54 - The Rebirth

     The traffic in Hartford is never that bad for me.  I usually don't drive
through until after seven so all of the insurance companies have already let
everyone go for the day.  The roads were exceptionally clear tonight.
     My phone vibrated as I walked into the bar.
     "Hey, pooh stabber, you're late," said Derich's voice.  "I've been here
since 6:30.  I'm two beers deep already."
     "Keep your panties on.  I just stepped in the door.  Where the hell are
you?"  I looked around the bar scanning for Derich and wondering if Connie was
working tonight.
     "I'm over near the patio."
     Derich was dressed business casual.  I was dressed like an executive at a
law firm.  He makes twice what I do.  Go figure.
     The waiter came just as I sat down.
     "I'll have another beer.  He'll take a pineapple juice, no ice."  I
smiled to myself.
     "Do you gentlemen need a minute?"
     "No," I said starving.  "I'll have a turkey club with fries."
     "I'll have the Reuben."
     "I still can't believe you work for the same fucking company." Derich
laughed after the waiter left.  "How do you not kill yourself?  I had to get
out.  What are you, four years in?"
     "Almost five," I said pretending to slit my wrist with the butter knife. 
     "I'd put you in for my company but..."
     "I know.  I know.  You need a four year degree just to walk through the door.
Fucking kill me."
     I looked around once again to see if Connie was working.  No avail.  I
picked up the knife again and did the fake slice and dice.
     "You can still help me out by looking at the resume."  I said sliding my
resume over to him.
     "I don't know if I can help you but I'll do what I can."
     "That's all that I ask, man.  This is all part of the rebirth."
     "The rebirth.  What kind of post modern bullshit that that?"  He asked
killing his third beer.
     "It is a complete self evaluation.  I'm in the process of finding out what
I like and don't like about the person I have allowed myself to become.  I'm
just going over some of the choices and the consequences."
     "Too deep for me.  Sounds like you need to get laid."  Derich replied.  I just laughed to myself.
     "I got to go," I said finishing my juice.
     "You just got here.  And you ordered food."
     "I'll take it to go.  Let me know what you think of the resume.  Here's
fifteen.  That should cover me."  I said standing up.
     "You OK?" He said sounding genuinely concerned.
     "Yea, man, I'm fine.  I just need to do some thinking.  You gonna be OK to
drive?"
     "I'm gonna stay here and watch the game.  I still think you need to get
laid."
     As I drove home I realized that the roads weren't the only thing that was
exceptionally clear.

That Beautiful Black Man