Chasing the Moon

By Bryan Fagan

"A 30 year old slacker falls head first into a time vortex where he is forced to become a man.

30 year-old Sullivan Rohm has nothing better to do with his life than crash his ex-girlfriend's wedding. But when the plan fails and Sully finds his all-time low at a late night diner, something happens that forever changes the course

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Jan 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9789360494773

Book preview

Chasing the Moon

Bryan Fagan

Ukiyoto Publishing

All global publishing rights are held by

Ukiyoto Publishing

Published in 2023

Content Copyright © Bryan Fagan

ISBN

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, m

echanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

www.ukiyoto.com

To my wife and daughters. I love you to the stars and back.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank these amazing people. Without you, this book does not exist.

First off to my editor, Alyse Bailey. We go to battle. You push me and I push you and when the dust settles we end up with some pretty good stuff. You are an amazing editor and my dear friend. I cannot thank you enough for your hard work.

To Heidi Little. Not only did you look for every little mistake, you gave me the push I needed on days when I didn't think this would work. You have a wonderful eye for details and yes, I'm jealous. A huge thanks to you.

To Jo Pemmant for giving me the final read. You asked the right questions but most of all you listened. 

To Karen Agen for taking the time to read the early draft. Your opinions helped a lot and yes, I'll be calling on you again.

To my favorite author, K.M. Allan. You knew the early draft didn't work and your honesty convinced me to put this book aside until things made sense. Your talent and your friendship are so important to me. I'll be returning the favor whenever needed.

To Ukiyoto Publishing. I cannot thank you enough. You believed in my book and you believed in me. 

Last but not least: To you, the reader. My goal is to entertain you and I hope that's what I did. 

Contents

Part 1

The Little Girl

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Part 2

A Strange And Intriguing Place

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Part 3

Home

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Epilogue

About the Author

Part 1

The Little Girl

Chapter 1

Saturday, June 27th, 2018

Morning

L

eslie Rohm promised herself if her nephew was arrested again he was on his own. After all, he was a 30 year old man. If you can’t take on responsibility by that age you never will. She was responsible at that age. Hell, every damn member of the family was.

His parents weren't like this. They worked hard. They were wholesome, honest, hardworking people. And they sure as hell didn’t do drugs. Sure, an ice cold beer hit the spot but that’s as far as it went. But they had to die when he was a baby. Did she raise him wrong? Maybe it all comes down to her. Is that the root of the problem? Stop it, Leslie, she ordered. Every time you think that you blame yourself. There’s no time for that today. 

Yes, ma’am? 

The on duty police officer stood behind the counter waiting for her reply. He was as tall as her nephew. Maybe a little broader across the shoulder and about the same age. His voice carried a level of respect, while his eyes appeared well trained in his field. He also had a career and wasn’t being bailed out by his aunt. 

Maybe this was her fault. 

Ma’am?

Yes, I’m here to post bail for my nephew. 

Name?

I’m Leslie Rohm. I think I spoke to you the last time I was here. 

No Ma’am. The broad shoulder policeman flashed a smile. He seemed to know the nonsense she was going through. Or was he simply impatient? 

Your nephew's name, he asked. 

Oh. Leslie attempted a smile of her own hoping she didn’t look ridiculous. Sully Rohm, she said. His official name is Heinrick Sullivan Rohm, but I always thought Heinrick was ridiculous so I took his middle name and made it his first even though Heinrick still appears on his birth certificate as his first name. I’m rambling, aren’t I. 

She stood in front of the shiny counter with the fancy pens and bright lights and freshly ironed police uniforms. At least they appeared fresh.

 Everything was clean and organized and orderly. Unlike her nephew and herself if she had to be honest. That kid brought out the worst in her. She was positive the whole world could see it.

It was all becoming routine, she admitted. That was the worst of it. That dreaded word - Routine. But today would be the day, she promised. She would get tough and do what her brother would have done had he lived long enough to raise this boy. 

Oh, damn, she whispered. Look at the mess I made. 

