Owen Lee vs. Alexis Quinne

[Owen]

17th November 2021

Toronto

 

Owen sits in the reception of SCW Headquarters, a place that only a few months ago he firmly believed he wouldn’t be there again. Even now, Owen wasn’t sure that being here was the right decision, and yet when Daisy had spoken with him previously, it had become obvious that he had little choice. There were a multitude of choices he could have made. He could have gone to GCW and been a star. He could have joined Adam Lucas at EAW, but that would have been pretty much starting again. No Daisy was right, the only way his return could be legitimized was if it was SCW where he made his comeback. Anywhere else wouldn’t have had the same impact. And Owen had to concede, looking around the reception, at the many dignitaries that lined the walls, he felt that buzz of excitement that had been missing the last time he was here. It felt good to be back. Even the receptionist wasn’t eyeing him with the same caution that she had before. She picks up her phone, listening to the caller on the other end, before then replacing the handset, she looks up at Owen. She eventually catches his eye as he scans the room.

 

Receptionist: Mr. Robson will see you now Mr. Cruze

 

Owen gets to his feet with a grin. He’d met before with Edward Robson; in fact he was the guy who had dealt with Owen’s resignation. He hadn’t expected Olek to make the trip himself, but it was with a certain send of irony that it was Robson he would be meeting with again.

 

Owen: Thank you. Just through there?

 

The receptionist shakes her head and points towards another door, Owen making his way towards it. Putting at the door as he reaches it, and with the receptionist’s confirmation he is in the right place, he opens it, immediately seeing Edward Robson sitting in an office chair behind a desk. Owen looks around the room, an office much bigger than the one he had experienced before. Edward has obviously gone up in the world over the past few months.

 

Edward: Ah, Mr. Cruze… would you take a seat please?

 

Owen pulls out the chair that is sat in front of the desk and sits himself down in it.

 

Owen: Nice office…

 

Edward smiles, at least now showing no animosity towards Owen, which Owen really appreciated. He was nervous about this meeting already, the telephone conversation he had with Talent Relations giving the impression that him resigning was far from an inevitability.

 

Edward: Yes, it came with the promotion. Being a part of the Talent Relation team comes with certain perks. I take full ownership now of the Talent Development side of Supreme Championship Wrestling, hence why you are meeting with me today.

 

Owen: So, not just standing in for Olek huh? Well done you.

 

Edward: Thank you. It’s good to have a purpose.

 

Owen nods an agreement, that being pretty much what the last few months had been all about, finding out what his ‘purpose’ was so he understood. He’d felt what it was like to be part of a corporate machine, and Edward had obviously felt the same before. Even though Owen had approached this meeting with some trepidation, he found himself warming to Edward this time round.

 

Owen: So, how is Olek?

 

Edward: I assure you; I am totally responsible…

 

Owen holds up his hands

 

Owen: No, you misunderstand me. It would have been nice to see him again.

 

Edward: well, I’m sure you understand he is a very busy man.

 

Owen smirks, a few months ago a statement like that would have probably riled him.

 

Owen: Of course, … I’d just like to have said sorry to him personally that’s all.

 

Edward: I’ll be sure to pass your apologies on.

 

Owen: Thank you.

 

Owen cannot hide his disappointment, his attack on Olek one of the things that he regretted more than most. Hopefully he’d get the chance to speak with Olek personally, but for now just getting back on the roster was the most important thing.

 

Edward: OK so Owen, it is my understanding that you would like to resign for Supreme Champion Wrestling, is that correct?

 

Owen: That’s right yes.

 

Edward: I see

 

For the first time, Owen understands that Edward is enjoying this, carrying a grudge from their previous encounter. Owen knew however that he couldn’t rise to the bait, he needed to bite his tongue, and do whatever it took to regain his place on the roster. If that meant eating a whole plateful of humble pie, then that was precisely what he needed to do. After all, it wouldn’t be the last time.

 

Edward: Obviously, it goes without saying that the company has certain ‘misgivings’ when it comes to reinstating you. Your behavior towards the end of last season was not in line with the company morals and policies. In fact, some would say that some of your actions bordered on criminal.

 

Criminal was a little harsh, but still Owen keeps his mouth shut, concerned as to how he may respond.

