Let Your Gargoyle Be Your Bartender

“I’ve always had this theory that Gargoyles would make the amazing bartenders,” I stated as I made my way across the roof of The House on the Hill.

Gary, my loyal Gargoyle, sat on his usual perch and waited for me to find a safe spot next to him before he answered.  “I hate to break it to you then, but I have absolutely no idea how to mix a drink.  Sure, if the bar only served beer or easy drinks like gin & tonic, I might be able to pull it off.  The first time a customer asked for a Long Island Iced Tea, though, I’d fly the heck out of there.”

We both laughed and stared up at the stars.  It was a beautiful, clear Maine night, and even though there was still a chill in the air, it was obvious that Spring was on its way.

“I meant because Gargoyles are such good listeners,” I explained.  “In my mind, I pictured myself nursing a Snapple while you wiped down glasses with a checkered towel and listened to me tell you my troubles.”

I’m sure Gary knew the second he heard the creak of the attic stairs that I had something on my mind, but he played along.  “Welcome to Gary’s Up On The Roof, the bar with the best view in Maine.  What’s your poison?”

“It’s been a rough week, so something strong,” I muttered and then looked down at the quiet street.  There was rarely ever any traffic and tonight, there was no other sign of life.  We had the night to ourselves.

“I kept expecting the phone to ring,” Gary told me and then reached out to pat me on the shoulder.

Gargoyles have amazing hearing, so Gary can hear every breathe I take as well as every phone conversation inside The House on the Hill.

“She texted and emailed a ton to tell me how proud she was of me, but I also thought she’d be so excited that she would call,” I admitted and hung my head.  “If she hadn’t moved away, we would’ve been celebrating the good news all week.”

“And I would’ve gone on long flights to give you some privacy,” Gary replied, which made me blush.  “I know how important she is and how much you miss her.  She’s the only woman you’ve ever brought up here to meet me.  I understand that her moving away and taking her heart along with her has made your life seem so empty and lonely…”

I could not disagree with Gary’s assessment.  “Just liked I said,” I whispered softly.  “You’d make a perfect bartender.”

“We both know if she were still in Maine she would’ve been sitting next to you at the taping on Wednesday, squeezing your hand tightly every time Danny told one of your jokes, and then sneaking off to a dark corner to make out with you to celebrate,” Gary assured me.  “She moved away to chase after her dream, though, and you encouraged her to do it.  I bet she wishes you were there to kiss her, hold her hand, and tell her you love her every time she aces another one of her exams.”

Gary was right.  We were both chasing our dreams.  Unfortunately, her dream had taken her to another time zone and consumed almost every minute of her day.

“I just miss her so much, and these achievements mean nothing without her here to celebrate them with me,” I whined like a spoiled child.

Gary let the silence of the April night answer me at first.  Once I had cooled down from my little tantrum, he shared his words of wisdom.  “The achievements should mean even more to you, Austin, because you are accomplishing them without your Muse at your side, holding your hand every step of the way.  That’s why she’s so damn proud of you.”

“How do you know she’s proud of me?” I asked as I fought to keep the tears that were welling up in my eyes from escaping onto my cheeks.

“I don’t just sit here all day while you’re at work,” Gary explained as he politely turned away to allow me to wipe my eyes.  “I stretch my wings and see where the afternoon takes me.  I often end up at a certain school outside the classroom of a certain girl.  Did you know she has this cute habit of reading your texts and emails aloud under her breath?  And that she then answers them out loud before typing her reply?”

I had no idea that Gary checked up on The Girl Who Goes To School So Far Away or that she read and answered my messages aloud.  “That’s adorable.”

“It is,” he agreed.  “She’s extremely proud of you and wishes she were here to share your success.”

“I really needed that, Gary.  Thank you.  You know what?  The next round’s on me!”

We both laughed.  The love of my life might’ve moved away and taken my heart with her, but I wasn’t alone in the world.  I had the world’s coolest Gargoyle up on my roof, and tomorrow, I’m going to show him my appreciation by buying him a bartender’s bible…