Free An Old Pub Near the Angel by James Kelman Page B

kid?’
    ‘What about him?’
    ‘Surely you want him to get something better?’
    ‘Well if he wants to get a job down south I won’t stop him.’
    ‘Christ that’s no way to live.’
    Mick laughed again and refilled the glasses. ‘Probably one of the most contented men in Britain when I think about it. If I could get an old cottage in the country – stay the summer – Glasgow in the winter. They send you your broo money when you stay in the wilds! Christ what a life eh?’
    ‘So you’ve given up? Very surprised. Really am, I mean it’s a load of piss. Balderdash!’
    ‘What you going to do?’ asked Mick still smiling.
    ‘Don’t know but I’m not going to give up like that.’
    ‘Still going to night school?’
    ‘Aye!’
    ‘How’s it coming on?’
    ‘Not bad, thinking of going to college. Get enough highers for the uni. Strathclyde or something . . . Technical maybe. Engineering . . .’
    ‘You?’ Mick gaped in astonishment.
    ‘Not think I’ve got the ability or something? Fuck me what’s up at all? I’m only twenty-four for God sake!’
    ‘Didn’t mean that. Just can’t imagine you,’ he stopped and smilingly said, ‘No offence.’
    ‘Cheeky bastard! Seriously, you should try it too. All those books you read – no trouble, start putting them to use! If I can do it you’d guy in. How far!’
    ‘Interesting maybe – but I’d still have to get a job after wouldn’t I?’
    John shook his head slowly.
    ‘What you shaking your head about?’
    ‘Doesn’t matter.’
    ‘I know it doesn’t matter. You don’t.’
    ‘You’ll have to get a job sooner or later.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Ach forget it man. Forget it.’ He smiled. ‘Just don’t come tapping me when I hit the big time.’
    Mick hooted derisively. They continued drinking silently for a time.
    ‘Seriously though you’ve got no plans?’
    ‘None at all,’ answered Mick happily refilling the glasses once more.
    ‘Must be something?’
    ‘Might go into politics.’
    ‘What?’
    ‘Aye, there’s this bird from the Young Socialists keeps coming up to see me and when she first saw my books asked me to join them. Says I’m a Natural Leader.’
    ‘Young Socialists by fuck you’re nearly thirty.’
    ‘Don’t know where you get these ideas about my age.’
    ‘Come on.’
    ‘No! Really! I’m only twenty-five! Anyway she keeps oncoming back. Suppose she must fancy me. Or maybe it’s my mind she’s after. Wants to save me – says I’ve given up too.’ He grinned. ‘Funnily enough she wants me to get my highers and all that piss. Nobody believes I’m really enjoying life. Fuck them all!’ Mick declared with a flourish, knocking over his latest whisky in the process.
    ‘You’re blotto!’
    ‘Shite!’
    ‘Anyway . . .’ John stood up and walked to the door.
    ‘Want to see a doctor about your bladder.’
    John laughed and staggered out to the lavatory. When he returned Mick was refilling the glasses again.
    ‘Here’s to your seance-in-law!’ he cried and downed half his whisky.
    ‘I’m steaming man you know that?’ John sank into his chair and wearily lifted his glass. ‘Went for that piss there . . . fresh air and that . . .’
    ‘You know I might . . .’ Mick broke off. ‘When you getting married again?’
    ‘Week on Saturday. Isn’t it?’
    ‘Week on Saturday eh?’
    ‘I have this feeling I’m going to spew my guts.’
    ‘Your house.’
    ‘You staying the night?’
    ‘No got to get back. Going to Bearsden the morning. Didn’t tell you that eh? Jesus Christ! Sad! Going to Bearsden the morning. better go I think.’
    ‘We’ll finish the bottle before I’m sick. Should I be sick first? Who can tell eh?’
    ‘Who can tell? Imagine going to Bearsden in the morning?’
    ‘Not change your mind about the stag?’
    ‘No. Like to – but reasons. Reasons!’
    ‘Well you should be there. Best man and that should be atthe stag’s what I think. Still as long as you get me to that church eh? Who