 

Edward: If we are to reinstate you, then we would need many assurances that there would be no repeat of your behavior, and certain clauses placed into your contract to ensure that we were recompensed accordingly should you again step out of line. If you are willing to engage in those negotiations, then we can end this meeting here.

 

Owen nods his head, understanding totally.

 

Owen: No, go ahead.

 

Edward reaches down towards his cupboard drawer and pulls out a manilla folder, Owen catching his name on the top. Robson opens it up and pushes what looks like a contract in Owen’s direction.

 

Edward: If you would like to take a look at the contract, I’m sure you will agree that considering how you left SCW after Taking Hold of the Flame, the company has been more than fair. If you turn to page two, you will see that in addition to several clauses that will activate should you breach your contract in the future, there is also an immediate dismissal clause should you decide to once again assault a SCW official.

 

Owen: Immediate?

 

Edward: Correct.

 

Owen shrugs his shoulders, flicking the page.

 

Edward: You will also see that all bonus you could attain during the first six months of your contract are waivered and held until such time the company is confident that you are indeed the reformed individual you claim to be. If you do indeed ‘relapse’ these monies will go to a recognized charity of our choice.

 

Owen: I guess that’s fair.

 

Edward: Finally, on the final page you will see the monetary value of your contract. Now, I know this is nothing like the value that you were on before…

 

Owen turns the final page, and cannot help but smile at number, which was even less than what he had been offered to re-sign after his apology to SCW. Again, he keeps his emotions in check, none of this was about the money.

 

Owen: So, I’m on a development salary yeah?

 

Edward: Slightly above actually, but I’m sure you understand Owen. You burnt a lot of bridges with this company. There were many on the board that didn’t want us to even enter negotiations, never mind give you a contract that would put you on an equal footing with some of the premier superstars in this company. I know it might not seem like it now, but this is an opportunity for you to regain a foothold, and this is a real second chance for you, that some would say you don’t deserve. I do have to say this however Owen, this isn’t a negotiation. This is the one and only offer on the table, there will be no more. You decide to walk away, we shake hands and that’s it.

 

Owen bites his bottom lip. There was no doubt that the salary was nothing like what he could command elsewhere. And whether he was imagining it or not, Edward seemed to be patronizing him, lording it over Owen because he felt like he held all the cards. Owen takes the contract, and the pen and signs his name on the bottom, a smirk forming on Edwards face, knowing he’d got one heck of a star back on the books for a steal. In his mind, he was already spending his bonus check from Olek. Owen spins the contract around and slides it back to Edward, his face emotionless.

 

Owen: There you go…

 

Edward: Welcome back to SCW Owen. I’m sure you’ll get a warm welcome from the fans.

 

That was sarcasm, and Owen doesn’t miss it either. But again, he doesn’t react, and instead watches as Edward files away the contract.

 

Owen: There are just a couple of things if I may…

 

Edward: With all due respect Owen, you’re not able to make demands in your current situation

 

Was Edward letting his business persona slip? Either way it brings a smile to Owen’s face.

 

Owen: Not demands, not really. Just from here on in, a little consideration.

 

Edward: I’m listening.

 

Owen: I don’t want to be know as Owen Cruze any longer and would prefer to be referred to as Owen Lee. I’d prefer it if the references to my ‘Father’ are kept to a minimum. I have my reasons, and if I chose to share them, then I will.

 

Edward: That doesn’t seem to be too far from the realms of possibility.

 

Owen: Good, and secondly… can fifty percent of my salary be forwarded to those charities that you spoke of until this company starts believing in me again…whether it be six months or longer? And instead of holding those bonuses, why don’t you pay them forwards immediately.

 

Edward: Excuse me? That means you’d be wrestling for pretty much nothing.

 

Owen nods his agreement.

 

Owen: Yeah, and that’s exactly the way I want it to be

 

Edward: I don’t understand

 

Owen motions towards a jug of water, his mouth dry. Edward nods, his holier than thou attitude now replaced by intrigue. Owen pours himself a glass of water and takes a sip, before placing his glass on a coaster.

 

Owen: I messed up Edward. I didn’t get it back then, but I certainly realize what an asshole I was now. Yeah, there may have been circumstances that caused me to go off the rails, but I now know that everything I fought for, I threw that back in peoples faces, people that had been with me since the beginning, and I need to pay that back. I need to make people believe in me again and believe that I am doing this for the right reasons. None of this is about the money, it shouldn’t ever be about the money. So, if that money can do good for others, then so be it… all the better.