Chapter 2

S

ully Rohm fucked up. 

The worst part of it all was that he knew he would fuck up again. But this particular go around was different. This fuck up involved a girl and for the first time in his life he was pretty sure he was in love.

She was different from any girl he had ever met. She didn’t need his constant approval like all the others. She was independent and driven to make something of herself. She was happy to be alone on a Friday night instead of clubs and tequila. She was the kind of girl he missed before their night was over but most of all she was the kind who could have changed his life if he just gave her a chance.

He stood alone in his jail cell convinced this would be the last time. He noticed they had given the nearby wall a fresh coat of paint. He remembered the last go around the paint was peeling and a bit moldy. 

Peeling and moldy, he whispered. Sort of like the life he was living.

Tonight she was getting married, but that’s okay, he had a plan and because of this brilliant plan he knew he had a chance. But this brilliant plan didn’t shake the fact that he fucked up. Another night of too many drinks, too many words and somebody calling the cops - Why the fuck do they always call the cops? Let the boys fight. 

Rohm! You made bail! 

He smiled politely at the guard and slowly walked down the hall of shame. This wasn’t the first time but it had to be the last. He knew he had a problem. A big fucking problem but he had to figure it out and he had to do it now. Aunt Leslie was the only family he had and if she dumped him he’d rot in this shit hole. But that’s never going to happen, is it Sully old boy. 

He couldn’t shake this girl. She was the only one who had dumped him and the first one to see past his bullshit. Deep down he respected the hell out of that. But that’s deep down and who the hell wants to go there? 

It all came down to finding out she was special a little too late. Story of his life. But like all stories this one could use a serious rewrite. Her wedding was tonight and all he needed was five minutes to change her mind. Ten tops.

He could see it now. Both of them in his piece of shit Honda, speeding away. Under the stars, chasing the moon. 

Hi, honey. 

He lowered his eyes the moment he heard Aunt Leslie’s voice. She was his biggest cheerleader, his biggest fan. She saw through his bullshit but there was something else. Maybe she saw a glimmer of hope or a piece of his parents begging to come out. How long, he wondered, until she would run out of patience? Most people did. He knew he would. Was it nothing more than a waiting game? Would he wake up and discover she too had given up and if she did, could he blame her. Of course not. This is Aunt Leslie we’re talking about.

They stood near the exit sign, inches away from freedom as he held Aunt Leslie in his arms. He was careful to avoid the disappointment in her eyes but who was he kidding. No matter how hard he tried to avoid them it was there.  Hang on to her, a voice inside reminded him. She’s all you’ve got. 

Chapter 3

Afternoon

W

hen she got right down to it, it was the long curly hair and those dark eyebrows that caused her to give in. He looked so damn much like her brother. And the worst part of it all, her brother was 30 when he died. The same age Sully’s at now. 

Why the hell couldn’t he have taken after his mother, she wished. 

Let’s see, we have the double cheeseburger and extra fries for Sully and the club sandwich for you, Leslie. Anything else? 

Leslie gave the young waitress a pleasant smile. Her name was Annie and just as sweet as could be. Thank God she was too young for Sully. At least she hoped. 

Thank you, dear. Everything is perfect.

Leslie watched Annie walk away and couldn’t help but feel a tug in her heart. Early 20-ish, goal oriented-ish, church-ish. Is it possible to deep sigh-ish, she asked herself. 

Sully, we need to talk. 

She waited for a response and wasn’t all that surprised to see him shove half the burger in his mouth. This could be one sided and if it was, she was okay with that. Maybe it’s time she tossed her timid self into the trash. God knows, she’s been wearing it long enough. She took a deep breath, realizing her appetite had disappeared and spoke. 

A wedding, she asked. You are crashing Olivia’s wedding? 

She watched him stop in mid bite and slowly raise his eyes to hers. They were at the middle table during the busy lunch hour. Far from a private talk but for once she didn’t care. Let the locals hear her, she thought. Let the rumors of her nephew's wild ways be replaced by cold hard facts.

