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Levi lit a cigarette. He had gone out onto the patio, still not the hottest spot in the bar, but he liked it. Most patrons who came out only did so to chat where things were quieter or grab a quick smoke.

Tonight, he had stepped out to take a call from Jon. He’d said Gus seemed fine. Levi wasn’t convinced. Gus wasn’t one to rush to call for help, and Jon didn’t sound convinced either. He felt like he should be there, but knew Gus would hate the fuss. Jon was capable and knew that if he needed help, it was only a phone call away.

He heard thunder in the distance. The air smelled like rain, and taking one last drag from his cigarette, he placed the butt in the ashtray. He stopped as he walked through the door. James was sitting at the bar.

Levi cursed under his breath and debated going back outside. Thunder, closer this time, reminded him that wasn’t the best choice. He trudged behind the bar and sighed.

“What are you doing here?”

“Just figured I’d drop by for a drink and some tunes.”

“Well, aren’t I lucky?”

“I know you are still upset with me. Honestly, I don’t know if I could be as civil as you are being.”

“I’m not being civil for you. I’m being civil for Jon. For some reason, he thinks you aren’t as bad as I remember you.”

James took a long drink of his beer. “I know I have to prove it to you, and it’s easier since he didn’t know me before. But I promise I’ve changed.”

“We shall see.” Levi looked down. “I should probably thank you for helping Jon load the moving truck.”

“Like I told him, it’s the least I could do if I’m going to earn your trust back. I’ve missed you Levi. And not the sex, though that was great. You were my best friend, and I fucked everything up.”

“How about Gloria?” Levi wanted his words to pierce to the soul, watching closely for a reaction.

James swallowed hard. His face dropped. “I miss her too. She left town. I don’t know where she is now. Last I heard, she was going to pursue modeling in New York, but I don’t know. If she were here, I’d be making amends to her too. If she would let me.”

Levi’s head dropped. He let out a sigh.

“You’re serious about all this, aren’t you?”

James’s face tightened, pain in his eyes. Levi knew the answer before he ever saw the faint nod.

“Why?” He shook his head. “I mean, what prompted this…change?”

“Well, I’ve been working on building my life back up. I was spiraling out of control. My family got me help. I’ve been making good progress. My therapist has been pushing me to at least reach out to you and Gloria and apologize, but I’d been putting it off. I tried tracking her down, but she must’ve blocked me completely. I can’t blame her. Then I met Alicia. Well, you know how that ended. But it also gave me a reason to come and apologize.”

Levi nodded as if he understood, but he didn’t. None of this made any sense to him. “I see.”

James continued, “and I know it has to be awkward. Jon seems to want to have me hang out with y’all, and I don’t want to do anything that will hurt you again. So if you want me to just disappear, I will. But I’ll say I would like the chance to prove myself.”

“Seriously?”

James seemed dejected. Levi wondered if his tone betrayed him.

“It’s ok, you won’t see me again.” He turned to leave.

“James. Stop.” He poured two shots of whiskey and slid one across the bar. “I won’t promise that this will work. But I will promise to give you a chance. You’d better not fuck up this time. I love Jon and if you do anything to come between us…”

“I know.” James smiled.

Levi tapped his shot glass against the one sitting in front of James. “Well, here’s to friendship. If you do your best to not fuck anything up, I’ll do my best too. It’ll make Jon happy to have some friends.”

Levi watched as James downed his shot while his burned in his throat. He wished Jon were here.

“Levi, you are one hell of a guy. Jon’s really lucky to get you. By the way, who was that cute dude I saw leaving here with Jon the other day?”

Levi laughed. “That’s Jeff. He’s the newest artist in residence for the nights I can’t book other acts. Seems like a good kid, and if he keeps it up, he’ll be one hell of a guitarist.” His eyes closed and took a deep breath. “Wait, did you say ‘cute’? You’d better stay away from him. I don’t need your drama affecting my bar. Besides, I don’t think you’re his type.”

James smirked and raised an eyebrow. “Who says there’ll be drama?”

“There’s always drama with you.”

James laughed. Levi shook his head. He found himself smiling. Something felt different.