 

Edward opens his mouth to say something but Owen, as politely as he can, cuts him off.

 

Owen: Mr. Robson, I know you don’t like me. And I know full well that if you had your way, you wouldn’t have even given me this meeting. And honestly, as I sit here right now, I don’t blame you. I was a dick to this company, I was a dick to Olek, and I was even a dick to you, when all you were doing was your job. So, heck, if I can change your mind about me, then I change anyone’s, and next time we are sat here talking contracts, maybe you’ll believe that I’m worth a lot more than you do now. I’m going to make this good Mr. Robson, but I know words won’t convince you, only actions. And that’s why I am back… action. And to rebuild all that which I destroyed. Starting right now.

 

Owen knew that Edward still wasn’t convinced, but one day he would be, just like everyone else. He’d worked so hard, and hopefully those people that he’d either hurt or harmed, would see that, and forgive him.

 

Edward: OK Owen… well I think that is everything. I look forward to seeing you back in the ring.

 

Owen: I can’t wait to be back Edward.

 

Owen gets to his feet and offers his hand to a surprised Edward, who takes it anyway.

 

Owen: Thank you for your time… and don’t forget to say sorry to Olek.

 

Edward: I won’t

 

Edward watches as Owen leaves the office, before picking up the handset of the phone, the speakerphone light going out. We can hear the mumblings of someone speaking on the other end, until finally Edward replies.

 

Edward: Sincere? I don’t know. I guess we wait and find out.

 

The person on the other end starts to speak again, Edward nodding his head.

 

Edward: OK Mr. D.… I’ll do that right away.

 

23rd November 2021

Miami

 

Only a couple of days after the meeting, Owen had received his contract in the post, which had included the two stipulations that Owen had added, and the details of the charities that would benefit from those monies. To Owen, he’d never miss the money, he'd earned enough from the sale of Icon, but as he’d said to Edward during the meeting, it wasn’t ever about the money, even when he was a young kid starting out. Owen felt like he had his priorities in order, and to him, that was more important than a regular salary, and these charities would benefit more from the dollars than he ever would. Now back in Miami, he was meeting with the foreman of the building company he had employed to compete the renovation. The guys name was Kane, and Owen’s first impression of him was that he was impressive, and certainly knew what he was talking about. Having had a look around the house and what he was dealing with, he finds Owen in the rear garden, looking out over the ocean. Owen seems lost in his thoughts, and only after a few moments does he realize Kane is stood there.

 

Owen: Oh, hey man… sorry, miles away.

 

Kane: Easily done with this view

 

Owen gets to his feet, turning back to the ocean with his hands in his jacket pockets.

 

Owen: One of the main reasons why I picked the place. Seems kinda peaceful.

 

Kane: It is, one of the most relaxed places in Miami, you chose well. Some good fishing around here as well if your so inclined.

 

Owen: Yeah, I thought about getting a boat, kinda had that option ruined for me though.

 

Kane doesn’t push for the facts, and Owen is glad he doesn’t. Orlando’s boat was still something fresh in his mind. Evenings sat on deck looking up at the stars. Memories that now he would prefer to forget.

 

Kane: What, you were going to rent one?

 

Owen: Nah, was going to buy one and moor it in the bay. But… decided against it.

 

Kane scratches the back of his neck, clearly wanting to ask a question.

 

Owen: Something wrong bro?

 

Kane: No, not really… it’s just, you don’t seem old enough to have that kind of money.

 

Owen laughs

 

Owen: Yeah, I get that a lot.

 

Kane: I mean, how old are you? 21… 22?

 

Owen: Spot on… I’m 22 in February.

 

Kane: So, what did you do? Rob a bank or something. I mean, these renovations aren’t going to be cheap, and yet still you’re considering buying a boat.

 

Owen: I started a clothing line with the proceeds of my inheritance when one of my parents died. Then sold it off for a ridiculous profit. Don’t worry bro, I can pay… even if it doesn’t look like it.

 

Kane: Guessing the bike out front is yours as well?

 

Owen: Yeah… I guess I’ve been kinda lucky. I can assure you, its all come at a cost if it makes you feel better.

 

Kane: Oh no, not at all. You seem like a nice guy, so it’s not of my business how you make your money. If you can pay the invoice at the end of the day I don’t care.