Leslie caught herself smiling. Her anger was winning this battle. She glanced to her left as Mr. and Mrs. Clever lowered their forks and leaned to their right. Their eyes ready to soak up the lunchtime gossip.  

How did you know, he whispered. 

It was clear he wasn’t about to choke. She wished he was. Maybe it would have eased the tension some. She blamed herself for situations like this. She was a lousy parent. No sense of discipline. Always looking the other way. 

Aunt Leslie? 

She looked away from the window and into his eyes. He had stopped eating. Now that’s a first. Every time she bailed him out he scarfed up the plate and begged for seconds. What is it about jail that increases the appetite?

I was never cut out to be your mother, She said. I would have been a glorious Aunt. She could feel her face warming, her neck tingling. That little itch that wouldn’t go away had settled in for the day. I’m way too selfish. You never had a fighting chance and now look at you. 

She took a big bite and damn near choked herself. Now it was her turn to eat and his turn to stare. She could feel the wheels of his brain turning from where she sat. Poor little Annie flashed a nervous grin while the diners flashed nothing more than a curious stare. Oh yes, Leslie thought, let the small town gossip begin.  

You’re never going to bail me out again, I promise, he said. His eyes darted to Mrs. Clever and back to her. But she’d played this game before and when she did she was always on the losing end of the scoreboard. Just once couldn’t the game end in a tie? 

You’re right, she said. Her voice loud and clear just in case someone’s hearing aid was set on low. Next time you’ll have to find the bail money somewhere else. 

 Olivia knows you’re crashing her wedding tonight and I know because she called me. 

She waited for his response or anyone for that matter. An argument, an excuse, anything to drum up support for this crazy nonsense. But all she received was silence and that was the final straw. 

Because of your drunken rampage last night, the whole fucking town knows! Yes, dear, your dear Auntie dropped her first F-bomb.

He had turned into a little boy. Too afraid to look at her and too afraid to admit it. She had to confess, the anger felt good. 

Olivia was the best girl you ever had and you had to fuck around. She learned forward, ignoring Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen to her right. They loved a good eavesdropping and they sure as hell were getting one today. She also ignored the squeaky door and that damn little bell above that drove her crazy to no end.  

F-bomb number two, in case you’re counting, Leslie screamed for all to hear. 

She let out a deep sigh and quickly collected her thoughts. Must not think too much, she reminded herself. Just spill those damn words. Yes, she’ll be the center of gossip. Now is not the time to sweep things under the rug. 

Had you kept it in your pants, today might have been your wedding day, Sullivan! Can’t you do one damn thing right!? 

The little diner was silent. Forks and knives at a standstill waiting for the next word. The squeaky door leading to the kitchen as silent as a mouse. All eyes and ears on her. The familiar embarrassment had returned but this time something new occurred. A new sheriff was in town and it was time to mix this shit up. True, she wasn’t exactly sheriff material but what the hell. Maybe it was time for a long overdue change. 

Opinions from the peanut gallery? 

She turned her attention to the crowded little diner and waited for an answer. With averted eyes and nervous murmurs it was clear the peanut gallery was closed. 

Can I say something, Sully whispered. 

His face was beat red, that damn mustard dripping off his chin. Why the hell can’t he use his napkin, she thought?  

No, she snapped. Holy hell did it feel good to snap or what. Where have you been all my life?

With her arms folded and neither of them eating, Leslie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her nerves would crash but that would come later. It was clear a deal had been made. 

I’m sorry, he said. She watched him look away and lower his head. He always did this when he was close to tears. It had been a while, she thought, since his emotions had taken him this far. 

She forced herself to look past the pain in his eyes and focus on the one piece of advice he needed to hear. 

Stay home, tonight, she said. I have a bad feeling, Sully. 

I will, he promised.  

 Look, She reached across the table and held his hand, it was the same hand she held the night his parents were killed. That little two week old hand had held onto hers.

