AR Returns Ch33

Depending on how one counts, Gurlberg has either two bars or four bars. Most people don’t count the Free Gurls bar, which is effectively a lesbian bar that also happens to be just outside of town. And then there’s a dive bar and a slightly less horrible dive bar. The fourth and final candidate is inside Gurlberg’s newest attempt at a nice restaurant, a glossy, modern seafood place. The bar in there has become very popular with local professionals.

Jess climbs onto the stool beside Mary, who is nursing a glass of Moscato.

“This is rare,” she says warmly.

“We haven’t hung out in a while.”

“Just you and me? A while?” Jess snorts. “Life five years at least. What’s going on?”

“I wanted to gossip with you a little about the soccer thing,” Mary replies, looking over at her. “Who cut your hair?”

“You like it?” Jess has a fresh little curl. She flips it ironically.

“Looks good.”

“Thank you. I like that watch.”

Mary’s expression, previously neutral, turns bitter. Then she shakes her head.

“Just my court watch,” she says. “Drink?”

“Yes, please. What about the soccer thing?”

“We both know it wasn’t about soccer. You hear anything?”

“Huh?”

“Jess?”

“Sorry.” Jess smiles, twirling a finger. “I was just noticing your hair. It’s the same color as Riley’s. I mean, exactly.”

Mary returns Jess’s unnecessarily direct look. “You sound so gay right now,” she says.

“I’m married to a woman.”

“I still seem to remember catching you riding my ex in the back of his Camaro.”

“A little variety never killed anybody.”

“I asked you a question,” Mary reminds her.

Jess is taken aback. She gives Mary a look as she accepts her glass of wine. “Shouldn’t you ask Nadia about this? I was just a spectator.”

“I’m talking about Riley and Adella. How’d they do?”

Jess snorts, then takes a gulp of wine. “What do you mean?”

“Coaching the kids,” Mary says.

“Oh. They did great. I mean, they didn’t have a chance of winning, but they made it look good. It was impressive. Why wouldn’t they do well? They’re literally pro soccer players,” Jess says, glancing at her phone. She quickly puts it facedown on the bar.

“Big age difference,” Mary notes casually.

Jess chokes on her wine. “Well,” she says, grabbing a napkin. “Of course. It’s a kids team.”

“Right,” Mary says, watching her face. “Kids.”

Jess waits, expecting her to go on. She doesn’t. Jess takes another drink of wine.

“Speaking of them,” Mary says, suddenly breaking eye contact and signaling for another glass. “Are you selling stuff to them?”

“What?”

“You know. My kids.”

“I don’t sell anything,” Jess reminds her. “Why do you ask? Aren’t they both adults?”

“Riley’s a celebrity now. Kind of. We have to watch out for her image.”

“Sweetie, I’m not selling anyone anything. And Riley’s got Adella. What does she need toys for?”