Drinking Alone

The bar that Sam went to was a hidden bar that not many knew about. Only people with high positions or wealth would be able to find out about it since it was spread by the word of the mouth only to trusted induviduals.

It was located in a small deserted area and one could only enter by going through a long passage that was barely wide enough to fit cars. The upper floor just looked empty, like a regular uninhabited building, but there was a secret entrance and car garage for customers. No one knew who the owner was, but they all knew that the owner was very powerful.

They knew this because of a high up visiting official that was escorted out. After failing to get to talk to the owner, he threatened to close down the bar. Despite the official's threats, nothing happened to the bar or its visitors.

If someone didn't have a car to take them home, the bar would provide a free ride. The name of the bar was Versteckte. The name just meant hidden in German.

Sam had a taxi driver drop him off near the bar before walking the rest of the way through the deserted streets. When he reached an empty building, he pulled out his phone and looked at the notes he had written down.

"In the middle of the wall across from the door of the second room, press on the third tile up from the ground. A panel will open. Type in the passcode. 14736594. Hatch will pop open, then just go down and enjoy."

Sam mouthed the instructions silently before entering the building. The door led to a hallway that had empty rooms. Sam entered the second room and counted the tiles before pressing the third one. It popped open smoothly and revealed a slick number pad.

"14736594."

The moment he pressed the last number, a hatch popped in the middle of the room.

Sam peered down and saw modern clean metal stairs leading down in a spiral. Calm but catchy music was heard faintly.

Sam climbed down gingerly. A dimly illuminated bar came into view. It had a marble bar with accents of gold all around. Really lavish. There were some comfortable looking seats placed around the wide space, some people in them, drinking contentedly.

The bartender nodded at Sam. "Would you like a private room?"

Sam paused to think before nodding. He wouldn't want anyone to see his drunken behavior.

"Then follow Angelicia to a room."

A pretty middle aged woman popped up out of nowhere and led Sam down a hallway past tightly shut doors. When they reached an open door, Angelicia stopped.

"This will be your private room. There is a button for service and a screen to order drinks from. There is a conveyor belt within the room that will bring your drinks to you. There is a credit card reader and a cash receptacle within. As you may know already, Versteckte guarantees complete privacy and silence about private matters that go on in this bar. Do you have any questions?"

"No, thank you."

"Then please enjoy your stay."

Angelicia bowed and left quickly.

Sam entered the room and marvelled at the furnishings. He locked the door and began to explore.

"A pool table. A couch. Board games hidden in a compartment. TV. Karaoke machine. Surround sound speakers. Dang."

Sam sat down on the comfortable couch and started to order on the screen beside it. He found a liquor he had heard was really good from Martin. American Honey from Wild Turkey (yes, that is the brand name). He ordered himself a bottle and swiped his card.

Soon after, a panel opened in the wall, showing a bottle of golden whiskey. Sam grabbed the bottle and the panel closed. Sam looked at the cabinet that held cup and shrugged. It wasn't like he was sharing or planning to save the bottle for later. So he ignored the cups and just decided to drink straight from the bottle.

It was a comforting, fruity liquor. It's burn was soothed by the citrusy, sweet finish.

"This is greattttttttt."

Sip after sip, Sam got drunker and drunker before he started to ramble to himself.

"I hate myself. I hate Daniel. No, I don't hate him. I'm just hurt. He doesn't want to be my friend right? He doesn't want me..." He mumbled quietly.