Stay home. Please. We’ll watch a movie, she begged. We’ll talk or not talk. Just….stay home. Bad things will happen tonight. I can feel it. He smiled and quickly looked away. She could tell he was going to get up and leave.  

I have to go, he said. She watched him push away from the table and stumble to leave. But thank you.

You're welcome, Her heart was sinking but she smiled anyway. Where are you going? 

I’m meeting up with some friends at a baseball field. We’re going to hit the ball around and play a little pool later on. 

He hated baseball and rarely played pool. Does he have any friends? Does he have that one person he can trust or is he one of those who is impossible to reach? 

He reached the cafe door but stayed inside. His hand resting on the door handle with no movement in sight. She found her heart warming while a tiny smile moved its way near. His stillness, a trademark passed down from his father. Oh those damn trademarks, she thought. Why can’t she enjoy them for once? 

She knew her words were sinking in. Like a sturdy towel soaking up a mess. Which way would he go was now the biggest guessing game in town. She waited for the little bell above the door to say goodbye but when he turned to the silent forks and knives she knew her words held weight. 

She watched him walk back to the table and place his arms around her. It was one of those rare moments of affection. Twice in one day, she thought. 

Thank you, he said as he leaned down and kissed her goodbye. I’ll never let you down again. 

As Leslie watched him disappear down the street and around the corner an odd feeling swept over her. It was the same odd feeling she had on the night his parents died. A feeling of loss and goodbye. She couldn’t help but think she would never see Sully again. But the thought was pushed away and a moment she would regret for a long time.

Chapter 4

H

e sat in his car near an old baseball field. It was the same field his Uncle tried and failed to teach him on. He had been calling Olivia since he left Aunt Leslie. To no surprise every call went to voicemail. It would have been a shock if she answered, but he had to keep trying. It was the only thing he had left. What if she goes through with this? What if she moves away? And now, the final question for this championship round - What else is there?

The question held an ounce of common sense, causing it to push and fight its way to the top. It was an annoying little bug, this common sense thing, and if...but only if...the little bug found traction it would get in the way of so many things. 

What do you want, Sully?

She answered on the first ring. Her voice wasn’t angry, bored or even annoyed. If anything it sounded sort of….sad….different.

Sully?

Yes...hi… He leaned forward and opened his eyes wide. This was it. This was show time. No rehearsal. No second chances. You get one shot. Olivia, please. Don’t hang up.

His voice was shaky and desperate, with just the right amount of fright to spice things up. She hated that sound and after a while so did he.

I’m not going to hang up, she said, until you tell me what you want.

She was in charge and in no mood to play games. He knew her so well. One word was all he needed to know where her head was. He gripped the steering wheel with his free hand while pressing the phone closer to his ear. He closed his eyes and whispered.

Don’t do this, honey. I can’t live without you.

He opened his eyes and curled his toes. Curled them until they hurt. She was his last hope. The best there ever was and yes, this could have been their day. Should have been their day, but this is what you get when you toss all of your chips on one number. You spin the wheel and laugh at the house, forgetting the house will always win.

How can you say that when you can’t live with yourself?

There was no emotion in her voice. Just calm and so matter of fact. In the past the tears and the anger got in the way, but not today. Maybe it had to do with the ex calling on her wedding day. Instead of being an emotional wreck you turn into a realist.

You make me better, he argued.

Nobody makes you better, Sully. Her voice was sharp, razer thin,  not an ounce of hesitation. I saw it the moment we met.

She paused long enough for her words to sting. Oh, she was good at it.

You live in the moment, she continued. You always will.

He opened his mouth to argue, to agree, hell, anything. But nothing happened and why should it. What good are words when a pound of honesty is what you need.

Do you remember when we talked about kids, she asked. Come to think of it, I talked about kids, not you. I did the grownup talk and you changed the channels.

We’ll talk tonight, he said. His hands moved through his sweaty hair. Please say yes, he begged. Just...just five minutes.

Oh, Sully, she laughed. How could she laugh at a time like this? You never listened before and you’re not listening now.