 

Owen: Well yes, I can. And talking of the renovations, what’s the damage?

 

Kane pulls a piece of paper from his clipboard and passes it over, Owen looking at it and barely reacting.

 

Owen: Yeah, that all looks cool. How long do you think it will take?

 

Kane: Inhabited… three or four months. If not, I reckon we could do it in two.

 

Owen: No one will be living here bro; I’m renting an apartment a couple of blocks away. You’ll have free reign.

 

Kane: In that case Owen, let’s call it two months.

 

Owen: And that’s everything on the specification.

 

Kane looks back down at the plans, nodding his head.

 

Kane: Yeah, there isn’t anything here we can’t handle. By the time we’re done, you’ll have quite the house to come back to, and hey, if we mess it all up, you’ll still have that view right?

 

Owen: In that case then, it looks like we have a deal. When can you start?

 

Kane: We are just finishing a job today… does Thursday suit?

 

Owen: Sounds perfect

 

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a spare key.

 

Owen: Here you go mate

 

He passes the key to Kane, and then the two shake hands, Kane starting to make his way around the house, Owen following him. Kane gets in his truck, winding down the window.

 

Kane: We’ll see you on Thursday Owen. Thanks.

 

Owen: Take care

 

Owen watches as the truck pulls away, scowling as he notices a car the other side of the street, a car that he recognized. He does a double take before proceeding to cross the road.

 

Owen: Mom??

 

As he gets closer, his apprehension starts to build, with the hope that he is mistaken. When he is about ten feet away, the drivers side door opens, and out steps Kloe. Owen stops abruptly in his tracks, his worst fears realized, and for a moment the two of them don’t speak. Finally, it is Kloe who makes the first move, stepping forwards, which causes Owen to take a step back.

 

Kloe: Owen, I just want to talk.

 

Owen, finding his composure, can reply.

 

Owen: And I guess you were in the area, right?

 

Kloe: Well, actually yes, I was.

 

Owen: Sure, you were. And I suppose you guess where I was huh and it had nothing to do with Shaun?

 

She doesn’t respond, though the conversation was going in precisely the way she feared.

 

Owen: Your silence tell me all I need to know. I really wish he’d stop meddling.

 

Kloe: It wasn’t his fault, I made him tell me.

 

Owen: Yeah… and I bet he took a lot of persuading. No matter, you’ve had a wasted journey. Sorry.

 

Owen turns to walk back into the house, but Kloe shouts after him.

 

Kloe: Owen please. Just five minutes, and then I’ll go, and you don’t ever have to see me again.

 

Owen puffs out his cheeks and sighs

 

Owen: Don’t have any choice, do I?

 

Kloe: No, I’m your Mother.

 

Owen: Are we sure about that?

 

It was a low blow for sure, but by now Owen didn’t care.

 

Owen: Follow me, I’ll put the kettle on.

 

With a smile, Kloe locks the car, and starts following Owen towards the house, and round the side towards the back.

 

Owen: Wait here…

 

Kloe takes her seat, happy that she had at the very least got an audience with her son but knowing that the hard part was getting him to listen.

 

TEN MINUTES LATER

 

Owen reappears with a tray, two mugs of tea resting on it. He places it down on the table, and then takes a seat, predictably Kloe marveling at the view.

 

Kloe: It’s beautiful here, I can see why you chose it.

 

Owen picks up his tea and takes a sip.

 

Owen: I chose it because it was just about as far away from Los Angeles as I could possibly get.

 

Kloe: Guess I deserve that

 

Owen: Oh, believe me, you deserve a whole lot more than that. Thing is, moving to Miami wasn’t all about getting away from you.

 

Kloe: Well, that’s at least a little reassuring.

 

Owen: Don’t get me wrong Mom, you were a big part of it, but I couldn’t hang around in Los Angeles, just like I couldn’t go live in Newquay and pretend that it didn’t have a shit ton of memories attached to it. I needed a clean break from everything, and this was it.

 

Kloe: So, I saw a truck outside, are you renovating?

 

Owen: Yes

 

Kloe: So, this isn’t a temporary thing then?

 

Owen: No… I plan to make a home here, away from any distractions.

 

Kloe: And by distractions you mean me?

