The two of them were sitting there just looking at each other as the waitress served coffee.
"Why have you brought me here Andy?
"I just need to talk to someone…and since you are my best friend."
"OK…what is it this time?"
"It’s a lot of things." he said as he looked down at the table.
"All-right just take it easy. I'm here for you so relax and start from the beginning."
"My life is all screwed up. Everything is going wrong and I can't do anything about it. Jenny is leaving me, the kids are getting out of control, I lost my job and they are about to foreclose on my house."
Andy was panicked as Phil could see. He wondered what he could do to help his friend. "Now listen…you've got to sober up and get yourself straight."
"But Phil."
"But nothing. You can't let life get you down."
"But Phil…I can't take any more of this. It's like an avalanche."
"Now listen to me!" he said with a certain authority, as he looked Andy directly in the eye. "You get hold of yourself" he said when he saw the waitress heading to the table.
"Coffee refill?" she asked with a smile. "No thanks" he said, smiling back. He turned back to Andy and refocused his attention. "Now…where was I?"
"You were saying that I should get hold of myself"
"Yes you should get hold of yourself and stop this depression. You have responsibilities and duties to your family."
"I know. That's why I'm so upset, Jenny and the kids…"
"Now listen to me you jackass. My name is Phil, Not Dr. Phil. You've got to pull yourself together."
He speaks with authority, holding onto Andy by the collar of his jacket. He then stopped and realized that he was beginning to make a scene. He let go of the jacket and sat back.
"Andy…when I said that you had responsibilities to your family, I meant your mother, your father and your sister. Andy…you are not married, you have no children. you head up a multi-million dollar corporation and you live in your family's mansion."
"I do?" he said as he looked up.
"Yes Andy. You do."
"Well what was all of that about. I was about to commit suicide. How could I have been so confused?"
"Are you on drugs?" Phil asked sympathetically.
"You've got to be kidding. No, I'm not." He said as he leaned back in his chair, looking shocked that his friend would suggest such a thing.
"I'm sorry." said Phil apologetically. "The only thing were the two drinks we had last night at the bar. Well I suggest that you go home and try to relax, Everything will look better in the morning."
They got up from the table and Phil threw a few bucks down and they left. They walked to their cars and Andy got in and drove away. Phil stood watching as he wondered to himself, 'If he can find the right address after the load of drugs I spiked his drink with last night.' He smiled, got into his car and drove away.
