Double Kiss |
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The pool table in the centre of the room was the first thing you noticed in the bar of the Chat Hotel. The rag, red instead of the normal green, it was bigger than the average you’d find in a pub, but not as large as a proper billiards table. Then you noticed the smell of stale smoke and spilled beer. It was never very busy at the Chat Bar, except on Welfare Wednesdays. When Moira and Stellar arrived early Friday night they took Moira’s favourite spot next to the bar, with a good view of the table. Jake set down their drinks, twirled on the heel of his boot, tray high over his shoulder and slid away to serve a couple of old boys seated by the window. “See that old geezer there?” Moira pointed. “I swear he winked at me when we came in. Do you think he’s still got some get-up-and-go, or just looking for a fleshy mound to pass out on?” “Don’t put yourself down, Moira. You’re a beautiful woman.” “I’m a big woman.” Moira ran her hands down her ample belly. “Let’s face it. I don’t exactly have men lined up at my bedpost.” “And you wouldn’t want them to, now, would you?” Stellar said. “Scruffy lot though,” Moira said, looking over.“It’s a shame. The men’s team has fallen to pieces. Laurie was the only one in the group who could organize a piece of buttered bread.” They both stared at the pool table for a moment. “Well, here’s to the bottom of the glass.” Moira lifted her pint with a stout arm. Stellar sipped her cranberry juice. “I don’t know why you dragged me here.” “I want you to enjoy yourself tonight. Jake, bring a shot of tequila for Stellar.” She reached over and squeezed Stellar’s wrist. “Besides, it’s time you got out. You used to like tournament nights.” Stellar blew on the back of her hand and with a tissue, rubbed a snake-shaped ring, the head curled up between her knuckles. “I never really enjoyed them. Laurie did. He always had a good time.” “Is that a new ring?” Stellar had more jewellery than a Moroccan princess. Thumb rings, pinkie rings, bracelets – her hands, wrists and ankles always sparkled. “No. I’ve had it for years. Remember? Laurie bought it for me in Mexico. I don’t know why I haven’t worn it in so long.”
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