 

Owen: Partly yes. But also, Shaun, Taylor… and anyone else who has had a hand in my business over the past few years. I’m done being everyone’s pet project, and only alone can I be who I want to be without someone looking over my shoulder every five minutes. But you know this already right, seeing as I told Shaun these exact same things.

 

Kloe: He’s worried about you Owen, we all are.

 

Owen: Well, you don’t have to be, not anymore. I can do this. I WILL do this. And I thought Shaun got that… obviously not.

 

Kloe now takes a sip of her drink, pushing it forwards when she realizes it is made with Cows Milk. Owen knew she was Vegan, so she couldn’t help but think he’d done that one purpose. She doesn’t make a big deal about it, however.

 

Kloe: So, this is all because of Daisy?

 

Owen laughs… she wasn’t the first person to think that and certainly wouldn’t be the last.

 

Owen: No, it’s not. Daisy has never tried to control my decisions like you all did. All she did was be there when no one else was. Someone who could guide me, but never forced me to make any decisions. When I found out about Orlando… she was the one who reached out and held me together. Ironically, she did that for HIM, funny how things turn out isn’t it?

 

Kloe: So, you’re not here because of her?

 

Owen: No Mom, I’m not. I chose Miami, because it was right for me, all Daisy did was give me my confidence back, confidence to make the decisions that were going to shape the rest of my life. She didn’t judge like some others did, best friends who turned their backs on me quicker than a snap of the fingers. That’s the difference between controlling, and guiding Mom, and I’m in a far better frame of mind now than I have ever been, freed from the shackles of being ‘his’ son.

 

Kloe: You must hate us

 

Kloe lowers her head to the floor, Owen shaking his.

 

Owen: No, I don’t hate you Mom. Oh, I’m not going to lie, I despised you and Orlando for a long time after the lies you told me, the bullshit that was my life. But now, the only feelings I have toward the two of you is disappointment. I can’t believe that you would lie to me for that long. I can’t believe he died without ever telling me the truth. It hurt, more than anything else in my life… but now it’s just a dull pain that I use to remember… the reality is there is very few people you can trust. Even your parents.

 

If Kloe has met with him immediately after the aftermath, she would have seen a different Owen, a broken version of what was. Sat before her right now, wasn’t someone shadowed by guilt, and instead she was seeing someone who had compartmentalized the events as nothing more than a learning process, a means to an end to achieve the evolution he had searched for. A man who he had one idolized now seemingly meaning nothing to him, or at least that was the impression he was giving.

 

Kloe: It wasn’t his idea you know?

 

Owen: What?

 

Kloe: Orlando wanted to tell you the truth, but I wouldn’t let him.

 

Owen: It doesn’t matter Mom, I’m over it.

 

Kloe: Perhaps, but you shouldn’t have to be. When Orlando found out about my infidelity, he was amazing. He promised there and then to bring you up as his own son, and never treat you as anything else. As you got older, he wanted to sit you down, and tell you the truth, and that no matter what, he was your Dad, the man who stepped to the plate and brought you up.

 

Owen: So why didn’t you let him?

 

Kloe: I was scared, scared that you wouldn’t have the same feelings for him if you knew the truth. I was scared for myself as well, that you’d think less of me after what I had done. Orlando relented, and never brought it up again. And as you got older, it just got harder and harder to take that risk. Owen, you must believe me, I wish I’d listened to him and we’d told you. I wish you’d not had to find out in the way you did. But you know the one thing I wish more than anything else?

 

Owen: What?

 

Kloe: I wish that you could still see that Orlando WAS your Father in every way that matters. And Finn…

 

Owen’s face visibly changes, as his blood Father is mentioned, a man who has wanted to kill him.

 

Kloe: Finn was the biggest mistake of my life… until not telling you the truth. Don’t let my selfishness ruin what you had with your Father Owen… because it’s that relationship which was important, and that never changes.

 

Owen turns his head, looking away from his Mother for a few moments, contemplating all that he had heard. He looks at his wristwatch, and then back at his Mom.

 

Owen: That’s five minutes…

 

Kloe: Owen… please.

 

Owen: No Mom, I’m sorry but it’s too late. It’s time for you to leave.

 

Kloe gets to her feet, her eyes glistening as tears start to form.

 

Kloe: Is there anything I can do to fix this?

 

Owen: Can you erase the lie?

 

Kloe doesn’t say a word but shakes her head.