He uncurled his toes and released his grip. Her voice did this to him. It calmed him, made him unafraid. Like finding your mother after being lost in a mall. Your world has returned to normal.

Remember when I was late, she asked. Do you remember when I told you?

He closed his eyes and waited for the answer. She didn’t have to say it. He could see it. There was no time for a kid. In fact there would never be a time. Kids ask too many questions. They expect you to know it all and they take away your freedom and force you to grow up. But the worst part, yes, there is a part worse than this….they can see the real you. And who the hell wants that?

I knew it was over right then, she said. Her voice knocked him back to reality. I could see it in your eyes. You could have been faithful, Sully, but it wouldn't have mattered. You’re a seventeen year old trapped in a thirty year old body. 

The silence grew but he knew she had more to say.

No matter what I say you’re going to show up tonight and you’re going to show up because that is what a boy would do.

He listened to the silence and slowly lowered the phone to his lap. The ball field had filled up with kids, coaches and parents. He watched the kids in their mini-uniforms toss the ball back and forth, the coaches sharing a laugh while the parents found their seats in the bleachers. What would it be like to live this kind of day, he wondered, to be a coach or a parent? Would this have been the good life? When it all comes down to it, is this all anyone needs?

He turned away and focused on his phone. He suddenly remembered she didn’t say goodbye. Maybe he still had a chance. All he needed was a second to convince her. He would win one tonight. This time tomorrow there would be a new life. This time next week a dream would come true. 

Chapter 5

Evening

"F

riend or family, sir?"

He made it to the Church just in time. Olivia was getting married in another hour and if he played his cards right they’d be on the road by then. This was a crazy shit plan but who's to say it wouldn’t work. It’s got to work, he thought. There was no plan B. He tossed his chips all on one number. It’s do or die. 

Sully hesitated as the young man patiently waited for an answer. For a moment he was positive he’d freeze and if that happened you could kiss this big plan goodbye. 

Friend. He smiled. "Just… um, just passing

through." 

The young man stood behind a table where row after row of neatly organized name tags lay. Sully didn’t recognize the boy which meant one of two things: He was related to the groom or came from another town. Either way the kid didn’t appear to know him. 

The reception will be at the dance hall, The boy explained. If you don’t know the way, just follow the crowd. It’s a short walk. 

I will, Sully nodded. 

He wasn’t expecting any trouble. Despite Aunt Leslie’s premonition, the thought of something bad happening seemed farfetched. He wasn’t a threat, he was just passing through and his plans were simple: Snatch the bride before she made a terrible mistake, take her somewhere far away and create a new life.

He wasn’t exactly sure what that new life entailed but this was step one and step one was always the toughest. Right? 

Right, he whispered. 

He stood in the shadows and waited. He hadn’t exactly planned this out but he figured the moment he saw her he’d grab her by the hand and run. Had he simply kept his mouth shut last night and not bragged about it at the bar this might be a great plan. He was always good at talking people into things and talking Olivia into ditching her wedding on her wedding day was probable. 

Probable? 

But this is you, that little dark voice trapped deep in his skull whispered. Good old Sully. The man famous for doing things the hard way. You had your chance. There was a time when Olivia loved you. But you had to party with her friends that night. That one night when she was down with the flu. You could have stayed home, made her chicken soup, held her hair back when she puked. But hell no. Not only did you sleep with her best friend, you did it sober. You couldn’t blame the bottle this time, could you?

What the hell am I doing? He whispered. Sully, you dumb son of a bitch. Who the hell does shit like this? 

Crazy people do shit like this, that’s who. And the worst part is that she knows I’m here. Hell, everyone does. Just ask Aunt Leslie. What would Olivia say right now if she saw me? She’d say I was crazy, that’s what. 

And she’d be right. He whispered. 

He moved away from the wall and looked for the nearest exit. He’d go home, go to church with Aunt Leslie in the morning and spend brunch talking to her about his future. You’re 30 and you’re out of excuses. Everybody is moving on in life but me. You fucked up. Let her go. She’s not going to run off with you. That’s the kind of shit a 19 year old would think. 

