Max Evans (longingfromafar) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2019-07-22 09:26:00 |
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Entry tags: | max evans, sam merlotte |
Who: Max and Sam
What: Exploring a new drinking hole
When: May 14
Where: Fangtasia
Status: Complete when posted
Rating: Low
Sam was glad that he’d started giving himself one night a week behind the bar at Fangtasia and most of the employees seemed to like it too since he rotated who would get the extra night off when he took their spot. There were certain things you didn’t hear about in the office or even sitting out at one of the tables watching over everything. He grabbed one of the bar towels to wipe up some condensation from the bar top as one of the spots was vacated before going to check on the couple at the end of the bar, joking with them for a few minutes before excusing himself to go and talk to the man who’d just sat down. “What can I get for you tonight?”
***
Max didn’t go out as often as he maybe should have but it had been a long day and a cold beer was in order. And, not really wanting to deal with the crowd at a supermarket, he’d gone for the closest bar that didn’t seem like a complete dive.
“Do you have an IPA on tap?” He’d take one of those then.
***
“We’ve got a couple. Any preference or can I pick? There’s one I think is better.” Sam said as he reached for the glass and moved over to the tap.
***
“I’m pretty much fine with whatever,” Max grinned. “I’ll trust your recommendation. Guessing you have a fair bit of knowledge on the topic.”
***
Sam grinned as he filled the glass. It wasn’t a brew they sold much of because very few people actually trusted the recommendation of anyone that wasn’t on TV but this was his favorite of the ones they sold.
“Here you go. Let me know what you think.” He said as he set the glass down in front of the man and stepped away for a moment to talk to one of his employees about what they needed to do next.
***
Max took a long sip of the beer, humming in approval. “Not bad,” he admitted as Sam came back. “What is it? And I might stop by more often for recommendations.”
***
“It’s a Black Tuesday from The Bruery.” Sam told him. “We don’t get many people ordering it but it’s one of my favorites so I recommend it when we have it in house.” He told him.
***
“I’ll have to remember that. Might have to stop in more. Often if you have other recommendations that are this good.” Sometimes Max just needed to relax. This place seemed like a good enough spot to do just that.
***
“We’re generally pretty slow in the afternoon so it’s a good time to come in and relax. It’s when I get most of my orders in so I’ll try to keep it in house a little more. Just in case.” Sam grabbed up his bar towel when he noticed another patron leaving, heading over to clean and give the other man a moment of peace before coming back to see if he needed anything. “I could probably recommend some others for you. Just ask for Sam if you don’t see me when you come in.” He extended his free hand to the other man.
***
“Max,” he introduced himself, shaking Sam’s hand. “Not sure that I’ll be free in the afternoon. I’ll likely become part of the happy hour crowd given court hours. But I appreciate the offer and I’m sure I'll be taking you up on your offer for more recommendations.”
***
“Court hours? You a lawyer?” Sam asked, curiosity coloring his voice.
***
“Public defender,” Max acknowledged with a nod. “Not as bad as some lawyers. Not that we don’t have a reputation of our own.” Uncaring was the word that came to mind. “That a bad thing?” Some people hated lawyers. Honestly he couldn’t blame them sometimes.
***
“Depends - you one of those that could be convinced to look the other way when somebody’s doing something wrong if offered enough money? Or you actually honest about doing your job to the best of your abilities.” Sam asked him. He’d run into his share of both thanks to the guys he’d served with over the years. He liked the honest ones a hell of a lot better.
***
“I wouldn’t be a public defender if it were about the money.” The answer came easily enough, Max’s gaze steady. Not that he didn’t care about money because nylons who said they didn’t was a liar, a fool, or a lying fool. But there were more important things than that.
“Everyone’s entitled to due process. And I don’t think anyone is above the law.”
***
“Then it’s not a bad thing as far as I’m concerned.” Sam said with a slight nod.
***
A smile flashed across Max’s face. “Good. I’d hate to have to find a new bar because you didn’t approve of all lawyers.” The tone was clearly teasing though, if a bit dry.
**
Sam couldn’t help but laugh at that response. “Promise not all.” Just the one who had sold their soul for money as far as he was concerned. He noticed a new arrival at the end of the bar and excused himself with a slight nod of his head and wave as he walked away.