“You survived work,” Alan said when he and Jim arrived in front of the club at virtually the same moment.
“Barely, without you there for moral support.”
“I thought about it, then decided I wasn’t up to being quizzed to death about the attack and all. I had enough of that from the people I work with, but then, I told you that.”
“Yep.” Jim grinned, putting his arm around Alan’s shoulders as they entered the club. “I figured that’s why you played keep away. Be aware, however, we might face the same thing here.”
“Oh, great.” Alan sighed. “It is what it is, I guess.”
They made it to the bar, where they had a brief wait until a couple of guys vacated their seats.
“Beat you,” Jim said, winking at man who tried to grab one of the stools before he could. The man laughed good-naturedly, going
