“Hey, do you still need a place to work?” I ask one of my good friends, Aedan. “Yeah I do,” he says, clearly excited at the prospect of finding a job. “No one will hire me because I got fired from my last job.” “Yeah, well, a couple months ago, my aunt’s husband’s brother opened up this restaurant. I told him I needed a job and he gave me a try. Yeah well, I’ve been working there and he thinks I’m ready to be promoted to manager, so I could give him a recommendation for you if you want. But you gotta promise, no more stupid stunts.” “Sweet. You’re the greatest Ev. I really appreciate this. I’ll be on my best behavior.” “Okay, if I work it with my uncle’s bro, you’ll start on Monday.” “I’ll be there.”

I walk out of my uncle’s office, a smile plastered on my face. I call Aedan and tell him the news. “You start on Monday. Five o’clock sharp.” “Hey, this is great news. We should totally go out and celebrate. What do you say to O’Malley’s, eight o’clock?” “Yeah, sounds fun.”

I show up at O’Malley’s, this pub on the edge of downtown. Lots of Irish folks come in here to have a pint or so. Aedan flags me down over to the bar. I used to work here as a bartender, helping me through college until I broke it off with the owner’s son and the little shit had me fired. But since then, the owner realized what an arse his son really is and we’ve been on friendly terms. “I ordered your usual.” “Thanks. I can use it.” Me and Aedan started talking about all sorts of things really, mostly towards the end, after we were both a little drunk, he was making fun of me name. My name is Evan, pronounced E-van named after some Irish princesses or some shit like that.

Aedan and I end up going back to our place, we’re roommates, and let’s just say we’re both a little drunk. My head’s gonna hurt like hell in the morning, but right now, I’m feelin pretty damn good. Until I listen to my messages and I find out the restaurant needs us both to come in tomorrow. Emily is having her baby. I hope I bought some aspirin and coffee. I look over at Aedan who’s passed out on the couch and I giggle. The guy looks so funny with his tough gangster, I’m Irish looks, with his tongue hanging out of his mouth and halfway falling off the couch. I realize I probably don’t look any better, but it’s still funny. I pass out on my bed still laughing.