CHASING LIFE by Steve Jovanoski Read Free Book Online Page A

Kong, but you have no idea why or for how long. Is that right?’
    ‘Yep.’
    ‘And I thought I was crazy. Good for you! Live life as it comes; get in the cosmic flow, man.’ Earl slapped him on the forearm again.
    ‘What about you? How is it that you’re travelling alone?’ Dave asked.
    ‘I used to own all sorts of businesses,’ Earl replied. ‘I sold the last one not long ago and retired. Now I travel as often as possible. I should have done it years ago. You delay and keep working, thinking that you should enjoy life later or with a partner. When you look back and see that you’ve put your whole life on hold, you realise there is no other time. Your hair turns white, and you’ve gained an extra pound for each year you’ve delayed. And then, you keep moving to stop yourself from looking back. That’s all you can do.’ Earl frowned down at his gut, but his eyes weren’t looking there. Within a flash, his face brightened and turned to Dave, ‘You know what? Let’s have something harder,’ he said and pressed the service button.
    ‘Yes sir?’ a male attendant with a soft Asian accent said upon coming to their seats.
    ‘My friend and I,’ slurred Earl, ‘would like scotch, please.’
    ‘Sir, I think you’ve had a bit too much,’ the attendant answered politely.
    ‘Just give us the fucking drinks!’ Earl exploded. ‘Wait, I’m sorry. My friend here is getting married and we’re having a small celebration. We won’t disturb anyone, and I promise it’ll be our last one.’
    The flight attendant hesitated for a moment and looked at Dave, who smiled back and struggled to maintain his composure. ‘All right,’ the attendant said, ‘but this will be the last one.’
    ‘Thank you, sir. I am grateful beyond words,’ Earl replied, feigning deep sincerity and watching the young man walk toward the drinks cart.
    ‘You sneaky bastard,’ Dave said, grinning.
    ‘Shh. He’s coming back.’ The man wheeled the cart over and poured their drinks. ‘Thank you, my man and cheers to you.’ Earl raised his glass and took a sip. The flight attendant ignored him and moved toward an adjacent row of passengers.
    ‘Grab that bottle,’ Earl hissed to Dave.
    ‘What?’
    ‘The scotch bottle, quick that one, he’s not looking,’ Earl pointed. Dave outstretched his arm and grabbed the bottle. The flight attendant was too busy serving to notice Dave filling their cups full. The bottle was half empty when he returned it back in its place.
    ‘We should have kept it,’ Earl said and they burst out in laughter like a couple of barflies.
    ‘It’s lights out for me, Earl ,’ Dave said and looked down at the empty cup that seemed to distort and blur. ‘I’m going to catch up on some sleep, I think.’ Dave plugged in his earphones and scanned through the music channels, tucking his arms under a blanket.
    ‘Yeah, that sounds like a good idea,’ Earl muttered. He adjusted his seat and put on an eye mask. In a matter of minutes he was snoring.
    Six hours later the plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport. Dave felt horrible. Arriving at his first destination with a hangover was not a smart move. Earl, on the other hand, seemed wholly unaffected.
    ‘It’s been a pleasure getting drunk with you, Dave. Don’t be surprised if we bump into each other again. It’s a small world.’ The last few words put a warm smile on the American’s face, as if remembering a fond moment from a distant past.
    ‘Same here, Earl and have a safe trip home.’ The two men shook hands.
    ‘Enjoy Hong Kong, every bit of it,’ Earl called out and chuckled while walking away. They were off in separate directions, one through transit and the other to the arrivals gate.
    Earl seemed like a man bent on getting everything out of life and had fun on the way. However, Dave could tell there was a lot more to him. Only a seasoned drinker recovered as easily as Earl. He felt the man’s regret for lost time and the words resonated a