Time to grow up, this time he didn’t whisper. 

He spotted an exit sign at the far end of the hall. He was actually looking forward to the evening. He’d drive home. Open the door to the look on Aunt Leslie’s face. There would be no lecture but if there was he’d take it. He deserved it. Hell, she tossed two F-bombs at him today and this from a person who whispers damn or hell.

He took a step, the exit door within reach, and almost made it. 

Well I’ll be damned! 

The voice came from his left. He was certain no one had seen him. None of the family members had arrived yet and those that were, were seated and out of the way. 

Heinrich, right? Or is it Sully? Hell, I can never remember. 

The man knew him or knew of him. He appeared to be his age, maybe a little younger, and about a half a foot shorter. His broad shoulders and thick neck stood out over his rented tux. Something told Sully he was part of the wedding but on the groom's side. Had he been on Olivia’s chances are he would have met him. 

I’ve missed you, buddy, the stranger laughed. Been a while. 

The stranger grabbed a handful of shirt and yanked him away from the exit door. The move was brief but forceful. In that moment it was clear his plans would be derailed for a while. 

Excuse me. Sully slapped the hand away and turned to face him. A brief uncertainty crossed the strangers face as he quickly sized Sully up. 

What’s the matter friend, The stranger smiled. 

Who are you?

Sully studied the guy but could not place him. He thought he had gotten lucky sneaking in the way he did but it looked like his luck had run out. 

I’m hurt, Heinrich. The stranger said. You really don’t remember me? 

No. I don’t remember you, and I’d like you to get your hands off of me. 

The move was swift and choreographed; a common wrestling move as the stranger grabbed Sully around the waist and quickly pinned him against the wall. It all made sense. The young man he’d met at the table figured out who he was. Within minutes, the groom's finest were set in action. 

Get him outside! Hurry up! 

Two of the stranger’s buddies magically appeared and removed him from the scene. A summer breeze greeted him with a gentle kiss, along with a dumpster, garden hoses and the smell of yesterday's trash.  

Hold the fucker!

The stranger cracked his knuckles as his two friends shoved Sully against a brick wall. The smell of wine, beer and a touch of the hard stuff escaped their breath.

Where the hell do you get off showing up at our buddies wedding? 

The smaller one stepped back to get a better view of the situation. He smiled and waited for an answer. When none came his grin widened. Slowly he reached inside his rented tux and pulled out a shiny silver flask. It had been a while since he’d had found himself in a similar situation. 24 hours to be exact. But unlike the earlier version an unusual calm washed over him.

Gentlemen, Sully attempted to reason while the smaller one slowly took a sip. We don’t need to do this. I was leaving. 

The strong one on his left pinned his arm good and solid. A knee pressed close to his groin, not enough to cause pain but enough to keep things interesting.

So tell me. The smaller one asked. An ex sneaking into his ex’s wedding? You really thought you’d pull this off? 

It was clear how this was going to end but maybe, Sully thought, if I could delay their next move for even a minute, I might be able to get the hell out of here in one piece. 

I didn’t catch your name? Sully asked. 

Shut the hell up! I’ll ask the questions.

Okay. He kept his voice low and calm. Unlike the previous night where he dared to kick everybody's ass before last call. Look. He continued, I made a mistake and you are right, this is really fucking dumb. 

He tried moving his arms away from the wall but the two rented tuxes wouldn’t budge. 

I guess I’m not too good with closure, he said. 

Closure? The stranger laughed. What the hell does that mean? 

It means he’s a pussy. The bigger one laughed. 

The middle one started to giggle. Immediately Sully took the cue and started laughing too. 

I’m a pussy. Sully laughed, causing the others to follow. 

The stronger one stepped forward and laid a friendly hand on his shoulder. The other two loosened their grips, both of them eyeing the flask.

I like you, man. He said, pausing just enough to take a drink. But what the hell were you thinking?

I wasn’t, Sully shrugged. 

"You know what’s