Miles walked nervously into the Hitching Post. He had no idea how much Maya had told the employees about what had happened the last time, but this was the only way he could think of to get any kind of information about her. He approached the bar, where Gary was at his usual post.
"Hi, Gary," he said. The bartender looked up, said, "Oh, hey Miles," and went back to the glass he was cleaning for a second. Then he looked back up and said, "So what'll it be?" Miles couldn't help noticing that the man's manner was a bit colder than he was used to. Usually they chatted like old friends, now Gary was treating him like any ordinary customer. "Martini," he said. That got Gary's attention. "Really? No specific wine you want to try?" "No," Miles replied. Gary shrugged. "Okay, coming right up."
The drink arrived, and Miles swilled it down. He then said, "Listen, I didn't come in here for a drink." Gary didn't look surprised at all. He continued, "Actually, I came to ask about Maya." Gary leaned forward. "Oh yeah? And what do you want to know about her?" Miles couldn't ignore the tension any more. "So I guess you know what happened with her." "Yeah, she told me. That jackass you were with better not come back here or I might smash his face in. In fact, I'm barely restraining myself now."
Miles felt sweat forming on his forehead. "All right, listen. Please believe me, I had no idea Jack was like that. I was just as shocked as you. In fact, I ended that friendship as soon as we got back, and the only reason I waited that long was so things wouldn't be awkward in the car." The lie slipped easily from his lips, just like so many others had. Miles briefly contemplated on how it was lying that got him into this situation, and now he was doing it again to get out of it. Oh well, there was no turning back now.
Gary seemed to relax a little. "Okay, that sounds reasonable. She quit about a month ago. Said she wanted to take on the world, or something." "Did she say anything about where she was going?" Miles asked, with a hint of desperation in his voice despite his best attempts to keep it out. Gary sighed. "No. I'm sorry, if I could help you I would. She just left, no farewell party or anything." Miles' heart sank for the second time that day. Gary noticed it and said, "Look, I always thought you two would be nice together. But maybe it just wasn't meant to be. The right woman for you is out there, and you'll find her some day."
After a couple more drinks, which didn't help at all, Miles staggered back to the hotel. He called up Jack, who could tell his friend's state immediately. "Drinking and dialing. This can't be good." "She's gone," said Miles. "I don't know what else I can do. I lost her, she's just out there somewhere and I don't know where that is." The drunken rambling continued for a few more minutes. It tore Jack apart to listen to it, but he stayed on the line because he could tell Miles it was what Miles needed. Finally they said their goodbyes, and Miles passed out on the bed.