Re: [Mean Eyed Cat: Atticus & Sue]
Good times were relative. Atticus' idea of a good time might be different than this guy's. Probably was. Definitely was. Good pool. Good conversation. A decent beer. Good night. Had a feeling this guy was looking for something more physical than that. Was a lazy, stupid guy sometimes, but even Atticus wasn't stupid enough not to see that. Blame being a young, not-half-bad looking teacher in an American high school, but knew the look. Knew how to decline without sending someone crying to the bathroom with a hall pass. Thought he did, anyway.
Chuckled. Held onto his own stick (no metaphor there), and watched as the guy broke. Glanced toward the bar. "Small town. Small pool. Shame." But the truth was that Atticus didn't actually know the town well yet. Had observed it from the forums, but was quickly learning the reality wasn't the same as the digital world. "Forums seem to have a very healthy gay population, but that seems like a false sense of security. Most of the town, as far as I can see, is Republican, white, christian, and straight." Was a statement, but also a question. "But can tell me your brother story. Might actually get around to writing a book one day. Juicy inclusion. Don't think that would bar me from the New York Times bestseller list."
Glanced at the balls as they fell and landed. "Solids," he told his pool competitor. "Interesting name. Short for something?" Chuckled about the theme. "If there was a jukebox around here, I'd change the song in your honor." Put aside the chalk. Waited.