they were introduced by a casual acquaintance 

he bumped into themhadnt gone there expecting to see anyone 

he went because the bar played pro football games on a big screen muted

                                                                              thats how he watched them at home could do without the gasbaggingthe commentary he knew what he saw      

after a pleasant hello a brief exchange he excused himself and made his way to the bar where he moved a stool aside and stood to watch the game 

                                The usual Billy his usual a double Irish Uinta Detour on tap 

a while later she came up on himtouched his shoulderwound around and stood with her back to the screen so he was able to avert his eyes catch the game

smart cookie  

team he rooted for was up a touchdown driving  inside field goal range 

he asked if he could buy her a drink   

Let me think.

he liked women who thought 

I see you’re wearing a ring.

he didnt follow her eyeshe was 

                                   I am

It’s okay you’re out?

he thought but didnt say what he thought 

                                                Im a big boy Why wouldnt I my wife doesnt mind

she tipped her head like a dog catching a dog whistle

                                                         She doesn’t mind? You have an arrangement . . an open marriage?

She doesnt mind 

                   he let her dig a hole  she could as easily have said no thank you 

but she was interested 

he was interesting

he ask if she wanted a drink  not fuck   

So you have an open marriageyou’re upfront about it? 

                                                           a spade full  then another  

She doesnt mind 

                    he wasnt helping

I don’t know if I want to have a drink with a married man.

Im not married

A divorced man . tried that . . messy.

  No  Unfortunately my wife died 

                                    her hole was pretty deep but he thought if shed like hed buy her a drinkhelp her refill it

I’m sorry.

Me too

I . . I . .

Made an assumption

embarrassed Made something . . didn’t I?   

Buy you a drink

Yes . please . . that would be nice.

Fine  Billy 

             Youll excuse me if occasionally I glance at the game he was up ten

I like football, we can watch together.

Cheering for one over the other

she glanced at the screen looking back he saw she recognised their uniforms 

                                                                                  Who are you cheering for?

No  Rooting for one over the other 

                                    Billy came up  What will you have? 

I’ll have what you’re having.

Double up the usual please Billy

Yabetcha.

  And

You’re sparse with your words.

I am

Chiefs.

Yare beginning to see the light                                 

1840,  Monday,  3  10. 22

1411,  Day-between-Two-Ts,  12  10. 22