As I walked into the store I adjusted my skirt, and headed straight for what I wanted. I knew what I was getting, bourbon, scotch and beer. The three of us had shared those drinks for so long, hell we even identified our selves as such. Teddy was Beer. Easily accessible, smooth, bubbly, effervescent, not the most refined of men, but I could always count on him. He was my first too. Two young kids exploring and fooling around.
David on the other hand was scotch. A more well to do family, and it was always "David", never Dave or Davie, always David. An unexpected powerhouse, even as a boy, he had a strength to him that hid behind his smaller frame. Yet he was so in control of it all. A proper gentleman and considerate, but not the man you wanted mad at you. I would love being with him, and even offered to practice my oral techniques on him in high school, knowing he would be discreet about it.
And I was the bourbon. At least that's what Teddy and David said. A kick in the ass, a tomboy and yet I like to think I floored them the first time they saw me in a dress. Most of the time, the trouble the three of us got into was me trying to press my luck. Thankfully Teddy and David were always there for me. That is until now.
Teddy was getting a new job overseas. I can't fault him for wanting to take it. It's a huge pay raise, and doing what he does best. The sting is that David was joining the military and leaving as well. Within days of each other, the two people I have shared most of my life with were going to be on the other side of the world. I wanted to do something for them tonight to show them how much they would be missed. And I wanted something to hold on, something to keep them close to me.
The bottles were set on the table. They didn't even knock, they didn't have to. My door was always open to them. "Hey Sheila, got your message, what's the big occasion?" Teddy's voice bellowed through my house.
"In the kitchen Teddy. Make yourself comfy, David will be here shortly."
"Already here love. I walked in with Teddy."
I came around the corner to see them on my couch. I set the trey of Hors d'oeuvres down and went back to finish the dinner. The last touches were the most important. Though why I bothered I don't know. It wasn't the dinner I cared about. This was my last real night with these two. Tradition I guess, or just some time to stall.
Thankfully dinner went well. The chicken cordon bleu was a nice mixture of the two styles for both Teddy and David. We talked, reminisced, laughed and joked, just the same as we have for so many years. A few more drinks, and we were all sitting by the pool, looking at the night sky. I decided to go head and pop my surprise. "Ok gents, you're both leaving me, and while I'm not happy about it, I do know its best for both of you. But I want to do something before you get away and forget me."
"C'mon Sheila, we'd never forget you."