The Spot On The Corner
Jason leaned back against his old Nissan, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone like he wasn’t really reading anything. Just scrolling. Killing time. The evening air felt sticky, the city buzzing the way it always did when Friday finally showed up.
Johnny strolled up first, rocking a plain black hoodie, chain dangling. He gave Jason the nod.
Johnny: “Cooling.”
Jason: “What’ it do.”
They both chuckled at how little was actually said, but how much it meant. That’s just how it was between them. No need for speeches.
Bruce came last, loud as always, walking down the block with his fitted cap tilted just enough to let you know that whatever he about to say is Cap.
Bruce: “How it hanging, fellows?”
Jason smirked. “Mostly to the left.”
Johnny doubled down. “To the right.”
Bruce stopped in his tracks, looking at both of them. “Man, y’all still with the bullshit I see.”
Jason shrugged, grin spreading wide.
Johnny laughed, slapping his hand on the hood of the car. “You keep setting it up, bro.”
Bruce: “Man, y’all suck.”
Jason and Johnny at the same time, like they rehearsed it:
“That’s what she said.”
Bruce pointed at them like he was about to say something back, but all he managed was, “Kiss my—you know what.”
That cracked all three of them up. Some people across the street waiting on the city bus glanced their way, shaking their heads like, grown men, still acting like kids. But that was the type of bond they had with each other—thirty or not.
Jason finally pushed off the car. “Yo, y’all tryna hit the spot? Just a few drinks. Nothing wild.”
Johnny’s face lit up like he’d been waiting for that. “Say less. Been a long week.”
Bruce smirked. “You buying first round?”
Jason side-eyed him. “Man, I knew you was going to say that.”
Bruce shrugged, unfazed. “Hey, I bring the jokes, you bring the shots. That’s balance.”
They started walking down the street, laughing out loud, just three friends who knew life hadn’t broken them yet. Bills, jobs, failed relationships, responsibilities—they all stayed behind for the night.
Sometimes, all you need is your home
boys, and the promise of cold drinks under neon lights.