Neil Smith

3 years ago · 1 min. reading time · ~10 ·

Blogging
>
Neil blog
>
Living next door.

Living next door.

fa074f53.jpg 

I'm getting really good at not winning writing competitions but at least the standard of my failures is rising. This is not autobiographical except in the sense that we've all been there.

But I've never liked Graham.



Smokie floated out of the old jukebox and across the union bar.

'Sally called when she got the word...' 

Across from me Allie; desirable housemate, final year social work, all legs and lipstick, swears loudly.

‘Not this shite again! Who keeps putting it on?’

I leap in to defend the band’s honour ‘Nah, you’re all wrong. This is the epitome of the classic pop song. Walks a fine line between cheesy and profound. Telling a timeless story, of unrequited love and eventual loss’

‘Pish! He’s a wanky bawbag going on and on. “Poor wee me” if he’s that into her ask her out’

‘Then she says no and they’re still living close, seeing each other every day?’

‘Tough! Teach him to man up and get a move on. Anyway, she’s not interested’

‘She doesn’t know, he’s never said ‘

‘Balls! She knows. Every woman knows. Do you think he’s hung around like a dribbly dog for twenty-four years and she’s not noticed?’

‘Maybe she’s as shy as him?’

‘Then she’ll die a virgin too’

‘What if he’s her ideal man though’

‘Nothing ideal about a tongue-tied dummy who can’t say what he wants.’

‘She could be missing out.’

‘Then he should have tried harder’

‘Bu . . .

Allie’s current beau, the immaculate Graham, has sauntered over from the football crowd at the end of the bar.

‘Heading into town. Sub Club. Who’s coming?

I wave away the offer but Allie gets to her feet and prepares for the off.

A minute later heads swivel as those elegant legs carry her past tables and out the door, arm in arm with Graham, just as Chris Norman’s taunting vocal wafts over the bar.

‘Now I’ve got to get used to not living next door to Alice’


Comments

Articles from Neil Smith

View blog
1 year ago · 4 min. reading time

Music has been many things. An escape, a motivation and an inspiration. An aural journey that starte ...

2 years ago · 2 min. reading time

She’s gone a couple of days now so I’m not greeted by her loud complaining as soon as I walk in the ...

2 years ago · 4 min. reading time

‘How would you like to die?’ · The question set me back in my seat and I took a moment before answer ...

Related professionals

You may be interested in these jobs

  • TTM Healthcare

    Consultant Rheumatology

    Found in: Talent IE 2A C2 - 6 days ago


    TTM Healthcare Dublin, Ireland

    Job Title: Consultant Rheumatology Location: University Hospital, Republic of Ireland Job Description: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Contract Consultant Rheumatology to join our team at the University Hospital in the Republic of Ireland. The successful candidate ...

  • Primeline Group

    Rigid Driver

    Found in: Talent IE C2 - 1 day ago


    Primeline Group Dublin, Ireland Permanent, Full time

    Permanent Role Fonthill Dublin · What Do We Want? · We want a rigid truck driver (class 2)who takes pride in and enjoys what they do. · We want you to have the required licence and have previous experience in this role. · You will need to have all your CPC's in date. · We want yo ...

  • Leonardo Hotel Galway

    Accommodation Manager

    Found in: Talent IE C2 - 2 days ago


    Leonardo Hotel Galway Galway, Ireland

    A fantastic new opportunity has opened for an experienced Accommodation Manager (1 year fixed term contract) to join our great team at Leonardo Hotels. Our Galway hotel is located on Quay Street, right at the heart of the historic city centre overlooking Galway Bay. Due to our up ...