This time Dean just sipped at his drink. The surrounding resumed their own chatter.
'And what's your story if I may know?', the bartender asked, filling his own glass with beer. Dean chuckled.
'Well, I'll give you a summary then. My life was already decided when my parents named me Dean. I mean Dean?'
'Sound like a good name to me! Why do you hate it?'
'Well, our dog had the same name and well, he's life was shit due to his illness. And here I am with the same name and my life, well – I lost my job, my girlfriend cheated on me. Her new boyfriend beat me up and they stole my money. I have to pay the rent, but I'm broke. Couldn't sleep the last days. Well, you see, I had my own share of problems. Hiss! I just need one good day, one moment then', he fastened his grip around the beer and squeezed his eyes shut, 'maybe then…' —
'Then what?', the bartender inquired and Dean reopened his eyes slowly. 'I don't want to provoke you, but you're in deep shit my friend. I think you'll need more than a moment or a day to fix your problems. Though I must say, yes when you entered the room you did seem kind of down. However, you don't appear like the person who would let people walk over you! Just my assumption though.' Both exchanged a brief look and gulped down their beer.
'Yeah, I get that a lot. Maybe I just lost my drive. Been some time since something got me pumped up. And yeah, maybe you're right!' Dean sighed, his shoulders slouching forward. 'One night may not be enough! However, I am ready to bet everything on this night! Whatever happens, I'll embrace that opportunity! I have that feeling today will be different!' He rose his head high and the lamps above him bathed him in light, revealing his faint smile. 'There isn't anything to lose anymore!' (Bartender: There is, your life, buddy!) 'So', Dean began, 'what's your story?'
'Well, I go by Sark. Hahah, some people always gave me the nickname shark! I spent my life on the streets, was part of some gangs and so on. Well, nothing to be proud of. But one day an old man found me half dead in an alley. He took me in and taught me everything he knew. He died some years ago and this restaurant is everything he left back. And I swore to take care of this restaurant and I will, no matter what comes!' Dean chuckled.
'I see, Sark! Seems like you got your own past! Well, at least you turned to someone fine. You own a restaurant and looking at all the people here having fun, it must be a good restaurant!'
'But what do think of this restaurant, Dean?'
'I had a smile on my face when I entered this restaurant. It might have been faint but it was a smile!' Dean took another gulp of his beer before he went on: 'I can feel it! This night will be different!'
That's when the door opened and a woman stepped in. Beauty alone wasn't enough to describe her appearance and even if one searched for the fitting words, it would take far too long. She wore a long green dress stuck close to her curvy body and a slit on the sites. Her blond hairs were long and smooth. The woman's green eyes gave a faint glow from them. The music was still playing, the light still dimmed, yet while the woman slowly headed for the bar, the lights around her went up and the music itself turned nearly silent. Everything turned back to normal when she took a seat, two seats away from Dean. The surrounding's eyes were still fixed at her, Sark's eyes too, only Dean was focused on his beer. However, his nose did catch her exotic smell. Here and there it would twitch.
The woman turned around and immediately the surrounding gazed away. Then she turned her gaze to Sark who thereupon did the same. (Sark: It's your she wants buddy, gotta back out here!) She puffed up her cheeks. Finally, her gaze stopped at Dean. She sighed slowly. When she coughed Dean turned towards her and their eyes met. That's when the woman inquired:
'Sorry mister, does the beer here taste good? (Sark: Well Dean, let's see how much you are willing to bet on this night!)