I had just reached drinking age, just left school and all my friends had left home and joined the army. We gave them all a big send off as they all joined at roughly the same time, though different regiments.
The landlord was a very easy going fella and was close to tears seeing a lot of the local lads moving away to do their bit for Queen and Country.
"Cheer up Alan" I shouted in my pissed up state
"I'll still be here" I laughed as I patted him on the back
"Yeah, but you don't sup like these lads and you are a worthless doley student type" He laughed back
As the night drew to an end Alan approached me,
"Listen, I was only joking about you being a worthless student"
I laughed "I know Alan, I didn't take any offence mate"
"Well how about you come and work behind the bar for me?" He asked
I paused to think about it, I didn't really want to work behind a bar, but the extra money would certainly come in handy.
Before I had chance to answer he said "You can start Monday, I'm sure the ladies will appreciate the eye candy"
Monday came and the bar was heaving, it was the first match to be shown in the pub since sky was introduced.
I was shit at pouring pints and the young barmaid covered for me
"You take care of the glasses and ashtrays, and I'll cover the bar" She smiled, she was older than me, blonde and very attractive.
As I collected the empty pintpots and cleaned the ashtrays Alan was busy chatting to his mate
"I'm thinking of having a little lock in later if you fancy?" He smiled
"Does a bear?..." His friend replied
"I'll see if anyone else fancies it, and I'll ask Debs to tend the bar"
I smiled "I'll sort drinks Alan, Debs has been on since lunchtime"
Alan smiled
"'salright son, Debs will do it" He insisted
I spoke to Debs and told her I'd offered to stay so she could get off. She smiled and thanked me, then told me that they usually play cards and that she ends up having to calm things down as they can get quite rowdy.
I looked over to Alan and his one friend that had stayed behind
"Really, they get rowdy? Just the 2 of them?"
Debs stayed that particular night then my next shift fell on a Saturday night. Debs told me they were planning a little cards and pool night after hours, but she wanted to go into town so asked if I'd stay behind.
"Yeah, no probs Debs" I replied
Debs kissed me
"Thanks you're a life saver"
Alan introduced me to his friend
"This is Dennis, he's a bloody degenerate" He laughed, "but he's kept me out of trouble, whatever he wants, let him have it and do us a favour Son, will you deal the cards for us?"
I dealt the cards, and Alan and Dennis started playing, the money they were playing for was eye-watering.
Dennis looked at me after collecting his winnings, he could see I wasn't happy at him taking Alan's money
"Fancy a go kidda?" He smiled, cigarette stub hanging from his lips
"Not on Alan's wages" I replied jokingly
"Sit here" barked Dennis as he patted the seat beside him
"We can play for forfeits" He grinned...
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