The dimly lit bar reverberated with the sounds of constant laughter and animated conversations. Amidst the lively ambiance, Dan, Colin, and Mike sat huddled together, their laughter blending with the boisterous atmosphere. Dan, having just treated his friends to a round of beers, settled back into his seat, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity in their presence.

Colin, expressing his gratitude, gave Dan a fist bump before taking a drink from the large mug of beer before him. Mike, always the instigator, leaned in towards Dan, a victorious glimmer in his eyes. "So, Dan, I was talking to Colin earlier," he began, pausing for dramatic effect, "and guess what? It took some wrangling but he eventually told me some details about your breakup with Lisa."

Dan shrugged nonchalantly, his face betraying no hint of the emotional turmoil that lay beneath. "That's ancient history now," he replied, trying to dismiss the significance of the past relationship. "It wasn't anything serious anyway. Lisa is a wonderful person, but we just couldn't make it work."

Colin, observing Dan's deflection, remained silent, understanding the truth that Dan was unwilling to confront. Having worked closely with Dan at the deli and spending a lot of time together, he had witnessed the depth of Dan's love for Lisa and the suddenness of their breakup. It pained him to see his friend masking his emotions.

Mike, who was Dan's old friend from school back in Sommerfield, was not as familiar with Dan's current situation. He was however always quick with his banter, "You know, Dan, I think Lisa is a great girl. She's always a ton of fun, and let's not forget, she is extremely hot too." He playfully nudged Dan, implying his own interest in Lisa.

Dan chuckled, his laughter laced with a touch of bitterness. "Oh, come on, Mike. You're not as brave and handsome as me. You wouldn't stand a chance with Lisa." He tried to lighten the mood, masking the deeper longing he felt.

The topic of Lisa having been broached, Colin seized the opportunity to mention a recent encounter.

"I actually saw Lisa in Millerton a week ago. It looked like she was catching up with some friends."

Dan's gaze snapped towards Colin, feigning casual interest but secretly yearning for any news about Lisa's well-being.

"Lisa looked really good, as cheerful and radiant as ever. For the short time she lived in Millerton, she certainly made a lot of new friends." Colin added.

"That's what makes Lisa special. She just connects with people so easily and she makes things happen." Dan said, appreciative of Lisa's role in finding a job for Mary.

Nostalgia enveloped the trio as they raised their glasses, a momentary pause descending upon them. Each of them felt a tinge of sentimentality, reminiscing about the past and the people who had touched their lives.

Mike, ever the optimist, clinked their glasses together, his voice brimming with hope. "Let's drink to the future. To new beginnings and an abundance of hot female company!" Colin and Dan joined him in laughter, dismissing Mike's fixation on romantic pursuits.

"Speaking of new beginnings." Colin started, "I'm considering giving Minneapolis another chance."

Dan nearly dropped his beer, unable to conceal his astonishment.

"What?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Colin shrugged, seemingly unfazed by Dan's reaction. "It's just a thought, Dan. I've been considering it for a while now, ever since I visited Minneapolis last summer. Millerton calms me, brings me peace, but the big city. It calls to me." he explained, his eyes glimmering with a sense of adventure.

Mike, in his slightly inebriated state, patted Colin on the back, commending his decision. "Congratulations on coming to your senses Colin! You're making the right choice leaving this backwater."

Dan, still processing the news, shook his head in disbelief. "Wait, are you serious?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Colin nodded, sensing Dan's emotional vulnerability. He added, "It's just an idea, Dan. Nothing is set in stone, but my uncle runs a store in Minneapolis, he offered to help me out if I decide to give it a go."

Mike, always one to lighten the mood, jokingly remarked, "I bet there are loads of hot girls in Minneapolis." Colin smiled and clinked his beer mug with Mike's, enjoying the camaraderie.

Dan, feeling a mix of sadness and apprehension at the thought of Colin leaving, placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm gonna miss you if you go. Seriously, you're the only sensible one I can count on for anything." Dan said, his voice tinged with genuine emotion.

Colin returned the gesture, patting Dan's shoulder in a display of friendship. "You should consider coming with me, at least to check it out," he suggested, aware of the weight his words carried.

Mike, in his slightly intoxicated state, blurted out, "Dan should definitely go to Minneapolis! Now that Lisa's no longer holding you back."

Realizing his blunder, Mike quickly turned to Dan, his gestures exaggerated and apologetic. Dan waved him off, understanding his friend's drunken state.

"I'm so sorry Dan. I need to make it up to you!"

Dan assumed Mike would buy him another beer, but to his surprise, Mike had something else in mind.

"I'll find you a girl tonight to get you laid!" Mike proclaimed too loudly.

Dan and Colin groaned at Mike's drunken antics, exchanging knowing smiles. Mike, unaware of his friends' reactions, dismissed their disapproval.

"Would you bet against me? If I can convince one of the girls to go home with you tonight, you owe me ten beers." Mike beamed with confidence.

Dan, amused by Mike's audacity, raised the stakes.

"Make it twenty beers if you manage to pull it off in your current state," he countered.

"Deal!" Mike eagerly accepted the challenge, the dare too good to pass up. He left their company, bumping against the table, sending their drinks flying out of their cups.

Amidst the laughter and frivolity, Dan turned to Colin, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "You know, Colin," he began, his voice quieter. "Lately, I've been feeling better about my future. About relationships."

"Really, what's changed your mind?" Colin asked, surprised by Dan's confession.

Dan, slightly bashful, leaned in a little closer.

"An old friend recently returned to Sommerfield. She had been studying in California and is back for a short break. Just seeing her again has given me hope."

Colin, genuinely happy for Dan, smiled and acknowledged the newfound spark in his friend's demeanor. "I've noticed you've had a pep in your step lately. You deserve a fresh start, Dan. You're a great guy."

Just as the conversation delved deeper, Mike returned dramatically to the table, his voice loud and animated.

"Yeah. I crashed and burned." Mike said as he flopped himself between Dan and Colin, "And I may have unintentionally pissed off those guys over there who appear to be the boyfriends of the women I approached."

Mike pointed discreetly to a small group of young men much like themselves who were wearing frowns and glares of disapproval aimed towards Mike.

"I am getting out of here before a bar room erupts. Besides, I've got an opening shift tomorrow so I'm getting some shuteye." Colin said, shaking his head.

Saying their goodbyes to Colin, Mike and Dan watched as Colin dropped a twenty-dollar note on the table, insisting it covered a final round of drinks.

As Colin left the bar, Mike leaned in closer to Dan, curiosity evident in his eyes. "So, what were you two talking about so secretly?" he asked, his voice laced with intrigue.

Dan chuckled, refusing to reveal their private conversation. With a sense of anticipation and a newfound hope for the future, he simply replied, "Nothing you need to worry about Mikey, you just need to know that you ain't getting twenty free beers from me anytime soon!"

As the night drew to a close, Dan reflected on the twists and turns of the evening. Amidst the laughter, confessions, and drunken dares, he felt a renewed sense of possibility and the prospect of both saying goodbye to the past and embracing the hopeful unknown.