You Can't Win if You Don't Play

Martin was starting to feel guilty sitting at the bar watching the Super Bowl. Since the plant closed down last year, there hadn’t been money to do anything. He should be home with Amy and the kids. Bill, his co-worker at McDonald’s, had offered to float him a loan of $20.

A drink sounded good, but now that the game was almost over, he was regretting it. Even with three jobs he was stretched to the max. Lost in his glass of beer, he didn’t even hear the final score. Bill was cheering. Obviously the Packers had won.

“I gotta go, Bill,” Martin clapped his friend on the shoulder.

“No way, man! I just got another pitcher. Share it with me and we’ll split a cab.” Bill was a great guy. Single and fun-loving, he was everything Martin hadn’t been in a long time.

“Hey! The big winner’s here tonight!” Jeff, the bar owner, was standing on the bar with an envelope in his hand. It was the big Super Bowl pool. Martin used to get in it every year. $500 entry fee. 100 squares. Winner take all.

“Holy shit!” Bill was on his feet.

“Martin Connors! Congratulations on the $50,000 pot!” Jeff jumped down off the bar and handed Martin the envelope, pumping his hand and slapping him on the back.

Martin thought he was dreaming. He’d forgotten he’d gotten in the pot right after Super Bowl last year, when times were good. His number had hit! Amy’s car needed a tranny and the kids hadn’t had much of a Christmas. He was going to fix all of that, and right now!

Martin bought a quick round and paid the cab fare for himself and Bill. He was going home to make everything right again.

Word Count:296