Four Shot Glasses and a Choice

I would be telling you a lie if I stated that I did not need a night out with my friends. Work is the usual hectic mess that it is. The peace and serenity I crave at home have lost their meaning since the new tenants above me tend to make most of the noise when I am ready to fall asleep.

To be honest with myself, I just need to be around people who know me. The real me.

When I received the text message that the gang was getting together to blow off some steam, I was the first one to respond, “Hell yeah, and what time?”

As soon as the work was over, I decided to Uber it to my place so I would have enough time to get myself together. I was excited because we all have busy lives, and it’s been a long time since we were able to get together.

The group consisted of six of us. Joni, Alex, Sebastian, Elaine, and Turner. We all met in college at a group fundraiser. It’s funny because I cannot for the life of me remember what that fundraiser was for, because the six of us decided that it would be more fun to head out to one of the fraternity parties.

Once the Uber dropped me off at my place. I dashed up the stairs to my front door. I live in a two-family brownstone in New York. Being that I am a renowned journalist in one of the most sought-after publications, I was able to purchase the first level of the house.

Looking at my watch, I see that I have an hour and a half to pull myself together. Tossing my bag on the counter and kicking off my shoes in the living area, I sprinted to my bedroom, where I proceeded to break the record for the fastest office casual to late-night fierceness change of clothing there is.

Forty-five minutes and three nicks later, I was ready to go. My cell rang and it flashed Joni’s name.

“Hey, I am leaving right now. What is the name of the bar again?” I asked as I was calling an Uber.

Joni was laughing, and I could hear Alex in the background. “The King’s Roof. You are missing what is happening.” She said, still laughing

“Is everyone there already?”

“No, it’s just me and Alex.” She said, then I heard the ding that the ride had been accepted.

“I am on my way,” I said and hung up the call.

The King’s Roof Bar

The bar was packed due to the live entertainment. The Pros were playing, and they were terrific.

We all finally made it, and after a few drinks in, I felt more relaxed than I had in days.

“Excuse me.” A voice said from behind me. The waitress had a tray of four shot glasses that she placed in front of me.

“There are six of us,” I told her. She smiled at me, and I swore she was sizing me up.

“These four glasses are for you. If you look at the bar. I will point out who sent what.”

My friends stopped talking and just stared at me.

“What?” I asked them.

“The Gin is from the man at the far corner of the bar, the one with the curly brown hair and green shirt. The Bourbon is from the gentleman with the suit jacket and is sporting a nice goatee. The whisky is from the one with the white shirt, shaved head, and the amazing blue eyes you’ve ever seen, and finally, the tequila is from the hot woman at the other end of the bar. I guess whichever shot glass you choose will be the one that will come to you.” The waitress said as she kept smiling.

“Personally, if I were you, I would choose two. Night is young, right?” she said, then walked away. I looked at my friends, and if the music was not playing, you would hear a pin drop.

“What?” I said again

“Spill the beans. Four shot glasses. Four amazingly hot people want you, and they are all here.”

Feeling uncomfortable with all eyes on me, I decided that I would share.

“I know all four of them, and I have no idea what they are trying to do,” I said as I looked at the bar. They must have been watching me because I met their eyes as well.

“Girl, do not drink any of them right now. Take a sip of my drink and start from the beginning because whoever you don’t choose, I am taking them home.” Alex said

“Alex, really? The only one you would have a chance with is tequila, and I know you want one of the guys.”

“One could only hope. Now spill. Start with the Gin. He looks cozy.” Elaine said as she eyeballed him for the tenth time.

I took a deep breath and said, “That would be Caleb Stewart.”

“Caleb Stewart? I remember that name.” Turner said

“He’s the guy I met in Scotland. The guy who wanted a commitment.”

They all looked at me as if I was nuts to not jump at the chance.

“Spill it. I need to know what has been going on.” Joni said as she motioned for the waitress to return and ordered some food.

“Alright, I hope you guys are ready,” I said and began with Caleb.