 

Owen: Then, no, nothing can fix this. Please, don’t come back here Mom, this is my life now.

 

A single tear falls, making its way down her cheek before landing on the floor, Kloe holding out her hand to her son, which he ignores.

 

Owen: Take care of yourself Mom. See yourself out.

 

Owen turns, and closes his eyes as he walks back into the house, not wanting her to see that his eyes were glistening too, before shutting the French Doors behind him. Kloe cannot help herself, and bursts out into tears, making her way back down the side of the house and to her car. She doesn’t see the French Doors open, Owen’s silhouette in the entranceway, as if regretting his decision. Then just as quickly the doors shut.

 

23rd November 2021

Miami

 

After meeting his Mom for the first time in months, Owen could only think about one thing, that being getting out and seeing what Miami had to offer for a guy who needed a drink. Back in LA, he would have easily found someone to go out with, but here in Miami, where he knew literally no one, it was a little more difficult. Putting his anxieties to one side however he had gotten himself ready and headed the eight hundred or so yards to the bar that he could see from his back garden. Once there, he finds himself a table, orders himself a Jack Daniels and Coke, and tries to put everything else to the back of his mind, once again finding himself captivated by both the ocean, and people watching, not aware that he was the one being watched.

 

“Hey…”

 

Owen turns to face a blonde-haired girl, probably twenty-five years old, and dressed in a pair of high waisted fitted jeans, and a retro looking tee-shirt, that also fit in all the right places.

 

Owen: Oh, hey…

 

“You’re new around, here aren’t you?”

 

Owen: That obvious huh? Yeah, I just bought a house a few blocks away.

 

The girl holds out her hand, Owen shaking it.

 

“I’m Charlotte…”

 

Owen: And I’m Owen

 

Charlotte: Hello Owen, can I buy you a drink?

 

Owen: Sure… if you sit down and keep me company for a while. I look a right loser sat her on my own.

 

Charlotte motions for the waitress, who nods as Charlotte points to Owen’s glass.

 

Owen: Something tells me that you are from around here.

 

Charlotte: You could say that… I own this bar.

 

Owen: Really? You don’t look old enough to own a bar

 

Charlotte: No? And you don’t look old enough to be buying a house in this area

 

Owen: Touché…

 

The waitress sets another glass down, Charlotte winking at her as she leaves

 

Charlotte: So, what brings you to Miami Owen?

 

Owen: Honestly, I guess you could say a fresh start

 

Charlotte: I see, running away from stuff huh?

 

Owen: I wouldn’t say ‘running’, ‘getting’ away would be better.

 

Charlotte: I’m guessing friends or family?

 

Owen: Bit of both, I thought it best if I got myself some space.

 

Charlotte: And how you finding Miami so far?

 

Owen: Yeah, it’s what I was looking for… just not used to drinking on my own.

 

Charlotte: Well, in that case then, you’re in luck, because I’ve just finished my shift. Want a drinking partner? Gotta warn you though, I own a bar, I’m no lightweight.

 

Owen: I mean, if you don’t mind.

 

Charlotte: Owen, by comparison to some of the guys I get in here, you are an absolute sweetheart. What do you say?

 

Owen: Yeah, why not… but we don’t talk about family and friends. Deal?

 

Charlotte: You got it. We’re gonna need more drinks.

 

Over the course of the next couple of hours there are no awkward silences, and as promised the subject of his Father never comes up. In fact, if anything Charlotte is the one that drives the conversation, more than happy to explain how it was she came to own a bar, and how she came about the money to do so. She’d no shame in telling Owen that her Father had paid for the bar in the first instance, but since then she had paid him back in full, and was now totally self-sufficient, and hadn’t asked him for anything else since. It seemed like success followed her family around, her Dad able to retire early, and her Sister owning a chain of salons in Miami. She was interesting, and as the drinks continued to flow, Owen found himself getting more and more comfortable with her.

 

Charlotte: So, I’ve got a question for you?

 

Owen: Sure, as long as it’s not about my parents…

 

Charlotte: Hey, I promised, didn’t I? My word is my bond, or something like that.

 

They both laugh.

 

Owen: OK, so what do you want to know?

 

Charlotte: Why someone like you is single?

 

Immediately it sounds like a proposition, but with his alcohol fueled goggles on he didn’t want to get the wrong idea.

