The Girl in Apartment 1203

Excerpt #3:   Deflection

  “Mike, I’m not in the mood.” That was the way Jack greeted his friend when the incessant banging on the door didn’t stop.
  “You’re not in the mood?  Well, you get in the mood. You might act so much older and wiser, but don’t you forget who is older or who can still kick your ass if I need to. I’m not through talking to you. So, you letting me in or are we entertaining the whole twelfth floor.”
Jack mumbled under his breath. “Jackass.”
  “I’ll be sure to include this fine moment in your wedding toast.”
  “What the hell are you talking about?” Jack really wasn’t up for his friend’s attempts at lighthearted deflection.
  “Jack, you love that girl. Are you telling me that you of all people can’t find a way to make two years in Paris work. I’m not buying it. You don’t want her to go and from the many texts my wife keeps sending me from across the hall she doesn’t want to go anywhere that doesn’t include you. So, stop this bullshit pity-party and figure it out.”
  “I’m glad you went into business and not medicine or counseling. Your bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired.”
  “Well, my patient is being a stubborn horse’s ass.”
  “Name calling isn’t exactly a motivational tool.”
  “Neither is bourbon,” Jack watched as Michael went to his bar for the bottle cap. Not saying a word Michael removed the glass from his hand tossed back the last sip then took the bottle from his other hand and closed it up. “I don’t know how long you’ve been at this or how much was in the bottle, but I’m cutting you off.”
 “Hey! You can tell Brianna what to do, but don’t come in my house with your dictatorial bullshit.”
  “Jackson! Stop. Don’t say anything else you’re going to regret when you have a sober mind. This isn’t about me and Brianna. Although, it will be about us if you keep hurting her friend. Now, sit your ass in that chair. I’m going to make some coffee and you are going to figure this out. Sit, Jack.”
  When Michael brought the coffee out to him it was black and strong. The smell assaulting Jack’s nose before the taste took a shot at his mouth.
  “This is awful.”
  “Good. Drink it. You don’t deserve nice things right now.”