do it myself." I say with a dark look in her direction.
"You'd also have to remove the stick from your ass first, so never mind."
Before I can say anything else, Emma disappears with her tray behind the kitchen doors.
I groan. I guess she's right. I should get laid sometime soon.
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