 

Owen sighs, turning his attention back to his drink.

 

Charlotte: Touchy subject huh?

 

Owen: No, nothing like that.

 

Charlotte: So why then if not heart break. I mean, you’re not the kind of guy I go for…

 

Owen: Oh cheers…

 

Thank God he’d not gone with his first thoughts that she was coming on to him.

 

Charlotte: No, I mean, you’re cute and all, but I like my guys taller. But you’re obviously doing ok for yourself with the house, and the flash motorbike. You’re a good-looking guy who most of my friends would love. So how come you were sat here all alone till I took pity on you and bailed you out?

 

Owen: I had a girl, the best. But I fucked it up by being a dick.

 

Charlotte: The creed of the male species, right? What happened?

 

Owen: I let everything get to me, I started lashing out and it was Jennifer who suffered

 

Charlotte: Jennifer, this was the girl, right?

 

Owen reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet.

 

Owen: You’re going to think I’m some kind of sad case…

 

He pulls a picture out of his wallet, and slides it towards Charlotte

 

Owen: That’s her

 

Charlotte: You’ve still got a picture of your ex in your wallet? Wow.

 

Owen: I know

 

Charlotte: She is very attractive though; it must have been something bad for you to let her go.

 

Owen: We’re not talking about it… remember?

 

Charlotte shrugs, she would have loved to have known the full story, but she had seen the change in Owen’s mood the moment Jennifer had come into the equation. She didn’t know that he’d come to terms with a lot of things over the past six months, but Jennifer wasn’t one of them, nor was he sure he ever could.

 

Charlotte: You do know that bar staff give the best advice, right?

 

Owen: So, they say.

 

Charlotte: My advice to you, is no matter what you’ve said, and no matter what you have done, say sorry. Don’t let time pass you by so quickly that it gets too difficult for you to say probably the only thing she needs to hear. I’ve learned from experience; you never know when the opportunity will be taken away from you.

 

She pauses, taking a sip from her drink for courage.

 

Charlotte: I was engaged to be married once, to one of the good one, someone not unlike you to be fair. We had a falling out, my fault, and instead of just saying sorry, I allowed him to leave our apartment and go for walk, thinking it would be best if I let him cool off. He was murdered that night by some drunk who just wanted his wallet. My last words to the one person I have ever loved were angry ones, and I’ll regret that for the rest of my life. I’ve never told anyone that story Owen, and I’m only telling you now because I feel like you really need to hear it.

 

Owen: I’m sorry

 

Charlotte: Then call her up, arrange to meet her and sort it out. If it’s meant to be Owen, then she’ll listen. If it’s not, then at least you tried to make it right. Either way, you’ll get the chance to say sorry that I didn’t, and that’s got to be better that nothing.

 

She looks up over Owen’s shoulder, and to the clock sat on the wall

 

Charlotte: Look at the time, I should be getting home.

 

Owen turns his head, and seeing the clock, nods his head in agreement.

 

Owen: Yeah, I should too…. Thanks for tonight, I really appreciate it.

 

Charlotte: Well, I couldn’t leave you sat there feeling sorry for yourself. It wouldn’t have been good for business.

 

Owen laughs, getting to his feet, Charlotte doing the same.

 

Charlotte: Anytime you need to talk Owen, you know where I am. But please, give Jennifer a call, you might be surprised by her reaction. I don’t know her, but I bet she’s got her regrets too.

 

Owen: We’ll see.

 

Charlotte: I’m just gonna give them a hand locking up, you know your way, home, right?

 

Owen: I’m good. Thanks Charlotte

 

She leans forwards, kissing him on the cheek

 

Charlotte: Anytime. Take care of yourself.

 

And with that she walks into the bar, Owen taking in the night air, allowing it to fill his lungs. He starts walking towards his apartment, and pulls out his mobile phone, bringing up Jennifer’s number, and pressing the message icon, typing in a message

 

‘We need to talk; can I call you?’

 

His finger hovers over the send button, and for a moment it looks like he is going to press it, but then he puts his phone back in his pocket, continuing his way, not seeing Charlotte stood in the doorway of the bar watching him. Owen not in the slightest bit aware that he was EXACTLY the kind of man Charlotte went for. And that if he hadn’t been obviously holding onto something, tonight would have ended much differently.

 

Scene fades.