The Beat of Safiri Bay Read Online Free Page A

One, however, is as far as it goes.
     
    Matt orders two shots of blue liquid he takes one and swallows it down at once. He gives me the other one. “No thanks Matt,” I say and push his hand away. “Just this one, we have something to celebrate,” I take it and reluctantly swallow the sour liquid in one go. I cough and my eyes burn. “To my freedom,” he says and raises his beer. I raise my cider and we clink our bottles and take a sip. I think I want to be sick now but I swallow it down and smile at him. I have no idea what he feels right now. I have never had my heart broken before. For some reason I treat the opposite sex as if they have broken my favourite guitar. Except Matt of course, he is my best friend and my brother and we love making music together. He treats me like an equal. But tonight is not about me. He needs a shoulder to cry on and I will offer mine.
     
    Matt orders two more shots, bright red this time. Oh no, I really can’t stand the stuff and refuse his offer. “Fine,” he seems hurt but I stand my ground. He swallows the one after the other and takes a sip of beer. This is going to be a long night. I think of what to say that won’t include his now ex girlfriend. “I saw this guy at...”
    “There you are,” a female voice interrupts me. I look over my shoulder and see the spitting image of Matthew but a female version and a few years older. I think my mouth drops open. “Karin, join us, we were just getting started,” he grabs his cousin around her middle and gives her a quick hug. “Meet my friend Lane,” he points at me and as Karin sees me her eyes light up and she walks over to my side. “Lane, how nice to meet you,” she says with a heavy French accent and kisses both my cheeks loudly. My body stiffens and Matt cringes. “I have heard a lot about your music,” I instinctively wipe my cheeks with the back of my hand and give Matt a raised eyebrow “my cousin can’t stop talking about your talent,”
    “Thanks” I say, it’s all I could think of.
     
    “I can’t stay,” she says apologetically. “I have to get back to the house, Al is exhausted,” Matt pulls a sad face. “We all had a rough day,” I comment and Karin nods.
    “See you at the house later, safely,” she says and looks at me. I catch the hint. “We will see you later,” I nod at her. I will not let him drive home like this. His house is about five kilometres from the bar but in his current state, it would be foolish to take the risk. Karin leaves us then and Matt orders two blue shots again. He doesn’t offer me one and drinks them both hastily. “Slow down with the shots,” I try not to sound accusing. “I shouldn’t have let her go,” oh boy, how can he not see that she’s not for him “we could have made it work,” I know it’s of no use to try to reason with him but I give it a go. “Matt, she is just too different, you do not share one single interest and she spends most of her time two hundred kilometres from here. I am sure you will find a nice girl that at least stays in Safiri full time.” He pretends not to hear me, “I could have gone to visit her more, maybe quit my job and find one there,” what is he talking about? But I know it’s not him talking it’s the blue and red shots. He carries on talking and I decide to just sit and let him get rid of it.
     
    After three hours, I start feeling a bit tired. I had a rough day too. Matt’s eyes are red and half closed. Maybe we could get out of here now. “Want to go?” I ask
    “Sure” he says. I grab his Blackberry and keys from the counter. “I can drive,” he slurs
    “Don’t even think about it,” and he gives up easily. I hold him steady and he drapes his arm around my shoulder. We walk slowly down the path towards the car park. “I think I am going to ....” bluh, oh gross. At least he aimed for the flowers. I spot his red Dodge Caliber but we can get it tomorrow. I help him into the passenger seat of the Jeep.