The jukebox was playing Loser by Beck.
Dave took a sip of his pint.
"Shame the women lost in the World Cup Final eh Vin?"
Vinny sipped his pint.
"Not really fussed either way."
Dave leaned forward and stage whispered.
"You can't say that Vinny. You have to get behind our girls!"
Vinny frowned.
"I can say it and I did. I'm not against them, I'm just not into football. It doesn't make me unpatriotic but since you've gotten me on the subject..."
Dave put his hand over his face.
Under the Old Pete Memorial table Scrapps whined. At the bar Ken rolled his eyes. Lecherous Lee crossed himself from his bar stool. Dave had opened Pandora's Box.
"In an uninterested way I'm pleased they've done so well but what I fucking hate is the way the press and the politicians sudden get on board NOW. They watched the bloody bandwagon roll past and they jumped right on."
Vinny sipped his pint and the pub girded its loins in preparation for the rest of the rant.
"And every little opportunistic twatbag you can think of will have an opinion or will be going out of their way to have a photo taking with the girls. You know annoys me most of all Dave?"
Dave took a gulp of his pint.
"No but I’m sure you’re going to tell me."
"David-fucking-Beckham. The Kraken will awoke from his ancient slumber in California where he's lived forever and will just have to give his fucking opinion because we just have to have his fucking opinion don't we?"
© Darren Sant 2023
The Round Up
Morning, Just thought we’d let you know about some of the exciting things we’ve got going on here at Byker towers and also highlight some of the excellent short fiction we’ve been posting. As ever, all comments, shares and correspondence welcome - you can get us at info@bykerbooks.com and we’re always happy to hear from you.
I like the story, and especially the illustration. I love Krakens and cephalopods as artistic themes, and that picture at the center is strikingly beautiful. Where did you get it, if I might ask?