For Vinny the half mile walk to the Rampant Horse was almost the only exercise he got. Not a bad distance from home but somehow it always seemed longer on the return trip. His other workouts included the trot to the bookies to put on that last minute tip. The legendary slow saunter to the Premier to get bacon was one of his favourite strolls.
On this fine evening the sun was just setting as he made his pilgrimage to the finest of pubs. All the bits of broken glass sparkled like diamonds and the gasworks had a beautiful hazy corona over it.
His solitude was briefly interrupted by some kids giving him lip, threats of violence soon sent them on their way. Finally he reached his destination. The site of the pub made his heart sing. Home. Club Paper Jack was puffing on a roll up outside the pub.
"Evening Vinny."
"How do Club. Any luck finding a job yet?"
Club Paper Jack crossed himself.
"Don't be saying the J word and spoil a fine evening like this."
Vinny chuckled and headed into the pub.
The regulars were all there. All was well with the world.
His best mate Dave was sat at their usual table. Dave's walk to the pub consisted of giving his wife the slip and heading down his back garden, out of his back gate and across a disused railway line to the car park of the Rampant Horse. Somehow Dave always managed to be at the end of his first pint as Vinny walked in. He waved and Vinny acknowledged the age old cue to get a round in with a nod.
There was much speculation about Dave's sixth sense when it came to making sure Vinny always got the first round in. Old Pete thought it was a kind of ESP, a second sight if you will. Ken the barman thought of a high tech solution, maybe a GPS tracker. Lecherous Lee thought he had a network of informants perhaps kids paid in pennies. Big Kev thought pigeons. Club Paper Jack did not speculate on such things. His attention always upon creating the perfect roll up. Dave would never tell. He would just smile and wink when questioned.
Vinny settled and handed his pal a foamy one.
"Thank you compadre."
"My pleasure you tight bastard."
"In my defence I have fed the beast."
The beast was the pub's ancient jukebox. You still got seven plays for a quid - even more when Lecherous Lee did his magic with a strimmer cord when Ken wasn't looking. As if to emphasize his point the opening chords of Pinball Wizard started pounding out of the speakers.
Club Paper Jack, who didn't often get excited, popped his head into the pub roll up dangling from his lips. Ken gave him a warning look.
"Here lads come look at this.'
Dave looked at Vinny.
Vinny looked at Dave.
Pints were sipped and reluctantly left.
The lads sauntered outside to see what the fuss was about.
"What is it-"
Dave stopped mid-sentence. Vinny just behind him stopped dead in his tracks.
The sky was a blazing riot of colours, all the hues of the rainbow. A beautiful sight to behold especially against backdrop of the tired houses of the Longcroft Estate.
Old Pete and his dog Chips joined them, then Ken the barman. Together the friends watched the aurora borealis with smiles of wonder and awe. They had shared a wonderful experience they would never forget. The sky was magnificent. A passing dog walker spoiled the whole thing.
"Bloody Kids have set fire to the plastics factory again."
© Darren Sant 2023
I enjoyed this story.